Italian Names for Boys

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.

Ferrando

Ceasario is a masculine name with Latin and Italian influences, likely derived from Caesar, which historically meant 'hairy' or possibly 'born by caesarean section.' It evokes images of ancient Rome and carries connotations of leadership and imperial power. The spelling variation with 'ea' differs from the more common Cesario or Cesare forms. The name has an elegant, flowing quality with its four syllables and melodic rhythm. While not commonly used in English-speaking countries, it maintains popularity in some Latin and Italian communities. Ceasario has a dramatic, somewhat theatrical quality that might appeal to parents looking for a name with historical depth and distinctive character. It offers several friendly nickname possibilities like Ceas or Rio.

Ceasario

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.

Faro

If you're looking for a really unusual international occupational name, this could be it!

Fabbro

Fabroni is an unusual masculine name of Italian origin, possibly derived from the Italian surname Fabroni or Fabbroni. The surname itself likely stems from the Latin 'faber,' meaning 'craftsman' or 'artisan.' Extremely rare as a first name, Fabroni has a distinctive Italian flair that evokes Mediterranean heritage. The name carries a musical quality with its three-syllable rhythm and soft consonants. While almost unheard of in mainstream naming practices, it might appeal to parents seeking a unique name with Italian roots. The name could potentially yield the friendly nickname Fab or Ronny. Its scarcity in historical records suggests it may have originated as a surname given as a first name to honor family heritage.

Fabroni

Brio

One way to encourage some cheers for your little one, but not recommended. 

Bravo

Eustachio is a masculine name with ancient Greek origins, derived from 'Eustachius,' meaning 'fruitful' or 'abundant harvest.' This name carries rich historical significance, notably through Saint Eustace, a 2nd-century Roman general who converted to Christianity. The Italian form of Eustace, Eustachio maintains the classical dignity of its origins while adding a melodic, Mediterranean quality. Though uncommon in English-speaking countries, it has maintained modest usage in Italy and among Italian diaspora communities. Eustachio offers parents a distinctive name with authentic historical roots and a sophisticated sound. The name suggests steadfastness and prosperity, with its connection to abundance. Despite its relative rarity, Eustachio's familiar suffix pattern makes it recognizable as a traditional Italian masculine name.

Eustachio

Elegant and flowing, Ettore is the Italian form of the ancient Hector, with gentler sounds and a more poetic feel. It's a popular choice in Italy right now, where it ranked in the Top 40 in a recent year. 

Ettore

A rarely heard saint's name -- Saint Charles Borromeo is the patron of apple orchards and stomach diseases. 

Borromeo is of course a surname, but if more common Anglo surnames like Parker and Carter can be first names, why not Borromeo? In the US, the "bor" syllable may put a child in for some teasing. You could use Romeo instead.

Borromeo

Mano

A fresh, Italianized take on the Hebrew classic Emmanuel. But beware of the similarities to the feminine name Emmanuelle.

Emanuele

Biagio is a masculine Italian name derived from the Latin 'Blasius,' which has roots in the Latin word 'blaesus' meaning 'lisping' or 'stammering.' Despite this etymology, the name has been honored for centuries due to its association with Saint Blaise (San Biagio in Italian), a 4th-century Armenian bishop and martyr who is venerated as the patron saint of throat ailments. Traditionally popular in Italy, particularly in southern regions like Sicily and Calabria, Biagio has a melodic quality characteristic of Italian names. Though uncommon outside of Italian communities, it retains strong cultural connections and family significance for those of Italian heritage. The name has a distinctive charm with its blend of strength and musicality.

Biagio

Bernadino is a masculine name of Italian and Spanish origin, representing a variation of Bernard with the diminutive suffix "-ino." Derived from Germanic elements meaning "brave as a bear" (bern for bear and hard for brave), it carries connotations of strength and courage. While less common than Bernard or the Italian Bernardo, Bernadino has maintained modest usage in Italian and Hispanic communities. The name is sometimes associated with Saint Bernardino of Siena, a 15th-century Franciscan missionary and influential preacher. With its melodic quality and strong etymology, Bernadino offers a distinctive alternative to more common Bernard derivatives while preserving the name's noble heritage and meaningful roots.

Bernadino

Armano is a masculine name likely derived from the Italian or Spanish form of Herman, which comes from Germanic elements meaning 'army man' or 'warrior.' It may also be related to Armando, a popular name in Italian and Spanish-speaking countries. The name carries strong connotations of strength and protection with its martial etymology. Armano has a melodic, romantic quality typical of Italian names, with its flowing syllables and strong masculine ending. While not among the most common names internationally, it maintains popularity in some Mediterranean and Latin American regions. The name blends traditional masculine virtues with a smooth, contemporary sound that travels well across different cultures.

Armano

Abramo

Elmo, like fellow Sesame Street characters Kermit and Grover, has a hard time being taken seriously. (It isn't easy being red either.)
 But Elmo also calls to mind the image of St. Elmo's fire--the light show sometimes visible around ships' masts during storms at sea, which is quite appropriate since Saint Elmo (another name for Erasmus) is the patron saint of sailors. St. Elmo's Fire was also the title of a classic Brat Pack film of the 1980s.
 There were a lot more Elmos around a century ago, when Elmo was in the top third of the popularity list.

Elmo

In Italy, often refers to the joy at the birth of a long-awaited child. 

Benvenuto

Beniamino is the Italian form of Benjamin, a masculine name with deep biblical roots. Derived from the Hebrew name Binyamin, meaning 'son of the right hand' or 'son of the south,' it carries connotations of favor and blessing. In the Bible, Benjamin was the youngest son of Jacob and Rachel. Beniamino maintains the melodious quality characteristic of Italian names, with its rhythmic five syllables and musical ending. While common in Italy, Beniamino remains relatively rare in English-speaking countries, making it an exotic yet recognizable choice. The name offers the friendly nickname options Beni or Mino. Beniamino conveys warmth, cultural richness, and a connection to Italian heritage, appealing to parents seeking a distinguished name with historical significance.

Beniamino

Giosia is a masculine name of Italian origin, serving as the Italian form of Josiah, which derives from Hebrew and means 'God supports' or 'God heals.' This uncommon variant preserves the biblical connections of Josiah while offering a distinctly Italian pronunciation and character. The name has remained relatively rare even within Italy, making it an exceptionally unique choice internationally. Giosia combines religious heritage with a melodic Italian quality, featuring the characteristic 'gio' beginning found in many Italian names like Giovanni and Giorgio. While not widely used, it may appeal to parents seeking a name with biblical foundations and Italian cultural connections, particularly those with Italian heritage looking to honor their ancestry with a distinctive yet meaningful choice.

Giosia

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 9)

Italian Boy Names