Dog Names In The News >> Kentucky Derby Dog Names
Kentucky Derby Dog Names
Updated: May 03, 2024
Welcome to a unique collection of monikers inspired by one of the most famous horse racing events in the world. Our list is carefully curated to reflect the excitement, tradition, and heritage of this iconic American event. If you're a fan of the thrilling races, vibrant hats, and mint juleps synonymous with this event, or simply love the charm of the old south, you'll find an array of name options for your four-legged friend here.
The names featured on our list draw inspiration from legendary past champions, famous jockeys, and even the picturesque location of the race, Louisville, Kentucky. Whether you're looking for a name that exudes strength and speed, or a name that carries an air of southern elegance, we've got you covered. So, saddle up and get ready to discover the perfect name for your canine companion that captures the spirit of the Derby and the heart of the Bluegrass state.
| Name | Reason to Choose |
|---|---|
| Affirmed | The last horse to win the Triple Crown before American Pharoah |
| Affirmedamigo | Inspired by the bond between a racehorse and their jockey |
| Assault | A Triple Crown winner |
| Belmont | One of the races in the Triple Crown |
| Belmontbuddy | Inspired by the camaraderie at the Belmont Stakes |
| Biscuit | A playful name and a nod to the famous racehorse, Seabiscuit |
| Biscuitbarker | For a dog who loves to bark for their biscuits, just like a racehorse loves its treats |
| Bluegrass | The state's notable nickname |
| Bookiebarker | For a dog with a bark as loud as a bookie's shout |
| Bookmaker | Those who take the bets at races |
| Bourbon | Kentucky's famous distilled spirit |
| Bourbonsprint | A nod to Kentucky's famous bourbon and the speed of the racehorses |
| Bridle | Another nod to horse gear |
| Bridlebarker | For a dog with a bark as loud and commanding as a bridled racehorse |
| Canter | A nod to the pace of the horses |
| Cantercanine | For a dog who loves to trot around at a leisurely pace, just like a horse at a canter |
| Caper | To signify the playful antics of the race |
| Capercanine | For a dog who loves to frolic and caper around |
| Champion | Because every dog is a winner |
| Championchaser | For a dog with a champion's heart and a love for chasing |
| Churchill | It's an homage to Churchill Downs, where the Kentucky Derby takes place |
| Citation | A Triple Crown winner |
| Colt | A term for a young male horse |
| Coltcanter | Ideal for a young, energetic dog with a playful bounce in their step |
| CountFleet | A Triple Crown winner |
| CountFleeter | Inspired by Count Fleet, the 1943 Triple Crown winner, and the fleet-footedness of dogs |
| Crown | A tribute to the coveted Triple Crown in horse racing |
| Crownchaser | For a dog always in pursuit of victory, just like the racehorses chasing the Triple Crown |
| Dapper | For the stylish outfits seen at the derby |
| Dapperdog | For a dog as dapper and stylish as the crowds at the Derby |
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Horse Breeds
Kentucky Derby is all about horses, so naming a dog after a horse breed is a quirky homage to the event.
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Akhal | Comes from the Akhal-Teke horse breed, a unique name for a unique dog |
| Andalusian | A breed of horse from the Iberian Peninsula, a great name for a dog with Spanish origins |
| Appaloosa | This name is from a spotted horse breed, perfect for a spotted dog |
| Arabian | Arabian horses are often associated with speed and endurance, qualities shared by dogs and Derby racers |
| Belmont | Belmont is a renowned horse racing track, suitable for a dog with a speedy nature |
| Clydesdale | Strong dogs might resemble this powerful horse breed |
| Connemara | A breed of horse from Ireland, an excellent name for a dog of Irish breed |
| Friesian | This name comes from a horse breed known for its shiny black coat, just like many dogs |
| Gelding | A term for a castrated horse, it could be a humorous name for a neutered dog |
| Hackney | A breed of horse known for high-stepping trot, a fun name for a lively dog |
| Hanoverian | A breed of horse from Germany, ideal for a dog of German breed |
| Lipizzaner | A unique horse breed name, perfect for a unique dog |
| Lusitano | A beautiful horse breed from Portugal, a unique name for a dog |
| Morgan | Morgan horses are known for their versatility, which can be reflected in a dog |
| Mustang | Mustangs are wild and free-spirited, a perfect name for a spirited dog |
| Palomino | This golden horse breed name would fit a golden-haired dog perfectly |
| Percheron | This French horse breed name could be a cultured choice for a dog |
| Pinto | An exciting name for a dog with a multi-colored coat, inspired by the horse breed |
| Quarter | Inspired by the American Quarter Horse, known for their incredible sprinting capabilities |
| Saddlebred | American Saddlebred horses are known for their style and spirit, a fitting name for a spirited dog |
| Shire | Shire horses are one of the tallest breeds, an amusing name for a tiny dog |
| Stallion | Stallions are male horses, a fitting name for a strong male dog |
| Steeplechase | Steeplechase is a horse race over obstacles, a fitting name for an agile dog |
| Tennessee | The Tennessee Walking Horse is a comfortable riding horse, a great name for a comfortable lap dog |
| Thoroughbred | This breed of horse is best known for its use in horse racing, just like the Kentucky Derby |
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City Names
Names of cities or landmarks in Kentucky can show a love for the Derby's home state.
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Ashland | Ideal for a dog with a strong and sturdy nature, just like the industrial city |
| Bardstown | A classic name for a dog, after the city famed for its bourbon distilleries |
| Berea | A unique name for a dog, after the city known for its vibrant arts scene |
| Bowling | A fun name for a playful dog, after the city of Bowling Green |
| Covington | A sophisticated name for a dog, reflecting the city's historic charm |
| Danville | A charming name for a dog, after the city known for its rich history and vibrant arts scene |
| Elizabethtown | Named after the city known for its southern charm, this name is ideal for a sweet and friendly dog |
| Florence | Named after the city that is home to the famous Florence Y'all Water Tower |
| Frankfort | Kentucky's capital city lends a dignified air to any canine |
| Georgetown | A classic name for your dog, inspired by the historic city |
| Glasgow | Named after the city with a strong Scottish heritage, this name is perfect for a dog with a strong character |
| Henderson | Named after the scenic city on the Ohio River, this name is great for a nature-loving dog |
| Hopkinsville | For the dog that jumps around a lot, just like the city's name suggests |
| Lexington | This name is a nod to the city known as the Horse Capital of the World |
| Louisville | Named after the largest city in Kentucky, this name is fitting for a dog with a big personality |
| Middlesboro | A strong and sturdy name for a dog, after the city located in the Appalachian Mountains |
| Murray | A friendly and approachable name for a dog, after the welcoming city in Calloway County |
| Nicholasville | Perfect for a dog with a regal demeanor, named after the city in Jessamine County |
| Owensboro | A unique name for a dog, just like the city that hosts the famous International Bar-B-Q Festival |
| Paducah | For the dog with a playful and quirky personality, just like the city itself |
| Pikeville | A strong and sturdy name for a dog, mirroring the resilience of this Appalachian city |
| Richmond | Perfect for a noble and dignified dog, as the city is home to Eastern Kentucky University |
| Shelbyville | A charming name for a dog, inspired by the city known as the Saddlebred Capital of the World |
| Somerset | A graceful name for a dog, inspired by the city renowned for its beauty |
| Winchester | An elegant name for a dog, named after the city known for its architectural beauty |
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Kentucky Derby Traditions
Elements of the Derby's traditions, such as 'Mint Julep' or 'Rose', can be used creatively as dog names.
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Bluegrass | A nod to Kentucky's nickname, the Bluegrass State |
| Bourbon | Kentucky's famous spirit is a staple at Derby parties |
| Churchill | For Churchill Downs, the famous racetrack where the Derby takes place |
| DerbyPie | Named after a delicious dessert traditionally served during Derby season |
| Filly | A term for a young female horse |
| Furlong | This is a measure of distance in horse racing |
| Garland | The winning horse is draped with a garland of roses |
| Gelding | A term for a castrated male horse |
| Gentry | A term that refers to the high society often associated with horse racing |
| Homestretch | The final straight portion of the racetrack |
| Jockey | This name honors the riders who steer the horses to victory |
| Julep | Short for mint julep, the traditional drink of the Derby |
| Milliner | A nod to the tradition of wearing extravagant hats to the Derby |
| Mintjulep | Named after the traditional cocktail served at the Derby |
| Paddock | This is where horses are saddled and paraded before a race |
| Post | Refers to the starting post, a crucial part of every race |
| Rosette | A reference to the roses awarded to the Derby winner |
| Saddle | An essential piece of horse riding equipment |
| Silks | Refers to the jockey's brightly colored uniforms |
| Stakes | A reference to the high-stakes nature of the race |
| Steeple | A reference to the steeplechase races that predate flat racing |
| Thoroughbred | This name honors the breed of horses that run in the race |
| TwinSpires | The iconic architectural feature of Churchill Downs |
| Victory | A reference to the ultimate goal of every Derby participant |
| WinStar | This name is derived from a famous Kentucky horse farm |
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Jockey Names
Jockeys are integral to the Derby, and their names can make for unique and interesting dog names.
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Belmont | It's named after another leg of the Triple Crown series |
| Blinkers | Named after the gear that helps keep thoroughbred horses focused during races |
| Bridle | Inspired by the gear used to control a horse |
| Churchill | It is the name of the racetrack where the Kentucky Derby is held |
| Exacta | Inspired by a popular wager in horse racing |
| Filly | A term for a young female horse |
| Furlong | This measurement of distance is frequently used in horse racing |
| Gate | A reference to the starting gate |
| Gelding | It refers to a specific type of horse |
| Horseshoe | It's a symbol of good luck in the horse racing world |
| Julep | Inspired by Mint Julep, the traditional beverage of the Derby |
| Paddock | Named after the area where horses are saddled before a race |
| PhotoFinish | A nod to close races |
| Post | Inspired by the post position in horse racing |
| Preakness | It shares the name with another famous horse race, a part of the Triple Crown |
| Quinella | A term for a type of bet in horse racing |
| Reins | An essential part of horse control gear |
| Saddle | A horse racing essential |
| Silks | Jockeys often wear these during races |
| Steeplechase | A reference to a type of horse race |
| Stirrup | It's a crucial equipment in horse racing |
| Thoroughbred | Only thoroughbred horses participate in the Kentucky Derby |
| Trifecta | A popular wager in horse racing |
| Turfway | Inspired by Turfway Park, a famous racetrack in Kentucky |
| Winningpost | It represents the finish line in a horse race |
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Horse Winner Names
Naming a dog after a Kentucky Derby winner can be a fun way to commemorate a favorite race or horse.
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Affirmed | Named after the last horse to win the Triple Crown before the 37-year gap |
| Alydar | Commemorates the horse that finished second to Affirmed in all three Triple Crown races |
| Assault | This name commemorates the 1946 Triple Crown winner |
| Barbaro | This name pays tribute to the 2006 Kentucky Derby winner |
| Citation | This name pays tribute to the 1948 Triple Crown winner |
| Count | An homage to Count Fleet, the sixth horse to win the Triple Crown |
| Dancer | In honor of Northern Dancer, the 1964 Kentucky Derby winner |
| Fusaichi | In honor of Fusaichi Pegasus, the 2000 Kentucky Derby winner |
| Gallant | An homage to Gallant Fox, the second horse to ever win the Triple Crown |
| Genuine | In honor of Genuine Risk, one of only three fillies to win the Kentucky Derby |
| Lucky | In honor of Lookin At Lucky, the 2010 Kentucky Derby winner |
| Mine | This name pays homage to Mine That Bird, the 2009 Kentucky Derby winner |
| Monarchos | This name commemorates the 2001 Kentucky Derby winner |
| Omaha | Named after the third horse to win the Triple Crown, back in 1935 |
| Pharoah | Named after American Pharoah, the twelfth horse to win the Triple Crown |
| Pleasant | Pays tribute to Pleasant Colony, the 1981 Kentucky Derby winner |
| Seattle | In honor of Seattle Slew, the tenth horse to win the Triple Crown |
| Secretariat | Named after the legendary racehorse who won the Triple Crown in 1973 |
| Sham | Named after the horse that finished second to Secretariat in the 1973 Kentucky Derby |
| Sir | Named after Sir Barton, the first horse to win the Triple Crown |
| Smarty | Named after Smarty Jones, the 2004 Kentucky Derby winner |
| Spectacular | Named after Spectacular Bid, the 1979 Kentucky Derby winner |
| Spend | In honor of Spend a Buck, the 1985 Kentucky Derby winner |
| War | Pays tribute to War Admiral, the fourth horse to win the Triple Crown |
| Whirlaway | This name pays homage to the winner of the 1941 Kentucky Derby and Triple Crown |
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