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Italian dog names

TrustedHousesitters blog writer Dan Barraclough
Dan Barraclough
27 May 20235 min read
two long haired dogs sat outside on the street

Buongiorno, pooch lovers! Just like our Italian friends, we’ve cooked up a delightful treat for you, except it’s not pasta, it’s a belissimo list of Italian dog names. 

Our pup-naming, pasta-loving pros have put together all the pooch names you’ll ever need, whether you’re bringing home a Bracco Italiano or you want to honor your own heritage.

From Bella to Bello, Amore to Dolce, these Italian dog names are as wonderful as a gondola ride through Venice, a pizza tour of Naples, or a historic walk through Rome (anyone craving a vacation?). As always, we guarantee you’ll find the perfect name, no matter your pooch’s size, breed or unique paw-sonality.

So, without further ado, let's start our bella lista of the finest Italian dog names. Buon viaggio!

Italian male dog names

Said buongiorno to a beautiful boy pooch? We’re sure he’ll become your best buddy for life. Whether he’s an Italian breed or you’re making a furry addition to your Italian family, we’re sure you’ll love one of these Italian boy dog names…

  • Adriano (Dark)
  • Alfonso (Noble and ready)
  • Bello (Beautiful)
  • Brando (Brave; Sword)
  • Carlo (Free man)
  • Dante (Enduring)
  • Enzo (Winner)
  • Fabio (Bean Grower)
  • Giorgio (Farmer)
  • Hugo (Mind, intellect)
  • Italo (From Italy)
  • Lino (A cry of grief)
  • Marcello (Young warrior)
  • Nero (Black)
  • Orlando (Famous land)
  • Paolo (Small)
  • Quattro (Four)
  • Rocco (Rest)
  • Stefano (Crown)
  • Tito (Giant)

Related article: Top male dog names

Italian female dog names

The beautiful Italian language has a plethora of poetic and romantic names, ideal for the new furry lady in your life. From Bella to Zita, we’ve curated the paw-fect list of Italian names for female dogs…

  • Bella (Beautiful)
  • Cira (Sun)
  • Donatella (Gift)
  • Elsa (God's promise)
  • Fiorella (Little flower)
  • Gia (God's gracious gift)
  • Isabella (God's promise)
  • Lucia (Light)
  • Marta (Lady)
  • Nicoletta (Victorious people)
  • Olivia (Olive tree)
  • Pia (Pious)
  • Rosa (Rose)
  • Sofia (Wisdom)
  • Tessa (Harvester)
  • Ulla (Little bear)
  • Vita (Life)
  • Zita (Little girl)

Related article: Top female dog names

Cute Italian names for dogs

Want your heart to melt quicker than mozzarella on a margherita? Well then, give your adorable pup one of these cute Italian dog names (if you can handle the cuteness!)

  • Amore (Love)
  • Biscotti (Biscuit)
  • Cucciolo (Puppy)
  • Dolce (Sweet)
  • Fido (Faithful)
  • Gelato (Ice cream)
  • Luna (Moon)
  • Miele (Honey)
  • Nuvola (Cloud)
  • Pesto (A type of sauce)
  • Risotto (A type of rice dish)
  • Sorriso (Smile)
  • Tiramisu (A dessert)
  • Uovo (Egg)

Related articles: Cute dog names

Unique dog names using Italian words

Of course, you could name your pooch an Italian name like Marcello or Nicoletta, but you can always choose an everyday word that sounds anything but. Just take a look at these gorgeous Italian words, ideal for Italian dog names…

  • Artista (Artist)
  • Coraggio (Courage)
  • Divertimento (Fun)
  • Espresso (Coffee)
  • Festa (Party)
  • Giocatore (Player)
  • Inizio (Start)
  • Luminoso (Bright)
  • Mistero (Mystery)
  • Notte (Night)
  • Ombra (Shadow)
  • Pronto (Ready)
  • Questo (This)
  • Ricordo (Memory)
  • Storia (History)

Related article:Top unique dog names

Italian food and drink-inspired dog names

Can you imagine a list of Italian dog names without a nod to the cuisine? Surely not. Warning: don’t look if you’re hungry.

  • Arancini (Stuffed rice balls)
  • Bruschetta (Grilled bread)
  • Cannoli (Pastry)
  • Fettuccine (Type of pasta)
  • Gnocchi (Type of pasta)
  • Latte (Milk)
  • Macaroni (Type of pasta)
  • Nutella (Chocolate spread)
  • Olio (Oil)
  • Parmigiano (Parmesan cheese)
  • Quattro Formaggi (Four cheeses)
  • Risotto (Rice dish)
  • Spaghetti (Type of pasta)

Related article: Food dog names

Dog names inspired by Italy

Italy is one of the most popular countries in the world for a reason. Well, many reasons – its iconic cities, ancient culture and fabulous people make it an absolute goldmine for Italian dog names…

  • Capri (Island in Italy)
  • Dolomite (Mountain range in Italy)
  • Etna (Volcano in Italy)
  • Firenze (City in Italy; Florence)
  • Genoa (City in Italy)
  • Italia (Italy)
  • Juliet (Inspired by Verona, and Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet)
  • Lido (Italian beach)
  • Milano (City in Italy; Milan)
  • Napoli (City in Italy; Naples)
  • Orvieto (City in Italy)
  • Pisa (City in Italy)
  • Quirinale (One of the seven hills of Rome)
  • Roma (City in Italy; Rome)
  • Sorrento (City in Italy)
  • Tuscany (Region in Italy)
  • Umbria (Region in Italy)
  • Verona (City in Italy)
  • Vesuvio (Volcano in Italy; Vesuvius)
  • Zeffirelli (Famous Italian film director)

Related article: Top badass names for dogs

Italian dog names - tips

Belissimo! You’ve finished our luxurious list of Italian dog names. Now, you should be filled with plenty of ins-paw-ration to name your new four-legged family member. However, if you're still unsure, don’t worry – we have some paw-some tips to assist you...

Our first tip is to ensure your chosen Italian dog name not only sounds good, but is easy to say out loud. Remember, you’ll be shouting this name across the park, and whispering it when cuddling on the sofa. You should also avoid names that sound like commands, like “sit” or “stay”, to ensure you don’t confuse your little pup.

Another tip is to paw-s for a moment and reflect. Take a day or two before rushing into a name, removing the risk of a regretful moniker. Does your furry friend exhibit the vivaciousness and playful nature reminiscent of an Italian festival? Then Italian dog names like Bella or Brando could work. 

Or perhaps they ooze the elegance and grace of the Italian countryside? Then consider calming names like Sofia or Quirinale would be paw-fect. Let your pup’s distinctive wag-titude guide your choice.

Now, take our list of Italian dog names, and may the dolce vita be with you as you search for the paw-fect name for your new furry friend. Buona fortuna!

Got a trip planned but can’t bring your four-legged friend along? Whether it’s a summer vacation or a weekend away for work, we’re sure “finding a dog sitter near me” is top of your to-do list! Travel with peace of mind with the help of a loving in-house pet sitter, who will give your precious pooch all the care and attention they need from the comfort of your very own home. Head over to TrustedHousesitters HQ today to find out more about becoming a member of our community of pet people!

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