Skip to content

125+ Italian Dog Names – From Italian Culture, Geography, Food & Mafia

Breeding Business is passionate about all sorts of domesticated pets. They have written dozens of articles across the web.
Italian Dog Names

Do you need a list of Italian dog names? No, you need more than that, you need the most complete list on the internet, and that is exactly what we are going to bring you!

Italy is an amazing source of inspiration for pup name ideas since it has a rich history and an amazing culture. That is why we have used all things Italy to build our list and guide.

It is especially helpful if you have an Italian dog such as the Neapolitan Mastiff, the Cane Corso or the Lagotto Romagnolo. You will definitively find a name that identifies your puppy!

Go through thousands of great dog name ideas with their meanings!

Italian Puppy Names Inspired By Meaningful Words

Since we have plenty of options on our list, we have picked some that represent different traits that your dog might have. Therefore, along with each pick, you will find our advice on how to use such names in the best way.

Is your dog manly, powerful and strong? These are stark traits, and therefore, we have obtained a name for such puppies, Carlo. It means “manly” in Italian, and therefore, it makes a superb choice. It is strong from the moment you hear it, and since it is short, it will be easy to remember.

Do you think your dog is especially cheerful and lively? If so, then you could name it Ilario, which means “cheerful” in Italian. We picked this name because many dogs have such traits such as the Bichon Frise and the Beagle. In those cases, it would make a perfect choice.

Is your dog notoriously smart? Some puppies are exceptionally intelligent, and if that is your case, then you could name yours Ugo, which is a word normally used to describe someone intelligent. Once again, since it has a good meaning behind it and it is short, it makes a superb pick. For breeds like the Border Collie, the Poodle mixes, the Manchester Terrier, and the Sheltie, it would be a magnificent name, since they are amongst the smartest dog breeds in the world.

Do you have a female work puppy? Then you could call it Amalea, which means “hardworking” in Italian. It represents one of the most notorious traits from your pet, and in addition, it sounds feminine and elegant. It would be a superb pick for a Tervuren or German shepherd.

Is your dog especially protective and authoritative? Then you should consider naming it Enrico, which means “the one who rules the home”. It makes a superb choice for breeds like the Rottweiler and the Great Dane.

If you liked the meaning, but you would like an alternative, then you could choose Enzo, which means the same. A nice alternative because it still sounds bold yet it is short, and for some people, it will be better sounding. If you own a protective breed, check out our list of guarding dog names!

List of Italian Dog Names

Here are several options of italian dog names for you to choose from:

  • Aldo
    Rich.
  • Allegra
    Joyful.
  • Alonza
    Battle-ready.
  • Alto
    Wolf.
  • Amalea
    Hard working.
  • Amalfi
    Amalfi coast.
  • Ambrosi
    Immortal.
  • Amico
    Friend.
  • Amore
    Love.
  • Angelo
    Angel.
  • Anita
    Grace.
  • Antonio
    Beyond praise.
  • Aria
    Melody.
  • Arturo
    Bear.
  • Augustus
    The founder of the Roman Principate.
  • Bacio
    Kiss.
  • Baffi
    Mustache.
  • Bambi
    Child.
  • Bambino
    Baby.
  • Baptiste
    John the Baptist.
  • Belinda
    Serpentine.
  • Belissimo
    Very beautiful.
  • Bella
    Beautiful.
  • Benedetta
    Blessed.
  • Binaca
    White.
  • Biscotti
    A thick spaghetti-like pasta.
  • Bravo
    Good boy.
  • Bruno
    Brown hair.
  • Budino
    A sweet Italian dish.
  • Cadenza
    Rhythmic.
  • Cane
    Dog.
  • Cannoli
    Delicious Italian pastries.
  • Carina
    Cute.
  • Carlo
    Manly.
  • Carmela
    Garden.
  • Catarina
    Pure.
  • Ceasar
    Roman general and leader.
  • Cira
    Sun.
  • Clarice
    Clear.
  • Claudius
    Another well-known Roman Emporer.
  • Como
    A lake.
  • Constanza
    Constant.
  • Corrado
    Bold.
  • Cucciolo
    Puppy, cub, or baby animal.
  • Da Vinci
    As in Leonardo Da Vinci.
  • Dante
    Lasting.
  • Dolce
    Sweet.
  • Donatello
    An Italian Renaissance sculptor.
  • Egidio
    Squire.
  • Elda
    Warrior.
  • Elena
    Light.
  • Elmo
    Worthy to be loved.
  • Enrico
    Rules the home.
  • Enzo
    Rules the home.
  • Ernesto
    Serious.
  • Espresso
    Concentrated coffee drink.
  • Ettore
    Loyal.
  • Fabio
    Bean grower.
  • Faust
    Lucky.
  • Fausta
    Lucky.
  • Flavia
    Blond.
  • Flavio
    Bland.
  • Florence
    Capital of Tuscany.
  • Galileo
    An important figure in modern science..
  • Gelato
    Italian ice cream.
  • Gemma
    Jewel.
  • Giuliano
    Youthful.
  • Gnocchi
    Thick, small dumplings.
  • Grazia
    Grace.
  • Grazie
    Thank you.
  • Guilia
    Youthful female.
  • Guiseppe
    He shall add.
  • Ignazio
    Fiery.
  • Ilario
    Cheerful.
  • John Paul
    Pope.
  • Leona
    Lion.
  • Leone
    Bold lion.
  • Lucio
    Light.
  • Luna
    Moon.
  • Lunetta
    Little moon.
  • Lupo
    Wolf.
  • Mamma Mia
    An expression.
  • Marco Polo
    A Venetian merchant.
  • Matador
    Bull tamer.
  • Michelangelo
    An Italian sculptor.
  • Milan
    Known for fashion.
  • Mona
    Lady.
  • Mussolini
    Italy’s Fascist leader.
  • Nero
    Emperor of the Julio-Claudian dynasty.
  • Olympia
    From Olympus.
  • Pasquale
    Born of passover.
  • Pavarotti
    Talented and flamboyant opera singer.
  • Peiro
    Rock.
  • Pelo
    Ultra hairy dog.
  • Pesto
    An Italian sauce.
  • Piapious
    Female.
  • Piccolo
    Little one.
  • Pietra
    Rock.
  • Pippa
    Lover of horses.
  • Pippino
    Whome who adds.
  • Pisa
    Home of famous tower.
  • Polpetto
    Meatball.
  • Pompeii
    Italian town.
  • Primo
    First.
  • Prosecco
    An Italian white wine.
  • Rachele
    Lamb.
  • Raphael
    An Italian painter and architect.
  • Ravioli
    Popular Italian pasta dishes.
  • Regina
    Queen.
  • Renata
    Rebirth.
  • Renzo
    Laurel.
  • Rinaldo
    Wise and power.
  • Risotto
    A northern Italian rice dish.
  • Roberto
    Wide fame.
  • Rocardo
    Firm ruler.
  • Rocco
    Battle cry.
  • Roma
    Rome.
  • Romano
    Rome.
  • Romeo
    Pilgrim from Rome.
  • Rosalie
    Rose.
  • Rosetta
    Little rose.
  • Rufina
    Red-haired.
  • Ruggero
    Famous spear.
  • Serena
    Serene.
  • Siena
    City in Tuscany.
  • Tesoro
    Treasure.
  • Tino
    Small.
  • Tiramisu
    A popular coffee-flavored Italian custard dessert.
  • Tito
    Giant.
  • Tommaso
    Twin.
  • Topolino
    Little mouse.
  • Toro
    Bull.
  • Trevi
    Trevi fountain.
  • Trista
    Sad.
  • Ugo
    Intelligent.
  • Venice
    City full of canals.
  • Venti
    Twenty in Italian.
  • Verace
    Famous Italian clothing company.
  • Verona
    Historical city.
  • Vino
    Wine in Italian.
  • Vita
    Life.
  • Ziti
    A thick spaghetti-like pasta.
  • Zitto
    Quiet.
  • Zuppa
    Soup in Italian.

Italian Dog Names Inspired By Food

There is no doubt that Italian food is simply delicious, and therefore, it is also an amazing source of inspiration for getting proper Italian puppy names. Find our top choices and tips below.

If you are looking for a name that screams Italy, then you should consider Risotto, which is one of the most popular dishes from Italian cuisine. In addition, from the moment you heart it you can tell it is Italian.

We also like the name Gnocchi, which would be a sweet choice for a small dog. Since these are small dumplings, then it makes sense to use this name. On top of that, it sounds tasty and original, so your dog will be the owner of an iconic and exotic name.

If you are a fan of pasta, then you need to consider Cannoli. It would be a superb name for long dog breeds since the form of this pasta resembles the shape of such dogs. Think of Teckel puppies for example.

If you are a fan of desserts, then you could name yours Tiramisu, like the delicious and popular Italian dessert. It would make even more sense if your dog has a sweet and lovely temperament, as well as a multi-colored coat like the appearance of this dish.

italian dog names
125+ Italian Dog Names – From Italian Culture, Geography, Food & Mafia

Italy-Inspired Dog Names Obtained from History and Culture

Since Italian culture and history is rich and full of interesting things, it is wise to use it as a source of inspiration. Below, you will find our top choices.

Let us check the past of Italy, the Roman Empire. From this period of history, we bring you one of the most iconic names from our list, Claudius, as the Roman emperor. It is an excellent name for an authoritative dog, but also a good choice when you want an ironic name for a small dog with a bold attitude.

Following the same line as the previous suggestion, you could name your dog Caesar. Another Roman emperor, who was also a formidable military general. Therefore, thanks to such traits, it will be suitable for a very specific set of dogs.

Music in Italy is full of great stars, and therefore, it is an essential part of Italian culture. In consequence, you could name your dog Pavarotti, like the famous opera singer. If your puppy has ever done an attempt to sign, then it will make perfect sense to choose this name for your pet.

Closing Down

As you see, you have plenty of Italian dog names to choose from. Because Italy is rich in culture, history, and talent. It is a magnificent source of name ideas for your puppy.

Now, since you have our list in your hands along with our tips and general advice, it will be much easier for you to pick the perfect name for your pet.

Browse thousands of great dog name ideas with their meanings!


Published on
Friday 22 May 2020
Last updated on
Friday 26 June 2020

Want more puppy name ideas?

Breeding Business is passionate about all sorts of domesticated pets. They have written dozens of articles across the web.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *