When it comes to naming your dog, you want to come up with something original. By choosing from Italian dog names, you can give your pup a name that stands out at the dog park. There are many ways you could go about choosing an Italian dog name. You could be traditional with nomi di persone, or get silly and name your pooch after your favorite cheese or pasta!
This list of 30 Italian dog names will help you pick a name that is perfetto for your canine.
Personality-based names
1. Valentino
Traditionally, Valentino means “brave” or “strong.” But if you’re a fashion lover, you may want to name your pup after the designer.
2. Gabbana
If you’re not a Valentino fan, then maybe you like Gabbana! The name means “creative man.”
3. Mario and Luigi
You can’t break up this dynamic duo! The name Mario, from the god Mars, means “warlike,” and Luigi means “renowned fighter.”
4. Bacio
What pup doesn’t like to give her owner kisses? Bacio, meaning “kiss,” is a great name for your affectionate pup.
5. Dolce
While many may think of the word “Dolce” as the partner to “Gabbana,” it actually means “sweet” in Italian. Another great name for an affectionate dog!
6. Zitto
If you have a collie or another dog that doesn’t bark much, you may want to consider the name Zitto. Zitto means “quiet” in Italian.
7. Pavarotti
Have a howler on your hands? Name him after the famous opera singer Luciano Pavarotti.
8. Uffa
Similar to the saying “oy vey,” uffa is a sigh of distress — perfect for a dog who may be a little mischievous.
9. Colombo
Colombo is a good choice for the pup that likes to seek and explore, like a basset hound.
Appearance-based names
10. Baffi
If you have a bearded collie, you may want to consider naming him Baffi, which means “mustache.”
11. Bruno
Bruno is a classic name for someone with brown hair. If your dog has a brown coat, Bruno is definitely a good pick!
12. Cesare
A long-haired terrier is the perfect match for this noble name.
13. Primo
You’ll always remember your number-one fur baby with a name like Primo. Primo means “first” in Italian.
14. Rocco
Rocco is a strong Italian name that means “battle cry.”
15. Ghirardelli
A chocolate lab is just begging to be named Ghirardelli. It may be a bit of a mouthful, but at least it’s a delicious one!
16. Espresso
If you love coffee and your energetic miniature pinscher, Espresso should be on the top of your list of potential names.
17. Tino
Love small breeds? The name Tino, meaning “small,” will be perfect for your teacup pooch.
18. Bella
Bella is not only a classic Italian girl name, but also a beautiful name for your little principessa.
19. Toro
Is your dog built like a bull? Why not name him Toro?
20. Bianca
Bianca, meaning “white,” is a fitting name for dogs like the Maltese or poodle.
21. Leona
Your Tibetan mastiff may get mistaken for a lion. If that’s the case, you may want to name her Leona, which means “lion.”
22. Alto
Alto, meaning “tall,” is a perfect name for an Italian greyhound.
23. Pelo
Have a furball for a dog? Go for a literal name like Pelo, which means “hair” or “fur.”
24. Lupo
Dogs such as huskies are well-suited for the name Lupo, which means “wolf.”
Food-based names
25. Salame
Dachshunds are often called “hot dogs.” Why not give it a unique spin by naming her after an Italian type of sausage, like Salame?
26. Caramello
Caramello, meaning “caramel,” is a good match for dogs with caramel coats.
27. Nutella
Have a sweet dog with a rich, brown coat? Then name him after Nutella, the popular hazelnut spread.
28. Cannoli
While we are on the topic of sweet dog names, Cannoli, a Sicilian pastry, is the perfect name for a tan-and-white dog such as a Jack Russell terrier.
29. Mozzarella
If you want to put a funny spin on the name of your white dog, try Mozzarella. Not only is it creative, it’s fun to say, too!
30. Linguine
If you don’t like Salame as a name for your skinny dog, why not try Linguine? Linguine is pasta in long, thin strands.
