Italian Greyhound Names for Your Small Speedy Pup

Italian Greyhound Names — Cute, Italian and Fast Ideas for Your Pup

You’ll have plenty to consider when picking a pup’s name, and it’s definitely not an easy task — so choose wisely. 

If you don’t get it right, renaming your dog isn’t really an option. It will cause your canine confusion, plus, you’ll have to retrain them, which will be a massive pain. Hence, to help you avoid a big headache, we’ve put together some of our all-time favorite Italian Greyhound names — to fire up your inner creativity.

Italian greyhounds love spending time on your lap, but as they’re sighthounds, they won’t turn down the chance to chase. So, here’s a collection of monikers to shout out their need for speed:

• Bolt.
• Speedy.
• Turbo.
• Rocket.
• Sonic.
• Nitro.
• Jet.
• Zoomer.
• Racer.
• Sprinter.
• Chase.

If your new pup is a girl and you’re looking for a name to capture their personality, we have some great ideas for you:

• Lucy — The name Lucy comes from Latin origin and the word ‘lux.’ If you feel like your doggy brings light to your life, this is the perfect name for you. 
• Millie — If you name your pup Millie, you’ll certainly have an affectionate dog who is good-natured and a sheer joy to be around. Many connect this name with friendship and companionship — ideal for your Italian companion canine. 
• Zoe — A name with Greek origins meaning ‘alive’ or ‘life.’ This is apt for your playful Italian Greyhound.
• Willow — The name Willow takes on ideas of care, spirituality, and gentility. It will show everyone that your pup is kind and caring as well as super loving. 
• Gracie — Of Latin origin that translates to ‘goodwill.’ A fitting moniker if your IG brings happiness wherever they go.
• Nala — In Swahili, it means ‘gift,’ yet most of us would associate it with Disney’s The Lion King. Nala was Simba’s sidekick who became his queen. 
• Rosa — This name has Mexican origins and means ‘rose,’ so if you’re a fan of nature or these gorgeous flowers, it’s perfect.
• Aria — The Italian word for ‘air,’ it sums up the IG to a tee. With their playful yet super affectionate temperament, they’re like a breath of fresh air.

If your new pup is a boy and you’re after a name that’ll sum them up in a few syllables, we have you covered: 

• Lucca — Connecting to their Italian heritage, this name simply means ‘bringer of light.’ Hence, if your pup does exactly that and always makes you smile — even when it’s gloomy outside — this is perfect. 
• Rocco — You’d be paying tribute to San Rocco, the patron saint of dogs with this name. And, it means ‘rest,’ so, if your dog is a big fan of snoozing after walkies, this could be great. 
• Iggy — Like IG, Iggy is a nickname for the Italian Greyhound. However, Iggy is much cuter. 
• Arlo — This old English name means fortified hill, and it goes all the way back to the Middle Ages. But its Italian meaning is ‘manly’ or ‘strong.’ 
• Roman — History suggests this breed has been around for almost 2000 years. They were a favorite with the Romans for companionship and hunting/coursing — what better way to pay tribute to your pup’s heritage? 
• Dante — Latin for everlasting. With an Italian Greyhound by your side, you’ll have a friend for life.
• Bruno — An Italian name for those with brown or brunette hair. This would be ideal for Iggy boys with a seal, red, or fawn coat color.

If you’re after a short name for your small Italian companion, here are a few ideas for you:

• Lily. 
• Lola.
• Max.
• Finn.
• Sam.
• Jet
• Mia.
• Thor. 
• Zita.
• Tito.

Maybe you’re after something adorable for your Iggy? Here are a few to get you started:

• Pepper.
• Milo.
• Cooper.
• Cookie.
• Bear.
• Beau. 
• Ruby.
• Scout.

Italy is famous for pasta, pizza, and the mafia. So if you are a fan of mobster movies, here are a few mafia-themed monikers

• Capone —  One of America’s most famous mobster bosses.
• Bugsy — Bugsy Siegal, one of the driving forces behind the development of the Las Vegas strip.
• Franky — After the notorious Frank Costello, the boss of the Luciano mob family.
• Vito — An Italian-born mobster who rose to ‘fame’ during prohibition.
• Lucky — Born in Sicily, Lucky Luciano was a key figure in forming the National Crime Syndicate.
• Gotti — After John Gotti, also known as ‘Dapper Dan,’ because of his love of fine clothing.
• Brusca — Italian born Giovanni Brusca was a member of the Sicilian Mafia’s Corleonesi clan.

If you want something with an Italian connection, maybe one of these names will be perfect for you:

• Gema.
• Simona. 
• Pietra.
• Cara.
• Alfredo.
• Antonio.
• Gino.
• Raphael.
• Ricotta. 
• Roma.
• Pesto.
• Gucci.
• Dolce.
• Mario.
• Bella.
• Lorenzo.
• Sergio.

Conclusion 

If you have an Italian Greyhound pup on the way or you’re thinking of a name for them — we’ve given you plenty of options to spark your inspiration.

From gender-specific names through to monikers inspired by the IG’s history, you can be as creative as you want to be. And, even if you don’t find the perfect one from our list of Italian Greyhound names — they definitely offer you a solid starting point.

Italian Greyhound Names FAQs

What Is the Other Name for the Italian Greyhound?

You may hear other people referring to the Italian Greyhound as the Italian Sighthound. Nicknames include IG and Iggy. 

Are Italian Greyhounds One Person Dogs?

With early socialization, they can be accepting of new people but IGs are bond-forming dogs. If you’re lucky enough to be that special person, you’ll have a ‘shadow’ for life. 

Are Italian Greyhounds Rare?

In the US, this breed was quite rare until around 20 years ago. Yet, as they’re small hypoallergenic dogs that are pretty fuss-free to take care of, Italian Greyhounds are becoming more popular. 

Do Italian Greyhounds Like to Cuddle?

Of course! Italian Greyhounds love a good snuggle-up. They might be sighthounds, but Iggys are couch potatoes at heart. 

What’s the Italian Name for the Italian Greyhound?

This breed is often referred to as the Piccolo Levrier Italiano (small Italian Greyhound) in Italian.