Dog Names In The News >> Kentucky Derby Dog Names

Kentucky Derby Dog Names - Page 2

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
Dash To signify the speediness of the race
Dashdancer For a dog who loves to dash and dance around with joy
Derby Straight from the name of the event
Dixie For the Southern charm of the event
Dixiedasher For a dog who loves to dash around, inspired by the Southern charm of the Dixie Land
Festival The Kentucky Derby is part of a larger two-week festival in Louisville
Festivalfido For a dog who loves the festivities and excitement of the Kentucky Derby
Filly A term for a young female horse
Finishline The end goal of any race
Finishlinefrenzy For a dog who loves the thrill of a race's final moments
Foal A term for a baby horse
Foalfooted For a dog with the light, nimble steps of a foal
Furlong A measure of distance in horse racing
Furlongfury For the dog with the energy to run a furlong and the fierceness of a champion racehorse
Gala For the grandeur and festivity of the Derby
Galapaw For a dog who loves to frolic and prance, just like horses during the gala
Gallant After Gallant Fox, a Triple Crown winner
Gallantgait Perfect for a dog with a proud, gallant gait
Gallop For the galloping horses in the race
Gallopgrit For a dog with the grit and determination of a galloping racehorse
Gambler For the betting that goes hand-in-hand with the race
Gamblergrace For a dog who's a sure bet to win your heart
Gelding A term for a castrated horse
Geldinggrit Inspired by the determination of a gelding racehorse
Gentry It represents the elite status of the event
Gentrygrowler For a dog with the growl of a champion and the sophistication of the gentry
Genuine After Genuine Risk, a famous racehorse
Glee For the joy and excitement the event brings
Gleegait For a dog whose happy gait is as infectious as glee
Glitz The event is known for its glamour and sophistication
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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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