What do Neil Armstrong, Horton Smith, and Annie Edson Taylor all have in common? They each were credited as being the first person to accomplish something. While many have followed in each of their footsteps, there is definitely something to be said about originality. In this list, we have tried to capture new and unique ideas to help pioneer the dog names of the future. Throughout this page you will encounter many cutting-edge and unfamiliar ideas that are part of the road less traveled and could make all the difference. Much like the first person to achieve something, we hope that these names become trends and not just a statistic.
To help make the case for branching out more clear, Imagine a world where every dog goes by the same name. It would get kind of boring until you verbalized the overused title in a park or around the neighborhood. There is obvious value in making sure that your dog doesn’t have the same name as every other pooch on the block. All too often, owners settle on a typical name like Spot or Max. These aren’t bad names, just overused. Consider the Honda Civic for example. It’s a good quality bang for your buck automobile but everyone and their dog has one. When naming your puppy you want to be creative yet fitting. You are looking for the name that matches your dog but also stands out in the crowd.
The key to finding a name that is truly distinct is to free your mind from experience imposed tracks. There is a reason that names like Spot and Max are common for dogs. Due to their widespread use, an association between the names and dogs are built at an early age. When focusing on dog names, the mind is only able to pull from these previous affiliations. In order to discover unique ideas, you will need to venture outside the box. Put the spotlight on characteristics of your dog and descriptive words that could be good naming material. Try to derive your dog’s name from your own cleverness and creativity rather than from memory.
Name | Reason to Choose |
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Schmutz | Yiddish word meaning dirt or grime |
Seneca | named after famous Roman philosopher |
Senshi | Japanese word for warrior |
Sensi | Japanese term meaning 'teacher' |
Sequoia | Named after a tree species |
Shortstop | Baseball position reference |
Shrayder | uncommon, possibly surname-inspired |
Sinch | Involves a play on words |
Sirius | Brightest star in the night sky |
Sirpa | Finnish origin |
Skylar | More common for humans than dogs |
Slade | Sounds like a superhero's name |
Sloane | Named after a character in 'Ferris Bueller's Day Off' |
Smuckers | Popular brand of jam |
Sox | Sports team reference |
Stetson | iconic hat brand |
Strike | action-packed, sports-related |
Suede | Material normally associated with clothing |
Sugarbaker | Sweet and bakery themed |
Talulah | Native American name meaning leaping water |
Tamerino | Italian sounding |
Tesla | Named after a physicist |
Tiddlywinks | Classic game reference |
Tiko | Uncommon, possibly exotic |
Tillie | Old-fashioned, retro charm |
Tinkerbell | Inspired by a well-known fairy character |
Toboe | Anime-inspired, unique for pets |
Tokyo | World city |
Tomahawk | References a Native American axe |
Tomka | Eastern European flavor, unique for dogs |
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Name | Description |
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Beethoven | A great name for a dog that is musically inclined or enjoys sounds, named after the famous composer |
Caesar | A dog bearing this name might have a commanding presence, just like the Roman dictator |
Churchill | A strong and determined dog might share traits with the iconic British Prime Minister during World War II |
Cleopatra | Ideal for a regal and beautiful dog, reminiscent of the last active ruler of the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt |
Confucius | An excellent name for a wise dog or a dog that likes to 'teach' others, named after the Chinese philosopher |
DaVinci | This name could suit a dog with a creative or inventive spirit, after the famous Italian polymath |
Einstein | Perfect for a dog that shows signs of intelligence and curiosity, echoing the traits of the renowned physicist |
Galileo | A suitable name for a curious and explorative dog, named after the pioneering Italian astronomer |
Gandhi | Suitable for a peaceful, gentle dog, named after the leader of Indian nationalism |
Hemingway | Perfect for a dog with a strong or adventurous spirit, named after the famous American author |
Houdini | A fitting name for an escape artist dog, after the famed magician and illusionist |
JoanOfArc | Perfect for a brave and faithful dog, named after the French heroine |
Lincoln | This name would suit a dog with a calm and honest demeanor, just like the 16th President of the United States |
Magellan | Magellan would be a fitting name for a dog that loves to explore, echoing the name of the famed Portuguese explorer |
MarieCurie | This name suits an intelligent, pioneering dog, named after the physicist and chemist |
Napoleon | A dog with this name might have a small stature but a big personality, just like the famous French general |
Picasso | A great name for a dog that might have a colorful or expressive personality, like the famous painter |
Plato | For a dog with a thoughtful or contemplative demeanor, named after the classical Greek philosopher |
Shakespeare | A dog with this name might have a flair for drama, named after the iconic playwright |
Socrates | For a dog with a contemplative or wise demeanor, named after the classical Greek philosopher |
Spartacus | Perfect for a dog with a rebellious, fighting spirit, as per the famous Roman gladiator |
Tesla | For a dog with a spark of genius or energy, named after the great inventor |
Tutankhamun | Perfect for a dog with a majestic or noble demeanor, named after the Egyptian pharaoh |
VanGogh | VanGogh would be a fitting name for a dog with one ear or a dog that has a unique, artistic soul |
Zarathustra | This name would suit a dog with a philosophical or thoughtful nature, after the ancient Iranian spiritual leader |
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Name | Description |
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Alps | A fitting name for a dog as majestic as the European mountain range |
Amazon | For a dog as wild and free as the world's largest tropical rainforest |
Andes | Inspired by the longest continental mountain range in the world |
Arctic | A cool name for a dog, inspired by the polar region in the northernmost part of the Earth |
Aspen | Inspired by the snowy mountains of Colorado |
Bali | Captures the essence of the Indonesian paradise island |
Borneo | Reflects the wild and untamed spirit of the Southeast Asian island |
Cairo | Carries the exotic charm of Egypt's bustling capital |
Everest | Perfect for a dog as mighty as the highest peak on Earth |
Galapagos | Named after the unique and isolated island group |
Gobi | Perfect for a dog as strong and enduring as the vast desert in Asia |
Indus | Paying homage to one of the longest rivers in Asia |
Java | Inspired by the Indonesian island known for its stunning landscapes |
Mojave | A cool name for a dog, inspired by the American desert |
Ozark | Named after the highland region spanning the central United States |
Patagonia | Named after the breathtaking region at the southern end of South America |
Rio | Named after the vibrant city in Brazil, Rio de Janeiro |
Sahara | It is the largest hot desert in the world |
Savannah | A nod to the expansive African grasslands |
Sicily | Carries the warmth and charm of the Italian island |
Sydney | Carries the lively and vibrant vibe of Australia's most populous city |
Tahiti | Resonates with the beauty and tranquility of the island in French Polynesia |
Tundra | For a dog as resilient as the Arctic plains |
Yukon | Captures the spirit of Canada's wild western territory |
Zaire | A unique name, after the former name of the Democratic Republic of the Congo |
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Name | Description |
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Atticus | Inspired by Atticus Finch, the morally upright lawyer in Harper Lee's 'To Kill a Mockingbird' |
Bennet | Taken from the surname of the family in Jane Austen's 'Pride and Prejudice' |
Bovary | Named for Emma Bovary, the dissatisfied character in Gustave Flaubert's 'Madame Bovary' |
Bronte | After the surname of the literary sisters Charlotte, Emily, and Anne Bronte |
Darcy | Named for Mr. Darcy, the proud and complex character in Jane Austen's 'Pride and Prejudice' |
Fitzgerald | Inspired by F. Scott Fitzgerald, the author of 'The Great Gatsby' and 'Tender Is the Night' |
Gatsby | After Jay Gatsby, the wealthy and mysterious character from F. Scott Fitzgerald's 'The Great Gatsby' |
Havisham | Inspired by Miss Havisham, the eccentric character in Charles Dickens' 'Great Expectations' |
Heathcliff | Inspired by the passionate and brooding character in Emily Bronte's 'Wuthering Heights' |
Hemingway | Named for Ernest Hemingway, the author of 'The Old Man and the Sea' and 'A Farewell to Arms' |
Holden | From the protagonist Holden Caulfield in J.D. Salinger's 'The Catcher in the Rye' |
Huckleberry | Taken from the adventurous character Huckleberry Finn in Mark Twain's novel |
Ishmael | Named for the sailor and narrator in Herman Melville's 'Moby Dick' |
Maugham | Named for W. Somerset Maugham, the author of 'Of Human Bondage' and 'The Moon and Sixpence' |
Moby | After the legendary white whale in Herman Melville's 'Moby Dick' |
Orwell | Inspired by George Orwell, the author of dystopian novels '1984' and 'Animal Farm' |
Pip | Named for Pip, the character who experiences great expectations in Charles Dickens' novel |
Poirot | After the detective Hercule Poirot created by Agatha Christie |
Quixote | Taken from the idealistic and chivalrous character Don Quixote in Miguel de Cervantes' novel |
Rochester | Inspired by Mr. Rochester, the complex character in Charlotte Bronte's 'Jane Eyre' |
Salinger | After J.D. Salinger, the author of 'The Catcher in the Rye' and 'Franny and Zooey' |
Sawyer | From the adventurous character Tom Sawyer in Mark Twain's novel |
Scout | After Scout Finch, the young narrator of Harper Lee's 'To Kill a Mockingbird' |
Sherlock | After the famous detective Sherlock Holmes created by Arthur Conan Doyle |
Woolf | Taken from Virginia Woolf, the modernist author of 'Mrs. Dalloway' and 'To the Lighthouse' |
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Name | Description |
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Andromeda | This is a spiral galaxy nearest to the Milky Way, our galaxy |
Apollo | Named after the NASA program that first landed astronauts on the moon |
Astro | This name is short for astronomy, the study of celestial objects |
Celeste | This name means heavenly or celestial in Latin |
Comet | This celestial object is known for its spectacular appearance in the sky |
Cosmo | Short for cosmos, the universe is an intriguing concept to name a dog after |
Draco | Draco is a large constellation in the northern sky |
Eclipse | An eclipse occurs when one astronomical body obscures another |
Galaxy | It represents an entire system of stars, planets, and other celestial bodies |
Hubble | Named after the Hubble Space Telescope that observes distant galaxies and nebulae |
Jupiter | Jupiter is the largest planet in the solar system |
Luna | This is a magical name that refers to the moon |
Meteor | A meteor is a small body of matter from outer space that enters earth's atmosphere |
Nebula | A nebula is a cloud of dust and gas in space |
Nova | A nova is a star that suddenly increases in brightness |
Orion | This is named after a prominent constellation visible throughout the world |
Pluto | This name pays tribute to the former ninth planet in our solar system |
Pulsar | A pulsar is a highly magnetized rotating neutron star |
Quasar | A quasar is a massive and extremely remote celestial object |
Rigel | Rigel is the brightest star in the constellation Orion |
Saturn | This planet is known for its prominent ring system |
Solaris | This is a poetic term for anything related to the sun |
Stellar | This term is used to describe anything related to stars |
Ursa | Ursa Major and Ursa Minor are two prominent constellations in the night sky |
Venus | This is the name of the second planet from the sun, known as the morning star |
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Achilles | From Greek mythology, Achilles was a hero of the Trojan War, a good name for a brave dog |
Apollo | A powerful name for a dog, inspired by the Greek god of music, truth, and prophecy |
Ares | Named after the Greek god of war, a suitable name for a fearless dog |
Artemis | Inspired by the Greek goddess of wild animals and hunting, perfect for an adventurous dog |
Athena | Named after the Greek goddess of wisdom, a perfect name for a clever dog |
Atlas | Named after the Titan who held up the sky in Greek mythology, a suitable name for a strong dog |
Diana | Roman goddess of the hunt and moon, a fitting name for a night-loving or hunting dog |
Fenrir | In Norse mythology, Fenrir was a gigantic and powerful wolf |
Helios | From Greek mythology, Helios was the god of the sun, perfect for a sunny-natured dog |
Hera | From Greek mythology, Hera was the queen of all gods, a fitting name for a regal dog |
Hercules | After the Greek hero known for his strength, a suitable name for a strong and brave dog |
Hermes | Inspired by the Greek god of trade and travel, a fitting name for a dog who loves to explore |
Juno | A Roman goddess who was the protector of the nation and women, a great name for a protective dog |
Jupiter | Inspired by the Roman king of the gods, a regal name for a dog |
Loki | From Norse mythology, Loki was a tricky god, fitting for a mischievous dog |
Medusa | From Greek mythology, Medusa was a formidable creature, a fitting name for a formidable dog |
Odin | This name hails from Norse mythology where Odin was the chief of the gods |
Orion | Orion was a famed hunter in Greek mythology, making this a fitting name for a hunting dog |
Persephone | Taken from the Greek goddess of vegetation, perfect for a nature-loving dog |
Poseidon | From Greek mythology, Poseidon was the god of the sea, a great name for a dog who loves water |
Rhea | Named after the Greek Titaness, a mother of gods, a fitting name for a nurturing dog |
Thor | Inspired by the Norse god of thunder, a name suitable for a powerful dog |
Venus | From Roman mythology, Venus was the goddess of love, a perfect name for a loving dog |
Vulcan | Inspired by the Roman god of fire, a great name for a dog with a fiery spirit |
Zeus | Named after the ruler of the gods in Greek mythology |
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Marvel | Considering this name for our new puppy end of Feb. We are HUGE Marvel universe fans |
In the picturesque village of Maplewood, nestled amidst rolling hills and vibrant fields, there lived a dog named Pippin. Pippin was a unique mix of breeds, with a coat of many colors and a wagging tail that seemed to possess a life of its own. Yet, what truly set Pippin apart from other dogs was not his appearance, but his extraordinary ability to paint.
The villagers often gathered at the central park to watch Pippin work his magic, creating stunning landscapes and vivid portraits with his brush held firmly between his teeth. Pippin was the pride of Maplewood, and his paintings were cherished by all who laid eyes upon them.
Pippin belonged to an elderly artist named Arthur, who had discovered the dog's talent by chance one day when he left his painting supplies unattended. He returned to find Pippin, then just a curious pup, creating a beautiful scene of the setting sun over Maplewood's rolling hills. Amazed by the young dog's gift, Arthur decided to nurture Pippin's talent and share it with the world.
Years passed, and Pippin's fame spread far and wide. Admirers journeyed from across the land to purchase his paintings, with some even calling him the "Canine da Vinci." Despite his newfound fame, Pippin remained a humble and gentle soul, always eager to please and bring joy to others.
One day, a wealthy art collector named Mr. Worthington visited Maplewood, hoping to add one of Pippin's masterpieces to his collection. Upon meeting the remarkable dog, Mr. Worthington was instantly captivated by Pippin's talent and proposed to take him to the capital city, promising a life of luxury and fame.
Arthur was hesitant, for he had grown to love Pippin like a son, and the thought of parting with him was unbearable. But he also knew that such an opportunity could change Pippin's life for the better. After much deliberation, Arthur decided to let Pippin go, his heart heavy with both pride and sorrow.
Upon arriving in the capital, Pippin was treated like royalty, with admirers lining the streets to catch a glimpse of the famous canine artist. He was given a lavish studio, the finest paints, and a steady stream of commissions from the city's elite. Yet, despite his newfound wealth and success, Pippin couldn't shake the feeling that something was missing.
As the days turned into weeks, Pippin's heart ached for the simple life he'd left behind in Maplewood. He missed the warmth of Arthur's embrace, the laughter of the villagers, and the freedom to paint what his heart desired. Pippin realized that fame and fortune couldn't replace the love and happiness he had known in Maplewood.
One night, Pippin made up his mind. He would return to Maplewood and reunite with Arthur, leaving behind the life of luxury that had once seemed so appealing. With a heavy heart, he penned a farewell letter to Mr. Worthington, expressing his gratitude for the opportunity but explaining his longing for home.
As Pippin approached Maplewood, he was greeted by the familiar sights and smells of the village he loved so dearly. Arthur, who had never given up hope of seeing Pippin again, welcomed him with open arms, tears of joy streaming down his face.
From that day on, Pippin resumed his life in Maplewood, once again painting for the sheer joy of it and sharing his gift with those he loved. The villagers welcomed him back with open hearts, grateful for the return of their beloved canine artist.
We would like to take this time to thank all of our visitors that make DogNamed.com the best dog naming resource on the web. Our site would not be where it is today without your suggestions, ratings, and photo submissions. So pat yourselves on the back for a job well done and keep up the good work! If you have any comments, suggestions, or ideas for the this page or any part of our site, don't hesitate to drop us a line on our Contact Page. Thank you! -The DogNamed Team