The 200 Best Italian Dog Names
Photo by Chewy Studios
| A | |
|---|---|
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Adelina |
Meaning “noble or nobility,” it’s great for a girl pup with a regal vibe. |
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Affogato |
This Italian-invented dessert combines espresso and ice cream for a match made in heaven. For dogs with brown and white patches, there’s no sweeter pick. |
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Alberico |
Does your dog have a bit of a magical streak? This Italian name means “elf king.” |
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Aldon |
Meaning “old one” or “elder.” Great for the older adopted dog or the puppy who has the wisdom of an old soul. |
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Alessandro |
Alessandro Volta was the Italian physicist who invented the electric battery. If you’ve got a pup whose energy never stops, it might be a perfect fit. |
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Alfio |
For pups who have a set of pipes, this name is a nod to Australian-Italian tenor, songwriter, musician and composer Alfio Bonanno. |
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Alfredo |
Do you find yourself talking to your dog, and even asking their opinion? This name, meaning “wise counselor,” is a good fit for your canine advisor. |
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Allegra |
Meaning “joyful, happy or lively,” it’s a fitting moniker for most puppies. |
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Alessa |
Meaning “defender or helper of mankind,” for the pup who is always on the lookout for danger. |
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Aloe |
Though you may associate this name with the aloe vera plant, it’s also an Italian girls’ name. Perfect for the pet parent with a green thumb. |
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Amadore |
Meaning “gift of love,” aka what your dog gives you unconditionally every single day. |
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Amalfi |
A beautiful town in Italy on the Gulf of Salerno that’s popular with tourists—perfect for the pup who’s always on vacation. |
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Amara |
A romantic name for a ladylike dog. |
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Amaretto |
A sweet, almond-flavored Italian liqueur, this name pairs well with brown pups. |
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Amerigo |
Got an adventurous dog? Name them for Italian explorer Amerigo Vespucci. |
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Angelo |
Meaning “angel” or “messenger,” it’s a great pick for your heaven-sent pupper. |
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Antonietta |
A fancy name meaning “priceless” (just like your dog!) with cute nicknames like Netta, Toni and Netty. |
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Arancia |
Italian for “orange,” it’s a cute choice for a dog with ginger-colored fur. |
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Aria |
Meaning “song or melody,” an aria is a solo vocal piece. Perfect if your pup loves to put on a show with her operatic howl. |
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Armani |
For high-class pups who can pull off any new style, name them for Italian fashion designer Giorgio Armani. |
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Arnolfo |
Meaning “powerful,” this name was made famous by Arnolfo di Cambio, an Italian architect and sculptor of the 13th century who designed the Florence Cathedral. Perfect for dogs who are both strong and statuesque. |
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Aurelia |
Meaning “the golden one.” Could there be a more fitting name for your Golden Retriever? |
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Azzurro |
Italian for “light blue,” this would be an exotic name for a blue-eyed breed, such as a Siberian Husky or Australian Shepherd. |
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B
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| Bambina | This cute name, meaning “young girl,” is a perfect Italian puppy name |
| Basilio | For a sophisticated dog, this name means “royal” or “kingly.” |
| Belinda | Meaning “beautiful,” it’s an apt Italian name for a pretty pup. |
| Bella | Another name meaning “beautiful,” it’s one of the most popular dog names in recent years. |
| Belladonna | Meaning “beautiful woman,” for an especially lovely lady dog. |
| Bellini | This tasty cocktail that originated in Venice, Italy, is made with Prosecco and peach purée or nectar. A sweet name for a sweet dog. |
| Belvedere | Meaning “beautiful view.” Hey, the addition of a dog makes any view beautiful. |
| Benvenuto | In Italy, this name was used to express joy at the birth of a much-anticipated child—or in your case, a much-beloved dog. |
| Benvolio | For fans of the classics, this was the name of Romeo’s cousin who tries to keep the peace in Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet.” |
| Bertoldo | Is your dog your benevolent overlord? This stately name, which means “bright ruler,” gives them the appropriate respect they deserve. |
| Bianca | Meaning “white, shining,” an especially apt name for a dog with white fur. As dog names in Italian go, it’s pretty spot-on. |
| Biscotti | Is your dog so cute you just want to dunk them in your coffee? Name them after these Italian dunking cookies. |
| Bolognese | A meat-based sauce in Italian cuisine, typical of the city of Bologna—and also the name of a dog breed. |
| Bravo | Meaning “excellent, courageous,” for the dogs who aren’t afraid of anything (well, except maybe the occasional thunderstorm). |
| Brandi | Meaning “fiery beacon or sword,” it’s a great name for a pup with a feisty personality. |
| Bria | Meaning “vivacity or liveliness”—perfect for your high-energy dog. |
| Brizio | Is your pup the fastest one at the dog park? Commemorate their speedy paws with this Italian name meaning “swift.” |
| Bronzo | Italian for “bronze,” it’s a great name for dogs with light- or medium-brown fur. |
| Buongiorno | Italian for “good morning” or “good day,” for the dog who gets you out of bed in the morning. |
| C | |
|---|---|
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Callisto |
The name of several early saints, meaning “best or most fair” for the dog who is always on their best behavior. |
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Cameo |
From Italian “cammeo” which refers to a portrait carved on a gem. Because your dog is also a priceless work of art. |
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Cannoli |
A treat as sweet as your dog, these Italian pastries are made from tube-shaped shells of fried pastry dough stuffed with a creamy filling. |
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Caprice |
Meaning “whimsical or playful”—which pretty much sums up every puppy on earth. |
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Capri |
This Italian island in the Bay of Naples is famous for attracting artists with its beautiful scenery—an apt name for your masterpiece of a dog. |
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Carabelle |
A melodic name meaning “beloved or friend,” both of which describe your pup. |
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Carina |
Is your dog a star? Name them for this constellation in the southern sky that is part of the larger constellation, Argo Navis, which represents the mythical ship Argo on which Jason and the Argonauts sailed to find the Golden Fleece. |
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Carlotta |
For graceful dogs who can pirouette like Italian ballet dancer Carlotta Grisi. |
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Carmelo |
For dogs who leap high and love chasing balls, name them after professional basketball player Carmelo Anthony. |
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Cavalletto |
Italian for “grasshopper,” it could be a match for a dog with an impressive vertical leap. |
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Cirocco |
Meaning “warm wind,” it’s a cute pick for a dog with a breezy, laid-back personality. |
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Clemente |
Meaning “mild” or “merciful,” it’s a chill name for mild-mannered dogs. |
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Como |
For water-loving dogs, this name calls to mind the picture-perfect Lake Como. |
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Contessa |
Does your dog love food? Cook and author Ina Garten made this old Italian title modern with her cooking show “Barefoot Contessa.” |
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Cosme |
For cosmically gifted pups, this name means “order, harmony or beauty.” |
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Crostini |
An Italian-style appetizer of toasted bread and tasty toppings, for the dog who loves to eat as much as you do. |
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Cucciolo |
Meaning “baby animal,” usually a puppy or kitten, this Italian name is used as a term of endearment and might just be one of the most perfect Italian puppy names. |
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D
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Dante |
Looking for a poetic name for your pup? In Italy, Dante Alighieri, famous for “The Divine Comedy,” is often referred to as “il Sommo Poeta” (“the Supreme Poet”). |
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Desiderio |
Meaning “wish” (as in, “this is the dog I’ve always wished for!”), this name can be shortened to Desi for less formal occasions. |
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Donna |
For the stately pooch in your house, this name means “lady.” |
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Donetta |
Another name meaning “lady,” for the new girl pup in your home. |
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Drago |
Italian for “dragon.” Perfect for fiery dogs or those who like to hoard their toys. |
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| E | |
|---|---|
| Elda | Meaning “warrior,” for the vigilant pup who doesn’t let anything slip through their yard unnoticed. |
| Elio | Meaning “sun or sunshine.” We can’t think of a better name for the dog who brightens your day. |
| Elmo | Whether you’re a fan of Saint Elmo or Elmo of “Sesame Street,” this endearing Italian name is perfect for your pooch. |
| Eleonora | The name of a short story by Edgar Allen Poe, this name means “shining light.” (Your pup is the light of your life, after all.) |
| Emanuela | If you’re a fan of comics, name your pup after Emanuela Lupacchino, an Italian artist who illustrates for Marvel, DC and Valiant. Cute nicknames include Emma, Emmy and Ela. |
| Emiliana | Translating to “rival,” this name gives the more common Emily a distinctly Italian flair, and is perfect for pups with a competitive spirit. |
| Enfasi | Translating to “emphasis” in Italian, it’s an apt pick for the dog who punctuates all their activities with a bark. |
| Enrica | This name translates to “home ruler”—because we know who runs the show around your house. |
| Enzo | Is your dog speedy? Name them after Italian racing driver Enzo Ferrari, who founded the Italian automotive company that bears his name. |
| Erminio | An Italian name with ties to the Greek god Hermes, the messenger god of speed and good luck—two things your pup might have in abundance. |
| Espresso | A perfect name if your dog jolts you awake every morning with the same joy as you get from a dose of this strong Italian-style coffee. |
| Ettore | Meaning “loyal,” which fits every dog to a tee. |
| F | |
|---|---|
| Fabrizio | Do you have a dog who loves summiting mountains? Name them after mountaineer and alpinist Fabrizio Zangrilli. |
| Fantasia | Meaning “fantasy,” a musical term for a composition that is free in form and inspiration. In your case, though, it could just mean that you’re living the dream of dog parenthood. |
| Farfalla | Italian for “butterfly,” which just might be your dog’s favorite thing to chase in the backyard. |
| Fausto | Meaning “fortunate or lucky,” which you’ll probably feel you are whenever you spend time with your dog. |
| Felice | Meaning “happy” in Italian, it’s a great name for a pup who’s never down in the dumps. |
| Fettuccine | A cute name for foodie dogs who love their dinners. |
| Fia | For pups with red fur or a feisty personality (or both), this name means “flame” or “a flickering fire.” |
| Fico | Forget Fido and go for this unique Italian name, meaning “fig,” instead. |
| Fiero | Meaning “proud,” it’s a great name for your furry pride and joy. |
| Fiorella | Meaning “flower,” it’s a pretty name for a girl dog. |
| Filomena | Meaning “friend of strength” or “loved one,” both of which describe your dog perfectly. |
| Florence | The capital of Tuscany, famous for its art and architecture, this name can also mean “flourishing,” which is exactly what you hope for your new dog. |
| Focaccia | A flat oven-baked Italian bread flavored with olive oil—a perfect name for tan-colored dogs or any pup who loves to eat. |
| Francesco | Athletic dogs might bring to mind famous Italian soccer player Francesco Totti. |
| Frittelle | These traditional Italian Christmas Eve doughnuts are fried, delicious and nearly as fluffy as your favorite pup. |
| Furbo | Meaning “clever,” for precocious pups who are fast learners. |
| G | |
|---|---|
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Galileo |
Galileo Galilei was a brilliant Italian natural philosopher, astronomer and mathematician. An excellent pick for especially smart dogs. |
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Geno |
Meaning “noble aristocrat.” For the handsome boy dog in your life. |
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Giovanni |
The Italian equivalent of John, it’s belonged to famous Italian athletes, artists, religious leaders, scientists and beyond. If you’re looking for the quintessential Italian dog name, this is your pick. |
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Ghita |
Meaning “pearl,” it’s the best Italian dog name for a white dog who’s as precious as this stone. |
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Gia |
A cute, petite name perfect for toy breeds or small dogs. |
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Gilberto |
Speed demon dogs who often get the zoomies will be appropriately named after Italian motorcycle racer Gilberto Parlotti. |
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Ginevra |
Meaning “white wave or white shadow,” it’s an ideal name for a white dog who never leaves your side. |
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Giulio |
For dogs who will always be puppies at heart, this name means “youthful.” |
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Giuseppe |
Does your dog love a good howl? Name them for Giuseppe Verdi, the famous Italian opera composer. |
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Giustino |
If your dog just can’t get enough tennis balls, name them for Italian tennis player Lorenzo Giustino. |
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Gnocchi |
A cute Italian pasta that resembles a small dumpling (like your new dog, perhaps). |
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Gracian |
Meaning “beloved or dear,” both of which describe your pup. |
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Grigio |
The Italian word for gray works for both gray-colored dogs and pet parents who enjoy white wine. |
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Grissini |
These thin and crispy Italian breadsticks make the perfect snack or appetizer—making this a cute name for a snack-sized pup. |
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Guglielmo |
Meaning “resolute protector,” it’s a good pick for dogs who are guardians at heart. |
| H | |
|---|---|
| Heroica |
For your brave and courageous heroine. |
| I | |
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Italo |
This name literally means “from Italy.” Great for Italian breeds, like an Italian Greyhound, Cane Corso or Neapolitan Mastiff. |
| K | |
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| Kara |
A modern spelling for the Italian term of endearment, “cara.” Because you’ll dote on your dog in any language. |
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| L | |
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Lelia |
This dainty and delicate name will fit your lovely lady pup. |
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Lento |
An Italian musical term meaning “slowly,” for the dog who goes through life at their own pace. |
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Leonardo |
Meaning “hardy,” “brave” and “strong,” this is a great name for powerful pups (or for pet parents who are fans of Leonardo DiCaprio). |
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Leonore |
The name of the heroine in Ludwig van Beethoven’s only opera, “Fidelio,” this name means “light,” making it perfect for a pup who loves to “sing” or one with light-colored fur. |
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Linguini |
The name of this pasta doubles as a cute nod to your dog’s love for eating (or the white or tan color of their coat). |
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Limoncello |
A yellow Italian liquor made from lemon zest, sugar, water and grappa or vodka, it’s a cute name for dogs with blond (aka yellow) fur. |
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Lucia |
This name means “light,” for the pup who shines like a star. |
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Lucciola |
Italian for “firefly,” a cute name for the dog who lights up your nights (and days, too). |
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Luigi |
Love video games? Why not name your pup after this video game character of Super Mario fame who is the sidekick of his fraternal twin brother Mario. |
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Luna |
Meaning “moon,” it’s one of the most popular pet names in recent years. |
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Lupo |
An Italian family name derived from the Latin “lupus,” meaning wolf, making it one of the best dog names in Italian. |
| M | |
|---|---|
| Matteo | Meaning “gift of God,” it’s an adorable name for a dog you feel was heaven-sent. |
| Marcello | Meaning “young warrior,” try this Italian puppy name for the dog who isn’t afraid of a little tussle. |
| Mario | If you’re a fan of video games, give your pup the name of one of the most famous gaming characters: Super Mario, the Italian plumber who lives in the Mushroom Kingdom and often sets out to rescue Princess Peach. |
| Marrone | Translating to “brown,” it’s a fancy-sounding way to call out the color of your dog’s brown fur. |
| Mezzanotte | The Italian word for “midnight,” perfect for dogs with black fur. |
| Mia | Translating to “mine,” this name lets everyone know who your dog’s parent is. |
| Michelangelo | Want to give your dog a name with serious gravitas? Take inspiration from this famous Italian sculptor, painter, architect and poet of the Renaissance. |
| Milan | Named for the Italian fashion capital, it’s perfect for stylish pups who are always showcasing the latest trends. |
| Mona | Because your dog is every bit as beautiful as the Italian masterpiece the Mona Lisa. |
| Montepulciano | A medieval hilltop town in Tuscany known for its red wine—perfect for dogs with red fur (or pet parents who enjoy a glass of red). |
| Mozzarella | Mozzie, Mozz-balls, Ozzie, Rella—the potential cute nicknames from this cheese are endless. It’s an especially apt name for dogs who are white (y’know, like the cheese). |
| N | |
|---|---|
| Nardo | Meaning “strong, hardy,” like your new dog, perhaps? |
| Narissa | Meaning “sea nymph,” this name is fitting for dogs whose idea of paradise is a day at the beach. |
| Nebbia | This name translates to “mist,” making it perfect for a dog with a misty gray coat. |
| Nero | Italian for the color black, which just might be the color of your new dog’s fur. |
| Neve | Italian for “snow,” it’s a simple name for a white dog. |
| Nicolas | A great Italian name if your dog puts on Blockbuster performances like actor Nicolas Cage. |
| Nilda | Meaning “ready for battle.” Give this Italian name to an underdog (pun intended!) who never gives up the fight. |
| Nino | The shortened version of Antonino, your dog is sure to love this Italian name, which means “highly praiseworthy” (especially if you show your praise in the form of treats). |
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O
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Onofrio |
An Italian adaptation of the Egyptian word Onnophris meaning “always glad.” Perfect for a pup who never lets life get them down. |
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Ortensa |
An earthy name that has various meanings tied to gardens and flowers. If your dog loves the great outdoors, this might be the name for her. |
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| P | |
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Pamina |
Meaning “little honey,” for dogs who are busy as bees and sweet as honey. |
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Pappardelle |
This large, broad, flat pasta, similar to fettuccine, also makes a great name for large, broad dogs. |
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Pavarotti |
Legendary opera tenor Luciano Pavarotti was well-known for his passionate performances. If your pup loves to sing, too, it’s a perfect match. |
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Pelosa |
The Italian word for “furry,” this one speaks for itself. |
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Perla |
Meaning “pearl,” especially apt for a dog with pearl-white fur. |
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Pipistrello |
This adorable name means “bat” in Italian, making it a good pick for dogs with extra-large “bat ears.” (We’re looking at you, French Bulldog.) |
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Premo |
Meaning “first,” this name is perfect for the good boy who holds the top spot in your heart. |
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Primavera |
This darling name means “spring”—which just might be when you brought home your new pup. |
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Principessa |
Translating to “princess,” it’s a great name for girl dogs with a regal air. |
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Prosecco |
A sparkling wine from Northeast Italy, it’s a cute pick for a dog with a bubbly personality. |
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Puglia |
The home of some of Italy’s most famous pasta dishes and breads, it’s a great choice for lovers of Italian food (the parents, not the dogs, of course). |
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Punto |
Meaning “point” or “spot” in Italian, it’s an apt name for a dog with a spotted coat. |
| R | |
|---|---|
| Ragu | This tasty Italian red sauce served over pasta would make a cute name for a dog with a red coat. |
| Regina | The Italian word for “queen,” and an apt choice for your own furry royalty. |
| Rico | This shortened name adds some spice to the more sophisticated Enrico, meaning “king”—as in, the king of your heart. |
| Rochelle | An Italian twist on Rachel, this name means “little rock” or “rest,” so it’s especially well-suited to small breeds who love naptime. |
| Rodolfo | Meaning “famous wolf,” this one’s for dogs whose reputation precedes them. |
| Rome | The capital city of Italy and a great name for stately dogs with a long history. |
| Romeo | Shakespeare’s tragic star-crossed lover. Plus, how fun would it be to call your dog in from the backyard: “Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art thou, Romeo?” |
| Romilda | Translating to “glorious battle maiden,” you won’t find a more badass Italian dog name than this one. |
| Rosso | Italian for the color red, like your dog’s fur, perhaps? |
| S | |
|---|---|
| Sergio | Film buffs can take inspiration from influential Italian film director Sergio Leone, who popularized the “spaghetti western.” |
| Serafina | Meaning “seraphim” or “angel.” Angelic dogs will find this divine name fitting. |
| Sicily | Italy’s largest island. A breezy, Mediterranean name for a breezy, Mediterranean pup. |
| Sienna | Meaning “orange-red” or the burnt orange color of Italian clay rooftops, it’s a great name for a dog with a coat to match. |
| Silvana | This girl’s name meaning “woodland or forest” is great for gals who love a romp in the great outdoors. |
| Sirocco | A musical name that means “warm wind,” for the Mediterranean breeze that comes from the Sahara. |
| Sonata | A style of musical composition for one or two instruments, for music lovers (pets and people alike). |
| Sorellina | Italian for “little sister,” making this a cute name for the newest dog in your pack. |
| Speranza | Meaning “hope,” this is a unique name that you won’t hear every day. |
| Stefano | Meaning “crown,” this Italian version of Stephen or Steve befits dogs with a royal attitude. |
| Stella | Meaning “star”—which your pup obviously is! |
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| T | |
|---|---|
| Tartufo | What’s better than one flavor of ice cream? How about two combined in this Italian dessert. Consider this name for dogs with two different shades of fur. |
| Tempesta | For dogs with a stormy temperament. |
| Tesoro | Meaning “treasure,” which your dog most certainly is. |
| Tiramisu | For dainty dogs who love layering up on tasty treats. |
| Tito | A short, zesty name for a vivacious dog with a big personality. |
| Topolino | Italian for “little mouse,” a charming name that sounds as cute as its meaning. |
| Tortellini | This ring-shaped stuffed pasta originally from the Italian region of Emilia would make an adorable name for one of the stockier dog breeds, like a Bulldog. |
| Tosca | Opera fans can name their pup after this famous production by Italian composer Giacomo Puccini. |
| Traviata | Alternately, you can also show your love for opera by naming your dog after “La traviata,” the renowned opera by Giuseppe Verdi. |
| Tuscany | Romance, charm, beauty, culture, food—Tuscany has it all. A great name for the dog who is also the total package. |
| U | |
|---|---|
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Uberta |
Meaning “bright or shining intellect” for your smart-as-a-whip girl. |
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Ugo |
For the boys with the smarts, this name means “thinker.” |
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Umberto |
A kingly name meaning “renowned warrior.” |
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Ursel |
Italian for “bear”—for the fluffiest dogs who might be mistaken for bruins or those who are as sweet as teddy bears. |
| V | |
|---|---|
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Valentino |
Meaning “brave or strong,” just like your dog. |
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Vallombrosa |
This forest resort near Florence, Italy, is famous for its historic monastery. If your dog loves to explore nature, it’s a match. |
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Vedetta |
Meaning “sentry or lookout,” this name is perfect for the guard pup who lets no mailman slip by on their watch. |
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Venice |
Is your dog a lover? Name them after one of the most romantic cities in all of Europe. |
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Verde |
Italian for the color green, this could be a nod to nature or just your favorite color. |
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Verona |
Fans of classic literature know that this city on the Adige River in Veneto, Italy, is most famous for being the setting of Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet.” |
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Vesuvio |
Meaning “from the volcano,” this name references Mount Vesuvius, one of the three active volcanoes in Italy. If your dog has a lava-hot temper or explosive speed, this might be the name for them. |
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Vicenza |
A city in northern Italy known as the “City of Gold”—especially apt for “dogs of gold,” aka dogs with golden fur. |
| Z | |
|---|---|
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Zan |
Is your dog a little goofy? This Italian word meaning “clown” is a cute name for silly pups who love to fool around. |
| Zeta |
Italian for the letter Z, it’s short, sweet and fun—just like your dog. |
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We hope this list of Italian dog names has helped you find the best dog name for your pup. Looking for more? Check out our other lists of gender neutral dog names.
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