The Most Popular Italian Dog Names
Italian dog names are as charming and expressive as the language itself, often reflecting the dog’s appearance, personality, or heritage.
If you’re a fan of the Italian language or your dog belongs to an Italian breed, choosing an Italian-inspired name is a wonderful way to honor its roots. Here, I’ll list some of the most popular and timeless Italian dog names:
Female Dogs
- Briciola
- Meaning: crumb; a sweet name for a small, dainty pup.
- Bianca
- Meaning: white; perfect for a dog with a beautiful white coat.
- Lana
- Meaning: wool; great for a dog with soft, fluffy fur reminiscent of a cozy sweater.
- Regina
- Meaning: queen; ideal for a dog with a regal and well-mannered demeanor.
- Fragola
- Meaning: strawberry; evokes sweetness and charm, making it a lovely name for a gentle dog.
Male Dogs
- Fido
- Meaning: loyal; derived from the Italian word fidato, meaning faithful. This is perhaps the most iconic Italian dog name.
- Pongo
- Meaning: playdough; perfect for a playful and mischievous pup.
- Ares
- Meaning: Greek God of war; ideal for a strong, imposing dog that commands respect.
- Adone
- Meaning: derived from Adonis, the Greek god of beauty; great for a strikingly handsome dog.
- Argo
- Meaning: Ulysses’ loyal dog in Greek mythology; symbolizes loyalty and devotion
Original Italian Dog Names
Female Dogs
- Salsiccia
- Meaning: sausage; a humorous name for a slightly chubby dog, especially a dachshund.
- Nuvola
- Meaning: cloud; perfect for a fluffy dog with a white or soft-colored coat.
- Bolla
- Meaning: bubble; a playful name for an energetic, bouncing pup.
- Stella
- Meaning: star; a beautiful, classic name for a dog that lights up your life.
Male Dogs
- Ciuffo
- Meaning: topknot; a cute name for a fluffy or cuddly dog.
- Batuffolo
- Meaning: wad; perfect for a chubby or soft, round puppy.
- Fiocco
- Meaning: flake or bow; a lighthearted name for a playful or delicate pup.
- Dado
- Meaning: dice; a quirky, playful name that suits any energetic dog.
Italian Dog Names Inspired by Famous Characters
Italian dog names often draw inspiration from iconic movie or book characters. Here are some of the most popular:
- Balto: from the heroic sled dog who inspired the movie Balto.
- Pluto: Mickey Mouse’s loyal and lovable dog. This is my dog’s name!
- Rex: the clever “detective dog” from a popular TV series.
- Lassie: from the classic movie Lassie Come Home.
- Laika: named after the first dog to orbit Earth in space.
- Simba: while Simba is a lion from The Lion King, this name has become a favorite for dogs too.
Find the Perfect Italian Name for Your Dog
Italian dog names are short, melodic, and full of character, making them perfect for your furry companion. Whether inspired by your dog’s appearance, behavior, or a beloved cultural reference, these names carry a sense of warmth and personality.
Explore the options, try saying the names out loud, and pick the one that best suits your pup. Buona fortuna! May your journey to find the perfect name be as joyful as the bond you’ll share with your cucciolo.



