Are you looking for Maltese dog names for your new fur baby? Maltese dogs are named for the island nation of Malta–so we thought it would be fun to round up names associated with this island nation.
A few years ago, we had the opportunity to visit Malta on a travel writing assignment–and can attest to the fact that these beautiful islands are definitely worthy of inspiring some great dog names for your Maltese, Malshi or other Maltese cross breed!
As you’re looking for cute names for Maltese puppies some of these names may seem a little grown up, but don’t forget that soon they will be Maltese dogs (although they’ll always be your puppy, right?)
Where is Malta?
The Republic of Malta is located in the center of the Mediterranean, just south of Sicily. From prehistoric temples to crusading knights, this destination has long been in the middle of the action. This point commands access not only to Europe but to Northern Africa and the Middle East as well. Even the Maltese language is a melange of influences, the only Arabic root language written with Roman characters.
Malta is made up of a trio of rocky limestone islands rearing over a sea of inky blue: bustling Malta, rugged Gozo, and nearly uninhabited Comino, as well as several smaller islands and islets.
Maltese Place Names
Barracca: In Valletta, the Barracca Gardens were where knights once exercised in the clear morning air and today’s travelers can enjoy the best view of the city.
Comino: The nearly uninhabited island has a name derived from the Arabic word for “sheltered spot.”
Dragonara: Malta’s Dragonara Palace is a place whose sea caves were rumored to be dragon lairs (stories once encouraged by local smugglers.)
Ggantija: On Gozo, these two circular temples dating back to about 3600 BC are believed to be the world’s oldest freestanding monuments, outdating even the Pyramids. Perfect for the dog you will love forever!
Gozo: The second-most populated island in the Republic of Malta, a short ferry ride from the island of Malta.
Malta: The largest island in the Republic of Malta is the island of Malta. It’s believed the name Malta was derived from the Greek word for honey: meli.
Marsovin: Malta’s only winemaker producing sparkling wine.
Mdina: The old capital of Malta, known as the Noble City, dates back 4,000 years. Today, in this walled city where Maltese nobility once took refuge, travelers enjoy leisurely dining and shopping for handmade Maltese lace.
Rabat: Rabat was the old name of the current city of Victoria. The moniker was just changed in honor of Queen Victoria in 1897.
Valletta: This city’s shimmering blue harbor is a stark contrast to the limestone walls that outline the city. The harbor that now welcomes cruise ships first greeted Phoenician traders 3000 years ago.
Victoria: The capital city of Gozo, renamed in honor of Queen Victoria.
Names Related to Maltese History
Crusade: Knights journeyed here to protect pilgrims on the way to the Holy Land during the Crusades.
Knight: Malta was the home of–you guessed it–the Knights of Malta. Perfect for your little four-footed protector.
Luzzu: The traditional fishing boat of Malta painted green, red and other colors. The boats each have a pair of eyes on the bow, the Eye of Horus or Eye of Osiris, to protect the fisherman while at sea.
Phoenicia: Three thousand years ago, Phoenicians came to Malta by boat to trade. Today you’ll find a luxury hotel named Phoenicia.
Siren: The mythological Sirens sang to Odysseus, luring him into Malta’s Calpyso’s Cave.
Maltese Female Names
Agatha: The St. Agatha’s Tower on Malta dates back to 1648. It originally was used to signal communications to Gozo. Later it was used by British soldiers during both World Wars.
Azura: The Azure Window on Gozo was carved by Mediterranean waves in the sea cliffs. One of the best Maltese dog names for the one whose eyes you cannot stop gazing into.
Calypso: Calypso’s Cave lured Odysseus in legend–but the Gozo cave is real. While the cave itself isn’t all that alluring, the rest of the island certainly is with dramatic cliffs, quaint fishing villages, Baroque churches, excellent scuba diving, and a small town atmosphere.
Filigree: A handcraft that rose to popularity during the days of the Knights is filigree work in gold and silver. Delicate filigree patterns range from Maltese crosses to floral shapes to miniature boxes and are sold in stores across the island.
Lacey: Malta is known for its lacemaking. It dates back to the 16th century at a time when the Grandmaster wanted to replace the practice of wearing jewelry and items of value with the decorative but inexpensive wearing of lace.
Maria: The Santa Maria Tower is the main attraction of Comino.
Maris: Built before 1240, the Castrum Maris was a castle that later became Fort St. Angelo.
Olive: The most common tree in Malta.
Maltese Male Names
Angelo: Fort St. Angelo in the city of Birgu was used by the Knights of St. John.
Grotto: The Blue Grotto is one of the most recognized natural wonders of these islands.
John: On Malta, the St. John’s Co-Cathedral brims with artwork and treasures and just down the street the Palace of the Grand Masters echoes with memories of the knights. Here you can slowly climb the two-inch steps worn smooth by thousands of feet. The reason for the steps’ low height? So the knights could ascend in full armor, of course. (Also perfect for short-legged dogs!)
Julian: Malta’s city of St. Julian’s is home to the island’s most sophisticated dining scene.
Lucian: Fort St. Lucian protects Marsaxlokk Bay, dating back to 1610.
Odysseus: Mythology has it that Odysseus was lured to Calypso’s Cave on the island of Gozo.
Thomas: The St. Thomas Tower in the city of Marsascala was built in 1616 by one of the Grandmasters–and is home to Malta’s only drawbridge.
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