Popular Mafia Nicknames for Any Member of the Mob

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Plus, learn where mafia nicknames actually come from

Co-authored by Aly Rusciano

Last Updated: October 27, 2025 Fact Checked

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Mobster Nicknames

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Italian Mafia

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Russian Mafia

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Real Life Examples

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Where did mafia nicknames come from?

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More Nicknames

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So, you’re writing a story or creating a character all around the mob, and you need a mobster name…What if we told you we had names you couldn’t refuse? Keep scrolling for a list of the most popular and notorious mafia names, plus some background on where these names come from in the first place.

Cool Mafia Names

Some of the most notorious mafia nicknames are based on the characteristics of the mobster. “Scarface,” “The Boss,” and “The Enforcer” are intimidating and represent the mobster’s special skills or appearance. Some mobsters chose their own nickname, but many were given by the media, the police, or even the public.

Section 1 of 6:

Mobster Nicknames

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These nicknames are intimidating. The best mobster and mafia nicknames demand a presence—they make your knees quake with fear! Here are some of the best mafia nicknames and what character they’re best suited for:
- Scarface: someone with a noticeable facial scar.
- The Anchor: someone dependable and trustworthy.
- The Banker: someone who handles money.
- The Blade: someone who eliminates obstacles, no matter the cost.
- The Boss: someone with a powerful, commanding presence.
- The Enforcer: someone who doesn’t take any funny business.
- The Ghost: someone who is a silent destroyer.
- The Keeper: someone who holds and secures secrets.
- The Mad Hatter: someone who has questionable (but effective) tactics.
- The Shadow: someone who pulls the strings behind the scenes.
- The Butcher: someone who’s ruthless when they're solving problems.
- The Fox: someone who’s clever and strategic against their rivals.
- The Saint: someone with a pristine public image.
- The Ice King: someone with a cold and calculating style.
- The Shield: someone who protects their family, no matter what.

Section 2 of 6:

Italian Mafia Nicknames

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These nicknames paint a classic picture of an Italian mafia member. Chances are you’ve heard some of these names in your favorite mob movies. Here are some crime nicknames with a little Italian flair:^{[1]
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- Alfonso
- Carlo
- Cosa
- Dante
- Enzo
- Fabio
- Frank
- Gambino
- Gino
- Guiseppe
- Gotti
- Johnny
- Luciano
- Nicky
- Ricco
- Ricky
- Roberto
- Ronny
- Salvatore
- Tony
- Ugo
- Vincent/Vinny
- Vito

Section 3 of 6:

Russian Mafia Nicknames

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These names are a reminder not to mess with the Russian mob. When you think of the Mob, you might think of Russians as much as Italians. Russians are notorious in the Mafia, so here are some names inspired by them:
- Alexander
- Aslan
- Evsei
- Ivan
- Ludwig
- Roman
- Semion
- Sergei
- Valdimir
- Vyacheslav

Section 4 of 6:

Real Life Gangster Nicknames

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These nicknames come from the most powerful mob bosses. At a loss for what Mafia nickname to use? Draw inspiration from the most notorious crime figures!^{[2]
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- Dapper Don (John Gotti)
- Greasy Thumb (Jake Guzik)
- Joe Bananas (Joseph Bonanno)
- Karate (Tommy Pitera)
- Legs (Jack Diamond)
- Lucky (Salvatore Lucanio)
- Scarface (Al Capone)
- The Ant (Tony Spilotro)
- The Big Tuna (Anthony Accardo)
- The Cigar (Carmine Galante)
- The Clown (Joseph Lombardo)
- The Enforcer (Frank Nitti)

Section 5 of 6:

Where did mafia nicknames come from?

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Most nicknames come from the appearance, personality, or experience of a mafia member. For example, Michael “The Nose” Mancuso got his nickname for his prominent nose, and Al Capone got the nickname “Scarface” after a knife attack left his face scarred. Some mafia members choose their own nickname, but sometimes, members of the media, police, or everyday people come up with a nickname that sticks.^{[3]
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- For example, Joseph “Joe Bananas” Bonanno hated being called “Joe Banana,” but it stuck!
- Nicknames were valuable for mobsters. They shielded their real names and identities from the public and the police, especially during monitored phone calls and other communications.