So you’ve got a new dog, and he’s a very good boy? Congrats! One of your first tasks as a dog parent is choosing the perfect male puppy name for your new furry fellow. Will you choose a name based on his color, breed or personality? Only one thing is certain: You’ll know the right name when you see it. So browse our list of male dog names. With nearly 500 choices to consider, there’s no better dog name list for your inspiration.
Looking for girl dog names? We’ve got 500 ideas for your female dog, too.
Key Takeaways
- Popular male dog names include Max, Charlie, Ace, and Duke.
- Strong, short names work well for training and commands.
- Many names are inspired by pop culture, mythology, or personality traits.
- Choosing a name that matches your dog’s energy or appearance adds meaning.
- A well-chosen name helps form an early bond between dog and pet parent.
| A | |
|---|---|
| Abe | Of English origin and meaning “Father of Nations,” it was also the name of America’s 16th president. |
| Ace | A term for the best card in the deck, “ace” can also mean an expert. |
| Alex | In honor of “Jeopardy!” host Trebek baseball legend Rodriguez—it’s up to you. |
| Alfie | A classic 1966 rom com starring Michael Caine that was remade in 2004 with Jude Law. |
| Ali | Iconic boxer Muhammad Ali floated like a butterfly and stung like a bee, winning Olympic gold in 1960 and heavyweight titles along the way. |
| Alpha | The first letter of the Greek alphabet, the name Alpha will let all the other dogs know who’s in charge. |
| Amigo | Meaning “friend” in Spanish, this is a perfect dog name for your new bestie. |
| Andy | Short for Andrew, which means “brave” or “manlike” in Greek. |
| Angus | A top-notch grade of beef that also means “choice” in Scottish. |
| Apollo | The name of the Greek god of sun and light also belongs to six outer space missions that successfully landed humans on the Moon and brought them back to Earth. |
| Archer | For outdoorsmen, this literally means “bowman.” |
| Archie | Fit for a royal pup, this is the name of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s son. |
| Ares | The Greek god of war, this name translates to “ruin”—perfect for the toy chewer in your life. |
| Arlo | After singer-songwriter Arlo Guthrie or the character Arlo Givens on the hit show “Justified.” |
| Armani | Feeling stylish? Fashion icon Giorgio Armani made this name famous. |
| Arthur | A favorite name in fiction, Arthur was both a medieval king and the beloved aardvark who stars in the children’s adventure book and television series. |
| Aspen | A posh Colorado ski resort town. |
| Astro | Greek for “of the stars,” and also Houston’s Major League Baseball team. |
| Atlas | In Greek mythology, Atlas is the Titan who holds up the world. |
| Atticus | “Atta boy, Atticus” has a nice flow to it, right? |
| Avery | This name of English origin means “ruler of the elves”—perfect for a pup who’s a natural born leader. |
| Axel | Dating as far back as the 10th Century, the name Axel has many other spellings, including Aksel, Axelle and, yes, Axl (as in Rose, the lead singer of Guns N’ Roses). |
Once you pick out a name for your new best buddy, customize a dog ID tag with his name and your contact info on it in case he ever gets lost. You can attach his new tag to a dog collar so he has it on 24/7.
| B | |
|---|---|
| Bacardi | One of the best-selling rums in the world. |
| Bailey | A creamy Irish liquor enjoyed in coffee in the morning or on the rocks at night. |
| Baloo | The easygoing bear character of “The Jungle Book.” |
| Bam | For the spunkiest and energetic of pups, this interjection is perfect. |
| Bandit | Meaning a thief, this boy puppy name could be perfect for your little robber of shoes, socks or whatever else is lying around. |
| Banjo | A twangy instrument popularized by Earl Scruggs. |
| Barkley | A name with bark in it, which could pay homage to legendary NBA power forward Charles Barkley. |
| Baron | The lowest order of British nobility. |
| Barney | Inspired by the purple dinosaur or the goofy deputy from “The Andy Griffith Show”—the choice is yours. |
| Basil | This herb is sprinkled on pizza and widely used in sauces. |
| Baxter | For “Arthur” fans, Buster Baxter is Arthur’s best friend. |
| Bean | Legumes—just like dogs—come in all colors, shapes and sizes! |
| Bear | Rawr! Name your dog after this formidable furry beast. |
| Beau | Meaning “a male admirer,” this might be the perfect boy dog name for your four-legged admirer. |
| Beethoven | As in Ludwig van Beethoven, German composer and piano master |
| Ben | Affleck, Stiller, Harper, Franklin—you have your pick of famous Bens to choose from. |
| Benji | The first “Benji” movie hit the big screen in 1974, and the dog-centric franchise is still rolling to this day. |
| Benny | If Benjamin is too formal, this is an endearing option. |
| Benson | Literally meaning “son of Ben,” this was the name of a ’70s and ’80s American sitcom starring Robert Guillaume. |
| Bentley | A fancy car brand right up there with the Rolls Royces of the world. |
| Bernard | Meaning “brave as a bear,” this name already belongs to a dog breed (the Saint Bernard). |
| Bernie | A less formal version of Bernard, shared by celebrities from Mac to Sanders. |
| Bert | Ernie’s counterpart on “Sesame Street.” |
| Billy | A nickname for William, Billy could mean a goat, or a club—or your best friend. |
| Bingo | The game of chance popular among schoolchildren and adults in casinos. Perfect for a farmer’s dog’s name-o! |
| Biscuit | There are many types of biscuit: Rolled, drop, scones, shortcakes … and your pup. |
| Binky | Meaning a pacifier or, in the case of boy dog names, something a small child (or anyone) is very attached too. |
| Bub | In honor of Bjorn Borg, the iconic tennis player and winner of six French Open titles and five Wimbledon championships. |
| Blackjack | The casino card game where players race to 21. |
| Blade | The 1998 vampire-filled blockbuster “Blade” starred Wesley Snipes. |
| Blaze | For dog breeds with fiery personalities—we’re looking at you, Chihuahuas—the name Blaze is hot. |
| Bleu | The French word for the color blue that doubles as a great male puppy name. |
| Blitzen | The father of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. Also, Blitzen means “flash” in German. |
| Blue | A popular color for boys, Blue is a natural choice among boy puppy names. |
| Bo | Pay homage to Bo Burnham the comedian, Bo Jackson the baseball legend or wrestler Bo Dallas with this one. |
| Bob | Short for Robert, “Bob” is the third most popular name in the U.S. during the last 100 years, according to the Social Security Administration. |
| Bobo | This can be an endearing alternative of Bob, but it also means “silly” in Spanish. |
| Bogart | Film star of “Casablanca” and “The Big Sleep,” Humphrey Bogart was named the greatest male star of classic American cinema by the American Film Institute. |
| Bogey | This term for a stroke of one over par is perfect for golf-obsessed pet parents. |
| Bolt | For dog parents with a pup as fast as lightning. |
| Booger | More than what’s up your nose, this can be an endearing term for a little friend. |
| Boomer | Short for baby boomers or those born between 1946 and 1964. “Boomer Sooner” is also the fight song for the University of Oklahoma. |
| Boone | Daniel Boone was the quintessential American frontiersman. |
| Boots | Perfect for a pup with distinctive fur around their feet. |
| Boss | For boy dogs who are totally in charge, the name Boss leads the way. |
| Bowen | New Orleans Saints legendary quarterback Drew Brees named his son Bowen and so can you. |
| Bowie | After David Bowie, the UK-bred singer-songwriter known for such hits as “Under Pressure,” “Space Oddity” and “Rebel Rebel.” |
| Bowser | The massive, shelled beast in too many Nintendo games to count. |
| Boyd | Of Scottish, Gaelic and Celtic descent, this means “yellow” or “blond.” |
| Brady | Whether it’s honoring “The Brady Bunch” or the New England Patriots-gone-Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback, this name’s a winner. |
| Brando | Marlon Brando was a 20th century American film mainstay, starring in everything from “A Streetcar Named Desire” to “The Godfather.” |
| Breeze | Somewhere between still air and a big gust of wind. Maybe this name is reflective of your dog’s breezy attitude. |
| Bronco | The casino card game where players race to 21. |
| Brownie | A delicious name for a dog with brown fur. |
| Bruce | If you have a little ninja on your hands, why not name him after famed martial artist and actor Bruce Lee? |
| Bruiser | Meaning “tough,” this is a great boy puppy name for a dog who has grit. |
| Bruno | From the German meaning “brown,” this is a great way to show your love for your brown dog (or for “24K Magic” and “Grenade” singer Bruno Mars). |
| Brutus | If the reference to Caesar is too dark for you, take inspiration from the popular webcomic “Pixie and Brutus” instead. |
| Bubba | An informal way to address a brother, and the nickname of the soldier Forrest Gump befriends in the classic movie. |
| Bubby | Another endearing term to address a brother or small boy. |
| Buck | Most dog parents spend a few bucks on their pets throughout the years! |
| Bucky | For Marvel Universe fans, James “Bucky” Barnes Jr. originated as Captain America’s sidekick and BFF |
| Buddy | A dog does make the best buddy of all. |
| Buford | A city in Georgia. You can’t help but say this name with a Southern twang. |
| Bullet | This boy dog name is fast as a speeding … well, you know. |
| Bully | The ultimate tough guy. |
| Buster | Meaning someone who breaks or destroys things, is this the perfect name for your rambunctious pup? |
| Butch | Emitting masculinity, this is among the most macho on dog name lists |
| Butterball | The traditional Thanksgiving turkey brand, or simply a sweet nickname for your roly-poly pup. |
| Butters | A beloved goofy and long-time character on “South Park.” |
| Butterscotch | Full of brown sugar, butter and deliciousness. |
| Buttons | Fit for a pup who’s cute as a button. |
| C | |
|---|---|
| Cabo | The picturesque and sometimes raucous destination in Mexico. |
| Caesar | A popular salad dressing and famous Roman general. |
| Caliber | Meaning a measure of someone’s character, this name tells the world your dog is top-notch. |
| Calvin | As in Klein (fashion icon) or perhaps John (the French theologian). |
| Cameron | Meaning “crooked nose,” this name comes with a cute nickname: Cam. |
| Captain | The pup who leads the ship safely to shore. |
| Capone | The famous Prohibition-era mob boss. |
| Carter | Jimmy Carter was the 39th president of the United States. |
| Cash | After the “Man in Black” and “Ring of Fire” singer Johnny Cash—or simply a promise to invest in giving your dog the best life. |
| Cashew | A snackable nut with a golden color—a description that might also fit your dog. |
| Casper | The name of the famous friendly ghost, this is a great choice for a white pup. |
| Cassius | A less formal version of Bernard, shared by celebrities from Mac to Sanders. After the Roman senator who masterminded Julius Caesar’s demise, or Clay, the boxer who became Muhammad Ali. |
| Cedric | Cedric the Entertainer (his real name is Cedric Kyles) is one of “The Original Kings of Comedy.” |
| Champ | For the dog who’s the champion of your heart. |
| Charger | A battle-trained horse or a device that gives your phone life—either way, this name is full of energy. |
| Charlie | This cute nickname for Charles belonged to the kind kid who explored Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory. |
| Checkers | The classic game of red and black squares. |
| Cheech | Comedy duo Cheech & Chong started generating laughs in 1971. |
| Chester | Meaning a fortress or camp of soldiers, you might associate this name with Cheetos’ mascot Chester Cheetah. |
| Chevy | A nickname for Chevrolet automobiles, or for comedian Chevy Chase. |
| Chewbacca | Everyone’s favorite Wookiee warrior from “Star Wars.” |
| Chewy | Chewbacca’s nickname, a nod to your dog’s favorite pastime, or an homage to your favorite online destination for pet parents. (We’d be honored!) |
| Chico | This boy dog name is literally is Spanish for “boy.” |
| Chief | For the dog who rules their house just like a chief leads their people. |
| Chip | Chocolate or potato, these delicious morsels would make a great namesake. |
| Chomp | For dog parents of especially chew-happy pups. |
| Chopper | Inspired by a kitchen device, helicopter or low-riding motorcycle–it’s your choice. |
| Chubby | An homage to rock and roll singer Chubby Checker, or just to your puppy’s roly-poly physique. |
| Cinco | Spanish for “five.” |
| Clover | If you find a clover with four leaves, you’re in very good luck. |
| Claude | As in French impressionist painter Claude Monet, creator of more than 2,500 works of art. |
| Clyde | If you have another pup named Bonnie, you have quite the mischievous duo. |
| Cocoa | Chocolate wouldn’t be chocolate without it. |
| Cody | Meaning “helpful,” a pup named Cody is always there when you need them. |
| Cole | A surname of English origin meaning “charcoal.” |
| Colt | Meaning a young male horse, this name could be inspired by Indianapolis’ NFL team. |
| Comet | An out-of-this-world object that orbits the sun (just like your pup orbits your feet). |
| Conan | Of “O’Brien” and “the Barbarian” fame, Conan is of Irish and Gaelic descent and means “hound.” |
| Cooper | Centuries ago, the maker of barrels was called a cooper. Today it’s a common last name and increasingly popular first name for pets and people alike. |
| Copper | A soft and malleable dog name option, especially for those whose coats are a rusty red. |
| Cosmo | Short for Cosmopolitan, the iconic cocktail with vodka, cranberry juice, triple sec and lime juice. |
| Cowboy | Perfect for a rugged pup who’s at home on the range. |
| Cricket | An insect your dog will love to chase, or the baseball-like sport that’s globally popular. |
| Crimson | A rich shade of red. |
While you’re deciding on a name for your good boy, stock up on new dog essentials. A dog bed, dog crate, dog bowls, and a few dog toys are good to have on hand.
| D | |
|---|---|
| Dakota | There’s a North Dakota, South Dakota, and maybe your dog Dakota too? |
| Dallas | The third largest city in Texas by population, behind Houston and San Antonio. |
| Dane | Signifying a person from Denmark, this name already belongs to the Great Dane dog breed. |
| Danger | For the dog who’s great at sniffing out trouble |
| Dante | The Italian poet and philosopher known for his “Divine Comedy” poem. |
| Dax | Taken from a town in Southwestern France, the name Dax has risen in popularity in recent years. |
| Dash | For the pup who loves to race. |
| Denver | The largest city in Colorado with a population of more than 700,000. |
| Deuce | Slang for the number two card in a deck of cards. |
| Dexter | Meaning “fortunate,” this name has plenty of pop culture references, from cartoon scientist Dexter to the Showtime TV drama starring Michael C. Hall. |
| Dez | As in Dez Bryant, NFL star who was a long-time wide receiver for the Dallas Cowboys. |
| Diablo | Spanish for “devil” and also a popular, dungeon-y video game series. |
| Dice | A pair of cubes that could help you win big at the casino. |
| Diego | Spanish for “David” and first name of Argentine soccer legend Maradona. |
| Diesel | A type of engine and fuel. |
| Dino | A nickname for those with longer, -dino ending names (e.g., Bernardino). |
| Disco | The popular 70s-era music genre full of big hair and synthesizers. |
| Dobby | The loyal house elf from the “Harry Potter” series. |
| Dodger | In 2020, the Los Angeles Dodgers won its first World Series since 1988. |
| Domino | The popular game played with black and white tiles. |
| Donut | Homer Simpson’s favorite food. |
| Doug | Short for Douglas, this was the name of an adored ’90s animated show tracking the school adventures of Doug Funnie. |
| Dozer | Short for a bulldozer—and perfect for a rambunctious pup. |
| Draco | Latin for “dragon.” |
| Dragon | Mythical creature that can fly and breathe fire. |
| Drake | Canadian rapper who got his start as Jimmy on the TV series “Degrassi.” |
| Duck | After Duckie, the lovelorn best friend in “Pretty in Pink,” or just those animals your dog wants to chase at the pond. |
| Dude | An informal word for a guy. |
| Dudley | An industrial town in England near Birmingham. Or, inspired by Harry Potter’s cousin, Dudley Dursley. |
| Duff | Meaning “dark” and of Irish origin. Also, it’s Homer Simpson’s favorite beer brand. |
| Duke | Big-time British royalty who you’ll want to address as “your grace.” |
| Dusty | Signifying “brave warrior” in German. |
| Dutch | The official language of the Netherlands. |
| Dylan | In honor of Minnesota-born songwriter and rock icon, Bob Dylan. |
| E | |
|---|---|
| Eagle | The bald type of this bird would make for a very patriotic dog name. |
| Echo | The reflection of sound waves. |
| Eddie | This was the name of the beloved Jack Russell Terrier on the hit TV show “Frasier” starring Kelsey Grammer. |
| Eeyore | The gloomy donkey from “Winnie the Pooh” fame. |
| Einstein | A prime name for an extra-smart pup. |
| Eisenhower | Dwight D. Eisenhower was the 34th president of the United States. |
| Eli | Short for names like Elijah and Elliott, and meaning “elevated” in Hebrew. |
| Elvis | After “The King,” Elvis Presley, of “Jailhouse Rock” “Hound Dog” fame. |
| Elway | John Elway is an executive for the Denver Broncos and also helped the team win two Super Bowls in the late ’90s. |
| Ember | A small piece of burning wood in a fire. |
| Enzo | Meaning “winner” in Italian. |
| Ernie | After Bert’s best friend on “Sesame Street” or South Africa’s Ernie Els, once the No. 1 golfer in the world. |
| Eugene | City in Oregon and home of the University of Oregon. |
| Ezra | For the little helper in your life, this means “helper” in Hebrew. |
| F | |
|---|---|
| Farley | Actor and comedian Chris Farley starred in “Saturday Night Live,” “Tommy Boy” and “Black Sheep” before his passing in 1997. |
| Fenway | Fenway Park is one of the most iconic stadiums in baseball and home to the Boston Red Sox. |
| Finley | Signifying a “fair-haired hero” in Scottish. |
| Finn | For fair-skinned male dog names, this literally means “fair or white” in Irish. |
| Finnegan | Also means “fair-haired” in Irish. |
| Flash | A good name for a speedy pup. |
| Flex | A name with a macho vibe. |
| Fluffy | If your pup’s fur matches this description, you can’t go wrong with this name. |
| Fox | Some Shiba Inu parents give their dogs this nickname due to their shared resemblance. |
| Frank | For a bigger dog, “Frank the Tank” does have a nice ring to it. |
| Franklin | Benjamin Franklin was one of the Founding Fathers of the U.S. |
| Freckles | A top pick for a pooch with spots. |
| Fred | The longer version—Frederick—has German roots and means “peaceful ruler.” |
| Freddie | Honor the lead singer of Queen, Freddie Mercury, with this name. |
| Freedom | For the feisty pup who cannot be contained. |
| Fritz | A German name meaning “peaceful ruler.” |
| Fudge | A chocolatey treat, and a great name for a dark brown dog. |
| Fury | As male dog names go, it doesn’t get more badass. |
If your new dog is a puppy, stock up on vet recommended puppy food. If your dog is over a year old, opt for adult-specific dog food. Make sure to always choose a dog food that’s appropriate for your dog’s age, size, and lifestyle, and talk to your vet if you need help choosing a food for your new pal.
| G | |
|---|---|
| Gadget | Detective “Inspector Gadget” has taken many forms since his 1983 debut. |
| Galaxy | Perfect for a pup who’s out-of-this-world. |
| Garth | As in country music star Garth Brooks, or Wayne’s best friend in “Wayne’s World.” |
| Gator | The chomping reptile that you may find at a Florida lake or golf course. |
| Genie | The mystical creature who grants wishes. |
| George | Of Greek origin meaning “farmer.” |
| Geronimo | Skydivers are known to scream “Geronimo!” when they are jumping out a plane. |
| Ghost | For a white dog, or a dog who likes to sneak up on you. |
| Gibbs | Joe Gibbs was a popular coach of the Washington NFL team and is now a big-time owner in the auto racing world. |
| Gio | Short for Giovanni, meaning “God is gracious.” |
| Gizmo | For “Gremlins” fans, this is the most adorable Mogwai. |
| Gnocchi | An Italian dumpling. |
| Goofy | The Disney icon often clad in oversized shoes and pants. |
| Goose | Named for the bird, or for Maverick’s best friend in “Top Gun.” |
| Grant | Ulysses S. Grant was the 18th president of the Unites States, serving from 1869 to 1877. |
| Gremlin | A mischievous creature who loves to wreak havoc. |
| Griffin | Of Latin origin meaning “strong lord.” |
| Griswold | Clark Griswold—played by Chevy Chase—has been the main character in numerous “National Lampoon’s” flicks throughout the years. |
| Grizzly | A type of brown bear that is native to North America. |
| Gronk | After Rob Gronkowski, the NFL tight-end and recipient of many of quarterback Tom Brady’s touchdown passes. |
| Groot | The tree-like Marvel character. |
| Grover | A furry, blue “Sesame Street” personality. |
| Gucci | After the Italian luxury fashion brand. |
| Guinness | A beer that’s especially popular on St. Patrick’s Day. |
| Gumbo | A must-have soup whenever you visit New Orleans. |
| Gunner | Meaning “warrior,” this name may have originated from the occupation of operating canons. |
| Gunther | Named after well know car. |
| Gus | Often short for August, Angus or Augustine and signifying “majestic.” |
| H | |
|---|---|
| Hammer | For a dog who’s strong like the tool, or who has dance moves like MC Hammer. |
| Hamilton | After American Founding Father Alexander Hamilton, or the wildly popular Broadway show based on his life. |
| Handsome | The obvious choice for your photogenic pup. |
| Hank | In honor of “Hammerin’ Hank,” aka Hank Aaron, long-time home run king and star of the Atlanta Braves. |
| Hans | Meaning “God is gracious,” this name has Scandinavian, German, Danish and Hebrew roots. |
| Hansel | Gretel’s sibling in the classic fairy tale. |
| Happy | Give your dog this name and you’ll smile all day. |
| Hardy | Meaning “bold and brave” in German. |
| Harlem | A timeless neighborhood in New York City. |
| Harley | After Harley-Davidson motorcycles, or DC Comics character Harley Quinn. |
| Harry | Short for Harold, this name has belonged to everyone from royalty (Prince Harry) to fictional boy wizards (Harry Potter). |
| Harvey | From English and French, this name means “battle worthy.” |
| Heath | A candy bar made of chocolate, toffee and almonds. |
| Hector | Trojan prince and legendary defender of Troy. |
| Heinz | The king of ketchups. |
| Hennessy | The world’s largest cognac producer. Cheers! |
| Henry | Of German origin and meaning “estate ruler.” |
| Hercules | From Roman and Greek mythology, this hero is known for his epic adventures. |
| Hershey | Pennsylvania-based purveyor of chocolate bars and kisses. |
| Hitch | This name could refer to a trailer hitch, the act of hitching a ride, or the 2005 rom com starring Will Smith and Eva Mendes. |
| Hoss | A Southern term of endearment. |
| Houdini | After the famous illusionist and escape artist. |
| Hubble | The space telescope that has been orbiting the earth since 1990. |
| Huck | Short for Huckleberry as in the classic read, “Huckleberry Finn.” |
| Hudson | The New York river connecting upstate New York to New York City. |
| Huff | After some strenuous playtime, your dog may be left huffing on the couch. |
| Hugo | For a little trickster, this name means “savvy” and “intellect.” |
| Hulk | Name your incredible dog after “The Incredible Hulk.” |
| Hunter | Count on your pup hunting for anything from treats to socks. |
| I | |
|---|---|
| Ice | For the dog who is cooler than cool. |
| Igor | A common Russian and Polish name meaning “farm laborer.” |
| Indy | Short for Indianapolis or perhaps the annual “Indy 500” race? |
| J | |
|---|---|
| Jack | A short and sweet name that’s traditionally a derivative form of John. |
| Jackson | After the artist (Jackson Pollock) or actor (Samuel L. Jackson). |
| Jager | Short for Jägermeister, the licorice-flavored liqueur. |
| Jagger | Name your dude after Mick Jagger, legendary singer of The Rolling Stones. |
| Jake | Short for Jacob, meaning “supplanter.” |
| Jameson | Irish whiskey that’s been in production since the late 1700s. |
| Jasper | A typically quartz-comprised gemstone that comes in a variety of colors. |
| Jax | A name based on John or Jacques, and a key character on the hit show “Sons of Anarchy.” |
| Jazz | An American musical genre, and a great dog name for a pup with style. |
| Jefe | Spanish for “boss.” |
| Jersey | Paying homage to the third state admitted to the union, New Jersey. |
| Jester | Traditionally a medieval entertainer. In the realm of boy dog names, your four-legged entertainer. |
| Jet | Perhaps faster and more luxurious than the average plane. |
| Joey | Another word for a young kangaroo. |
| Jonah | Biblical figure that avoided drowning by being swallowed by a whale. |
| Jordan | Meaning “to flow down,” this name could pay homage to basketball legend Michael Jordan. |
| Jose | The Spanish form of “Joseph.” |
| Journey | San Francisco-bred rock band known for “Don’t Stop Believin’.” |
| Julius | First name of Caesar, the Roman dictator. |
| Junior | Means young or younger, and also refers to the third year of high school. |
| Juno | The Roman goddess of love and marriage. |
| K | |
|---|---|
| Kai | When referring to its Hawaiian origin, it means “sea.” |
| Kaiser | German for “emperor.” |
| Kalik | A popular beer in the Bahamas. |
| Kane | The 7-foot-tall World Wrestling Entertainment star who became mayor of Knox County, Tenn. |
| Keanu | Actor Keanu Reeves has starred in “Speed,” “The Matrix” and “Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure” among other flicks. |
| Keegan | Name your pup after Keegan-Michael Key, half of the comedy duo Key & Peele. |
| Kennedy | John F. Kennedy was the 35th president of the United States, serving from 1961 until 1963. |
| Keno | Gambling game where you pick a bunch of numbers and hope all of them hit! |
| Kevin | Irish in origin, this name means “handsome.” |
| King | Because you know your dog will be the king of the house. |
| Kingston | The capital of Jamaica and also a city in New York north of Poughkeepsie. |
| Kip | A nickname for Kipling, and a cute boy dog name for your pup. |
| Knox | For the dog that loves to run up and down hills, this name is of Scottish descent and means “round hill.” |
| Knuckles | The redhead character in Sega’s “Sonic the Hedgehog” series. |
| Kobe | After basketball legend Kobe Bryant. |
| Kodak | A famous brand of camera, perfect for your photogenic pup. |
| Kody | If you have a little helper, this name means “helpful” in Gaelic. |
| Koko | The name of a famous gorilla who could allegedly communicate with humans via sign language. |
| Kona | An area on the island of Hawaii. |
| Koopa | From the “Mario” franchise, Koopa Troopas are turtle-like characters that throw their shells. |
Once you’ve picked the perfect name for your new dog, snag some custom dog gear with his name on it.
| L | |
|---|---|
| Larry | A short form of Lawrence, as in Larry King and Larry Bird. |
| Lars | A rockin’ name that may be inspired by Lars Ulrich (drummer of Metallica) or Lars Frederiksen (singer of Rancid). |
| Lennox | This name is a knockout, in honor of three-time world heavyweight champ, Lennox Lewis. |
| Lenny | A name for your new BFF? Lenny Leonard is one of Homer Simpson’s BFFs. |
| Leo | In the zodiac world, Leos are charismatic, passionate and always entertaining. |
| Leon | Greek for “lion.” |
| Leonardo | As in DaVinci, Italian artist and engineer, or DiCaprio, the “Titanic” actor. |
| Leroy | Of Norman origin, this name means “the king.” |
| Levi | For a dog that’s as tough as a pair of your favorite jeans. |
| Lex | Lex Luthor is a DC Comics mainstay—a supervillain and nemesis of Superman. |
| Liberty | The state of freedom, an ideal written into the U.S. Constitution. |
| Lightning | The cracking energy that lights up the sky during nighttime storms. |
| Lilo | Beloved orphan alongside Stitch in Disney’s “Lilo & Stitch.” |
| Lincoln | The US president on the penny, or a luxury vehicle company. |
| Link | The main character in Nintendo’s “The Legend of Zelda” video game series. |
| Linus | Sibling of Lucy and Rerun in the iconic “Peanuts” franchise. |
| Little Man | This would probably not be the best name for a Mastiff or Great Dane. |
| Logan | This Scottish name means “little hollow.” |
| London | The capital of England. |
| Lotus | An aquatic plant that’s also known as a water lily. |
| Lou | In honor of Lou Gehrig, baseball’s “Iron Horse” who rarely missed a game. |
| Louie | For a little warrior, this is of French origin and means “famous warrior.” |
| Lucky | For a lucky dog, or to tell the world how lucky you feel to have them! |
| Luka | “Bringer of light” in Latin. |
| Luke | A Biblical name meaning “light.” |
| Luther | As in Lex Luthor, famed comic book villain. |
| Lyric | For music lovers, Lyric should strike the right chord. |
| M | |
|---|---|
| Mac | A common Scottish and Irish nickname. |
| Maddux | As in Greg Maddux, long-time Atlanta Braves pitcher and Hall of Famer. |
| Magnum | Generally signifying something big. Small dogs need not apply. |
| Magoo | Inspired by Mr. Magoo, the cartoon character that made TV Guide’s “50 Greatest Cartoon Characters of All Time” list in 2002. |
| Major | In music, a key or scale. In the military, a high-ranking individual. |
| Manny | A nickname for monikers like Manuel, Emmanuel and Manfred. |
| Marley | Reggae lovers can have Bob Marley’s spirit live on through their pup. |
| Marlin | A fish found in oceans throughout the globe. |
| Marbles | Kids still play this game of knocking small glass balls out of a circle. |
| Marshall | A Scottish name meaning “lover of horses.” |
| Martini | A cocktail that’s a favorite of James Bond. |
| Marty | Short for Martin, meaning “warrior.” |
| Marvel | After the comic universe that includes Captain America, Iron Man and Thor. |
| Mason | A stoneworker, and a popular brand of jar. Also, George Mason University is one of the largest schools in Virginia. |
| Maui | The second biggest Hawaiian island by area. |
| Maverick | For the independent pup, this means “independent-minded.” |
| Maximus | Latin for “greatest,” this name sounds incredibly prestigious, doesn’t it? |
| Maxwell | A Scottish surname that brings to mind coffee thanks to the brand Maxwell House. |
| Max | Short for Maximillian, meaning “greatest.” |
| Meeko | The beloved raccoon in Disney’s “Pocahontas.” |
| Memphis | City in Tennessee and mecca of soulful tunes. |
| Merlin | A name for a pup with wizard-like powers. |
| Mick | Sometimes short for Michael, as with Mick Jagger, legendary Rolling Stones hip-shaker. |
| Mickey | The first name of the world’s most famous cartoon mouse. |
| Midnight | Perfect for a dog with black fur, or one who likes to stay up late. |
| Mika | This name refers to a nice fragrance in Hungarian, Japanese and Russian. |
| Milan | Big-time Italian city known for its fashion sense. |
| Miles | You’ll be walking many of these with your new pal. |
| Milo | A popular chocolate drink made by Nestlé. |
| Miracle | For the doggy with an incredible story of perseverance. |
| Mister | This honorific can also be abbreviated Mr. for a unique twist on the typical boy dog name. |
| Mocha | The only thing better than this combo of coffee and chocolate? Naming your dog after it. |
| Mochi | A yummy Japanese rice cake that sometimes has ice cream in it. |
| Moe | A nice one-syllable dog name, and Homer’s go-to bartender on “The Simpsons.” |
| Morgan | A Welsh unisex name, as in actor Morgan Freeman. |
| Mojo | Meaning a magical power or spell, this name is perfect for a dog with mystical energy. |
| Monroe | As in James Monroe, the 5th president of the United States. |
| Monty | Short for Montgomery or Montague, this name is shared by British comedy troupe Monty Python’s Flying Circus. |
| Mooch | For the dog who’s mooching for treats and food all the time. |
| Moon | A celestial name for your little lunar pup. |
| Moonshine | A powerful liquor that was popular in the Prohibition era. |
| Moose | Not just another name for elk, Moose is a popular nickname for athletes, including hockey star Moose Johnson. |
| Mosley | A common English last name, this might be perfect for a pet who moseys around your home. |
| Motley | Meaning incongruous or disparate, a motley was also the name of a court jester’s costume. |
| Mowgli | From “The Jungle Book,” a boy raised in the jungle by wolves. |
| Mozart | Austrian composer of “The Marriage of Figaro,” among many others. |
| Mulligan | A do-over in golf. |
| Munchkin | A small or endearing person, as in “The Wizard of Oz.” |
| Murdock | The 80s hit action-adventure TV series “The A-Team” featured the character and pilot “Howling Mad” Murdock. |
| Murphy | For a pup who likes to swim, this Gaelic name means “sea warrior. |
Time to teach your new pup his name! Grab some dog training treats, a long dog leash, and a clicker to work on his name recognition.
| N | |
|---|---|
| Nacho | It’s not just for chips and cheese—this is also a nickname for Ignacio, meaning “born from the fire.” |
| Nanook | Nanook first became a popular name thanks to the 1922 silent film “Nanook of the North.” |
| Nash | As in Nash Bridges, title character of the witty police procedural that ran through the early 2000s. |
| Ned | As in Ned Stark, patriarch of House Stark in “Game of Thrones.” |
| Nemo | Disney’s Nemo was a fish, but you might find that Nemo’s a perfect fit for your dog, too. |
| Ninja | For a stealthy dog, or one with all black fur, like the stereotypical ninja costume. |
| Norman | Golfers can name their pup after “The Great White Shark,” former world No. 1, Greg Norman. |
| Noah | Biblical character known for his ark. |
| Norm | As in Macdonald, comedian and “Saturday Night Live” mainstay, or Peterson, fictional barfly in “Cheers.” |
| Nova | Meaning “new star,” it’s perfect for the new pup who’s become the center of your universe. |
| Nugget | This word for a little lump would be beyond cute for a small-breed dog. |
| O | |
|---|---|
| Oakley | A popular brand of shades. |
| Ocho | Spanish for “eight.” |
| Odie | Garfield’s canine nemesis in the classic cartoon. |
| Olaf | A snowman created by Elsa and Anna in “Frozen.” |
| Oliver | Common for both first and last names, Oliver has stood the test of time, from “Oliver Twist” to “Last Week Tonight with John Oliver.” |
| Omega | The last letter of the Greek alphabet. |
| Onyx | A popular stone that’s usually black. |
| Opie | As in Opie Taylor, son of Andy Griffith on the timeless “The Andy Griffith Show.” |
| Oreo | Black and white cookie that should be dunked in milk. A prime name for a black and white pup. |
| Oscar | As in The Grouch from “Sesame Street” and De La Hoya, the champion boxer. |
| Oso | Spanish for “bear.” |
| Otis | Meaning “son of Otto,” this was the name of the Pug in the film “The Adventures of Milo and Otis.” |
| Otto | The school bus driver in “The Simpsons.” |
| Outlaw | For the independent pup who obeys no laws (except the ones you enforce, hopefully). |
| Ozzy | Honoring Black Sabbath front man and reality TV star Ozzy Osbourne. |
| P | |
|---|---|
| Pablo | Spanish for Paul and also meaning “small” or “humble.” |
| Paco | A nickname for Francisco. Paco the pooch just rolls right off the tongue, doesn’t it? |
| Paddy | This can mean a field where rice is grown, or a nickname for Patrick. |
| Padre | Spanish for “father.” Also, San Diego’s baseball team is the Padres. |
| Paisley | As in Brad Paisley, country crooner. |
| Panda | A furry, black and white creature—just like your new dog, perhaps. |
| Parker | As in Peter Parker, Spider-Man’s alter ego. |
| Paws | You can’t go wrong with a literal homage to one of your pup’s cutest parts. |
| Peanut | A little brown nut—a phrase that might also describe your dog! |
| Pebbles | A popular kid’s cereal that comes in cocoa or fruity flavors. |
| Pepe | A nickname for Jose. |
| Pete | Short for Peter, meaning “rock.” |
| Petey | Another nickname for Peter, this dog name is based on popular male dog Petey from “Little Rascals.” |
| Peyton | Retired NFL quarterback Peyton Manning won Super Bowls with the Indianapolis Colts and Denver Broncos. |
| Pharaoh | An ancient Egyptian ruler. |
| Phoenix | The capital of Arizona and also a mystical bird that rose from the ashes. |
| Pickles | It’s your favorite sandwich topping—why not also your favorite boy dog name? |
| Pippin | Famed musical that originally hit Broadway in 1972. |
| Pluto | The dwarf planet at the outer edge of our solar system. |
| Pokey | As in the classic children’s book “The Pokey Little Puppy.” |
| Polar | A big white bear. |
| Popeye | The classic cartoon character who gained strength from spinach. |
| Pooh | As in Winnie the Pooh, the cartoon bear who’s friends with Eeyore, Piglet and Rabbit. |
| Porkchop | A boy dog name to honor your favorite dinner. |
| Porky | Why not your pup after Porky Pig? |
| Porsche | German maker of high-performance vehicles. |
| Presley | Last name of Elvis, the King of Rock ‘n. |
| Pretzel | When used as a verb, meaning “to twist or contort.” |
| Prince | German maker of high-performance vehicles. |
| Puddles | Perfect for a pup who loves splashing in the rain. |
| Pudge | This word for fat might be perfect for a dog who’s, uh, big-boned. |
| Pugsley | The oldest Addams Family child, and a perfect name for—what else?—a Pug. |
| Q | |
|---|---|
| Queso | Spanish for “cheese.” |
| Quincy | As in John Quincy Adams, the 6th president of the United States. |
| R | |
|---|---|
| Radar | For the dog who’s excellent at tracking. |
| Ralph | Of English descent and meaning “famous wolf.” |
| Rambo | An action-packed film series starring Sylvester Stallone with five flicks to-date. |
| Rascal | Meaning “mischievous,” this will undoubtedly be a fit for many pups. |
| Rally | For the dog who will rally your spirits after a bad day. |
| Raven | A bird, an Edgar Allan Poe poem and Baltimore’s NFL team. |
| Rebel | For the dog who goes against the flow. |
| Red | The color of Mars, roses, bricks, and maybe your dog’s fur, too. |
| Reggie | Sports fans can name their dog after Reggie Miller (former Indiana Pacers shooting guard) or Reggie Jackson (baseball Hall of Famer). |
| Reese | After actress Witherspoon or your favorite chocolate peanut butter cups. |
| Reuben | A Hebrew-bred name. Also, a delicious sandwich with thousand island dressing and sauerkraut. |
| Rex | Of Latin origin meaning “king.” |
| Rhett | A Boston terrier and the mascot of Boston University. |
| Rhys | Got a perky pup? This stems from the Welsh and means “enthusiasm.” |
| Ricky | Short for Richard and several other names that end in -rick: Frederick, Patrick and more. |
| Rico | This means “rich” in Spanish. |
| Rigby | This is a common English surname, as in the Beatles’ song “Eleanor Rigby.” |
| Riley | This name means “courageous” and is of Irish descent. |
| Ripken | Honoring baseball’s “Iron Man” and longtime Baltimore Orioles star, Cal Ripken, Jr. |
| Rodrigo | This means “famous ruler” in Portuguese, wonderful for the four-legged ruler of your abode. |
| Roger | Dating back to the 14th Century, this name has belonged to tennis great Roger Federer, film critic Roger Ebert, and Pink Floyd rocker Roger Waters. |
| Rollo | The name of the Viking who first ruled Normandy in France. |
| Rowdy | A perfect description of your energetic pup when they let loose at the dog park. |
| S | |
|---|---|
| Samuel | From Hebrew and English origin. With this name, your pup could also go by Sam or Sammy. |
| Scoop | If you’re a journalist, this is the perfect name for your dog. You’ll always have the Scoop! |
| Seven | A lucky number for a lucky new dog parent. |
| Shadow | For the loyal pup who follows you everywhere. |
| Smoky | For the dark-furred companion. |
| Snickers | A sweet, nutty candy bar name perfect for a sweet, nutty dog. |
| Stu | A one-syllable boy dog name that’s short for Stuart. |
Need some toys for your new best boy? Grab a variety of chew toys, tug toys, and puzzle toys to keep your furry friend entertained.
| T | |
|---|---|
| Tank | A name that brings to mind a tough, muscular breed. |
| Taz | As in the wild and ferocious “Looney Tunes” character, the Tasmanian Devil. |
| Teddy | Like a stuffed bear, you’ll just want to cuddle him. |
| Thunder | A powerful name that comes after lightning. |
| Tom | Of Hebrew descent and meaning “innocence.” |
| Tubby | A prime option for the short and slightly chunky little pup. |
| Tundra | A frozen environment, or a popular pick-up truck made by Toyota. |
| U | |
|---|---|
| Urkel | Is your pup a little geeky? Name him after famous TV geek Steve Urkel. |
| V | |
|---|---|
| Vegas | As in Las Vegas, “Sin City” and Nevada’s largest city |
| W | |
|---|---|
| Wayne | As in “Wayne’s World,” the ’92 film starring Mike Myers and Dana Carvey. |
| Winston | Pay homage to Winston Churchill, the former prime minister of the United Kingdom. |
| X | |
|---|---|
| X | A short, unique, totally badass boy dog name that marks the spot. |
| Z | |
|---|---|
| Zane | If your girl dog were human, she’d be a free spirit with a loving heart and your most loyal companion. |
| Ziggy | “Ziggy Stardust” was a song by David Bowie and also his alter ego. |
Phew, that’s a lot of boy dog names! If these dog names weren’t enough inspiration, check out our list of the best dog names, gender neutral dog names, and girl dog names. Good luck finding the perfect fit for your pup!
Attributions
Jesse Scott
Jesse Scott is a contributor for the Chewy blog. In addition to writing about anything and everything within the pet spectrum, he covers See More
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