"dolphin"
Delfino
Pronunciation: [ d-ehlf-EEN-oh ]
Does Delfino flow with your last name?
Italian name meaning dolphin, sacred in ancient mythology
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Nicknames
Nicknames for Delfino
3 shorthand options for every setting
Meaning & Origin
"of Delphi, the oracle city"
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Browse nicknames →The Story of Delfino
Delfino derives from the Latin 'delphinus', meaning dolphin, which itself came from the ancient Greek 'delphis' or 'delphinos'. The dolphin held special significance in ancient Mediterranean cultures — in Greek mythology, dolphins were sacred to Apollo and Poseidon, and were seen as protectors of sailors. The city of Delphi took its name from the same root. As a personal name, Delfino/Delfin has been used in Italy, Spain, and Latin America since medieval times, often connected to Saint Delphin, a 4th-century Bishop of Bordeaux.
Delfino remains a traditional name in parts of Italy (particularly southern regions), Mexico, and other Latin American countries. While uncommon in modern naming charts, it carries the charm of vintage Italian and Spanish names making a gradual return as parents seek distinctive heritage names.
In medieval Christian tradition, the dolphin was a symbol of speed and the salvation of souls, often depicted in religious art carrying the souls of the righteous to heaven. Saint Delphin of Bordeaux baptized Saint Paulinus of Nola, connecting the name to important early church history.
Historical Record
Delfino first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 1,627 babies have been named Delfino in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Delfino is past its peak , currently ranked #6,255 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- The dolphin (delphinus) was sacred to Apollo in Greek mythology — the oracle at Delphi shared the same etymological root
- Saint Delphin was a 4th-century bishop who baptized Saint Paulinus of Nola, an important early Christian figure
- Delfino is an unusual surname-turned-given name that has been used in southern Italian families for generations
Delfino in Other Languages
Popularity Over Time
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Delfino
Delfino
Musician
Italian baroque violinist and composer (c. 1670–1723) known for his virtuosic playing in the early 18th century
Saint Delphin of Bordeaux
Religious
4th-century Bishop of Bordeaux who baptized the Christian poet Paulinus of Nola and fought Priscillian heresy
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Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 3
- Popularity Rank
- #6,255
- Total SSA Count
- 14
- Cultural Origins
- Italian Spanish Latin American Portuguese
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Common Nicknames
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, Italian heritage match, balanced 3-2 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, Italian heritage match, balanced 3-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Delfino
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Same Origin Names (Italian)
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Frequently Asked Questions About Delfino
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About the Name Delfino
Delfino is a boy name with Italian, Spanish, Latin American, and Portuguese origins . The name means "dolphin" in Latin .
Delfino is currently ranked #6,255 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Delfino has 3 syllables and is pronounced d-ehlf-EEN-oh, making it distinctive and memorable.
Common nicknames for Delfino include Delf, Fino, and Deli. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis