Rare Italian Names for Boys

  1. Primo
    • Origin:

      Italian
    • Meaning:

      "first"
    • Description:

      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?
  2. Massimo
    • Origin:

      Italian variation of Maximus
    • Meaning:

      "the greatest"
    • Description:

      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 Maximus/Magnus family, Massimo means "greatest" and has been a enduring favorite in Italy, where it has remained in the Top 100 over the last two decades
  3. Fiero
    • Origin:

      Italian word name
    • Meaning:

      "proud"
    • Description:

      Fiery sound and uplifting meaning, but it's also among the Top 100 dog names. Spelled Fiyero, it's the hero of the book and musical "Wicked."
  4. Brio
    • Origin:

      Italian
    • Meaning:

      "vivacity, zest"
    • Description:

      Musical term with a lot of energy.
  5. Elia
    • Origin:

      Italian variation of Elijah, Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "Jehovah is God"
    • Description:

      A multicultural appellation, found in Hebrew, Italian, and Zuni, this likable name made famous by director Elia Kazan's only problem is the feminine a ending. But then again, that never hurt Joshua.
  6. Cosimo
    • Origin:

      Italian variation of Cosmo
    • Meaning:

      "order, beauty, universe"
    • Description:

      Dramatic and worldly, Cosimo was chosen by singer Beck and his wife, Marissa Ribisi, for their son. Now that Cosima has emerged as a starbaby favorite, twin brother Cosimo could join her.
  7. Domenico
    • Origin:

      Spanish, Italian variation of Dominic, Latin
    • Meaning:

      "belonging to the Lord"
    • Description:

      Romantic and artistic Domenico is ripe for the picking as a relatively rare name that fits in with current favorites such as Leonardo and Emiliano.
  8. Ciro
    • Origin:

      Italian variation of Cyrus
    • Description:

      This name of an old Hollywood nightclub still retains a spark of glamour.
  9. Brando
    • Origin:

      Italian variation of Brand
    • Meaning:

      "firebrand, sword"
    • Description:

      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.
  10. Carlo
    • Origin:

      Italian variation of Charles, French
    • Meaning:

      "free man"
    • Description:

      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 and English classic Charles, it is ultimately derived from the Latin Carolus and the Germanic Karl, meaning "free man".
  11. Basilio
    • Origin:

      Italian and Spanish variation of Basil, Greek
    • Meaning:

      "regal"
    • Description:

      A rare and romantic take on Basil.
  12. Renato
    • Origin:

      Spanish and Italian
    • Meaning:

      "reborn"
    • Description:

      Elegant and worldly.
  13. Aureliano
    • Origin:

      Italian
    • Meaning:

      "gold"
    • Description:

      Italian variation of Aurelius.
  14. Enrico
    • Origin:

      Italian variation of Henry
    • Description:

      One of several Latin names starting with E that would work and play well with others in any family.
  15. Nicolo
    • Origin:

      Italian form of Nicholas
    • Meaning:

      "people of victory"
    • Description:

      Nicolo is a more lively variation of Nicholas and one of the most attractive Italian names for boys. A name with a long, distinguished Italian history of its own, it also boasts the charming nickname Nico.
  16. Flavio
    • Origin:

      Italian, Spanish variation of Flavius, Latin
    • Meaning:

      "yellow, blond"
    • Description:

      Flavio is derived from Flavius, a surname used in Ancient Rome. These family names, or cognomens, were given to distinguish branches of the clan and were chosen based on a characteristic of an important bearer. In this case, the Flavius family patriarch was likely blond-haired.
  17. Renzo
    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Lorenzo
    • Description:

      Rakish nickname able to stand on its own.
  18. Sandro
    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Alessandro, Italian
    • Meaning:

      "defending men"
    • Description:

      Lengthy, romantic Alessandro gives us the friendly and casual nickname Sandro, which works just as well as an independent name. It’s a popular international name, having ranked in Italy, France, Portugal, and Switzerland in recent years.
  19. Ettore
    • Origin:

      Italian variation of Hector
    • Meaning:

      "holds fast"
    • Description:

      Has a lot more charm than the ancient Hector.
  20. Giorgio
    • Origin:

      Italian variation of George
    • Meaning:

      "farmer"
    • Description:

      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.

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