Italian Boy Names

Meo is a masculine name with multiple cultural origins. In Italian, it serves as a diminutive of Bartolomeo (Bartholomew) or Romeo, conveying affection through its brevity. In Vietnamese culture, Meo can appear as a family name. The name also exists in Japanese usage with various possible meanings depending on the kanji characters used. Compact and easy to pronounce across languages, Meo has a contemporary feel despite its traditional roots. With just three letters, it exemplifies the modern preference for shorter, distinctive names for boys. While uncommon in English-speaking countries, its international versatility, simple pronunciation, and friendly sound make it an intriguing option for parents seeking a brief but meaningful name with cross-cultural appeal.

One of the few Italian forms less attractive than the original, this time because it will forever be mistaken with the feminine version.

This name of the patron saint of Naples would make an apt choice for a New Year's baby, or one with Neapolitan roots.

The progenitor of the English name Guy, Gaetano has a lot more gusto.

Lucca first entered the US Top 1000 in 2012 and has been trending upwards.

Cesare is the Italian form of Caesar, a name with ancient Roman origins. The name derives from Latin, possibly meaning "hairy" or, more likely, from the verb "caedere" meaning "to cut," referring to birth by caesarean section. Julius Caesar is the most famous historical bearer, whose name became synonymous with leadership and imperial power, eventually becoming a title for Roman emperors. Cesare has been used in Italy for centuries, with notable bearers including Renaissance figure Cesare Borgia and artist Cesare Maccari. While uncommon in English-speaking countries, it maintains steady usage in Italy. The name carries connotations of strength, authority, and classical sophistication, pronounced cheh-ZAH-ray in Italian, giving it a melodious, romantic quality.

Giorgio as is rich in meaning and history as George, but with more Italian flair. It's a consistent Top 50 hit in Italy, and with Italian boy names like Gianni and Lorenzo rising through the charts, could be another one to add to the mix.

The best-known modern bearer is fashion designer Giorgio Armani.

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.

Otello is a masculine Italian name best known as the Italian form of Shakespeare's character Othello. The name gained prominence through Giuseppe Verdi's opera 'Otello,' based on Shakespeare's tragedy. While Shakespeare's character has Moorish origins, the name itself doesn't have clear etymological roots beyond its literary creation. In Italian-speaking regions, Otello has been used as a given name since the popularity of Verdi's opera in the late 19th century. The name carries dramatic and artistic associations, evoking themes of passion, jealousy, and tragic nobility from both Shakespeare's play and Verdi's operatic adaptation. Though never extremely common, Otello appeals to parents with literary or operatic interests and those seeking a distinctively Italian name with cultural depth and artistic resonance.

Cecilio is derived from Caecilius, an Ancient Roman surname that was likely originally bestowed upon someone who was blind.

For lovers of that romantic city.

Spirited Italian form of Octavius

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.

Screen legend Marlon's surname has loads more swagger than his first. A little Brando might have to endure references to his famous namesake, though his peers may just assume its linked to popular Brandon, with the stylish -o ending of Milo, Arlo, and Hugo.

Guido was very popular in Renaissance Italy, with many namesakes including painter Fra Angelico (born Guido di Pietro) and mathematician Guido Fubini. Guy Fawkes, of gunpowder plot fame, sometimes used this version. Nowadays it's unfairly overlooked, but in the current trend for snappy international names ending in -o, this cultured gem deserves more use.

Unusual Italian name for boys that relates both to the vividly stylish Viv names such as Vivienne and Viveca, and to the Italian musician Vivaldi.

Ferrando is a masculine name of Spanish and Italian origin, representing a variant of Ferdinand, which derives from Germanic elements meaning 'journey' and 'brave.' This name carries the weight of European royal history, as Ferdinand was the name of several Spanish and Holy Roman Empire monarchs. Ferrando offers a melodious, romantic alternative to the more formal Ferdinand, with its flowing rhythm and open ending. Uncommon in the United States, it maintains popularity in Spanish and Italian-speaking regions. The name conveys strength, nobility, and a cosmopolitan sensibility, appealing to parents seeking names with historical depth and international flair. Its distinctive sound makes it memorable without being difficult to pronounce.

Elegant and worldly.

Ercole is the Italian form of Hercules, the legendary hero from Greco-Roman mythology known for his extraordinary strength and courage. The name derives from the Greek 'Herakles,' which means 'glory of Hera' – ironically referring to the goddess who persecuted him in mythology. Ercole has been used in Italy since the Renaissance period when classical names experienced a revival. While not extremely common, it has maintained steady usage in Italian-speaking regions. The name carries connotations of exceptional strength, endurance, and heroic qualities. Ercole has a distinctive, powerful sound with its strong 'er' beginning and flowing Italian ending, making it both classical and memorable.