Introduction
One of the biggest and most imposing dog breeds you will ever see, the Neapolitan Mastiff, or “Mastino” as lovers of the breed refer to it, is truly a sight to behold. The breed’s history is also as amazing as its look – Mastinos date back to 3000 BC, or the Bronze Age. This was also the period of time when mastiff-like dogs started popping up in the mountains of Tibet. Aside from its mammoth size, the Mastino is also characterized by its loose, sagging skin and a highly protective personality. In fact, the breed was intended to be used as guard dogs. But while they certainly look menacing, Neapolitan Mastiffs are gentle giants with so much love to give.
Neapolitan Mastiff Dog Names in Pop Culture
Because of its interesting look and aura, the Neapolitan Mastiff has been featured in more than a few films and literary works. Perhaps the most memorable appearance of the breed in the big screen is that of Fang, a character in the Harry Potter film series. Although Fang was described as a boarhound (another name for Great Dane) in the original books, the dog in the film was played by a Neapolitan Mastiff.
Fang is a pet of Rubeus Hagrid, a major character in the book and film series. No background information was given as to how Fang was acquired or when he was born. He has been a constant companion of Hagrid and other characters in several events throughout the series. In the first film, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, Fang played a minor yet memorable role when he accompanied Harry Potter and Draco Malfoy when entering the Forbidden Forest to serve as their “punishment” for being caught out of their beds late in the night. The three, along with Hagrid, Hermione and Neville are all tasked to find and help out an injured unicorn in the forest. Harry, Draco and Fang set out as a group and encounter a mysterious hooded figure who was drinking the blood of the unicorn, causing Fang to run away due to fear. Later on, Fang locates Hagrid’s party and brought them to Harry and Draco’s whereabouts.
Fang had other minor roles in the film franchise, such as accompanying Harry and Ron Weasley into the Forbidden Forest. He was also present during Buckbeak’s trial conducted by the Ministry of Magic. His later life, however, was not specified, both in the books and the film. However, Fang was not listed in the casualties, which makes it safe to assume that he survives and lives out his days with Hagrid. Ironically, Hagrid usually refers to Fang as a “bloody coward” when in fact, the Neapolitan Mastiff is anything but.
The Harry Potter film franchise became a worldwide phenomenon and became one of the top grossing film series of all time. The films also helped make the Neapolitan Mastiff a more recognizable breed, especially with Fang being such a likeable character.
Other than the Harry Potter series, the Neapolitan Mastiff has made appearances in other big screen favorites, including Babe: Pig in the City (the character named Alan), American Gangster, Hotel for Dogs, Belly and Dragonheart. Neapolitan Mastiffs are also frequently featured in literature – “Pansy” from Andrew Vachss’ Burke series; and “Sweetie”, from the Butch Karp novels by Robert Tanenbaum.
Neapolitan Mastiff Dog Name Considerations
One challenge that comes with having a Neapolitan Mastiff is picking out a distinctive name that is akin to the dog breed’s multifaceted look and personality. Because of the many features that the Mastino has, you can surely come up with a fitting name. One option for choosing a name is to take inspiration from the dog’s physical appearance. The easiest way to choose a name for your Mastino is to focus on its gigantic build. Names that depict size and strength are appropriate for the breed, such as the name “Beefy”, which symbolizes brawn and heftiness. Likewise, you may choose to focus on the personality of your dog. Your Mastino may behave a certain way or have some individual quirks that can help you devise a perfect name for it.
Another clever way to choose a name for your Neapolitan Mastiff is to choose an amusing, tongue-in-cheek name. Given its commanding look and stance, your Mastino could use a humorous name to help make him seem less ominous. For instance, you can name your mammoth dog “Speck”, which is a term usually used to refer to a small fragment.
Apart from the dog’s personal traits, you may also consider the country of origin of the Neapolitan Mastiff. Mastinos were widely bred in Italy, which is where their nickname was also developed. Thus, choosing an Italian name or anything that is related to Italian culture for your dog would work out well.
Male Neapolitan Mastiff Dog Names
Votes | Name | Vote |
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1 |
Goliath
Character in theBbible known for being a giant
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1 |
Atilla
Gothic name meaning “little father”
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1 |
Ghirardelli
A famous Italian chocolate, can be shortened to Ghirard; good for black Mastinos
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0 |
Roman
Someone from Rome
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0 |
Mario
From the Roman god Mars, which means “warlike”; good for sibling pups (one named Luigi)
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0 |
Luigi
Italian name meaning “renowned fighter”; a good name for sibling pups (one named Mario)
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0 |
Magnum
A certain thing that is bigger than usual
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0 |
Marrone
Italian name meaning “brown”; good for Mastinos with a brown coat
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0 |
Titan
A giant in Greek mythology
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0 |
Faustine
Latin name meaning “fortunate one”
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0 |
Thunder
A loud rumbling noise
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0 |
Primo
Means “first” in Italian
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Neo
Shortened version of Neapolitan
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0 |
Tino
Means “small” in Italian; humorous name for a Mastino
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0 |
Dante
Italian name meaning “enduring”
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0 |
Tesoro
Means “treasure” in Italian
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Pompeii
An Italian town that was destroyed by a volcanic eruption
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Caesar
After Roman emperor Julius Caesar
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Lupo
Means “wolf” in Italian
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Raphael
Famous Italian painter
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Caramello
Italian term for caramel; good for Mastinos with a caramel coat; can be shortened to Mello
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Vulcan
Roman god of fire
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Milan
A famous Italian city
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Warrior
A brave fighter or soldier
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Vito
Italian name meaning “life”
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Pietro
Italian name meaning “rock”
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Marco Polo
A merchant known for his amazing adventures
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Bruiser
Referring to someone who is tough
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0 |
Adelmo
German name meaning “noble protector”
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0 |
Alonso
Italian name meaning “eager for battle”
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Female Neapolitan Mastiff Dog Names
Votes | Name | Vote |
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0 |
Luna
Means “moon” in Italian
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0 |
Cannoli
A delicious Italian pastry
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0 |
Denali
Koyukon name meaning “great one”
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0 |
Andrea
Greek name meaning “courageous”
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0 |
Florence
A beautiful city in Italy
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0 |
Amore
Means “love” in Italian
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0 |
Giulia
Italian name meaning “youthful”
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0 |
Nadia
Russian name meaning “hope”
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0 |
Leona
Means “lion” in Italian
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0 |
Dolce
Means “sweet” in Italian
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0 |
Axelia
Greek name meaning “protector of mankind”
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Trevi
A famous fountain in Italy
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Zitto
Means “quiet” in Italian; good for your calm Mastino
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Ciao
Means “hello” in Italian
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Bella
Means “beautiful” in Italian
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Prosecco
An Italian wine
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Athena
Greek goddess of wisdom
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0 |
Regina
Italian name meaning “queen”
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0 |
Dama
Means “lady” in Italian
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0 |
Caprice
Italian name meaning “fanciful”
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Nutella
A sweet Italian hazelnut spread; good for black/brown Mastinos
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Serena
Latin name meaning “clear or serene”
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Helmine
German name meaning “resolute protector”
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0 |
Patrizia
Female patrician of an important city
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0 |
Amica
Means “friend” in Italian
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0 |
Giada
Means “jade” in Italian
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0 |
Amalfi
After Amalfi coast; a beautiful stretch of coastline in Italy
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Roma
After Rome, the capital city of Italy
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0 |
Akiva
Hebrew name meaning “protect; shelter”
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Ferrera
Female version of “Ferrero”, a famous Italian chocolate brand
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