Italian Boy Names

  1. Caro
    • Origin:

      Italian
    • Meaning:

      "dear"
    • Description:

      The meaning is endearing, but it also feels uncomfortably like a short form for Caroline. Its artistic reference is British sculptor Anthony Caro.
  2. Sisto
    • Description:

      Sisto is a masculine name of Italian and Spanish origin, derived from the Latin name Sixtus, meaning 'sixth.' The name has historical significance in Catholic tradition, as six popes have taken the name Sixtus (or Sisto in Italian). The most famous was Pope Sixtus V, who played a crucial role in the Counter-Reformation and in the development of Baroque Rome. While relatively uncommon outside of Italy and Spanish-speaking regions, Sisto has a strong, distinctive sound with its crisp consonants. The name carries an air of classical dignity and Mediterranean charm. For families with Italian or Hispanic heritage, Sisto represents a connection to cultural roots while offering a less common alternative to popular names.

  3. Luigi
    • Origin:

      Italian vernacular form of Louis
    • Meaning:

      "renowned warrior"
    • Description:

      Italian classic Luigi, though it lacks the modern style of Nico, Enzo, and Rocco, does have some notable namesakes, such as Nobel Prize winning author Luigi Pirandello and composer Cherubini..
  4. Donatello
    • Origin:

      Latin
    • Meaning:

      "to give"
    • Description:

      The name of the great Italian Renaissance sculptor known as Donatello (but born DONATO), is one that could easily emigrate to modern America, just like sister DONATELLA.
  5. Leone
    • Origin:

      Italian variation of Leo or Leon
    • Meaning:

      "lion"
    • Description:

      An Italian spin on the current European darling Leon, though the final e makes it a tad feminine to the American sensibility.
  6. Faro
    • Origin:

      Italian word name
    • Meaning:

      "lighthouse"
    • Description:

      Names ending with O are popular, but this one is almost unheard-of. Faro has the advantages of being easy to spell and pronounce (unless it's confused with Pharaoh), and a bright meaning. Ultimately it comes from Pharos, the island where the great Lighthouse of Alexandria was built, and there's a district and city in Portugal called Faro. Be aware: it's also the name of a gambling card game, highly popular in the nineteenth century before poker took over.
  7. Roberto
    • Origin:

      Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese variation of Robert, English from German
    • Meaning:

      "bright fame"
    • Description:

      Standard Latin classic that brings some flair to the basic boy name Robert. Nearly 4000 baby boys are still named Robert in the US each year, many of them undoubtedly named for a father or grandfather, while about 550 are named Roberto.
  8. Lazaro
    • Origin:

      Italian variation of Lazarus and Eleazar
    • Meaning:

      "God is my helper"
    • Description:

      This sleek Italian name was raised from the dead by Mexican Mozart in the Jungle star Gael Garcia Bernal, who chose it for his son (he also has a daughter named Libertad). For athletic inspiration, Lazaro Alvarez, boxing for Cuba, is the three-time world champion lightweight boxer. Lazarus and root name Eleazar are both also destined for comebacks.
  9. Pasquale
    • Description:

      Pasquale is a traditional Italian masculine name with rich historical and religious significance. Derived from the Latin 'paschalis' meaning 'relating to Easter,' it was historically given to boys born during the Easter season. The name has deep roots in Italian culture, particularly in southern Italy and Sicily, where it remains moderately common. In Italian-American communities, Pasquale has been a familiar presence since the waves of Italian immigration in the early 20th century, often affectionately shortened to 'Pat' or 'Patsy.' The name carries connotations of faith, tradition, and cultural heritage. While less common among newer generations, Pasquale offers a distinctive option for parents seeking a name with Mediterranean charm and historical depth. Its characteristic Italian ending gives it a melodic, warm quality when pronounced correctly.
  10. Luciano
    • Origin:

      Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese variation of Lucian
    • Meaning:

      "light"
    • Description:

      A vibrant, operatic choice with plenty of flair and plenty of familiarity too. Popular in Italy, Chile, Uruguay, and Brazil, it also ranks in the Top 500 in France and the US. Operatic tenor Luciano Pavarotti and football manager Luciano Spalletti are two notable bearers
  11. Graziano
    • Origin:

      Italian
    • Meaning:

      "pleasing, beloved, dear"
    • Description:

      Italian form of Gratian, the name of a Roman emperor who campaigned across the Rhine and favored Christianity over paganism. Graziano isn't common either in the English-speaking world or its native Italy, although the boxer Rocky Graziano adopted it from his grandfather's surname. In the current vogue for names ending in -o and Italian names, it may be worth a second look.
  12. Armani
    • Origin:

      Italian surname derived from Herman or Arman, German or Persian
    • Meaning:

      "son of Ermanno; soldier; wish,hope"
    • Description:

      Armani is catching on along with other brand names, and this one is among the most gender-neutral — sitting in the Top 500 for both boys and girls. Its similarity to the likes of rising stars Amari, Arlo, and Amias, along with the more classic Arthur and Giovanni helps it feel more "name-y" than "brand-y".
  13. Federico
    • Origin:

      Italian and Spanish variation of Frederick, German
    • Meaning:

      "peaceful ruler"
    • Description:

      If Frederick feels too heavy, the Spanish and Italian has more energy. It's a long-term Top 20 name in Italy, and has neat nicknames like Fredo in Italian and Fede in Spanish. Famous bearers include the Spanish poet Federico García Lorca and the Italian filmmaker Federico Fellini. Further back in history, it was the name of a fifth-century Visigoth leader, the brother of Theodoric II.
  14. Bosco
    • Origin:

      Italian saint name
    • Description:

      Also, unfortunately, better known as a chocolate syrup. Borden and Bosco could play well together.
  15. Pepe
    • Origin:

      Spanish variation of JosÉ
    • Description:

      Le Pew. We don't think so, although it's a megacommon nickname name in Latino countries.
  16. Santo
    • Origin:

      Italian
    • Meaning:

      "saint, holy"
    • Description:

      Religious name long common in Italy, as is the diminutive Santino. In the Cornwall region of England, it's a traditional diminutive for Alexander.
  17. Urso
    • Origin:

      Italian from Latin
    • Meaning:

      "bear"
    • Description:

      Cool bearlike option, though Orson might be easier to embrace.
  18. Ruggero
    • Description:

      Ruggero is the Italian form of Roger, a masculine name with Germanic origins. It derives from the elements 'hrod' (fame) and 'ger' (spear), literally meaning 'famous spearman' or 'renowned warrior.' Ruggero gained prominence in Italy through medieval literature, particularly in the epic poems of Ludovico Ariosto, where Ruggero appears as a valiant knight. The name has historical significance in Italian culture, especially in Sicily, where the Norman leader Roger I (Ruggero in Italian) conquered and ruled in the 11th century. Though not commonly used outside Italy, Ruggero carries a strong, melodic quality typical of Italian names, combining historical depth with a romantic sound.

  19. Fio
    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Fiorenzo, Italian
    • Meaning:

      "flowering"
    • Description:

      Quirky Italian baby name that works for any gender.
  20. Geronimo
    • Origin:

      Native American; Italian variation of Jerome
    • Description:

      This name of a renowned Apache leader and mystic would be a difficult choice, since it was used as a rallying cry in so many old westerns and by paratroopers jumping out of their planes in World War II.