Lito

♂ Boy

Pronounced LEE-toh /ˈliː.toʊ/Medium

Meaning: Lito comes from the Spanish diminutive ending -ito/-lito, which turns a name into a fond little version: Carlos becomes Carlito, Angel becomes Angelito. Clipped free, Lito becomes a nickname in its own right. Because it can stand for many parent names, its route is uncertain, which we note.Low

In 30 seconds: Lito is the tender tail of Spanish pet names — Carlito, Angelito — set free on its own (said 'LEE-toh'). Routes are uncertain, which we note.

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Origin LowSpanish

MeaningLito comes from the Spanish diminutive ending -ito/-lito, which turns a name into a fond little version: Carlos becomes Carlito, Angel becomes Angelito. Clipped free, Lito becomes a nickname in its own right. Because it can stand for many parent names, its route is uncertain, which we note.

U.S. rank (2024)#13403 ↘ Falling

2024 U.S. births5 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2017

Total births (all-time)≈ 33

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Lito grows out of the Spanish diminutive suffix -ito, the ending that makes a name smaller and dearer. Carlito, Angelito, Manolito all end in it, and in family speech the tail alone often becomes the everyday name. Lito is common as a nickname across the Spanish-speaking world and in the Philippines; as a formal given name it is rare, and its route depends on the family. Routes are uncertain, which we note (said 'LEE-toh').

It is very rare as a given name in the U.S. Rare, affectionate, and easy.

Did you know? Spanish loves the affectionate ending -ito, and Lito is what happens when the ending walks off with the name. Which parent name it came from varies, which we note.

Overall data confidence 34%

References — Lito — Spanish diminutive -ito/-lito used as a name; parent name varies

Variations

LittoCarlitoAngelito

Nicknames

LiToto

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Lito mean?

Lito comes from the Spanish diminutive ending -ito, the fond 'little' tail of names like Carlito and Angelito. Its parent name varies, so routes are uncertain.

How do you pronounce Lito?

It's said LEE-toh /ˈliː.toʊ/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Lito a boy or girl name?

Lito is used as a boy's name.

How popular is Lito?

Lito is a very rare given name for boys in the U.S.