Nino

♂ Boy

Pronounced NEE-noh /ˈniː.noʊ/High

Meaning: Italian and Spanish short form of Giovanni/Antonino ('God is gracious' / 'priceless'), also a Georgian feminine name meaning 'child of God'; as a boy's name primarily Italian/SpanishHigh

In 30 seconds: A cheerful Italian and Spanish nickname-name, short for Giovanni or Antonino. Nino has a warm, friendly sound and is beloved across Southern Europe, particularly in Italy and Georgia.

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Origin HighItalian, Spanish, Georgian

MeaningItalian and Spanish short form of Giovanni/Antonino ('God is gracious' / 'priceless'), also a Georgian feminine name meaning 'child of God'; as a boy's name primarily Italian/Spanish

U.S. rank (2024)#3129 ↘ Falling

2024 U.S. births39 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year1998

Total births (all-time)≈ 2,687

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

History & Origin

As a boy's name, Nino is primarily an Italian and Spanish diminutive of Giovanni (John) or Antonino (Anthony). In Italy it functions as an affectionate short form used throughout life. The name has long been common in Sicily, Sardinia, and mainland Italy. In Georgian culture, Nino is used for girls in honor of the apostle to Georgia.

Nino gained some international profile through jazz pianist Nino Rota, best known for composing the scores for Fellini's films and The Godfather. As a boy's name in English-speaking countries it remains rare but has an appealing simplicity that appeals to parents with Italian heritage.

Did you know? In Georgia (the country), Nino is one of the most popular girls' names, honoring Saint Nino, the 4th-century missionary who brought Christianity to the Georgians — so the same name has completely different gender associations depending on the country.

Overall data confidence 88%

Behind the Name — Nino — Italian, Spanish, and Georgian usageOxford Dictionary of First Names — Short-form origin from Giovanni/Antonino

Variations

GiovanniAntoninoGinoNinu

Nicknames

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Famous Bearers

★Nino Rota (1911–1979)
Italian composer famous for his film scores for Federico Fellini and for the first two Godfather films.

If you like Nino…

Gino— Italian short-form name with identical warm, two-syllable feel

Gio— short Italian form of Giovanni, same root

Luca— popular Italian classic with the same breezy sound

Enzo— Italian vintage short form with the same Southern European charm

Frequently Asked

What does the name Nino mean?

As an Italian/Spanish boy's name, Nino means 'God is gracious' as a short form of Giovanni (John), or 'priceless' as a short form of Antonino (Anthony).

How do you pronounce Nino?

Nino is pronounced NEE-noh (/ˈniː.noʊ/), two syllables with stress on the first.

Is Nino a boy or girl name?

In Italy and Spain, Nino is a boy's name. In Georgia (the country), Nino is a very popular girl's name honoring Saint Nino.

How popular is Nino?

Nino is popular in Italy and Georgia, and is a distinctive but accessible choice in English-speaking countries for families with Italian heritage.