What’s in a Name? 50 Names to Set Your Pooch Apart

Think of all the people you know. Unless they legally sought a name change, no one has had the opportunity to name themselves. The name-giving task is left to our guardians, and not everyone is lucky in the selection.

When it comes right down to it, it’s really no different for our dogs. They don’t get a say in what they’re named, and it’s unfortunate, especially when a name can mean so much. Think of it this way: does it really seem like a great idea to name a pit bull Brutus when there is already a negative (and incorrect) stereotype about the breed? We make a lot of assumptions based on a name. You’ll want your pet’s dog collars to reflect a name you can both be proud of. Here is a brand new list of 50 dog names fit for that special furry friend in your life.

Alfie: “Wise.” Origin—English

Amos: “Carried by God.” Origin—Hebrew

Angus: “One strength.” Origin—Gaelic

Anita: “Grace.” Origin—Spanish

Archer: “Bowman.” Origin—English

Argus: “Watchful guardian.” Origin—Greek

Arys: A town in Poland.

Aslan: “Lion.”

Aspen: A poplar tree.

Astrid: “Divinely beautiful.” Origin—Norse

Astro: Relating to celestial matter.

Atta: Short form for a compliment. As in “attagirl,” or “attaboy.”

Atticus: Popularized after Harper Lee’s character Atticus Finch .

Avery: “Ruler of the elves.” Origin--English

Axle: A spindle or rod used for repairs.

Banjo: A stringed musical instrument.

Banksy: Named for the street artist who paints political and moral messages on public buildings.

Bao: “Creative.” Origin—Chinese

Barclay: “Where birches grow.” Origin(s): English and Scottish

Bardot: The joining of the surnames ‘Harlow’ and ‘Boreanaz.’ Origin—French

Basil: “Regal.” Origin—Greek

Beckett: “Bee Cottage.” Origin(s) English and Irish

Bodhi: “Awakening, enlightenment.” Origin—Sanskrit

Bowie: “Blond.” Origin—Scottish

Bruce: “From the brushwood thicket.” Origin(s)—English, French and Scottish

Bryce: “Speckled or freckled.” Origin—Scottish

Buck: “Male deer.” Origin—English

Cecil: “Blind.” Origin—Latin

Clementine: “Mild, merciful.” Origin(s)—French and Latin

Clifford: “Lives near the ford by the cliff.” Origin—English

Cora: “Maiden.” Origin—Greek

Cormac: “Charioteer.” Origin—Irish

Cosmo: “Order, beauty.” Origin—Italian

Crockett: “Large curl.” Origin—English

Dante: “Enduring.” Origin--Latin

Dottie: “Gift of God.” Origin—English

Emmett: “Universal.” Origin(s)—English and German

Evie: “Life.” Origin—Hebrew

Fergus: “Man of force.” Origin(s)—Irish and Scottish

Fleur: “Flower.” Origin—French

Floyd: “Gray-haired.” Origin—Welsh

Freya: “A noble woman.” Origin—Norse

Frieda: “Peacelful ruler.” Origin—German

Harlow: “Army.” Origin—English

Hermes: “The messenger of God.” Origin—Greek

Hodor: “Hold the door.” Origin—Game of Thrones fictional universe.

Ira: “Watchful one.” Origin—Hebrew

Iris: “Rainbow.” Origin—Greek

Jagger: “Carter.” Origin—English

Luca: “Man from Lucania.” Origin—Italian

There is much to be found in a name. A name’s significance can be in its very definition, such as in the names listed above. A name can take inspiration from someone or something that made an impact on your life, just as your furry companion will. What matters is that you give your pup a name with significance; he’ll feel it every time you call.