Elio is a name of Italian origin that has gained popularity in recent years. It is derived from the Latin word "Helius," which means "sun." In Roman mythology, Helius was the god of the sun, known for his golden chariot that he drove across the sky each day.
The name Elio has been used throughout history and has been worn by several notable figures. One of the most famous was Elio Segrè, an Italian physicist who won the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1959 for his discovery of the antiproton. Another notable figure is Elio Villafranca, a Cuban-American jazz pianist and composer.
In addition to its historical significance, Elio has also been popularized in recent years by various forms of media. For example, it was used as the name of the protagonist in the 2017 film "Call Me by Your Name," which became a critical and commercial success. The name has also appeared in several television shows and novels.
Overall, Elio is a name with a rich history and cultural significance. Its meaning, derived from the sun god Helius, gives it a powerful and majestic connotation. Despite its Italian roots, Elio has been embraced by people of various backgrounds and nationalities, making it a truly global name.
The name Elio experienced a significant increase in popularity from the late 2010s onwards, with a notable spike starting around 2020. Between 1912 and 2015, annual births with the name Elio remained relatively low, fluctuating between 5 to 68 births per year. However, beginning in 2016, there was a marked increase, with over 40 births recorded annually until reaching a peak of 422 births in 2023. This trend suggests that the name Elio has gained substantial traction and popularity in recent years.