Rare Italian Names for Boys

Luciano

Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese variation of Lucian

"light"

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…

Elio

Italian, Spanish

"sun"

Elio is a sunny and spirited Italian and Spanish name that makes a great crossover prospect, which could catch on as Enzo has. Derived from the Roman Aelius and the Greek Helios, it has an appealing…

Valentino

Latin

"strength, health"

A dashing, dramatic and romantic Italian surname, associated with early movie heartthrob Rudolph, and later with Italian fashion designer Valentino (Garavani). Also the name of an early Roman saint,…

Camilo

Spanish

"young ceremonial attendant"

The increasing popularity of Camila may have pushed this underrated Spanish name into the Top 1000 — though it remains far less popular than its feminine counterpart. A perfect familiar-but-rare…

Vincenzo

Italian variation of Vincent

"conquering"

This classic yet poetic Italian name for boys , is a Top 50 choice in its native Italy, and has been climbing up the charts in the US and the UK too. It had sporadically made the US charts throughout…

Aurelio

Italian; Spanish, variation of Aurelius

"the golden one"

Aurelio is an energetic Italian and Spanish name, with an attractive golden aura. Derived from the Latin aureus , it's a relative of rising star Aurelia and the Roman Aurelius. A Top 200 name in…

Dario

Italian variation of Darius

"possessing goodness"

More creative and artsy than Mario. Dario is starting to edge up the US popularity list after languishing near the bottom of the Top 1000 over the last four decades. Is that inspired by Dario's…

Alessio

Italian variation of Alexis

"defender"

Alessio, simpler than the related Alessandro, would be a welcome settler here.

Carlo

Italian variation of Charles, French

"free man"

An energetic and friendly Italian classic, Carlo is popular in its native Italy, but also familiar across Spain, the Netherlands, Germany, the UK, France, and Brazil. A variation of the regal French…

Orlando

Italian variation of Roland

"famous throughout the land"

Orlando, the ornate Italianate twist on the dated Roland, with a literary heritage stretching back to Shakespeare and before, has appealing book-ended o's, and is open to combination with almost any…

Marcello

Italian and Spanish

"young warrior"

Based on the ancient name Marcellus, drawn from Mars the god of war, Marcello -- it's pronounced mar-chell-o -- is one of the most lush and attractive Latin names.

Massimo

Italian variation of Maximus

"the greatest"

Massimo is a Latin charmer and while it might feel like a big name for a baby (or anyone, really), it has a touch of gentleness about it too, owing to the S sounds. A charismatic member of the…

Canto

Italian

"song or stanza"

A canto is a literary term denoting a long passage in a poem. Dante's Divine Comedy is broken into such cantos. As a name, Canto packs in literary credentials with pithy punch.

Aureliano

Italian

"gold"

Italian variation of Aurelius.

Brio

Italian

"vivacity, zest"

Musical term with a lot of energy.

Arrigo

Italian variation of Henry and Harry

"estate ruler"

Think Harry with a go-getter ending.

Brando

Italian variation of Brand

"firebrand, sword"

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…

Cirillo

Cirillo is a masculine Italian name derived from the Greek name Kyrillos (Cyril in English), meaning 'lordly' or 'masterful.' This melodious Italian form carries the same dignified heritage as its…

Benedetto

Italian

"blessed"

This Italian form of Benedict sidesteps the Benedict Arnold association that still clouds the English version.

Amilcare

Italian, from Phoenician

"brother of Melqart"

The Italian form of the ancient Hamilcar has a romantic, elaborate sound, and it could be a handsome choice if you're looking for a rare Italian name that no other child will share on the playground.…