Italian Boy Names
- Giuliano
Origin:
(jyoo-lee-Ah-no), Italian variation of JulianDescription:
Less familiar than Giorgio or Giovanni, Giuliano has a lot of captivating Latin charm.
- Fausto
Origin:
Italian and Spanish variation of FaustMeaning:
"fortunate one"Description:
While Faust, who sold his soul to the devil, was anything but fortunate, this Latinate variation is more commonly heard and accepted.
- Serafino
Description:
Serafino is a masculine Italian name derived from the Hebrew word 'seraphim,' referring to a category of celestial beings described as fiery, six-winged angels in biblical tradition. The name carries strong religious connotations of purity, devotion, and heavenly protection. Serafino has been used in Italy for centuries, particularly in Catholic families. Outside of Italy and Italian diaspora communities, the name remains relatively uncommon, giving it an exotic and distinctive quality. The feminine equivalent is Serafina. The name has a melodious quality with its flowing vowels and rhythmic syllables. Notable bearers include various Italian saints and cultural figures, reinforcing its connection to Italian heritage and Catholic traditions.
- Primo
Origin:
ItalianMeaning:
"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?
- Italo
Origin:
ItalianMeaning:
"from Italy"Description:
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 . Trivia tidbit: Calvino was actually one of his middle names.
- Duran
Origin:
Music nameDescription:
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.
- Alphonsus
Origin:
Latin form of AlfonsoMeaning:
"noble and ready"Description:
This Latinized form of a name that's well used in Italy and Spain is sometimes heard, oddly enough, in Ireland.
- Romolo
Origin:
Italian variation of RomulusDescription:
This name taken from one of the legendary founders of Rome suddenly feels more possible for a baby in the English-speaking world, with the rise of many Rome-related names, from Roman to Romy to Romilly and Romaine.
- Santo
Origin:
ItalianMeaning:
"saint, holy"Description:
Religious name long common in Italy, as is the diminutive Santino. In the Cornwall region of England, it's a traditional diminutive for Alexander.
- Giancarlo
Origin:
Combination of Gian and Carlo, Italian variations of John and CharlesDescription:
In Italy, a common melding of two popular names, heard in the US as well.
- Michele
Origin:
Italian variation of MichaelMeaning:
"who is like God?"Description:
One of the few Italian forms less attractive than the original, this time because it will forever be mistaken with the feminine version.
- Geronimo
Origin:
Native American; Italian variation of JeromeDescription:
This name of a renowned Apache leader and mystic would be a difficult choice, since it was used as a rallying cry in so many old westerns and by paratroopers jumping out of their planes in World War II.
- Donati
Origin:
Variation of Donato, LatinMeaning:
"given by God"Description:
Donati is a distinguished Italian surname that can easily work as a first. The last name Donati is a patronymic from an ancestral Donato or may be a plural of Donato.
- Ottavio
Origin:
Italian, “eighth”Description:
Spirited Italian form of Octavius
- Otello
Description:
Otello is a masculine Italian name best known as the Italian form of Shakespeare's character Othello. The name gained prominence through Giuseppe Verdi's opera 'Otello,' based on Shakespeare's tragedy. While Shakespeare's character has Moorish origins, the name itself doesn't have clear etymological roots beyond its literary creation. In Italian-speaking regions, Otello has been used as a given name since the popularity of Verdi's opera in the late 19th century. The name carries dramatic and artistic associations, evoking themes of passion, jealousy, and tragic nobility from both Shakespeare's play and Verdi's operatic adaptation. Though never extremely common, Otello appeals to parents with literary or operatic interests and those seeking a distinctively Italian name with cultural depth and artistic resonance.
- Durante
Description:
Durante is a masculine name of Italian origin, derived from the Latin 'durans' meaning 'enduring' or 'persistent.' Historically used in medieval Italy, it conveys qualities of strength, resilience, and longevity. The name gained some recognition through the Italian poet Dante Alighieri, whose full name was Durante degli Alighieri, and later through American entertainer Jimmy Durante. Despite its distinguished history, Durante remains relatively uncommon in most Western countries, giving it an air of uniqueness and old-world sophistication. The name carries a musical quality with its flowing syllables while maintaining masculine strength. It appeals particularly to parents with Italian heritage or those seeking a name with classical roots and a distinctive Mediterranean flair.
- Alexius
Description:
Alexius is a masculine name with ancient Greek and Latin origins, derived from the Greek word 'alexein' meaning 'to defend' or 'to help.' It represents the original Latin form that later evolved into Alexis and Alex. Historically, Alexius was borne by several Byzantine emperors and Christian saints, giving it royal and religious significance. The name carries a scholarly, classical dignity with its Latin ending. While uncommon in modern English-speaking countries, Alexius retains popularity in Eastern European and Orthodox Christian communities. The name offers the familiar nicknames Alex or Lex while providing a distinguished, full form with historical gravitas. Its rarity makes it a distinctive choice for parents drawn to names with classical roots and historical depth.
- Sansone
Origin:
Italian variation of SamsonMeaning:
"sun"Description:
Strong and rhythmic Italian form of Samson
- Orsino
Origin:
Italian variation of OrsonMeaning:
"bearlike"Description:
Orson is being rediscovered and Orsino is every bit as attractive.
- Mano
Origin:
ItalianMeaning:
"hand"Description:
A nickname that sounds like a nickname.