Italian Names for Boys

The iconic rock group Duran Duran named themselves after the villain of the classic sci-fi movie "Barbarella," Dr. Durand Durand.  One bit of free advice: if your last name is Duran, don't name your son Duran.

Duran

You can't get more Italian than this name of the daddy of legendary twins Romulus and Remus, founders of Rome. A noted bearer is acclaimed Italian journalist and novel and short story writer Italo Calvino, author of Invisible Cities and <em?If on a winter's night a traveler. Trivia tidbit: Calvino was actually one of his <a href="https://nameberry.com/list/673/middle-names">middle names</a>.

Italo

Primo is number one among the Latin birth-order names--Octavius et al--and the one most likely to be used in these days of smaller families. It has that jaunty 'o' ending and Italian flavor that many modern parents like so much. And what little boy wouldn't appreciate being prime?
 Italian author Primo Levi, known for his writings on the Holocaust, is a famous bearer.

Primo

Cecilio is derived from Caecilius, an Ancient Roman surname that was likely originally bestowed upon someone who was blind.
 
Today you might expect Cecilio to a fashionable first name in part due to the prevalence of the related name Cecilia, but it was given to only 18 babies in 2021.

Cecilio

Agostino is the Italian form of this increasingly popular ancient name.

Agostino

A Latinate name with a lot of dash and bravado. 

Corrado

Ricco is a masculine name with Italian and Germanic origins. It's a variant spelling of Rico, which derives from the Germanic 'ric' meaning 'powerful,' 'ruler,' or 'wealthy.' In Italian, 'ricco' directly translates to 'rich' or 'wealthy.' The doubled 'c' gives the name a distinctly Italian flair. While not among the most common names, Ricco has maintained steady usage across Italian-speaking regions and has seen periodic popularity in other European countries and the United States. The name conveys strength, abundance, and prosperity. Its short, punchy sound with the strong 'k' consonant gives it a bold quality. Ricco suggests someone with confidence, charisma, and perhaps good fortune in life.

Ricco

This Latinized form of a name that's well used in Italy and Spain is sometimes heard, oddly enough, in Ireland.

Alphonsus

Cassio is a notable Shakespearean name that's a member of the ever-more-popular Cassius family of names.  Cassio was Othello's young, good-looking, and flirtatious lieutenant.

Cassio

Derived from the Italian word amico, this friendly name can also be stylized as D'Amico. It has been appearing in the US stats since the early 70s, used in small numbers.

Damico

Giordano is an Italian masculine name derived from the Latin name Jordanus, meaning 'flowing down' or 'descending,' referring to the Jordan River. It gained prominence in Italy during the Renaissance period, with notable bearers including the philosopher Giordano Bruno. The name combines historical gravitas with melodic Italian charm. While consistently used in Italy throughout the centuries, it remains relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries, giving it an air of distinction and uniqueness. Giordano has maintained steady popularity in Italy, where it's appreciated for its strong sound and cultural heritage.

Giordano

Ilario's merry, jovial sound reflects a shared root with the word hilarious. 

Ilario

Isaia is a masculine name with ancient biblical roots, representing a variant of Isaiah. Derived from the Hebrew 'Yesha'yahu' meaning 'God is salvation', it refers to the important prophet from the Old Testament. This particular spelling, Isaia, is common in Italian, Romanian, and some Eastern European languages. The name carries spiritual significance across multiple cultures and religions, particularly in Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. While less common than Isaiah in English-speaking countries, Isaia has maintained consistent usage in Southern and Eastern Europe. The name combines religious heritage with a melodic quality, featuring flowing vowel sounds. Its international character makes it recognizable across different cultures while maintaining its distinctive spelling.

Isaia

Actor Sylvester Stallone's iconic surname is beginning to catch the attention of parents having sons, likely owing to the rising in last-names-as-first-names, and because of its cool, stately feel yet cowboy edge. It comes from the Italian word for "stallion", and likely emerged as either an occupational name for someone who bred horses or as a nickname for someone who resembled a stallion. 
 
While it is connected to the iconic acting family, footballer Stallone Limbombe bears it as a given name, while content creator Summer Wilson Fox used it for her son in 2025.

Stallone

Vicenzo is a masculine name derived from the Italian name Vincenzo, which comes from the Latin Vincentius, meaning 'conquering' or 'victorious.' This subtle spelling variation maintains the romantic Italian flair while offering a slightly distinctive alternative. The name carries a rich cultural heritage associated with Italy and has been borne by various notable figures throughout history, including artists and saints. Vicenzo conveys a sense of strength and achievement while maintaining a melodic, approachable quality. Popular in Italian communities worldwide, the name has a timeless appeal that balances traditional roots with contemporary sound. The multicultural nature of Vicenzo makes it attractive to parents seeking a name with European sophistication and meaningful origins.

Vicenzo

Anselmo

A spiritual choice within Christian tradition, Epifanio is associated with the visit of Magi to the infant Christ. Sometimes known as Three Kings' Day in Western Christianity, in Eastern Christian tradition, it is a bigger occasion, that also commemorates the the baptism of Jesus and the first miracle performed by Jesus in Cana.
 
From a more general perspective, Epifanio may be linked to a manifestation of any divine or supernatural being, while in a secular way, it is a moment of sudden revelation and realization, making it a powerful choice whichever way you look at it.
 
Derived from the Greek epiphaneia via the names Epihanes and Epiphanios, it was used most notably in the early 20th century in Spain, and occasionally in the US too.

Epifanio

Gerome is a variant spelling of Jerome, a name with ancient Greek origins derived from 'Hieronymos,' meaning 'sacred name.' This masculine name carries historical significance through Saint Jerome, the 4th-century scholar who translated the Bible into Latin. While less common than Jerome, Gerome maintains the same sophisticated and classical feel. The name experienced modest popularity in the early 20th century but has become increasingly rare in recent decades. Gerome carries an intellectual, scholarly reputation while its distinctive spelling gives it a touch of uniqueness for parents seeking a traditional name with a slight twist.

Gerome

An old Roman family name that could easily be mispronounced to make it supersevere. 

Severo

Naples-born Enrico Caruso was one of the greatest opera singers of all time. Recordings of his powerful singing voice are still in circulation today, nearly 100 years after his death. Increasingly, though, the name Caruso is associated not with the Italian tenor but with Rick Caruso, owner of a major chain of malls.

Caruso

Italian names for baby boys are becoming increasingly popular among parents of all ethnicities, in part because many of them feature the oh-so-stylish final letter "O." This has contributed to the rise of such Italian names for boys as Matteo and Leonardo.

Italian names for boys in the US Top 1000

 include Emiliano, Aldo, Dante, Enzo, Luca, Maximo, Rocco, Romeo, and Santino. 

 that are becoming more popular include Cassio, Piero, and Giorgio.

 in Italy include Leonardo — currently ranking Number 1 in its native land — Alessandro, Francesco, and Giuseppe. Some non-Italian names popular for boys in Italy include Christian, Nathan, and the international favorite Liam.

See if any of the charming names in our list of 

 might work for your son. The Italian boy names and meanings below are ranked according to their current popularity on Nameberry.

Italian boy names including meanings and popularity, with male names of Italian origin used in Italy, the US, and around the world. Includes top Italian boy names such as Enzo and Luca along with rare Italian names for baby boys. (Page 7)

Italian Boy Names