Italian Dog Names
- Savino
Description:
Savino is a masculine name with deep Italian roots, derived from the Latin name Sabinus, referring to the ancient Sabine people of central Italy. The name carries the meaning of 'man from Sabina' or simply 'Sabine man.' With its melodic three syllables and distinctive ending, Savino has been continuously used in Italy since medieval times, often connected to Saint Savino, several early Christian martyrs and bishops. Outside Italy, the name remains relatively uncommon, giving it an exotic appeal while still being straightforward to pronounce in many languages. Savino has a warm, sophisticated sound that combines traditional heritage with a contemporary feel. The name's connection to ancient Roman history gives it cultural depth, appealing to parents who appreciate names with historical significance and Mediterranean charm.
- Riccardo
Description:
Riccardo is the Italian form of Richard, a masculine name with Germanic origins meaning 'powerful ruler' or 'strong king.' Derived from the elements 'ric' (ruler, power) and 'hard' (strong, brave), Riccardo carries the same noble meaning as its English counterpart. The name has been popular throughout Italian history and culture, with notable bearers including composers and artists. Riccardo has a romantic, melodic quality with its rolled 'r' and flowing syllables that embody Italian linguistic charm. While most common in Italy and Italian-speaking regions, the name has gained international recognition. The name projects strength combined with artistic flair, making it appealing to parents who appreciate Italian culture or seek a distinguished name with historical depth.
- Anastagio
Description:
Anastagio is a masculine Italian variant of Anastasius, derived from the Greek name Anastasios (Αναστάσιος), meaning 'resurrection' or 'one who will be reborn.' This name has deep historical roots in Christian tradition, particularly in Mediterranean cultures. While less common than the related names Anastasio (Spanish) or Anastasios (Greek), Anastagio maintains the dignified character of its origins. The name has literary significance through Italian Renaissance works, notably appearing in Boccaccio's 'Decameron.' Though rare in contemporary usage, Anastagio offers historical depth and religious significance for parents seeking a distinctive Italian name with classical origins.
- Benvolio
Origin:
ItalianMeaning:
"good wisher; peacemaker, benevolent"Description:
A kindly, virtue-adjacent name, it appears in Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet, borne by the peacemaker friend who persuades Romeo to go to the party where he meets Juliet. Alas. A bold choice but with familiar nicknames Ben, Lio, and Bo.
- Grazia
Origin:
Italian variation of GraceDescription:
With Grace getting so popular, you may want to explore its international variations such as Grazia, or go all the way to Graziana or Graziella.
- Patrizia
Origin:
Italian variation of PatriciaDescription:
Elegant Italian translation.
- Amata
Origin:
Italian feminine variant of the Latin AmatusMeaning:
"beloved"Description:
Name that's virtually unknown here but has a lovely meaning and a simple sound and spelling.
- Amedea
Origin:
ItalianMeaning:
"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.
- Sanzio
Description:
Sanzio is a rare masculine name with Italian origins, most famously known as part of the name of the Renaissance master Raffaello Sanzio da Urbino (Raphael). The name functions primarily as a surname in Italian culture but has occasionally been adopted as a first name. Sanzio offers an artistic and cultured choice for parents seeking something truly distinctive with historical significance. The name carries an air of Renaissance sophistication and creative brilliance through its association with one of history's greatest painters. While uncommon globally, Sanzio might appeal particularly to families with Italian heritage or those with a passion for art history seeking a rare but recognizable name with cultural depth.
- Serenella
Origin:
Italian, elaboration of SerenaMeaning:
"serene"Description:
Both rhythmic and serene, Serenella is one of the Italian names for girls virtually unknown in the US but definitely usable. An unusual route to Ella as a short form?
- Cellini
Origin:
Italian surnameDescription:
Benvenuto Cellini, the great Italian sculptor and writer -- a true Renaissance man -- could inspire this creative choice.
- Romolo
Origin:
Italian variation of RomulusDescription:
This name taken from one of the legendary founders of Rome suddenly feels more possible for a baby in the English-speaking world, with the rise of many Rome-related names, from Roman to Romy to Romilly and Romaine.
- Donatelli
Description:
Donatelli is a masculine name of Italian origin, derived from the surname Donatelli or Donatello. It stems from the Latin name 'Donatus,' meaning 'given' or 'gifted,' often in a religious context as 'given by God.' The name carries cultural prestige through its association with the famous Renaissance sculptor Donatello. As a first name, Donatelli is quite rare, offering a distinctive option for parents seeking an Italian name with artistic and historical connections. The name has a melodious, flowing quality typical of Italian names, with its four syllables creating a rhythmic sound. Donatelli presents a bold choice that combines cultural richness with uniqueness while maintaining strong masculine characteristics.
- Arnoldo
Description:
Arnoldo is a masculine name of Germanic origin, representing the Italian and Spanish form of Arnold. The name derives from the elements 'arn' (eagle) and 'wald' (power, rule), meaning 'eagle power' or 'strong as an eagle.' This powerful name has maintained popularity in Hispanic and Italian communities throughout the centuries. Arnoldo carries an air of strength and dignity, with historical connections to medieval European nobility. While less common in English-speaking countries than Arnold, Arnoldo has established presence in Latin American countries and among Hispanic communities worldwide. The name's ending with the melodic 'o' sound gives it a warm, approachable quality while maintaining its masculine strength. Notable bearers include various artists, politicians, and athletes throughout Latin American history.
- Agnesca
Description:
Agnesca is a feminine name that serves as an elaborate variant of Agnes. With Latin and Greek roots, it ultimately derives from 'hagnos,' meaning 'pure' or 'holy.' This ornate version extends the traditional Agnes with a Slavic-influenced suffix, creating a more distinctive and melodious form. Popular primarily in Eastern European countries, particularly Poland and neighboring regions, Agnesca combines classical origins with a softer, more elaborate sound. While uncommon in English-speaking countries, it offers an intriguing alternative for parents drawn to vintage names but seeking something less common than Agnes. The name carries associations with innocence, virtue, and religious devotion, reflecting its etymological connection to purity.
- Giacinta
Origin:
Italian, GreekMeaning:
"hyacinth"Description:
Flora and operatic in style, Giacinta comes from the Greek Hyacinthus, itself derived from the name of the purple hyacinth flower. The Italian relative of Spanish Jacinta, Giacinta is also the name of a saint, noted for her devotion to taking care of the sick and the poor, along with the elderly and prisoners too.
- Ceasario
Description:
Ceasario is a masculine name with Latin and Italian influences, likely derived from Caesar, which historically meant 'hairy' or possibly 'born by caesarean section.' It evokes images of ancient Rome and carries connotations of leadership and imperial power. The spelling variation with 'ea' differs from the more common Cesario or Cesare forms. The name has an elegant, flowing quality with its four syllables and melodic rhythm. While not commonly used in English-speaking countries, it maintains popularity in some Latin and Italian communities. Ceasario has a dramatic, somewhat theatrical quality that might appeal to parents looking for a name with historical depth and distinctive character. It offers several friendly nickname possibilities like Ceas or Rio.
- Otello
Description:
Otello is a masculine Italian name best known as the Italian form of Shakespeare's character Othello. The name gained prominence through Giuseppe Verdi's opera 'Otello,' based on Shakespeare's tragedy. While Shakespeare's character has Moorish origins, the name itself doesn't have clear etymological roots beyond its literary creation. In Italian-speaking regions, Otello has been used as a given name since the popularity of Verdi's opera in the late 19th century. The name carries dramatic and artistic associations, evoking themes of passion, jealousy, and tragic nobility from both Shakespeare's play and Verdi's operatic adaptation. Though never extremely common, Otello appeals to parents with literary or operatic interests and those seeking a distinctively Italian name with cultural depth and artistic resonance.
- Constanzo
Description:
Constanzo is a masculine Italian name derived from the Latin name Constantius, which means 'constant' or 'steadfast.' It shares roots with the more common Constantine, which was borne by several Byzantine emperors and an early Christian saint. Constanzo represents strength of character and unwavering dedication. While popular in Italy and among Italian-American families, it remains relatively uncommon in broader English-speaking countries. The name carries a dignified, traditional quality with its strong consonants and classic Italian ending. For families with Italian heritage, Constanzo offers a way to honor cultural roots while providing a distinctive name that embodies admirable qualities of persistence and reliability.
- Rafaele
Origin:
Italian variation of RaphaelMeaning:
"God has healed"Description:
More commonly spelled with two 'f's, Raffaele is every bit as attractive as the original, and could make a dashing choice.