What’s in a name? When it comes to your pup, plenty! Bestowing a name upon your four-legged friend is kind of a big deal. (No pressure, of course.) And while there’s certainly nothing wrong with Bella or Max–the top dog names of the year for Good Girls and Good Boys, respectively–many dog parents are following baby name trends and looking for unique, gender-neutral dog names.
Not sure where to start? We have you covered! Whether you’re looking for preppy or playful, sophisticated or downright silly, this list of unisex dog names will help you find the perfect name for your new pup.
Key Takeaways
- Gender-neutral names like River, Scout, and Shadow work for any dog regardless of sex.
- These names are versatile and often inspired by nature, colors, or emotions.
- Choosing a unisex name allows for more flexibility and creativity.
- Many names on this list are trendy and modern in tone.
| A | |
|---|---|
| Acorn | Try this nutty name for tiny toy breeds. |
| Adrian | A Latin name meaning “sea” or “water,” this aquatic name is perfect for pups who enjoy a good swim. |
| Alex | Traditionally short for “Alexander” or “Alexandra,” Alex is a time-tested gender-neutral name. |
| Amazon | The world’s largest tropical rainforest is a fitting namesake for outdoorsy pups. |
| Anise | As the main flavor in licorice, Anise is especially befitting of black pups. |
| Annapolis | Home of the United States Naval Academy, the capital of Maryland lends a maritime sensibility. |
| Aspen | This ski town’s moniker is perfect for dogs who love a romp in the snow. |
| Atlas | This unique Greek name means “bearer of the heavens.” |
| August | Channel the “dog days of summer” with August–or “Augie,” for short. |
| Austin | The capital of Texas is well suited for hipster pups. |
| Avery | A popular unisex choice for babies, the name Avery means “wise” in French. |
| B | |
|---|---|
| Bacon | Boy or girl, every dog loves bacon. |
| Baby | Brand-new puppy or wizened senior, they’ll always be your Baby. |
| Bagel | If you name your dog Bagel, you’re almost obligated to adopt a Cream Cheese, as well. |
| Bailey | This classic dog name suits Good Boys and Good Girls alike. |
| Bambi | Although the name sounds feminine, Disney’s beloved Bambi was actually a male deer. |
| Basil | Meaning “royal” or “kingly,” Basil is an increasingly popular name for girl dogs (but also works for boys). |
| Bean | Perfect for petite pups! |
| Bear | Befitting of big buds. |
| Bellamy | This preppy modern moniker means “fine friend.” |
| Bennett | We love “Benny” for short. |
| Bentley | For the posh pup, Bentley is a British surname that also calls to mind luxury cars. |
| Berkeley | Bring on the hippie vibes with this laidback California city. |
| Berlin | The city is a natural fit for German breeds such as Dachshunds, German Shepherds and Weimaraners. |
| Bigfoot | Since no one has been able to verify the gender of Bigfoot, we’re declaring this folklore-inspired name officially unisex. |
| Bijou | A French word for a small, beautiful jewel, Bijou is great for toy breeds. |
| Billie/Billy | From Billie Holiday to Billy Idol, this popular unisex name is a pop culture fixture. |
| Bingo | Fans of the animated series “Bluey” know Bingo works just as well for girl dogs as boy dogs. |
| Biscuit | This cute classic earns two paws up. |
| Blake | Actress Blake Lively proves that this name of English origin is perfect for both male and female puppies. |
| Blizzard | Perfect for fluffy, white, swirling balls of energy. |
| Blue/Blu | This colorful name is common among breeds that have a bluish tint to their fur, such as Australian Cattle Dogs. |
| Bonbon | For the four-legged friend who is sweet, petite and simply irresistible. |
| Bonsai | The tiny tree makes a witty name for Miniature Poodles, Pinschers and Schnauzers. |
| Boo | This affectionate nickname could also be fun for dogs with ghost-white coats. |
| Boots | For pups with paw markings, try Boots on for size. |
| Bordeaux | Derived from the French word “borde,” which means “small farm,” Bordeaux is a fun twist on traditional country dog names. |
| Boss | Who says you can’t have a #girlboss? |
| Bourbon | Cheers to this spirited name for brunette boys and babes. |
| Bowie | A nod to David Bowie, who made androgyny an art form. |
| Brady | Originally a surname of Irish origin, Brady is now a popular unisex baby name. |
| Brandy | The liquor’s golden, oaky color lends itself well to brown-coated breeds. |
| Brindley | This preppy Old English name is a fun choice for dogs with brindle coat patterns. |
| Bristol | Old English in origin, this bucolic name means “meeting place at the bridge.” |
| Bronte | Meaning “thunder” in Greek, Bronte has a masculine ring to it. But it’s also a nice reference to literary sisters Emily, Charlotte and Anne. |
| Bronx | New York City’s northernmost borough is a trendy name for baby girls and boys alike. |
| Brooklyn | Traditionally a male English name, Brooklyn is now equally popular for girls thanks to celebrities such as model Brooklyn Decker. |
| Brownie | The tasty treat makes a sweet name for chocolate-coated dogs. |
| Bubbles | Saying this bubbly name will always put a smile on your face. |
| Butterscotch | We love this one for honey-hued pups. As a bonus, “Butters” makes for an adorable nickname. |
| Buttons | This cutie will never go out of style. |
| C | |
|---|---|
| Cadbury | Although the chocolate company’s mascot is a bunny, we think Cadbury works just as well for dogs. |
| Camden | The posh London district is perfect for cosmopolitan canines. |
| Cameron | Actress Cameron Diaz made this male Scottish name a modern option for girls, as well. |
| Cannoli | The log-shaped dessert is fitting for low-rider breeds such as Dachshunds and Corgis. |
| Cappuccino | The coffeehouse classic serves up an adorable nickname – Chino! |
| Caramel | We love this one for caramel-colored sweeties. |
| Carmen | A Spanish name meaning “garden,” Carmen is a traditional gender-neutral moniker. |
| Casey | Although traditionally male in Ireland, Casey became a popular girls’ name once it crossed the pond. |
| Cashew | Have a nutty puppy? Try Cashew on for size! |
| Cassidy | This Irish surname means “curly-haired,” making it a great choice for a Poodle or Puli. |
| Cat | A dog named Cat? If there was ever a time, the time is meow. |
| Cayenne | Perfect for pups with spicy, feisty personalities! |
| Chai | Your go-to latte can be a great name for dogs with creamy brown coloring. |
| Chance | If serendipity brought your BFF into your life, give Chance a chance. |
| Chandler | The most famous Chandler, of course, is Chandler Bing of “Friends” fame. But did you know the Middle English name – which means “candle maker” – is traditionally female? |
| Charleston | The Southern city lends a little old-fashioned charm to dandy dogs. |
| Charlie | Frequently used as a nickname for “Charlotte,” Charlie is more popular than ever thanks to its unisex usage. |
| Checkers | This playful name is especially cute for black-and-white dogs. |
| Cheddar | Boy or girl, there’s nothing cheesy about naming your dog Cheddar. |
| Chestnut | Try this one for breeds with red-brown coats, such as Irish Setters. |
| Chiclet | Tiny and sweet, Chiclets gum is fun inspiration for pint-sized pups. |
| Chocolate | Dogs shouldn’t eat chocolate, but it does make a great name for brunette buds. |
| Cinnamon | We like this one for spicy pups with a sweet side. |
| Cloud | Calling all floofs! Cloud is fitting for fluffy white breeds such as the Great Pyrenees, Maltese, and Samoyed. |
| Clover | If you have a rescue dog, consider the name Clover, which signifies good luck. |
| Cocoa | Short, sweet, and perfect for chocolate-colored cuties. |
| Coconut | This tropical-inspired name boasts “Coco” as a cute, easy nickname. |
| Cody | This spunky alias has a sporty quality that works for both genders. |
| Coffee | Try this caffeinated name for high-energy pups. |
| Colby | Pups will be pleased to know that this preppy unisex moniker is also the name of a type of cheese. |
| Comet | The celestial body is a fun option for out-of-this-world pets. |
| Cookie Monster | The Sesame Street sweet tooth is male, but Cookie has a feminine quality. |
| Corey | Boy or girl, Corey has classic appeal. |
| Corwin | This Gaelic name means “heart’s companion.” |
| Cotton | There’s no better name for your little white fluffball. |
| Cream Puff | You just know Cream Puff is going to be a sweetie. |
| Creek | Short and simple, we recommend this nature-inspired name for water-loving breeds. |
| Cricket | Actor Busy Philipps has a daughter named Cricket, while Disney’s Jiminy Cricket speaks to the name’s boy appeal. |
| Crosby | This Scandinavian surname has become a trendy unisex first name. |
| Crumpet | As for breakfast-inspired names, Crumpet may be the cutest on the menu. |
| Cupcake | “Cupcake” is a word that will always turn heads. |
| Cupid | Cupid was male in classic mythology, but the Valentine-inspired name suits female pups just as well. |
| Curly | Have a curly-coiffed canine? Keep it simple with this descriptive name. |
| Cypress | Consider this arboreal name for nature-loving dogs. |
| D | |
|---|---|
| Dakota | The state-inspired name has celebrity status, including NFL quarterback Dakota “Dak” Prescott and actress Dakota Fanning. |
| Dandelion | This cheery choice has two built-in nicknames: Dandy and Lion! |
| Dara | Traditionally a male name of biblical origin, Dara is more modernly used for both sexes. |
| Darby | This jaunty English surname is short, snappy, and pup-perfect. |
| Darcy | When used for a boy, consider going formal and referencing Jane Austen’s famous character, Mr. Darcy. |
| Darling | The term of endearment is a sweet-as-can-be pet name. |
| Dayton | Bright and cheery, Dayton works well for sporty, energetic breeds. |
| Delta | Whether referencing the Mississippi River or the Greek alphabet, Delta has strong roots. |
| Denali | Have a one-of-a-kind pup? This Native American name means “the great one.” |
| Devon | This unisex baby name reached peak popularity in the ’90s, making it ripe for a comeback. |
| Dobby | Dobby is the name of two fan-favorite British characters: Dobby the (male) house elf of “Harry Potter” fame, and Dobby the (female) IT consultant from “Peep Show.” |
| Domino | The game makes a playful name for black-and-white dogs. |
| Donut | Who can say no to a Donut? |
| Dover | Strong yet serene, this Celtic name means “the waters.” |
| Drew | Actress Drew Barrymore is proof that this traditionally male name can be an adorable choice for girls, as well. |
| Dublin | The Emerald Isle’s capital makes a fitting name for breeds such as Irish Setters and Irish Wolfhounds. |
| Dumpling | So deliciously cute, we could eat this name right up. |
| Dutch | Although Dutch is more commonly male, it could also be a fun nickname for Duchess. |
| Dylan | “Today” show co-host and meteorologist Dylan Dreyer is one of the many female Dylans proving that the name has crossover potential. |
| E | |
|---|---|
| Easton | Directional names are on the rise. For a twist on the popular Weston, consider the less trendy Easton. |
| Echo | Originally the name of a nymph from Greek mythology, Echo is now considered gender-neutral. |
| Eclipse | For the pup you love to the moon and back, try this astronomical name. |
| Eddie | Short for Edith or Edward, Eddie has a snappy, happy appeal. |
| Eggroll | Seriously silly, Eggroll is a name that will always make you smile. |
| Emerson | Traditionally a male name, Emerson is an increasingly popular baby name for girls. (Try “Emmy” for short!) |
| Espresso | A drink that’s dark, rich and full of energy. |
| Everest | The towering mountain makes a fitting moniker for adventure-loving dogs. |
| Ewok | The force is strong with this name! “Star Wars” creator George Lucas modeled the famously adorable Ewoks on his own Brussels Griffon pups. |
| F | |
|---|---|
| Fergie | Historically short for “Ferguson,” Fergie can also reference the American singer or English duchess. |
| Finnley | Hop on the trendy train with this popular gender-neutral dog name. |
| Flash | Perfect for speedy breeds such as Greyhounds, Whippets and Jack Russells. |
| Fluffy | “Fluffy” is a tried-and-true name for all pups with puff. |
| Forest | Nod to your pet’s wild ancestors with this nature name. |
| Frankie | Short for “Francis,” Frankie is an endearing unisex nickname. |
| Freckles | When Spot feels a little too obvious, try Freckles for pups with speckles. |
| French Fry | When choosing a food-inspired name, opt for something as beloved as dogs. French Fry fits the bill! |
| Frenchie | Oui oui! This Francophile name suits French breeds such as Poodles, Papillons, and of course, French Bulldogs. |
| Frosty | It’s not just for snowmen! Frosty is fitting for fluffy white pups. |
| G | |
|---|---|
| Georgie | This old-school name has plenty of charm for both ladies and tramps. |
| Ghost | Have a Huskie? Although he was the runt of the litter, Ghost became the fan-favorite direwolf on “Game of Thrones.” |
| Gold | In our eyes, every dog deserves Gold. |
| Guacamole | Like the dip, Guac the pup is sure to be a hit at parties. |
| Gumdrop | The classic candy makes a sweet name for little lads and lassies. |
| H | |
|---|---|
| Happy | If you’re Happy and you know it, clap your paws! |
| Harley | The iconic motorcycle makes a great gender-neutral dog name for fun-loving pups who can appreciate a good road trip. |
| Harper | Although an extremely popular name for baby girls today, Harper is traditionally male. |
| Harrie/Harry | Whether short for Harriet or Harold, this cheery name has plenty of pup potential. |
| Hendrix | Does your dog simply rock? Nod to Jimi with this music-inspired name. |
| Hershey | For your chocolate-coated companion, consider this classic candy. |
| Honey | Is there anything sweeter than Honey for golden-hued dogs? |
| Honor | This virtuous name is befitting of man’s loyal best friend. |
| I | |
|---|---|
| Indie | Chirpy and quirky, Indie is a fun name for dogs with an independent spirit. |
| Indigo | Greek in origin, Indigo is a colorful choice. |
| Ireland | Pay tribute to your breed’s Irish heritage with this shout-out to the Emerald Isle. |
| Izzy | This happy-go-lucky name can be short for Isabel or Isaac. |
| J | |
|---|---|
| Jamie | With well-established gender-neutral roots, Jamie is as versatile as they come. |
| Java | Another caffeinated name, Java brings a happy energy. |
| Jellybean | Whether you go with “Jelly” or “Bean,” you can’t go wrong when it comes to Jellybean nicknames. |
| Jessie | Boy or girl, Jessie has a playful charm. |
| Joey | When used for a pup, this common human name feels unexpected and funny. |
| Jordan | “Jordie” is a fun shortened version of this gender-neutral dog name. |
| Journey | Whether a reference to the rock band or a voyage, Journey is a free-spirited choice. |
| Jules | Short for Julie or Julian, Jules has its roots in English and Latin, meaning “youthful.” |
| Juneau | Consider Alaska’s capital for Alaskan Malamutes and Huskies. |
| K | |
|---|---|
| Kahlúa | The coffee liqueur reminds us of dogs–sweet, zippy, and always fun. |
| Kai | Meaning “ocean” in Hawaiian, Kai is great for your beach bud. |
| Kelby | This idyllic Old Norse name means “farm near the spring.” |
| Kennedy | Irish in origin, Kennedy has been a perennially popular unisex name in the U.S. since the ’90s. |
| Kerry | This preppy choice has country club vibes. |
| Kit Kat | For an ironic feline-inspired nickname, call your pup “Kat” for short. |
| Kiwi | Kiwi is a great name for any dog. But it’s especially fitting for native New Zealand breeds, including the Huntaway and New Zealand Heading Dog. |
| Koa | Meaning “warrior” in Hawaiian, Koa may be the perfect name for your feisty Chihuahua. |
| Kodiak | With a wild wink, Kodiak is a nature-inspired natural for outdoor-loving dogs. |
| Kona | For a fresh take on coffeehouse names, this Hawaiian name offers a tropical twist. |
| L | |
|---|---|
| Lake | Pure and peaceful, Lake is lovely for pups who love a good paddle. |
| Lane | This English boys’ name has become a short and sweet option for girls thanks to the gender-neutral name trend. |
| Lani | Meaning “sky,” Lani has its roots in Hawaiian. |
| Lee | From the Old English word meaning “meadow,” Lee is a classic that always feels fresh. |
| Leland | This old-fashioned English name is becoming popular among parents searching for a unique unisex name. |
| Lennon | Pay homage to the legendary Beatle with Lennon (or “Lenny” for short!) |
| Lennox | “Lenny” also makes a great nickname for the more formal Lennox. |
| Licorice | For black-coated pups, Licorice hits the mark. |
| Logan | This unisex Scottish moniker is also the alias of Wolverine of X-Men fame. |
| London | London makes a fun choice for breeds native to the UK, such Yorkshire Terriers, English Springer Spaniels and the Queen’s beloved Pembroke Welsh Corgis. |
| Lotus | As both an exotic flower and a yoga pose, Lotus imparts calming vibes. |
| Lucky | If your best bud is a rescue, Lucky sounds just right. |
| Lumi | A Finnish name meaning “snow,” Lumi is a unique spin on the usual winter-inspired names. |
| Lupin | Rooted in Latin, the name Lupin means “wolf-like.” Fans of the Harry Potter series will recognize the reference to Remus Lupin, the werewolf professor. |
| M | |
|---|---|
| Macaron | The adorable dessert is a sweet namesake for adorable pups. |
| Macaroni | If you like the popular dog name “Mac,” consider using it as a nickname for “Macaroni.” |
| Mackenzie | Yelling “Mackenzie!” at the dog park will always sound silly–and that’s why we love it. |
| Madigan | Have a petite pup? This Irish name means “little dog.” |
| Magic | There is, indeed, something magical about the bond we share with dogs. |
| Mahogany | This one is perfect for brunette buds with a hint of red. |
| Maple | Whether alluding to the tree or the syrup, Maple has pup potential. |
| Marin | Rooted in Latin, Marin is a refreshing name meaning “of the sea.” |
| Marley | The mischievous pup at the center of the bestselling book “Marley & Me” is a boy, but Marley works just as well for female dogs. |
| Marshmallow | Fluffy, puffy and sweet, there’s no better namesake treat. |
| Martini | A spirited choice for the life of the party. |
| Maui | You can’t go wrong with island vibes. |
| Midnight | Another great choice for dark-coated pups. |
| Milan | The glamorous city makes a sophisticated name for Italian breeds such as the Maltese, Cane Corso and Neapolitan Mastiff. |
| Milkshake | Milkshake is a cute name for any pup, but it’s especially clever for black-and-white dogs. |
| Milky Way | Galaxy or candy bar, Milky Way is sure to be a star. |
| Mississippi | Fun to say and fun to spell, Mississippi is a unique place-inspired choice. |
| Memphis | Give your pup a musical legacy with Memphis, the birthplace of rock and roll. |
| Mittens | For dogs with paw markings, we’re smitten with Mittens. |
| Miyu | This Japanese name means “beautiful moon.” |
| Mocha | We like Mocha a latte for brown pups. |
| Mochi | The delicious Japanese dessert can also make a sweet dog name. |
| Molasses | If you have a super-speedy breed such as a Greyhound or Whippet, try Molasses for a funny name. |
| Momo | This Japanese name means “peach.” |
| Monet | For an artistic allusion, consider Monet for painterly pups. |
| Monkey | We love this one for playful pups who are always “monkeying” around. |
| Monroe | A boy’s name of Scottish origin, Monroe also calls to mind the famous actress, Marilyn. |
| Montana | State names are always great options, especially when they contain as much natural beauty as Montana, home of the Rocky Mountains and Great Plains. |
| Moon | This lunar name earns a howl of approval. |
| Morgan | From Morgan Freeman to Morgan Fairchild, this name works great for all genders. |
| Muffin | When it comes to food-inspired names, Muffin is mutt-tastic. |
| Munchkin | It’s an obvious choice for small breeds, but we’d also love to meet a Great Dane named Munchkin. |
| N | |
|---|---|
| Navy | Choose this maritime moniker for water-loving breeds. |
| Nevada | The state’s name means “snow-covered” in Spanish. |
| Nike | Nike was a Greek goddess, but the name now has a sporty, unisex appeal. |
| Ninja | Perfect for the pup who can silently sneak into the treats when no one is looking. |
| Noir | French for “black,” Noir has an elegant air. |
| Noodle | This fun food name is perfect for silly, wiggly pooches. |
| Nori | This gender-neutral Japanese name means “belief.” |
| Nova | For pups who deserve all the gold stars, consider this celestial name. |
| Nugget | This diminutive name suits smaller breeds. |
| Nutella | Perfect for nutty pups who are just as sweet. |
| Nutmeg | Sprinkle this spice name on light brown doggos. |
| O | |
|---|---|
| Oakley | For more casual use, go with “Oak” for short. |
| Oatmeal | The breakfast staple’s old-fashioned wholesomeness makes it a popular name for man’s best friend. |
| Ocean | The simple seafaring name suits salty dogs with sandy paws. |
| Olive | Olives may be a divisive food, but everyone can agree they make a cute dog name. |
| Onyx | The black-hued stone is thought to offer protection by absorbing and transforming negative energy. |
| Orion | The prominent constellation is home to some of the brightest stars in the night sky. |
| P | |
|---|---|
| Pancake | Just like dogs, pancakes always bring a smile to our face. |
| Panda | This playful name is fun for black-and-white dogs. |
| Panther | For black dogs, take a little inspiration from our feline friends. |
| Paprika | For ginger-coated dogs, spice things up with Paprika. |
| Parker | Your dog will love that “Park” is right there in their name. |
| Pat | Short for “Patrick” or “Patricia”—your call. |
| Patches | Pups with unusual markings make perfect Patches. |
| Paxton | An English name meaning “peace town,” Paxton is a preppy unisex choice. |
| Peanut Butter | Why not name your dog after their favorite treat? |
| Pebbles | Try this mini moniker for toy breeds. |
| Penguin | Hilarious for any dog, Penguin is especially cute for black-and-white pooches. |
| Pepper | For a name with a spicy personality, consider Pepper. |
| Percy | Short and sassy, Percy calls to mind a very pampered pooch. |
| Peyton | Although now common for baby girls, football legend Peyton Manning proves the name’s versatility. |
| Phoenix | Whether you’re name-checking Arizona’s capital or the mythical bird, Phoenix is just plain cool. |
| Pickles | This name comes with a pedigree. In 1966, Pickles the Collie was credited with finding the stolen Jules Rimet Trophy, which had gone missing in England before the FIFA World Cup. |
| Piglet | If you have the type of dog who will eat anything, Piglet might be appropriate. |
| Pip | Traditionally short for Philip or Philipa, this English nickname has an old-timey charm. |
| Pistachio | Nutty puppy? Consider Pistachio! |
| Popsicle | Pay tribute to summer with the frozen treat. |
| Porkchop | If you grew up watching the cartoon “Doug,” you’ll remember Porkchop was the beloved pup of all the Funnie family members. |
| Presley | While the name Elvis is decidedly male, Presley is a unisex way to reference the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll. |
| Pudding | Whether your pup has a vanilla or chocolate coat, Pudding is a spoonful of sweetness. |
| Puffin | Why name your dog after a bird? Because Puffin (or Puff, for short) is super fun to say. |
| Pumpkin | As a common term of endearment, Pumpkin is always a gourd choice. (See what we did there?) |
| Q | |
|---|---|
| Quinn | This Irish name is a popular choice for baby girls and boys alike. |
| Quinoa | The trendy grain may appeal to health-conscious dog parents. |
| R | |
|---|---|
| Ramsey | Historically, this Scottish surname meant “island of wild garlic.” But today, it’s a gender-neutral first name. |
| Raven | Black-coated boys and girls alike are natural candidates for Raven. |
| Regan | This established unisex baby name has its roots in Gaelic. |
| Rebel | Australian actress Rebel Wilson has given a funny face to this edgy name. |
| Reese | Actress Reese Witherspoon was a trendsetter with this now popular unisex name. |
| Remy | The traditionally male French name is enjoying a gender-neutral renaissance. |
| Ren | Ren of “The Ren & Stimpy Show” was a male dog, but the name also means “lily” in Japanese. |
| Riley | Boy or girl, baby or puppy, Riley is as versatile as they come. |
| River | Although more than twice as popular as a boys’ name, River is also increasingly used for baby girls, as well. |
| Robin | Thanks to Batman, Robin will always make a great name for a loyal sidekick. |
| Rogan | Meaning “red-headed,” Rogan is another fitting choice for ginger girls and gents. |
| Rogue | For dogs who like to do things their way, Rogue has an independent streak. |
| Rory | The “Gilmore Girls” heroine solidified Rory as a gender-neutral choice. |
| S | |
|---|---|
| Sable | Slavic in origin, Sable means “black.” |
| Sage | Perfect for our wise four-legged friends. |
| Sailor | This seafaring name is great for your furry first mate. |
| Salsa | Both spicy and mild-mannered pups can make good Salsas. |
| Sammy | A jolly nickname for both Samuel and Samantha. |
| Sasha | A popular unisex name in its native Russia, Sasha is a great choice for Siberian breeds such as Samoyeds and Huskies. |
| Sawyer | Tom Sawyer added an Americana appeal to this gender-neutral English name. |
| Scout | Try this wayfaring name for Retriever breeds who are always ahead of the pack. |
| Shadow | For the faithful friend who is always (and we mean always) by your side. |
| Shelby | Trendy in the ’90s, Shelby has staying power for gender-neutral dog names. |
| Shiloh | Shiloh the Beagle was male in the popular family movie, but the name is plenty popular for girls, as well. |
| Skittles | Perfect for pups with sweet and colorful personalities. |
| Sky | There’s simply no limit for a pup named Sky. |
| Sloane | Though this name is on the rise for babies, we’re almost certain you won’t meet another Sloane at the dog park. |
| Smokey | Gray and black dogs make especially good Smokeys. |
| Snickerdoodle | If you have a “Doodle” breed, take a cue from the cookie! |
| Snickers | Fun fact: Snickers candy bars were named after Snickers the horse, a favorite pet of the Mars family! |
| Snowflake | Because just like snowflakes, every dog is special and unique. |
| Socks | We like this silly name for dogs with different colored paws. |
| Sprinkles | Speckled pups make stellar Sprinkles. |
| Squirrel | This unlikely name is sure to earn giggles at the dog park. |
| Starling | Inspired by the black bird, Starling offers “Star” as a lovely pet name. |
| Stevie | Stevie Nicks assured this name would always have a gender-neutral cool. |
| Strawberry | This fresh pick has a summer spirit. |
| Storm | Dogs may not like them, but Storm remains a powerful, nature-inspired name. |
| Sundance | If you’re a movie buff, consider borrowing the name of the famous film festival. |
| Sunny | There’s no better name for the pup who brightens every day. |
| Sushi | The takeout treat also makes a great dog name. |
| Sydney | The Australian city capitalizes on two trends: place names and gender-neutral names. |
| T | |
|---|---|
| Tallahassee | The Florida capital brings a Southern swagger. |
| Taylor | Singer Taylor Swift and actor Taylor Lautner are just two famous examples. |
| Tennessee | Rustic and twangy, Tennessee calls to mind a country dog. |
| Tennyson | For everyday use, “Tenny” makes an affectionate nickname. |
| Terry | Terry is a funny nickname for two equally funny dog names – Terrence and Theresa. |
| Tiger | Brindle dogs can sometimes appear to have a tiger pattern. |
| Tiny | For an ironic twist, we recommend Tiny for Saint Bernards and Great Danes. |
| Toby | Today it’s more commonly used for males, but Toby was a popular girls’ name in the 1930s. |
| Toffee | Less common than Caramel, Toffee suits light brown dogs. |
| Tofu | If you’re vegetarian, Tofu might be right up your alley. |
| Tony/Toni | This casual name can be short for Antoinette or Anthony. |
| Tracy | Comedian Tracy Morgan shows this name’s roots as a male moniker. |
| Truffle | Tiny, chocolate-coated dogs are good candidates for Truffle. |
| V | |
|---|---|
| Vegas | We love this luck-inspired name for rescue pups. |
| W | |
|---|---|
| Waffles | Why do breakfast items make such great dog names? It’s a mystery—but we do know Waffle is a winner. |
| Wiggles | For those happy tails that never stop wagging. |
| Winter | Celebrate the season with this straightforward yet elegant name. |
| Wonton | Cute word, cute food, cute dog–win, win and win. |
| Wookiee | Chewbacca is male, but Wookiees can be male or female in the “Star Wars” universe. |
| Y | |
|---|---|
| Yeti | The ape-like creature who allegedly patrols the Himalayan mountains makes a funny namesake for fluffy white dogs both big and small. |
| Z | |
|---|---|
| Zaire | Of African origin, the name Zaire means “River.” |
That’s a massive list of gender-neutral dog names! Still looking for dog name inspiration? Check out our list of the best male dog names and female dog names for even more suggestions for naming your new pup. We know you’ll find the perfect fit.
Attributions
Monica Weymouth
Monica Weymouth is a Philadelphia-based writer, editor, animal lover, and rescue advocate. She has a soft spot for senior animals, and she See More
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