If it's dog names you're after, you'll find plenty of inspiration here. We've rounded up so many wonderful ideas that you'll surely find that unique, cool dog name in no time. Have a look.
Looking for the best dog name ever? We put together a list of the ultimate dog names that will have you saying "this is the one". Find that unforgettable girl dog name you are after or the boy dog name that perfectly matches the awesome new pup in the house. There are plenty of amazing dog names to choose from below, so let's get to it!
Male Dog Names
Rocky
Made famous by Sylvester Stallone, Rocky is a dog name reserved for the strong-willed male pup, regardless of size. Rocky might be a Shih Tzu or a Great Dane - after all, it's not size but sheer determination that counts. So if you already recognise a go-getter in your pup then this famous metaphor for the underdog is also that perfect male dog name you're looking for.
Bear
Bear is another great male dog name that works for pups big and small. The larger dog breeds will enjoy a moniker that shows off their strength and independence, while small dogs can pull it off as a funny pun on their itsy-bitsy size.
Iggy
Iggy is such an endearing male dog name that you won't need anything else to convince you this is the one for your dog. But it turns out that the meaning behind the name is what makes many dog owners choose it for the new canine friends in their life. In Latin, Iggy means "the Fiery One", which matches any pup's adventurous side.
Rebel
If you've got a rule-breaker on your hands, there is hardly a better choice than Rebel. Short and easy to say over and over again even when your tough pup just does as they please, this is one of the cooler boy dog names out there.
Hulk
The Hulk might be the huge rage machine in the comics' universe, bulldozing everything in its way, but it can perfectly lend his name to a pup determined to do just that, even if on a considerably smaller scale. If you notice your new dog wrestling with their toys, constantly fighting blankets, curtains and table cloths, Hulk might be the boy dog name you are looking for.
Female Dog Names
Princess
A list of female dog names has to include the moniker "Princess". For the elegant, girly dogs that start to strut around the house from the first moment they walk through the door there is just no better way to address them than by using royal terminology. If you're not careful, your new pup will definitely rule your home.
Goldie
A name inspired by this precious metal is perfect for your treasured addition to the family. If your dog's colour is a match too, then Goldie is truly a no-brainer girl dog name.
Luna
Luna, which means "Moon" in Latin, is one of the most popular female dog names. And rightly so. You can rarely go wrong with a name that has celestial meaning for a pup with cuteness levels out of this world.
Zuzu
For a girl dog name that is sweet, try Zuzu which actually means "Sweet" in Yiddish. Plus, it will make you smile every time you say it, so it's got to be at the top of your female dog name list. Just say it out loud a few times and you'll know what we mean.
Sherlock Bones
When your new dog goes on a sniffing mission all around the living room from day one, you know you've got a pup with some detective skills on your hands. Sherlock it is then.
Bark Twain
If your dog barks up a storm, at friends or foes, night or day, it's only fair that they get introduced as Bark Twain. After all there is nothing wrong with using a bit of humour for naming a dog that is in a constant mood for banter.
Famous Dog Names
Goofy - Walt Disney
Such a beloved Disney character, Goofy still offers inspiration for dog owners on naming duties more than seven decades after it was first created. And if your puppy is funny and a bit clumsy as the cartoon character, Goofy might just be the male dog name to settle for.
Krypto - Superman comics
If you've just adopted a super-dog with super-cute powers, it is only fair to take inspiration from Krypto, aka Superman's own dog.
Toto - the Wonderful Wizard of Oz
Smart, funny and loving Dorothy with all his heart, we can't help but completely fall head over heels for Toto from "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz". We all need a Toto in our lives and you might be lucky enough to have one already.
British Dog Names
Watson
Sherlock's sidekick, best friend and flatmate, Watson is an inspiration for dog owners everywhere. This British male dog name checks all the boxes. It sounds cool, it's short and it's a smart pop culture reference - all wrapped into one.
Hermione
You don't have to be a Harry Potter fan to choose the smart and loyal Hermione as the name-fellow for your dog. But if you are, there is hardly a better girl dog name for your pooch.
Idris
Here is a cool and very British name for your boy dog. Say it out loud a few times and see if you're getting any reaction from your pup. As soon as you see the tail-wagging intensify, you'll know you've got a winner.
Poppy
If you are looking for British inspiration to give you the perfect girl dog name, give Poppy a thought. This enduring symbol for remembrance might just be the one to suit your new pooch the best.
Shakespeare
Shakespeare is not your usual dog name, but if a British-inspired moniker is a must, then one of the most famous British names has got to be on the list.
Black Dog Names
Black Jack
If you are looking for a fun name to suit a coal black pup, Black Jack is one of the most popular boy dog names. Don't worry, your puppy doesn't need to be lucky to qualify for the name - their dark good looks will suffice.
Hershey
Chocolate always offers some good inspiration when you're stuck for black dog name ideas. With such a name, you'll be getting plenty of sweet Hershey kisses from your new pup. And they're all free!
Onyx
Onyx is considered a soothing gemstone able to give comfort during times of stress or grief. If you are looking for a dog name with a special meaning, you can't go wrong with Onyx.
Sable
A name with a nice ring to it, inspired by the rare and expensive sable fur, Sable is a great girl dog name for those precious puppies with glistening dark coat.
Discover more black dog names.
Celebrity Dog Names
Famous people and their dogs can provide some great name inspiration. Here are a few celeb-dog name pairs that can give you inspiration for your own pup.
- Ariana Grande - Coco Chanel
- Miley Cyrus - Mary Jane
- Adam Sandler - Matzo Ball
- Hugh Jackman - Mocha
Dog Names You Should Avoid
Although rules have no business deciding your pup's name, there are a few things to keep in mind to make sure your dog agrees with your choice.
A good dog name is usually short. Anything with more than a couple of syllables is likely to either confuse your dog or be too long for their flimsy attention spans. So a good tip is to stay away from any hyphenated or double-barrelled names. Sebastian and Anastasia-Rose might seem a match made in heaven at first but one day you’ll have to shout it across the park and realise it doesn’t quite work at reining in an enthusiastic dog on a chase.
Consonants, when there are too many, tend to make names clunky and more difficult to say, especially when calling your dog back to you. For practical purposes Lucy is better than Lucille and Murphy is better than McMurphy.
Names similar to dog commands
Avoid going for a dog name that sounds like commands such as “no”, “sit” or “fetch” otherwise your puppy will be sending plenty of confused looks your way. Sid, Mo, Joe and Snatch are too similar to the commands you want your dog to respond to without much hesitation.
Another Golden Rule in dog naming is to avoid any name you don’t feel comfortable shouting across the park. So make sure you don’t use more humour than you can publicly handle without going red.
Dog Naming Tips
There are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a good dog name:
It’s tempting to give your pup a name as soon as you meet them, but a good tip is to wait a few days. Get to know their personality, discover their little quirks and see what funny behaviour they are capable of. Coming up with a name that truly matches your unique puppy is so much more rewarding than going for a generic dog name.
A decisive test that can make or break a good dog name is saying it out loud. It makes a huge difference hearing how it resonates in a room or how far it travels outdoors. Does it roll off easily or is it a tongue-twister? Can you easily say it three or four times in a row or are you already out of breath the second time around?
Take your puppy for a walk and watch the reaction you’re getting when they hear their prospective name out loud. If they turn to look at you when you use the name it’s a good sign, and if they give you a good tail-wagging session you’re definitely on the right track. And if your dog completely ignores you, that’s just pup talk for “try again”.
Now that you've got all the tips you need to choose the best dog name ever, find out how to get your puppy off to a great start by making all the proper introductions and dog-proofing your home and garden.
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