Roman and Italian Name Ideas for Your Cane Corso

The Cane Corso's roots stretch back to ancient Rome, and that heritage offers several angles for picking a name that suits the breed. You might draw from the Romans who originally deployed these dogs in battle, from Latin words that capture the dog's physical presence, or from contemporary Italians who shaped the breed into what it is now.

In A Dog's Life, Peter Mayle notes that whatever you choose will stick with the animal for its entire life. Since carrying a ridiculous name for years is no small burden, the choice deserves careful thought. The suggestions below also suit a Neapolitan Mastiff, and while a Portuguese Water Dog owner could borrow them, Brazilian dog names offer better alternatives for that breed.

Over 50 Name Options for a Cane Corso

Why Short Names Work Better

Many websites list far more Roman and Italian words than appear here. That doesn't automatically make those words usable as dog names. Ideally, a name should run to one or two syllables so the dog can distinguish it from training cues.

Names of two syllables containing forceful consonants tend to work well. A command like "Cato, come!" is easier to deliver with authority and clearer to the dog than something like "Fernandito, come!" Keep that principle in mind if you go off-list.

Cane Corso puppies too young for names

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Names with Roman Origins

The breed descends from the Canis Pugnax, the Molossor dogs that Roman soldiers took to war, so a Roman name has a certain logic. The pool is smaller than you might hope, since Romans favored lengthy names unsuitable for dogs, but a handful fit the bill. In the lists below, meanings appear alongside each bolded name.

Choices for Males

For a male Cane Corso:

Albus: White
Brutus: Heavy. Easy to say, easy to recall, and a fitting label for a Cane Corso.
Cato: Wise
Cesar: Hairy
Cohort: A unit of the Roman army
Crispus: Curly-haired. Perhaps better suited to a Portuguese Water Dog.
Felix: Happy
Ludi: The Roman games where gladiators fought
Nero: Strong
Omen: A sign of the future. Not reserved for Rottweilers!
Rex: King
Rufus: Red-haired
Sextus: The Sixth

Choices for Females

For a female:

Alba: White
Drusa: A Roman family name
Juno: Roman goddess of women
Porcia: Like a pig, and pronounced like the car. The Cane Corso was used to hunt pigs and wild boars, which makes this a fitting choice.
Venus: Roman goddess of love and beauty
Vita: Life

Cane Corso puppies almost ready for names

cc-by ickr.com harry_harms 3140284627

Names with Italian Origins

Should nothing among the Roman options appeal, Italian names provide a wide range of possibilities.

Choices for Males

For a male dog:

Aldo: From Aldobrandino, meaning "Little Old Sword."
Dante: This name is sure to make us all think of the circles of hell!
Dino: Nickname for Aldobrandino, meaning "Little Old Sword."
Fredo: Nickname for Alfredo, or "Gods Peace."
Gino: Nickname for Ambrogino, or "Little Immortal One."
Maso: Short for Tommaso, or "Twin." A good fit if your Cane Corso comes from a litter of only two.
Naldo: Nickname for Italian names ending in -naldo.
Nico: Short for Niccolo, or "Victor of the People."
Nino: Short form of Gianino, or "God is Gracious."
Orso: Italian form of the Latin word for bear. Well suited to a large Cane Corso or Neapolitan Mastiff puppy.
Pino: Nickname for Crispino, or the "Curly-headed one."
Primo: Italian form of the Latin Primus, or first.
Santo: Italian form of the Latin word for holy.
Sesto: Italian form of the Roman sextus, the sixth. A good pick for a puppy from a large litter.
Terzo: Italian form of the Roman word for third.
Tino: Any Italian name ending in -tino, which stands for tiny. Useful if you decide to call your Cane Corso "Tiny," an amusing choice for a 130-pound dog.
Tito: Italian form of the Roman Titus, or "Fire."
Vanni: Short form of Giovanni, God is gracious.
Vico: Nickname for the common name Vincenzo, the conqueror.
Vito: Italian form of the Roman Vitus, or "Life." Most people will think of The Godfather. A strong name for a personal protection dog.

Choices for Females

For a female dog:

Carla: Feminine form of Carlo, meaning man.
Coco: Cook
Dona: Short form of Adona, my lord.
Elma: Feminine form of Elmo, the helmet.
Fina: Nickname for Serafina, the serpent.
Gina: Short form for names ending in -gina, such as Giorgina, the farmer.
Mimi: Nickname for Maria.
Mona: Short form for Simona, meaning "hearkening." An ideal recall name.
Nora: Short form for Italian girls' names ending in -nora, such as Leonora.
Sandra: Short form of Alessandra.
Santa: Holy
Tecla: Glory of God
Tina: Short form for Italian names ending in -tina.
Zeta: Little Girl
Zita: Another spelling of the Italian nickname for "Little Girl."

A Cane Corso out for a walk

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Keep Track of Your Puppy

Once a name is settled, order a tag showing the puppy's name, your own name, and your cell number. It could prove important.

At the next routine visit, also ask your vet about microchipping.

A Cane Corso puppy at home and in need of a name.

cc-by ickr.com giulias 2287664637

Is This Breed Right for You?

If one of these dogs already lives with you, understanding its care requirements and future needs matters. Use positive training methods and stay on top of health needs.

If you are still weighing whether to get a Cane Corso, keep in mind that they are great but not for everyone.

Weigh all the pros and cons before bringing one of this breed home. If you have handled a big dog before, can afford feeding and vet costs, and want a dog that will guard you, lean on you, challenge you, and slobber all over your house, seek out a good breeder.

A Cane Corso is in your future.

Questions & Answers

Question: Are Cane Corsos good dogs or good family dogs?

Answer: I think that Cane Corsos are great dogs. Are they the best dog for a family? In most cases, no. They are better with an owner, or an owner and his partner, but a family with kids will have a lot of strangers coming into the house, and the dog is more likely to become upset.

If a tiny dog is upset, it is not that big of a deal. When a mastiff is upset, it is something to be concerned about.