We have listed the Best Italian Dog Names of 2021.
If you just bought a puppy and wanted to name it in Italian, here is your guide. As Team PawsApp, we highlighted our favorite names in orange!
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.
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.
Allegra
Meaning “joyful, happy or lively,” it’s a fitting moniker for most puppies.
Alessa
Meaning “defender or helper of mankind,” for the pup who is always on the lookout for danger.
Amadore
Meaning “gift of love,” aka what your dog gives you unconditionally every single day.
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.
Amara
A romantic name for a ladylike dog.
Amaretto
A sweet, almond-flavored Italian liqueur, this name pairs well with brown pups.
Antonietta
A fancy name meaning “priceless” (just like your dog!) with cute nicknames like Netta, Toni and Netty.
Arancia
Italian for “orange,” it’s a cute choice for a dog with ginger-colored fur.
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.
Armani
For high-class pups who can pull off any new style, name them for Italian fashion designer Giorgio Armani.
Azzurro
Italian for “light blue,” this would be an exotic name for a blue-eyed breed, such as a Siberian Husky or Australian Shepherd.
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 famous names in the UK.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Callisto
The name of several early saints, meaning “best or most fair” for the dog who is always on their best behavior.
Cameo
From Italian “cammeo” which refers to a portrait carved on a gem. Because your dog is also a priceless work of art.
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.
Caprice
Meaning “whimsical or playful”—which pretty much sums up every puppy on earth.
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.
Clemente
Meaning “mild” or “merciful,” it’s a chill name for mild-mannered dogs.
Como
For water-loving dogs, this name calls to mind the picture-perfect Lake Como.
Contessa
Does your dog love food? Cook and author Ina Garten made this old Italian title modern with her cooking show “Barefoot Contessa.”
Cosme
For cosmically gifted pups, this name means “order, harmony or beauty.”
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”).
Donetta
Another name meaning “lady,” for the new girl pup in your home.
Drago
Italian for “dragon.” Perfect for fiery dogs or those who like to hoard their toys.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Ghita
Meaning “pearl,” it’s the best Italian dog name for a white dog who’s as precious as this stone.
Gia
A cute, petite name perfect for toy breeds or small dogs.
Gilberto
Speed demon dogs who often get the zoomies will be appropriately named after Italian motorcycle racer Gilberto Parlotti.
Giuseppe
Does your dog love a good howl? Name them for Giuseppe Verdi, the famous Italian opera composer.
Grigio
The Italian word for gray works for both gray-colored dogs and pet parents who enjoy white wine.
Grissini
These thin and crispy Italian breadsticks make the perfect snack or appetizer—making this a cute name for a snack-sized pup.
Guglielmo
Meaning “resolute protector,” it’s a good pick for dogs who are guardians at heart.
Italo
This name literally means “from Italy.”
Kara
A modern spelling for the Italian term of endearment, “cara.” Because you’ll dote on your dog in any language.
Lelia
This dainty and delicate name will fit your lovely lady pup.
Leonardo
Meaning “hardy,” “brave” and “strong,” this is a great name for powerful pups (or for pet parents who are fans of Leonardo DiCaprio).
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.
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.
Lucia
This name means “light,” for the pup who shines like a star.
Lucciola
Italian for “firefly,” a cute name for the dog who lights up your nights (and days, too).
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.
Luna
Meaning “moon,” it’s one of the most popular pet names in recent years.
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.
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.
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).
Pelosa
The Italian word for “furry,” this one speaks for itself.
Perla
Meaning “pearl,” especially apt for a dog with pearl-white fur.
Principessa
Translating to “princess,” it’s a great name for girl dogs with a regal air.
Prosecco
A sparkling wine from Northeast Italy, it’s a cute pick for a dog with a bubbly personality.
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).
Punto
Meaning “point” or “spot” in Italian, it’s an apt name for a dog with a spotted coat.
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?
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.
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
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!
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.
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.
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.
Valentino
Meaning “brave or strong,” just like your dog.
Vedetta
Meaning “sentry or lookout,” this name is perfect for the guard pup who lets no mailman slip by on their watch.
Venice
Is your dog a lover? Name them after one of the most romantic cities in all of Europe.
Verde
Italian for the color green, this could be a nod to nature or just your favorite color.
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.”
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.