In 2025, nearly 25,000 boys carried this first name in France. With its Italian charm and its lively sound, it rose in the top 50 of the most attributed male first names. Behind its simplicity hides a rich story, between biblical traditions, Mediterranean roots and contemporary trends.
Origins between Italy and Hebrew
This Italian diminutive, derived from Giovanni, means in Hebrew “God grades”. In the peninsula, he is also the affectionate hypocoristic of Saturnino, Antonino or Luciano. Some even see Occitan roots, strengthening its anchoring in the south.
Celebrated on June 24, the first name Nino is associated with values of knowledge, intelligence, wisdom, independence and meditation. So many assets that explain its growing popularity.
A dazzling ascent since the 2000s
If he had only made a discreet appearance in the registers in 1950, this first name was truly imposed in the late 1980s, at the same time as Matteo and Enzo. Since 2000, its attributions have been multiplied by twenty.
In 2022, he crossed the 2,000 annual birth mark, confirming his success. Today he appears in the top 10 of several departments of Occitanie (Corrèze, Lot, Tarn) and particularly seduces Parisian parents. On the other hand, it remains more discreet in Italy, where it only appeared at 461ᵉ row.
In tune with the times: short first names and “o”
The wave of short first names (4 to 6 letters, one or two syllables) largely had its success. In the wake of Léo, Milo, Elio or Pablo, he embodies this new generation of Italian and solar first names which illuminate French maternities.
In France, it is now attributed to almost one boy in 65 and is 79ᵉ rang the most given names since 2000. With its timeless charm, it could still gain ground in the coming years.
Emblematic figures
Many artists and sportsmen have contributed to his notoriety:
- Nino Rota, Italian composer (1911-1979);
- Nino Manfredi, actor and director (1921-2004);
- Nino Cerruti, Couturier (1930-2022);
- Nino Ferrer, French singer (1934-1998);
- Nino Schurter, Swiss mountain biker, world champion (born in 1986).
So many personalities who strengthen the aura of a first classic, modern and international first name.