"sun"
Origin: Greek
Language: Greek
Elio
Pronunciation: [ EHL-ee-oh ]
Does Elio flow with your last name?
Sun-bright, Mediterranean cool
Italian
Spanish
French
American
Modern
Elegant
Unique
Earthy
Sophisticated
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Things to Know About This Name
- Strongly associated with the character Elio from the film 'Call Me By Your Name' (2017) — which many consider a positive association, but the film's content (adult-minor relationship) makes some uncomfortable
The Story of Elio
Elio comes from the Greek 'Helios,' the personification and god of the sun in ancient Greek mythology. The Italian and Spanish short form Elio strips away the 'H,' giving it a sleek, modern sound while retaining the solar symbolism. The name has been quietly used in Mediterranean cultures for decades but is now spreading globally.
Elio surged in popularity after the 2017 Academy Award-nominated film 'Call Me By Your Name,' in which the protagonist Elio is a cultured, sensitive young Italian-American — making the name aspirationally artistic and literary.
In Italian culture, Elio evokes warmth, Mediterranean light, and artistic sensibility; it is associated with the sun god Helios and carries a classical pedigree.
Historical Record
Elio first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 3,844 babies have been named Elio in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Elio is rising quickly in popularity , currently ranked #508 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Helios drove a golden chariot across the sky each day in Greek mythology.
- The character Elio Perlman in 'Call Me By Your Name' was created by novelist André Aciman.
- Elio has entered the US top 1000 for the first time in the 2020s.
Elio in Other Languages
Greek
Ήλιος (Helios)
French
Élio
Italian
Elio
Spanish
Elio
Popularity Over Time
#508
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Rising Fast
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Elio
E
Elio (Italian singer)
Musician
1960
Italian comedian and musician, frontman of Elio e le Storie Tese
E
Elio Di Rupo
Politician
1951
Belgian politician and former Prime Minister of Belgium
E
Elio Perlman Fictional
Other
Fictional protagonist of André Aciman's novel and Luca Guadagnino's film 'Call Me By Your Name'
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Compare Elio with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 3
- Popularity Rank
- #508
- Total SSA Count
- 599
- Cultural Origins
- Italian Spanish French American
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Eli
Leo
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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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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Classic pairing, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Elio
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 Elio
What does the name Elio mean?
"sun" (from Greek). Elio comes from the Greek 'Helios,' the personification and god of the sun in ancient Greek mythology. The Italian and Spanish short form Elio strips away the 'H,' giving it a sleek, modern sound while retaining the solar symbolism. The name has been quietly used in Mediterranean cultures for decades but is now spreading globally.
What is the origin of the name Elio?
Elio has Greek, Italian, Spanish, French, and American origins. In Greek, it means "sun".
Is Elio a boy or girl name?
Elio is primarily used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Elio?
Elio is pronounced EHL-ee-oh.
How popular is the name Elio?
Elio is currently ranked #508 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Elio?
Common nicknames for Elio include Eli and Leo.
What are good middle names for Elio?
Popular middle name pairings include Elio James, Elio Marco, Elio Luca, Elio Sebastian, Elio Rafael, Elio Matteo, and Elio Felix.
What are good sibling names for Elio?
Names that pair well with Elio as siblings include Luca, Matteo, Marco, Aria, Luna, Stella, and Giulia.
How many syllables does Elio have?
Elio has 3 syllables, making it distinctive and rhythmic.
Is Elio a common or rare name?
Elio is moderately common, ranked #508 for boys in the US. You will encounter it, but it stands out.
What boy names are similar to Elio?
About the Name Elio
Elio is a boy name with Italian, Spanish, French, and American origins . The name means "sun" in Greek .
Elio is currently ranked #508 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Elio has 3 syllables and is pronounced EHL-ee-oh, making it distinctive and memorable.
Common nicknames for Elio include Eli and Leo. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Elio include Elijah, Elias, Eli, Elian, Eliam . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
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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