Ezio

Meaning & origin

Ezio has seen a remarkable rise in popularity since 2005, coinciding with the global success of the Assassin's Creed video game franchise. The name, which is the Italian form of the ancient Roman Aetius, entered U.S. records in 1915 and remained rare for decades. By 2025, it reached its peak rank of 1,222, with a 1-in-10,352 incidence among newborn boys. Its resurgence is particularly notable in states like Nebraska, Nevada, and Colorado, where it has found special favor. While the name carries historical weight from the Roman general Flavius Aetius, its modern appeal likely owes more to cultural influence than to tradition. The trajectory suggests continued growth, as Ezio has steadily climbed since the mid-2000s, making it a distinctive choice for parents attracted to its Italianate sound and strong associations.

Ezio is the Italian form of the Roman name Aetius, which may derive from the Greek word 'aetos' meaning 'eagle'. The name is most famously associated with the 5th-century Roman general Flavius Aetius, who defeated Attila the Hun at the Battle of the Catalaunian Plains. In Italy, the name has been used consistently since the Renaissance, though it has never been among the most common names. It gained renewed international visibility through the Assassin's Creed video game series, which features the protagonist Ezio Auditore da Firenze, set during the Italian Renaissance.