If you are making a list of names for dogs, keep in mind that you have undertaken a difficult, but fun, task. Picking the right name for a dog can be as difficult -- if not more difficult -- than choosing the right breed and the right dog. You are giving your new companion a major piece of his/her identity.
There are some basics to follow:
- Make it easy on you and the dog; a list of names for dogs should not include tongue-twisters or long five-syllable names. These may be cute and even fitting, but they may be hard for your new best friend to understand.
- Consider names for dogs you won't mind calling out through the neighborhood at 7 a.m. if you want the dog to come in. (Just think of how you might feel calling "Here, Butthead!")
- Avoid names for dogs with words that sound like a command; skip dog names like "Naughty Nick" or "Healing Touch".
- Take a pass on names for dogs you need to explain. Hard as it is for you to believe, not everyone has read "Beowulf" and might not know who Grendel is.
Just make sure you consider names for dogs that are relatively easy for you to say and for the dog to understand. And, it's OK, even preferable, to express your individuality and that of your pooch. Think of names for dogs that have meaning to you or reflect the dog's appearance or personality. For example:
If you plan on spending a lot of time in front of the TV with your canine companion, you may select one of these names for dogs:
- Vintage TV: Lucy, Zorro, Gilligan, Mannix, Magnum, Mister French
- "Sex And The City": Carrie, Charlotte, Samantha, Miranda, Mister Big
- "Desperate Housewives": Bree, Susan, Lynette, Gabrielle, Edie
- "Star Trek": Kirk, Spock, Data, Jean-Luc, Dax, Geordi, Odo
- "X Files": Dana, Fox, Scully, Mulder
- "Friends": Chandler, Phoebe, Rachel, Joey
- Old Time Radio: Fibber McGee, Gracie, Sam Spade, Johnny Dollar
Or, call upon your ethnic heritage when thinking about names for dogs:
- Scottish: Bonnie (sweet and good), Laird (lord of the manor), Maisie (child of light), Murdoc (victorious sailor).
Irish: Brigid (powerful), Dillon (lightning), Fergus (strong fighter) Fiona (beautiful and fair).- French: Aime (loved), Capucine (nasturtium), Allete (cheerful) Marvel (miracle).
- Italian: Agosto (venerable), Othello (rich) Raul (friend of the wolf) Santo (saint).
- German: Berta (glorious), Dutch (the German), Luther (warrior) Morgen (morning), Roth (red-headed).
- Mexican: Bronco (unbroken horse), Diego (someone who replaces another), Bonita (beautiful) Gazpacho (a tomato-based, spicy soup).
If you are of Native American heritage or even just like the culture, consider names for dogs like:
- Cheyenne
- Kokopelli
- Seneca
- Pocahontas
- Kiowa
- Chief
If you are a chef or just like cooking, think about names for dogs that may be mouth watering:
- Ginger
- Mocha
- Honey
- Cayenne
- Basil
- Noodles
- Moon Pie
- T-Bone
- Cocoa
- Coffee
- Sugar Cookie
- Ham Bone
Names for dogs of those who are gardeners could include:
- Daisy
- Buttercup
- Nightshade
- Wysteria
- Tulip
- Chamomile
- Iris
- Huckleberry
- Hollyhock
OK, so you don't have a green thumb. If you are an artist consider names for dogs like:
- Monet
- Picasso
- Manet
- Rembrandt
- Dali
- Whistler
- Ochre
- Mona Lisa
If you work with precious stones, or just admire them, you can consider names for dogs that will positively sparkle:
- Pearl
- Onyx
- Diamond
- Ruby
- Emerald
- Opal
- Jasper
- Topaz
Names for dogs can be as simple or complex as you wish. But, those most admired names for dogs include ones that are special to you and your dog.
