Alessio

Meaning & origin

Alessio is the Italian form of Alexius, rooted in the Greek 'alexein' meaning to defend. In the United States, the name first appeared in recorded data in 1922, but remained relatively rare for decades. Since 1987, its usage has been steadily rising, reaching its peak rank of 867 in 2025, with approximately 1 in every 6,189 boys receiving the name. The name's trajectory shows sustained growth, particularly in states with larger Italian-American populations such as New Mexico, Connecticut, and New York. While still moderate in overall frequency, Alessio fits a broader trend of parents choosing authentic, ethnic European names for their sons, combining a classic heritage with a modern sound.

Alessio is the Italian form of Alexius, derived from the Greek name Alexios, meaning 'defender' or 'helper', ultimately from the verb 'alexein' meaning 'to defend' or 'to ward off'. The name was borne by Saint Alexius of Rome, a fifth-century ascetic widely venerated in Eastern and Western Christianity, which helped spread its use across Europe. In Italy, Alessio has been a consistent choice for boys, especially in the south and in regions with strong Catholic traditions.