Italian Dog Names

  1. Gennaro
    • Origin:

      Italian
    • Meaning:

      "January"
    • Description:

      This name of the patron saint of Naples would make an apt choice for a New Year's baby, or one with Neapolitan roots.
  2. Amedea
    • Origin:

      Italian
    • Meaning:

      "lover of God"
    • Description:

      Feminine form of Amadeus popular now in Italy and ripe for export. Might also be spelled Amadea. The preferred pronunciation is AHM-a-DAY-a but it may also be pronounced ah-MED-ee-a.
  3. Fausto
    • Origin:

      Italian and Spanish variation of Faust
    • Meaning:

      "fortunate one"
    • Description:

      While Faust, who sold his soul to the devil, was anything but fortunate, this Latinate variation is more commonly heard and accepted.
  4. Fabrizio
    • Origin:

      Italian form of the Latin family name Fabricius
    • Meaning:

      "craftsman"
    • Description:

      Romantic Italian choice.
  5. Gaetano
    • Origin:

      Italian
    • Meaning:

      "from the city of Gaeta"
    • Description:

      The progenitor of the English name Guy, Gaetano has a lot more gusto.
  6. Armani
    • Origin:

      Italian surname derived from Herman or Arman, German or Persian
    • Meaning:

      "son of Ermanno; soldier; wish,hope"
    • Description:

      Armani is catching on along with other brand names, and this one is among the most gender-neutral — sitting in the Top 500 for both boys and girls. Its similarity to the likes of rising stars Amari, Arlo, and Amias, along with the more classic Arthur and Giovanni helps it feel more "name-y" than "brand-y".
  7. Rolando
    • Origin:

      Spanish, Italian, and Portuguese variation of Roland, German
    • Meaning:

      "famous throughout the land"
    • Description:

      Rolando, along with brother name Orlando, are among the most attractive and appealing of Latinate names. It has been in the US Top 1000 every year since 1946.
  8. Nataniele
    • Description:

      Nataniele is a masculine name of Hebrew origin, serving as a variant of Nathaniel, which means 'gift of God' or 'God has given.' This particular spelling shows Italian or Portuguese influence, adding a melodic quality with the final 'e' that softens the traditional form. While not widely used globally, it maintains popularity in parts of Latin America, Italy, and Portuguese-speaking regions. The name carries biblical significance as Nathaniel appears in the Gospel of John as one of Jesus's disciples, described as a man 'in whom there is no deceit.' Nataniele offers a distinctive international twist on the more common Nathaniel while preserving its spiritual meaning and heritage. Its four-syllable pronunciation gives it a rhythmic, flowing quality.
  9. Luciella
    • Description:

      Luciella is a feminine name that serves as an elegant elaboration of Lucia, ultimately derived from the Latin 'lux' meaning 'light.' This delicate name combines the luminous quality of its root with feminine suffixes, creating a name that sounds both classic and uncommon. Popular primarily in Italian-speaking regions and among families with Italian heritage, Luciella offers the cute nicknames Lucy or Ella while maintaining a more distinctive formal option. The name evokes images of radiance and brightness while carrying the graceful, flowing quality characteristic of Italian feminine names. Though relatively rare in English-speaking countries, Luciella represents a beautiful alternative to more common light-themed names like Lucy, Lucia, or Lucille.

  10. Carlino
    • Description:

      Carlino is a masculine Italian name functioning as a diminutive of Carlo (the Italian form of Charles). The suffix "-ino" in Italian indicates smallness or endearment, essentially meaning "little Carlo" or "dear Carlo." The name ultimately derives from Germanic origins meaning "free man" or "man." Primarily used in Italian-speaking regions, Carlino carries a warm, affectionate quality while maintaining connection to the distinguished history of the name Charles. Though not widely used internationally, it remains a charming option for those with Italian heritage or appreciation for Italian naming traditions. Carlino strikes a balance between playfulness and traditional roots, offering a friendly alternative to the more formal Carlo.

  11. Oliviero
    • Description:

      Oliviero is a masculine name of Italian origin, serving as the Italian form of Oliver. The name ultimately derives from the Latin 'olivarius,' meaning 'olive tree planter,' symbolizing peace, fertility, and longevity in Mediterranean cultures. With its melodic four syllables and romantic Italian flair, Oliviero conveys sophistication and cultural richness. While common in Italy and other Italian-speaking regions, it remains relatively rare in English-speaking countries, offering an attractive international option for parents seeking a distinctive yet recognizable name. Oliviero combines traditional roots with an exotic quality that distinguishes it from the increasingly popular Oliver. The name carries an artistic, cosmopolitan character that suggests refinement and cultural appreciation.
  12. Ottavia
    • Origin:

      Italian, variation of Latin Octavia
    • Meaning:

      "eight"
    • Description:

      Softer and more romantic than Octavia, this is a name once used when it wasn't uncommon for families to have eight children. A possible substitute for the epidemically popular Olivia.
  13. Tommaso
    • Origin:

      Italian variation of Thomas, Aramaic
    • Meaning:

      "twin"
    • Description:

      Tommaso is the handsome Italian version of the classic Thomas, still leading directly to short forms Tommy or Tom.
  14. Primavera
    • Origin:

      Italian
    • Meaning:

      "spring"
    • Description:

      A bit syllable-heavy, but a pretty name for a springtime baby.
  15. Bello
    • Origin:

      Italian
    • Meaning:

      "handsome, beautiful"
    • Description:

      Bello is as handsome as Bella is beautiful, but rarely heard outside the Italian community. With its energetic 'o' ending, it could be ripe for export.
  16. Verdi
    • Origin:

      Italian
    • Meaning:

      "green"
    • Description:

      This is an outside possibility for opera-lovers, with the additional eco/color factor.
  17. Via
    • Origin:

      Nickname name
    • Description:

      Could be a short form of Sylvia, Olivia, or any other similar name. Or a vivid Italian word name.
  18. Sarita
    • Origin:

      Italian and Spanish diminutive of Sara, Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "princess"
    • Description:

      Sarita is a delicately pretty name all but unknown in the US, where it can make an original honor name for an ancestral Sara....or Rita. Rita is a midcentury favorite tiptoeing back into style among adventurous parents.
  19. Paolina
    • Origin:

      Italian and Portuguese, feminine variation of Paul
    • Meaning:

      "small"
    • Description:

      Turning Paul or Paol -- whether it's as Paolo, Paolina, or even Paola -- instantly makes it more romantic and appealing.
  20. Gerardo
    • Origin:

      Spanish variation of Gerard
    • Description:

      Widely used in the Latino community, the name gained renown in the nineties for its association with rapper Gerardo Mejía of 'Rico Suave' fame.