Elio

BoyItalian, Greek· “sun (from Helios)”

Meaning
sun (from Helios)
Origin
Italian, Greek
Pronunciation
EL-ee-oh
Syllables
3
US rank 2025
#388
US babies 2025
818
Best rank
#388 (2025)
Peak year
2025

Meaning and origin of Elio

Elio is an Italian and Greek name that is usually said to mean “sun (from Helios)”.

Usually linked to the Greek Helios, 'sun', though it may also derive from the Latin family name Aelius, Elio is an Italian name. It is common in Italy and Spain and has a warm, sunny sound. The name reached a wider audience through Elio, the young protagonist of Andre Aciman's novel Call Me by Your Name. Elio is short and easy to pronounce. Eli is a simple nickname, and Helio is a related form.

Popularity over time

02505007501k192019401960198020002020Peak 2025: 818
US babies named Elio per year, 1880 to 2025

Elio first appears in US Social Security records in 1912. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 5 different years, starting in 2021. It is at its all-time high right now: 2025 brought both its best national rank, #388, and its highest count, 818 babies. Use has grown 1198% in ten years.

Its national rank moved from #2,252 in 1920, #3,836 in 1950, #1,740 in 1980, #2,396 in 2000, #2,975 in 2010, and #388 in 2025. Of the 5,174 US boys named Elio since records began, 50% were born in the 2020s, its biggest decade. The 2010s come next, with 672 babies.

Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Kieran, Raphael, Hugo, Marcelo, and Kian.

Where it is most popular (2025)

In 2025, Elio ranked highest in Alaska, California, and District of Columbia.

StateRank thereBabies
Alaska#1506
California#159244
District of Columbia#1795
Washington#21038
Nevada#21914

Gender, sound and spelling

In the US it is used almost only for boys.

Elio is usually pronounced EL-ee-oh, with three syllables. It has four letters, starts with E and ends in “-io”.

Middle names for Elio

A few middle names that flow with Elio: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.

Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
William Boy
WIHL-yuhm
“resolute protector” · Germanic
#9
James Boy
JAYMZ
“holder of the heel, supplanter” · English
#6
John Boy
JAHN
“Yahweh is gracious” · Hebrew
#23
Leo Boy
LEE-oh
“lion” · Latin
#19
Rowan Unisex
ROH-uhn
“little red one; rowan tree” · Irish
#59

Sibling names for Elio

Similar names

Dario Boy
DAH-ree-oh
“holding firm the good” · Italian
#760
Alessio Boy
uh-LEH-see-oh
“defender” · Italian
#867
Mario Boy
MAH-ree-oh
“uncertain (from Marius)” · Italian
#438
Lucio Boy
LOO-see-oh
“light” · Italian
#1,326
Emilio Boy
eh-MEE-lee-oh
“from the Roman family name Aemilius” · Italian
#154
Damian Boy
DAY-mee-uhn
“to tame” · Greek
#109
Antonio Boy
an-TOH-nee-oh
“Roman family name; meaning uncertain” · Italian
#176
Nicolas Boy
NIH-kuh-luhs
“victory of the people” · Greek
#177
Lorenzo Boy
luh-REHN-zoh
“from Laurentum” · Italian
#117
Matteo Boy
mah-TAY-oh
“gift of God” · Italian
#146
Damien Boy
DAY-mee-uhn
“to tame” · French
#352
Sergio Boy
SAIR-jee-oh
“from the Roman name Sergius” · Italian
#441

Lists that include Elio

Frequently asked questions

What does the name Elio mean?

Elio is an Italian and Greek name that is usually said to mean “sun (from Helios)”.

What is the origin of the name Elio?

Elio has Italian and Greek roots. Usually linked to the Greek Helios, 'sun', though it may also derive from the Latin family name Aelius, Elio is an Italian name.

Is Elio a popular name?

Yes. Elio ranked #388 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.

Is Elio a boy or girl name?

Elio is mainly a boy's name. In the US it is used almost only for boys.

How do you pronounce Elio?

Elio is usually pronounced EL-ee-oh. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.

Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings