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81 Italian Boy Names and Meanings

Explore Italian boy names, from modern options like Leo to timeless classics like Giovanni. Find the perfect, meaningful name for your bundle of joy.

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Updated: March 26, 2025
Baby eating pasta
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Updated: March 26, 2025

Italy is known for many things—classical architecture and stunning landscapes, great food and even better wine, and, of course, long lineages of families with specific boys' names that recur over centuries.

From traditional names for boys that have existed for generations to the most popular ones heard on the streets of Italy today, Italian boy names and meanings offer us a glimpse into the customs, history, and culture of this ancient nation. Keep reading to discover more interesting aspects of these particular names!

Popular Italian Boy Names

Timeless names are always a good option for parents, and popular Italian names for boys are not only beloved by parents all over the world, but offer charming meanings that might be perfect for your child.

  1. Antonio - Priceless, invaluable  
  2. Carlo - Strong and manly, free  
  3. Dante - Enduring, steadfast  
  4. Francesco - Free one or Frenchman  
  5. Leonardo - Brave lion  
  6. Luca - Bringer of light  
  7. Marco - Warlike or martial  
  8. Matteo - Gift of God  
  9. Riccardo - Brave ruler  

Powerful Italian Boy Names

Italy is known for having heroes and historic figures that give us examples of great strength, leadership, or determination. Why not tap into that feeling with a powerful Italian name for boys?

  1. Achille - Distress, pain; a nod to Greek hero Achilles  
  2. Bruno - Shield of brown; protective and bold  
  3. Cesare - Long-haired or imperial  
  4. Claudio - Lame, but celebrated  
  5. Dario - He who upholds good  
  6. Ettore - Steadfast, enduring protector  
  7. Fabrizio - Craftsman, skilled worker  
  8. Nicolo - Victory of the people  
  9. Orlando - Famous land; heroic connotations  
  10. Raffaele - God has healed  
  11. Vincenzo - Conqueror or victorious  
  12. Zeno - Gift of Zeus, powerful and divine  

Nature-Inspired Italian Boy Names  

The earth around us can be one of the best sources of inspiration for baby names, including sky, sea, and the natural world in general.

  1. Bosco - Forest  
  2. Cielo - Sky  
  3. Fiore - Flower  
  4. Giacinto - Hyacinth flower  
  5. Lupo - Wolf  
  6. Mario - Derived from Mars, symbolizing strength and wilderness  
  7. Marino - Of the sea  
  8. Riva - From the shore  
  9. Silvano - Of the woods  
  10. Timo - Thyme, an herb known for its healing properties  

Modern Italian Boy Names  

If you are looking for a fresh and sleek name option for your little boy, then consider some of these stylish Italian boy names that combine historical vibes with contemporary charm

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  1. Adriano - Dark one or man from Adria  
  2. Alessio - Defender or protector  
  3. Elio - Sun  
  4. Fabio - Bean grower  
  5. Leo - Lion  
  6. Lorenzo - Laurel or crown  
  7. Nico - Victory of the people  
  8. Rocco - Rest or repose  
  9. Santino - Little saint  
  10. Valerio - Strong or healthy  

Unique Italian Boy Names  

Distinctive names are not going out of style any time soon, and that includes the following rare Italian boy names.

  1. Aldo - Old or noble  
  2. Amadeo - Lover of God  
  3. Benedetto - Blessed one  
  4. Ciro - The sun or throne  
  5. Daniele - God is my judge  
  6. Enea - Praised one  
  7. Enzo - Ruler of the home  
  8. Fiorenzo - Blooming or flourishing  
  9. Ignazio - Fiery and passionate  
  10. Leandro - Like a lion  

Traditional Italian Boy Names  

For many people, the classics are timeless for a reason! You might find one of these traditional Italian boy names to be the perfect fit for your little man.

  1. Alberto - Noble and bright  
  2. Antonio - Priceless one  
  3. Domenico - Belonging to the Lord  
  4. Giorgio - Farmer or earth worker  
  5. Giovanni - God is gracious  
  6. Giuseppe - God will add  
  7. Luigi - Renowned warrior  
  8. Pietro - Rock or stone  
  9. Stefano - Crown or garland  

Religious & Virtue-Inspired Italian Boy Names  

Italian culture incorporates many values of spirituality and morality, and if your family also views these as core aspects, then the following religious names might make you feel right at home!

  1. Angelo - Angel or messenger  
  2. Bartolomeo - Son of the farmer  
  3. Cristiano - Follower of Christ  
  4. Davide - Beloved  
  5. Emanuele - God is with us  
  6. Gabriele - God is my strength  
  7. Michele - Who is like God?  
  8. Rafael - God has healed  
  9. Salvatore - Savior  
  10. Simone - One who listens  
  11. Tommaso - Twin  

Trendy Italian Boy Names 

Modern, cutting edge, and stylish—if you are looking for a baby name from Italy that also checks all of those boxes, then check out the following options for a boy. 

  1. Alessandro - Defender of mankind  
  2. Cristoforo - Christ-bearer  
  3. Damiano - Tamer  
  4. Federico - Peaceful ruler  
  5. Giulio - Youthful  
  6. Lamberto - Bright land  
  7. Marcello - Little warrior  
  8. Massimo - The greatest  
  9. Sergio - Attendant or servant  
  10. Umberto - Bright warrior

Why Italian Names Are a Perfect Choice  

Italian boys' names are more than just names—they’re windows into family histories and stories. Each one holds clues about trade, migration, and culture, weaving together tales that stretch back through centuries. And that's the beauty of given names, no matter their cultural origin: a carefully-chosen name reminds us that there are details hidden within that may not immediately be apparent, inviting us to dig deeper!

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Tara Gunn

About Tara

Hailing from Canada, Tara is a graduate of Scotland's University of St. Andrews in creative… Read more

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