Italy is home to some of our favorite things, from delicious pasta and fine art to beloved dog breeds, like the Italian Greyhound and Cane Corso. If you share a love for Il Bel Paese, an Italian dog name could help you pass that passion on to your dog.
All of the following Italian dog names come from real dogs who have stayed with Rover. They’re hand-picked for their sound, feeling, and meaning. Whether you’re naming an Italian breed, want to honor your heritage, or just love the sound of the Italian language, these names are sure to point you in the right direction.
Top 20 Classic Italian Dog Names (Ordered by Rank)
If you want a truly authentic Italian dog name, you’re in the right place. The following Italian names come from real dogs in Italy and are ranked by their popularity on Rover. While not all of the top 20 names are strictly Italian in origin, their popularity amongst Italian pet parents means your pup will be in excellent company with any of these choices.
- Luna: Italian for “moon,” this is a classic, elegant name, also associated with femininity and the changing cycles of life (like welcoming home a new pup!).
- Bella: Meaning “beautiful” in Italian, this is the quintessential Italian pet name, and perfect for reflecting your pet’s inner beauty.
- Milo: A playful and affectionate name, often linked to the meaning “dear” or “gracious.” While it has Germanic roots, it’s a popular name not only in Italy, but globally.
- Stella: Italian for “star,” this name is excellent for a bright and shining new furry family member.
- Nala: A Swahili name meaning “queen” or “beloved,” popularized by The Lion King. While it’s not a classical Italian name, it’s often chosen for a graceful and loyal female dog.
- Leo: Latin for “lion,” this name is used across Italy as a short form of Leonardo or Leone. It’s a powerful, classic choice for a dog.
- Bruno: A Germanic name meaning “brown,” it’s common in Italy and a good choice for dogs with dark or brown coats.
- Mia: A short form of Maria, meaning “mine” in Italian, this simple, affectionate name is a popular choice for female pets worldwide.
- Simba: Also popularized in Italy by The Lion King, this powerful, regal name is Swahili for “lion” and is well-suited to large, brave dogs.
- Mimi: An affectionate diminutive of names like Maria or Miriam, used widely in Italy as a sweet, standalone pet name.
- Pepe: An Italian/Spanish diminutive of names like Giuseppe, this playful nickname means “pepper” and can work for “spicy,” dynamic little balls of energy.
- Perla: The Italian word for “pearl,” this name is a classic choice for a precious and beautiful female dog.
- Matisse: This name is a nod to the famous French painter Henri Matisse and often suggests an artistic or uniquely colored pet. Although not an Italian painter, Matisse’s work is often exhibited in Italian cities like Rome.
- Romeo: An Italian name meaning “pilgrim to Rome,” this name is eternally associated with Romeo and Juliet, making it perfect for an affectionate little heartthrob.
- Artu: The Italian short form of the mythological name Arturo (Arthur), which carries the symbolic courage, nobility, and resilience of a bear.
- Chicco: An Italian diminutive of Francesco, this name is also an Italian word for “grain,” which is used as a term of endearment meaning “cutie” or “baby.”
- Birba: An Italian word meaning “rascal” or “mischief-maker,” this name is perfect for a playful and energetic dog.
- Nina: A short form of various Italian names ending in nina (like Antonina), this simple, affectionate name is widely used for female dogs.
- Tigro: A variation of the Italian word for “tiger” (tigre), which suggests a strong, fierce, or striped companion.
- Merlino: The Italian version of Merlin (the magician from Arthurian legend), ideal for clever companions.
Italian Male Dog Names
If you need a fitting Italian name for your boy dog, these options are perfecto for a handsome gentleman. We’ve collected an array of names below, including some inspired by Italian history and art.
- Albus
- Aldo
- Angelo
- Berto
- Calvino
- Fabio
- Egidio
- Enrico
- Fulvio
- Luigi
- Luca
- Nando
- Nico
- Paolo
- Piero
- Ricardo
- Rodrigo
- Rocco
- Savio
- Ugo
Italian Female Dog Names
Italian is a gorgeous language with romantic names—ideal for your bella ragazza. Here are some feminine options for your girl dog.
- Adelina
- Beatricia
- Daria
- Emilia
- Esta
- Gia
- Isabella
- Matilde
- Maya
- Nina
- Pia
- Orabella
- Renata
- Rina
- Selena
- Sophie
- Teresa
- Renata
- Rosalie
- Valeria
Gender-Neutral Italian Dog Names
These Italian names suit both male and female dogs. While some of these names are traditionally gendered in Italy, they may have different connotations in the U.S. For example, Andrea is traditionally a masculine name in Italian, but often a feminine name in English.
- Alex
- Ale
- Alfie
- Andrea
- Ariel
- Cadenza
- Caprice
- Cameo
- Cane
- Fontana
- Gumer
- Gusto
- Fida
- Ida
- Iza
- Lanza
- Miki
- Sisi
- Uffa
- Zazza
Cute & Funny Italian Names
If you want an Italian name that doubles as a cute inside joke, these Italian words can reflect your dog’s appearance or personality in an adorable way. Or, you can add a layer of irony by choosing an option that’s your dog’s natural opposite, like “Nano” (tiny) for a giant dog or “Patatino” (potato) for an active dog who’s anything but a couch potato.
- Briciola (crumb)
- Budino (pudding)
- Buffone (clown)
- Cucciolo (puppy)
- Fiocco (short for fiocco di neve = snowflake)
- Nano (tiny)
- Nocciolina (little peanut)
- Nuvola (cloud)
- Osso (bone)
- Patatino (potato)
Italian Nature Names
The Italian countryside has some of the most beautiful landscapes immortalized on film or canvas. If you’d like your dog’s name to capture that beauty, consider these nature-inspired Italian names.
- Aurora (dawn)
- Aria (air)
- Celeste (heavenly)
- Cielo (sky)
- Elio (sun)
- Eridano (constellation)
- Giada (jade)
- Pietra (stone)
- Silvana (forest)
- Viola (violet/flower)
Strong Italian Names
Need to name a guard dog (or guard dog at heart)? Any of these strong Italian names could capture your dog’s natural swagger and strike fear into the heart of squeaky toys everywhere.
- Brutus
- Coraggio (courage)
- Ferro (iron)
- Furio
- Gigante (giant)
- Golia (Goliath)
- Hannibal
- Orso (bear)
- Toro (bull)
- Zampano (big shot)
Italian Food Names
It’s hard to think of Italy without imagining all of the country’s delicious food. These classic Italian and Italian-American dishes are fun and cute names for dogs, especially for pups with a voracious appetite.
- Alfredo
- Biscotti
- Cannoli
- Ravioli
- Scampi
- Spaghetti
- Tiramisu
- Vino
- Ziti
- Zuppa
Italian Car & Racing Names
Italy is home to some of the most famous racecars and Formula 1 champions. If you love racing, or your dog has a need for speed, consider one of these names inspired by Italian racing and cars, including Ferrari models, motorcycles, and motors.
- Alberto (for Italian race car driver, Alberto Ascari)
- Dino
- Enzo
- Giulia
- Mercedes
- Primo (for pioneer of Italian motorcycle racing, Primo Moretti)
- Pronto
- Roma
- Vespa
- Volante
Italian Fashion/Designer Names
When the world’s most prestigious designer clothing brands gather in Milan twice a year to show off their latest seasonal lines, Italy is the place to be for fashion lovers. These names are inspired by famous Italian fashion brands and designers, making them perfect for your fuzzy fashionista.
- Armani
- Fendi
- Gabbana
- Gucci
- Giovanni
- Moschino
- Schiaparelli
- Pucci
- Prada
- Versace
Famous Italians
From medieval poets and Renaissance painters to modern-day celebrities, some of the most famous people in the world have called Italy home. If you want your dog’s name to take inspiration from these all-time greats, consider one of these names, inspired by famous Italians and Italian-Americans.
- Amerigo
- Corleone
- Dante
- Donatello
- Fellini
- Galileo
- Madonna
- Pavarotti
- Raphael
- Tiziano
Italian Words/Language
Sometimes, Italian words just sound more fitting. These Italian words have special meanings that are appropriate for dogs of any breed or personality type.
- Baffi (mustache)
- Bestia (beast)
- Bravo (good job)
- Chiaccherone (chatty)
- Festa (party)
- Pagliacci (clown)
- Pennichella (nap)
- Ridarella (giggles)
- Sorriso (smile)
- Zitto (quiet)
Italian City Names
Want to name an adventurous dog? The following names come from real cities, towns, and regions across Italy, making them ideal if you or your dog love traveling and exploring.
- Genoa
- Milan
- Napoli
- Olbia
- Pisa
- Sicily
- Siena
- Tuscany
- Venice
- Verona
Old Italian/Latin Names
Old Italy was the birthplace of Latin, the language of the Roman Empire. The following Italian names have Latin origins, which can show off your love of languages or offer a callback to Roman history (regardless of how many times you think of the Roman Empire each week).
- Achille
- Claudia
- Delfina
- Flavia
- Luca
- Marco
- Olivia
- Sabina
- Tito
- Vittoria
Romantic & Sweet Italian Names
With its Latin-derived roots, the Italian language waxes poetic. Here are some terms of endearment that are a sweet, loving way to express your love for your best friend and partner in crime.
- Amore (love)
- Bacio (kiss)
- Bambino (baby)
- Carina (cute)
- Dolce (sweet)
- Fiammetta (little flame)
- Miele (honey)
- Tesoro (treasure)
- Topolino (little mouse)
- Vita (life)
Other Popular Italian Dog Names
Here are a few more options that don’t fit into our categories above. With these names, you’ll find everything from colors and animals to food and friends.
- Ambra (amber)
- Amico (friend)
- Basilio (basil)
- Bianco (white)
- Delphina (dolphin)
- Drago (dragon)
- Grazia (grace)
- Faro (lighthouse)
- Lupo (wolf)
- Topolino (Mickey Mouse)
