Another story goes back to the 1930s, The cocktail was then named in honor of the Italian boxer Primo Carnera, active in the United States, and for that reason called the Americano.
The Americano became a popular cocktail over the years, achieving fame thanks also to its mention in movies: it is one of James Bond's favorite cocktails, the first drink ordered by Bond in the first novel in Ian Fleming's series, Casino Royale.