When you bring a new pet into your home, you want to make sure you choose the best dog name for your new friend. Consider the following suggestions as you look for naming inspiration.
1. Personality
By observing your dog's personality and behavior, you're likely to come up with a number of names for your new pet. A shy dog could be called "Bashful". A dog that loves dog treats might be called "Biscuit". Here are some other ideas:
- Speedy
- Zipster
- Action
- Romeo (for a loving dog)
- Avalanche (for a dog that knocks things over)
- Putt Putt (for a dog that moves slow or likes to play with a ball)
- Waddles
- Sir Wags a Lot
- Calamity
- Straightjacket
2. Descriptive names
While they aren't always the most creative names, descriptive names often make the best choices for a dog. Names can be based on color, unique markings and other physical features, such as Fluffy, Blackie or Spot. Other descriptive names:
- Bigfoot
- Paprika
- Freckles
- Dandelion
- Ivory
- Ebony
- Domino (white dog with black spots)
- Butterfinger
- Eight Ball
- Nugget (for a small dog)
3. Favorite characters and celebrities
Can't tear your eyes away from the TV series 24? Maybe the main character, Jack, would be a great name for your new dog. When it comes to famous dog names, you can choose from human celebrities, canine celebrities, cartoons and even historical and literary figures.
- Scrappy Doo
- Einstein
- Fetch Armstrong
- Shilo
- Balto
- Lucille Ball Chaser
- Beckham
You could also try creating a word play on characters from literature or movies. For example, you could call your dog Beowoof instead of Beowulf.
4. Names from other languages
Celebrate the origins of your dog's breed, or just add a touch of the exotic by naming her in another language. You can select an actual name, like Philippe for your French Bulldog, or you borrow a word from the language.
- Bai (Chinese word that means "white")
- Jamboree (Origin unknown, but credited to Swahili "jambo" for "hello")
- Hiwa (Hawaiian for "black")
- Anastasia (Russian Princess)
- Kimono (Japanese garment)
- Desna (Alaskan for "boss")
- Cajun
- Liwanu (Native American Miwok for "bear growl")
5. Food
If you or your dog has a favorite food, or your dog resembles the color of a food, you can draw inspiration from various food groups, even candy.
- Skittles
- Chiquita
- Alpo
- Pita
- Cornflake
- Jalapeno
- Pixie Sticks
- Hoagie
- Peanut
- Peaches
6. Human names
Human names can work just as well for your canine friend. You can choose a name from your family and friends, or just use a name you've always liked. However, if you name your dog after someone, you want a namesake that won't be offended by the comparison.
- Crystal
- Emmy
- Mack
- Grace
- Sam
- Yvonne
- Martin
- Carlie
7. Funny Dog Names
Humor is subjective, so you may or may not find these names humorous. The trick to finding a funny name for your dog is to think outside the box. Name a dog that lies around all the time "Lunatic" and people will eventually chuckle at the name as they get to know that your dog is anything but crazy.
- Twinkie
- Dot Com
- E-mutt
- Riffraff
- Digger
- Mr. Chewy
- Barfolomew (from the movie Space Balls)
- Dogzilla
- Doorstop
Additional Naming Tips
- Choose a short, easy-to-say dog name. If the name is too complex, you'll just end up shortening it whenever you call your dog. Why not go with the shorter version to begin with?
- Make sure the name is something you're comfortable saying in front of everyone, in any situation. People will sometimes create profane or risqué names as a joke, not thinking about the potential embarrassment of calling the name throughout the neighborhood when the dog gets lost.
- If you have kids, get them involved in the naming process. It can help start the bond between child and pet while helping you come up with a truly clever name.
