Congrats on bringing home your new dog! When brainstorming names for your new pup, color is a good place to look for inspiration—especially if you have a black-coated dog! Chic, sleek and a tad mysterious, black is brimming with pup potential. From mythology to pop culture, spooky to silly, sweet to spicy, we compiled 200 of the best names for black dogs. Now sit, stay, and enjoy!
Need more name inspo? Find thousands more options here.
Jump to section
- The Most Popular Black Dog Names for 2025
- Black Female Dog Names
- Black Male Dog Names
- Black-and-White Dog Names
- Unique Black Dog Names
- Cute Names for Black Dogs
- Black Dog Names Inspired by Food
- Black Dog Names Inspired by Animals
- Dog Names That Mean Black in Other Languages
- Dog Names That Mean Night in Other Languages
- Black Dog Breeds
- How To Choose a Name for Your Black Dog
Key Takeaways
- Popular names for black dogs include Shadow, Midnight, and Onyx.
- These names often reflect the dog’s dark coat and mysterious aura.
- Simple, strong names help with training and recall.
- Mythology and pop culture inspire many trending name choices.
- Choosing a name that matches your dog’s personality can enhance your bond.
The Most Popular Black Dog Names for 2025
There are thousands of good names for black dogs, but what’s the trendiest name for your black pup this year? These are Chewy customers’ top choices in 2025.
- Bear
- Pepper
- Shadow
- Oreo
- Cash (as in Johnny Cash, famously nicknamed “the Man in Black.”
- Ozzy
- Raven
- Onyx
- Oso (meaning “bear” in Spanish)
- Midnight
Black Female Dog Names
Looking for a girl dog name for your black pup? Peruse our list of female black dog names with their meanings and other fun facts.
| Adrienne | Meaning “dark,” this French name is distinctly human, making it all the more fun for a pup! |
| Amaris | Talk about howl-worthy! This Spanish girl’s name means “child of the moon.” |
| Amaya | Of Spanish origin, this unique black dog name means “night rain.” |
| Andromeda | For an out-of-this-world name, consider looking into deep space. Andromeda is the Milky Way’s neighbor, and one of the few galaxies visible to the naked eye. |
| Ariel | One of Uranus’s moons, Ariel is a clever nod to the night sky. |
| Aurora | Does your dark-coated pup have a colorful personality? Consider Aurora, a reference to the aurora borealis, or northern lights. |
| Blakesley | This preppy-cool English name means “dark wolf’s wood.” |
| Branwen | Meaning “blessed raven,” this Welsh name is one of many inspired by the black bird. |
| Brenna | Short and sweet, Brenna is a Gaelic name meaning “little raven.” |
| Callisto | As Jupiter’s second largest moon, Callisto is an impressive night namesake. |
| Carey | Meaning “dark,” this Irish name is a classic gender-neutral option. |
| Chhaya | Chhaya is the Hindu goddess of shadows. |
| Dahlia | Some varieties of dark-purple dahlia flowers appear black. |
| Devaney | This Irish name means “dark-haired.” |
| Ebony | The dark wood makes for a lovely pup name. |
| Eclipse | A perfect name for the pet you love to the moon and back. |
| Elvira | Also known as the “Mistress of the Dark,” horror personality Elvira is known for her signature teased black hair and black dress. |
| Ember | The last glowing coals of a fire make for an ethereal name. |
| Esmeray | Of Turkish origin, Esmeray means “dark moon.” |
| Estelle | Meaning “star,” this Latin name is perfect for black pups who can’t help but shine. |
| Hesperia | A Greek name with a mythological pedigree, Hesperia means “evening star.” |
| Humbelina | An unusual name of Latin origin, meaning “little shadow.” |
| Kauket | Kauket is the Egyptian goddess of darkness. |
| Leila | This Arabic name is traditionally given to girls born during the night, translating to “daughter of the night.” |
| Lilith | In Jewish folklore, Lilith has a delightfully spooky translation: “night monster.” |
| Lydia | Fans of “Beetlejuice” will remember Winona Ryder’s character, a lovable goth with a penchant for all-black clothing. |
| Melantha | This floral name has Greek roots and means “dark flower.” |
| Maleficent | From horns to wingtips, the powerful Disney fairy wears only black. |
| Nerissa | Of Italian origin, this delicate name means “black-haired.” |
| Nisha | Sanskrit in origin, Nisha means “night.” |
| Morticia | The Addams family’s matriarch embraces her dark side, from her jet-black hair to slinky black dresses. |
| Ombretta | An Italian name meaning “shadow.” |
| Onyx | What a gem! The most prized onyx stones are inky black. |
| Opal | There’s no pup quite like yours. With this in mind, consider Opal: black opals are considered one of the world’s rarest gemstones! |
| Samira | Meaning “evening conversationalist,” this Arabic name is especially fitting for dark-coated pups with a vocal side. |
| Senka | Serbian in origin, Senka means “shadow.” |
| Umbra | During an eclipse, two shadows are cast, the first of which is called the umbra. |
| Ursula | Meaning “little she-bear,” this powerful name calls to mind Disney’s villainous, ink-shooting sea witch. |
| Wednesday | Looking for cool names for black dogs? There’s no one cooler than Wednesday Addams, who never met a shade of black she didn’t like. |
| Yami | A Japanese name meaning “darkness.” |
| Zelda | Meaning “gray battle” or “strong woman,” Zelda is a powerful name with a dark side. |
| Zilla | Of Hebrew origin, Zilla means “shadow.” |
Black Male Dog Names
Consider one of these masculine monikers for your new boy dog’s name.
| Apollo | A nod to Apollo 11, the spaceflight that landed Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin on the moon. |
| Ash | For a name with sneaky swagger, look no further than the bonfire’s remains. |
| Batman | Holy cuteness, Batman! His nickname is the “Dark Knight,” after all. |
| Bezalel | A Hebrew name meaning “in the shadow of god.” |
| Blackjack | The classic card game comes complete with a winning nickname: Jack! |
| Bran | As fans of “Game of Thrones” know, the name Bran translates to “raven.” |
| Caligo | The Latin word for “darkness.” |
| Coal | For a color-coded spin on Cole, consider spelling the trendy boy’s name like the black rock. |
| Colby | This Norse name is derived from the word for charcoal. |
| Cosmo | This Greek name could function as a fun nod to the cosmos and night sky. |
| Dante | Thanks to 14th-century poet Dante Alighieri, this name will forever be associated with darkness and the underworld. |
| Darth | Calling all “Star Wars” fans! Darth Vader is known for his menacing, all-black ensemble. |
| Dracula | Also known as the “Prince of Darkness,” which makes an epic doggo nickname. |
| Duncan | This cute Scottish name means “dark warrior.” Couldn’t you just picture it as a black lab dog name? |
| Erebus | In Greek mythology, Erebus is the god of darkness. |
| Flint | Of English origin, the name Flint can also reference the dark rock used to produce sparks for fires. |
| Grim | In the “Harry Potter” universe, the Grim is an omen that takes the form of a large, black dog. |
| Halloween | A festive option for black pups adopted in the autumn months. Find more Halloween-inspired dog names here. |
| Inei | A Japanese name meaning “dark shadow.” |
| Jasper | Black jasper stones are formed during volcanic eruptions and are thought to have protective properties. |
| Jet | For a jet-black pup, this trendy name is especially fitting. |
| John Wick | Action hero (and infamous dog lover) John Wick adopts a black Pit Bull in the franchise. |
| Johnny Cash | The singer-songwriter’s nickname was “The Man in Black.” |
| Kage | The Japanese word for “shadow.” |
| Kardama | A Sanskrit name meaning “shadow.” |
| Kumori | The Japanese word for “cloudy.” |
| Midnight | This classic choice for black dogs has timeless appeal. |
| Ninja | For the all-black pup who always manages to sneak a treat. |
| Obsidian | This cool name has hot origins. Obsidian is a type of black glass formed during volcanic eruptions. |
| Orion | Orion is the name of NASA’s latest exploration craft, which was designed to carry astronauts into deep space. |
| Orpheus | This imposing ancient Greek name means “darkness of night.” |
| Phantom | For a spooky vibe, consider this mysterious moniker. |
| Rocky | This sporty name is a classic and perfect for dogs with dark, rock-colored coats. |
| Sable | Sable is a shade of deep, rich brown that’s almost black. |
| Sirius Black | In “Harry Potter,” Sirius Black is a shape-shifter who can transform into a black dog. The character has two aliases, Padfoot and Snuffles, that also make great nicknames! |
| Smokey | Smokey the Bear has nothing on Smokey the Pup! |
| Storm | Need a good puppy name for your black dog? This one will take on a new meaning when your puppy gets the zoomies. |
| Sullivan | Meaning “dark eyes,” this charming Gaelic name shortens to “Sully” for an easy nickname at the dog park. |
| Thunder | This imposing name is a natural for big breeds, but it’s just as fun for petite pups. |
| Twilight | An after-hours name with vampire appeal. |
| Varjo | A Finnish name meaning “shadow.” |
| Zalaph | A biblical name meaning “shadow.” |
Black-and-White Dog Names
If your pup’s fur is a mix of light and dark, one of these black-and-white dog names might be the perfect pick.
| Beetlejuice | Tim Burton’s lovable ghoul wore a black-and-white striped suit. |
| Checkers | Traditionally, checkerboards are black and white. |
| Chess | Is Checkers a little too workaday? Chess is a better fit for sophisticated pups. |
| Cobra | Cobra snakes can be a variety of color combinations, including black and white. |
| Cruella | Disney villain Cruella de Vil famously dressed in black-and-white furs. |
| Dice | For a white dog with black spots, roll with Dice. |
| Domino | No Dice? Try Domino on for size! |
| Fly | In the movie “Babe,” Fly is the motherly black-and-white Border Collie. |
| Jack Skellington | In “The Nightmare Before Christmas,” Jack Skellington wears a black-and-white pinstripe suit. |
| Marble | Marble comes in many colors, but black-and-white is iconic. |
| Orca | If your black-and-white dog is larger than life, consider this whale of a name. |
| Oreo | This popular pup name will always be sweet. |
| Panda | Panda is an especially fitting name for dogs with black eye markings. |
| Patches | This classic name for multicolored pups will never go out of style. |
| Penguin | Penguin the Pup is going to have a lot of fans at the dog park. |
| Perdita | In “One Hundred and One Dalmatians,” Perdita is the mama-in-chief… |
| Pongo | …and Pongo is her partner. |
| Skunk | Hopefully, your Skunk smells better than the OG animal. |
| Snoopy | Charlie Brown’s beagle bestie is black and white. |
| Tux | The dress code? Black, white and adorable! |
| Zebra | Talk about a horse of a different color! Zebra is perfect for canines with couture coats. |
Unique Black Dog Names
Help your black pup stand out in the crowd with a name that’s uniquely them.
| Ashen | More delicate than “Ash,” this smoky name fits a gentle soul with a smoldering coat. |
| Blackwell | Sophisticated and surname-y. This one brings big academia-in-the-dark-forest energy. |
| Brimstone | For the fire-and-smoke kind of pup. A little bit devilish, a whole lot of personality. |
| Char | Simple and smoldering. Great for black dogs with fiery personalities (and a love for BBQ smells). |
| Coalby | Like Colby, but midnight-hued. A sweet twist for a shadow-colored snugglebug. |
| Crowley | Occult-chic. Whether you’re thinking demon, rock star, or magic man, this name screams edge. |
| Dierdre | An ancient Celtic name that carries dark romantic vibes. Perfect for pups with soulful eyes. |
| Duskie | Cute and cozy with a hint of mystery. A perfect fit for mellow, moon-loving dogs. |
| Inkwell | This artsy name is ideal for a black dog who always seems to leave paw prints on your heart. |
| Jettie | A sassy spin on “Jet.” Perfect for sleek little divas with quick paws and sharp style. |
| Murk | Short, punchy, and perfectly moody. A minimalist name for a broody pup. |
| Nightcap | A cozy, quirky pick for a dog who loves bedtime cuddles and stares out windows past midnight. |
| Nightjar | A nocturnal bird known for its mystery—just like the pup who vanishes into the night. |
| Noire | French for black and full of elegance. Works for fashion-forward pups with international flair. |
| Nyxie | A playful twist on Nyx, the Greek goddess of the night. Ideal for dogs with a mischievous spark. |
| Onyxia | Inspired by the glimmering gemstone and the fearsome World of Warcraft dragon. For a pup with sparkle and bite. |
| Ravenna | Regal and dramatic, this name conjures up visions of dark fairy queens and silky fur. |
| Salem | Witchy, classic, and cool. Whether you’re into spells or spooky vibes, this name is always in season. |
| Tenebris | Latin for “darkness.” Dramatic, ancient, and undeniably cool. |
| Velvet | Luxurious and smooth—just like your pup’s glossy coat. |
| Zorro | Dashing, clever, and just a little dramatic, this name has serious masked hero energy. |
Cute Names for Black Dogs
Your dog’s coat may be dark, but their personality is bright—and they deserve a name to match. Consider these cute names for black dogs.
| Chocolate Chip | If your dog is fun-size, Chocolate Chip is a diminutive name that makes a big impression. |
| Cinderella | Is your pup a princess? Consider Cinderella, who borrows the first half of her name from fireplace ash. |
| Darcy | Meaning “dark-haired,” this gender-neutral Irish name has plenty of pup potential. Find more Irish dog names. |
| Dusty | A sweet choice for any pet, Dusty works especially well for darker dogs. |
| Inky | his playful name is a fun choice for dogs with ink-black coats. |
| Etoile | French for “star,” this sweet name is perfect for the dog with a twinkle in their eye. |
| Hollyhock | Some varieties of hollyhock flowers are black, making it a fresh pick for dark-coated pups. |
| Iris | Some varieties of iris flowers are a rich, deep purple that appear almost black. |
| Kerry | Meaning “dark,” this cute Gaelic name is a short-and-sweet unisex option. |
| Luna | Of Latin origin, Luna means “moon” and is a classic name for doggos of all colors—but we think it’s extra-special for those with dark-as-night coats. |
| Magic | Magic is a fun name for any pup—but for black-coated dogs, it adds a supernatural flair. |
| Nyx | Greek goddess Nyx was the personification of night. |
| Pansy | Pansy flowers come in many colors, including velvety black. |
| Pearl | Black pearls are rare beauties, just like your precious pup. |
| Poppy | Although poppy flowers are vibrant, their seeds are black. |
| Shadow | An adorable name for the black dog who is always right by your side. |
| Stardust | Thanks to David Bowie, aka Ziggy Stardust, this celestial name has serious swagger. |
| Stella | Meaning “star,” Stella is another sweet nighttime namesake. |
| Toto | Dorothy’s faithful friend had a black-gray coat. |
| Viola | Black viola flowers are popular for their elegant blooms. |
Black Dog Names Inspired by Food
Whether you’re a foodie at heart or your dog’s fur just reminds you of a tasty treat, take inspiration from these food-inspired black dog names.
| Anise | The anise seed has a licorice-like taste and black hue. |
| Bean | Black beans are a pantry staple, and adorable namesake for petite pups. |
| Blackberry | For short, your four-legged cutie can go by Berry. |
| Cacao | Darker in hue than cocoa, cacao is the purest form of chocolate. |
| Caviar | Have a posh pup? Add Caviar to the naming menu. |
| Chocolate | Many varieties of dark chocolate are almost black in color. |
| Coffee | If you drink your coffee black, this high-energy name is an eye opener. |
| Cola | Dark, sweet, and bubbly—just like your canine companion! |
| Currant | Currant berries can be a variety of colors, but black are the most common. |
| Eggplant | The veggie has deep-purple skin that appears almost black. |
| Espresso | For the dog who is always on the go-go-go, Espresso is a sure shot. |
| Fig | Many varieties of figs have dark, almost black outer layers. |
| Guinness | The Irish stout is known for its dark hue. |
| Hershey | For smaller breeds, consider the just-as-sweet Hershey’s Kiss. |
| Lentil | If Bean feels too big, try Lentil for your little legume. |
| Licorice | Black licorice is a divisive candy, but everyone can agree that Licorice is a sweet pup name. |
| Milky Way | Whether referencing the galaxy or the candy bar, Milky Way is a fun choice for chocolate-coated dogs. |
| Mocha | We like the name Mocha a “latte” for black dogs. |
| Moonpie | The delicious dessert has a dark chocolate exterior. |
| Nori | The highest quality nori has a jet-black hue. |
| Olive | If you like black olives, this one has pup potential. |
| Pea | For black-and-white pups, black-eyed peas may offer inspiration. |
| Pepper | For pups with spicy personalities, you can’t go wrong with Pepper. |
| Quinoa | The nutrient-packed grain comes in black, in addition to the more common white and red varieties. |
| Raisin | Sweet and petite, the name Raisin has a sunny quality. |
| Sesame | Black sesame seeds are popular in Japanese cuisine. |
| Tea | Black tea is the most popular variety. |
| Vanilla | For an ironic choice, Vanilla is unexpectedly perfect. |
Black Dog Names Inspired by Animals
Your pup isn’t the only black beast on the block. Why not give them a black dog name inspired by animals with similar coloring?
| Angus | Angus cattle are known for their shiny black coats. |
| Bear | Many species of bears have gorgeous black coats (but don’t be tempted to pet them!) |
| Bat | If your pup is blessed with big ears, Bat is even better! |
| Baza | The Black Baza bird has striking, ink-black feathers. |
| Black Widow | Whether referencing the spider or the Marvel character, Black Widow is an intimidating name. |
| Bobolink | Looking for a name that’s always fun to say? The Bobolink is a black-feathered songbird! |
| Bonobo | Bonobo apes are famously social and playful, just like our canine companions. |
| Bombay | Shhh! Don’t tell your dog that the Bombay is actually a breed of cat known for its sleek, shiny black coat. |
| Crow | Have a smarty-pants pup? Crows are known for their intelligence. |
| Friesian | The Friesian horse is distinguished by its beautiful black coat. |
| Honey Badger | These dark-coated mammals have tough reputations, but Honey makes for a super-sweet nickname. |
| Jaguar | Most jaguars are tan-colored and spotted, but a genetic mutation causes some to be black. |
| Lark | Lark birds can be a number of colors, including pure black. |
| Monkey | If you have an especially goofy or playful pup, Monkey might fit the bill. |
| Mustang | Giddy up! Black mustangs are among the most majestic of horses. |
| Myna | The crow-like Myna bird has black feathers. |
| Nightingale | The small bird is famous for its evening songs. |
| Owl | For a nocturnal namesake, Owl is a hoot. |
| Panther | A black panther is a melanistic leopard or jaguar, distinguished by an all-black coat. |
| Raven | For an avian name with a spooky pedigree, consider Raven, a favorite flyer of Edgar Allen Poe. |
| Spider | A little eight-legged inspiration for your four-legged friend. |
| Starling | For everyday use, you can shorten this pretty avian name to “Star.” |
| Swan | Native to Australia, black swans have striking dark plumes and bright red bills. |
| Tarantula | If Spider isn’t creepy-crawly enough for you, upgrade to Tarantula. |
| Viper | The Black Adder is a species of venomous viper. |
| Wolf | A genetic mutation can cause some gray wolves to have all-black coats. |
| Wolverine | The dark-furred animal is also the name of a popular X-Men character. (For a little variety, take a cue from the comic books and call your Wolverine by his legal name, Logan, on occasion.) |
Dog Names That Mean Black in Other Languages
Pay homage to your dog’s breed ancestry, or your own, by choosing a name that means “black” in their language of origin.
- Geom-jeong (Korean)
- Hei (Chinese)
- Kuro (Japanese)
- Mávros (Greek)
- Musta (Finnish)
- Nero (Italian)
- Noir (French)
- Preto (Portuguese)
- Schwarz (German)
- Svart (Swedish)
Dog Names That Mean Night in Other Languages
- Gabi (Filipino)
- Gece (Turkish)
- Kecha (Uzbek)
- Malam (Malay)
- Nacht (German)
- Noche (Spanish)
- Noctis (Latin)
- Noite (Portuguese)
- Notte (Italian)
- Wengi (Javanese)
Black Dog Breeds
Love black dogs? Consider these popular breeds that often have black fur:
- Affenpinscher
- Beauceron
- Bernese Mountain Dog
- Border Collie
- Cane Corso
- Dobermann
- English Cocker Spaniel
- Great Dane
- Labrador Retriever
- Miniature Pinscher
- Miniature Schnauzer
- Newfoundland
- Poodle
- Portuguese Water Dog
- Pug
- Puli
- Rottweiler
How To Choose a Name for Your Black Dog
Picking a new pet’s name can feel overwhelming. If you’re stuck for inspiration, consider these common reasons for giving a pet their name:
- Their personality: A pup with a gloomy temperament might earn the name Stormcloud, while a dog with tons of energy would make a good Espresso.
- Your favorite things: Parents of human children often name their kids after their favorite sports stars or movie characters. So, why not do the same as a dog parent? Whether you’re a huge Red Sox fan (Big Papi!) or obsessed with the Eras Tour (Taylor!), it’s fun to reflect your own personality in the name of your pet.
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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