Boy Dog Names

Looking for the right name for your new boy? Below you'll find every male dog name in our collection — 1,150+ in all — plus hand-picked shortlists by style so you don't have to scroll through a thousand names to find a favourite.

1,158 names in this list

Start with the shortlists if you know the vibe you're after: strong and tough, cute and goofy, classic human names, or something nobody else at the dog park has. Then browse the full A–Z list below. Names with a meaning listed link through to a page explaining where the name comes from and what kind of dog it suits.

Strong & tough boy dog names

For guardians, working dogs, and big lads with presence — or small dogs with big egos.

Cute boy dog names

Playful, goofy, and impossible to say without smiling. Great for small breeds and big softies alike.

Unique boy dog names

Want a name you won't hear twice on the same walk? These are uncommon without being hard to say.

Human names for boy dogs

People names are one of the biggest trends in dog naming. Old-fashioned ones like Hank and Stanley are especially charming.

Mythology & legend

Gods, heroes, and legends — a big name for a dog who'll live up to it.

Food & drink names

Funny, sweet, and a great conversation starter.

Pop culture boy dog names

From movies, music, and cartoons — and some famous dogs of their own.

All 1,158 boy dog names, A–Z

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

  • GadgetClever little device
  • GeorgeFarmer
  • GilliganThe bumbling castaway from Gilligan's Island
  • GodfatherThe classic mafia film The Godfather
  • GoliathExile
  • GomerGomer Pyle, the goofy TV character
  • GonzoThe daredevil Muppet
  • GooberPeanut
  • GoodyA treat, or someone well-behaved
  • GooseLong-necked honking waterbird
  • GopherSmall burrowing rodent
  • GordonFrom a Scottish place and clan name
  • GordyPet form of Gordon, from a Scottish place name
  • GotchaCaught you
  • GothA dark, moody style of dress and music
  • GovnerSlang for the boss, from guv'nor
  • GradyNoble, illustrious
  • GrantTall, great
  • GremlinMischievous imaginary creature
  • GrendalThe monster Grendel from the epic Beowulf
  • GriffinMythical beast with a lion's body and eagle's head
  • GrinchThe grumpy Dr. Seuss character who stole Christmas
  • GrodySlang for gross or disgusting
  • GrouchoGroucho Marx, the wisecracking comedian
  • GroverGrove of trees
  • GrowlerOne who growls
  • GrungeGrime
  • GuidoFrom a Germanic name meaning wood or wide
  • GumboHearty Louisiana stew
  • GumbyThe bendy green clay-animation character
  • GuntherBattle warrior
  • GuruTeacher, master
  • GusGreat, magnificent
  • Gusevik
  • GustoHearty enthusiasm and enjoyment
  • GuyWood or wide
  • GuzzlerOne who drinks greedily
  • GyroTurning

H

  • HackA rough cut
  • HadesThe Greek god of the underworld
  • Haggus
  • HaileyHay clearing
  • HalPet form of Henry, meaning home ruler
  • HamboneA ham bone
  • HamletShakespeare's brooding Prince of Denmark
  • HammerTool for driving nails
  • HankRuler of the home
  • HanselLittle Hans, meaning God is gracious
  • HappyFeeling joy
  • HardyTough and robust
  • HarleyHare meadow
  • HarperHarp player
  • HarryHome ruler
  • HartMale red deer
  • HavocWidespread chaos
  • HawkSharp-eyed bird of prey
  • HawkeyeSomeone with very sharp eyesight
  • HaydenHay valley
  • HazeLight mist
  • HazerRodeo rider who keeps a steer running straight
  • HectorHolding fast
  • HenryRuler of the home
  • HerbiePet form of Herbert, meaning bright army
  • HerculesGlory of Hera
  • HermesThe swift messenger of the Greek gods
  • HermitSomeone who lives alone
  • HeroA brave, admired person
  • HershalDeer
  • Heyuu
  • HigginsThe dog actor who played the original Benji
  • HobbitTolkien's small, home-loving folk
  • HobbsSon of Hob, a pet form of Robert
  • HoboA wandering worker
  • HoganYouthful
  • HomerHostage, pledge
  • HonchoThe boss, the person in charge
  • HoochThe slobbery dog from Turner and Hooch
  • HookA curved catch
  • HooterOne who hoots, like an owl
  • HootiePlayful form of hoot, like an owl
  • HooverThe vacuum cleaner brand
  • HorusThe falcon-headed Egyptian sky god
  • HoudiniHarry Houdini, the great escape artist
  • Howie
  • HowlerOne who howls
  • HudsonSon of Hudde
  • HunterOne who hunts
  • HusoSpindle
  • HutchSmall cage for rabbits

I

  • ItchiePlayful spelling of itchy

J

K

  • KaiserEmperor
  • Kal
  • KamaLove, desire
  • KaneLittle battler
  • KaperPlayful spelling of caper, a frolic
  • KapuSacred, forbidden
  • KarmaAction and its consequences
  • KatoThe Green Hornet's sidekick, played by Bruce Lee
  • Kaycee
  • Kayle
  • Kaz
  • KeanuThe cool breeze
  • KeavyGentle, beautiful
  • Keeli
  • KeeperOne who guards or looks after
  • KeggerA party with a keg
  • KeithWood, forest
  • KermitKermit the Frog of the Muppets
  • Kia
  • KillerAn ironic tough-guy name
  • KiloA thousand
  • KimoHawaiian form of James
  • KinoCinema
  • KipA nap, a short sleep
  • KirbyChurch farm
  • Kito
  • KiwiNew Zealand's flightless bird
  • KizzyPet form of Keziah, cassia tree
  • KlausVictory of the people
  • KnightowlA playful twist on night owl
  • KnivesSharp cutting blades
  • Kobos
  • Kokamo
  • KosmicOf the cosmos, a spelling of cosmic
  • KramerShopkeeper or peddler
  • KrillinPlucky martial artist from Dragon Ball
  • KrogerAmerican supermarket chain
  • KronosTitan king of Greek myth and father of Zeus
  • KudaHorse
  • KudoPraise, from the Greek kudos
  • Kugo
  • KumaBear
  • KuntaKunta Kinte, hero of the novel Roots
  • KuttaDog
  • KyberCrystal that powers lightsabers in Star Wars

L

M

  • MaceSpiked club
  • MachetteVariant of machete, a broad cutting blade
  • MackSon of
  • MagicEnchantment or wonder
  • MagnumGreat
  • MajesticGrand and stately
  • MajestyRoyal dignity
  • MajorGreater
  • MakitaJapanese power tool brand
  • MakoThe fast mako shark
  • MalachiMy messenger
  • MalcolmDevotee of Saint Columba
  • Malinko
  • MaloneDevotee of Saint John
  • MannyGod is with us, short for Emmanuel
  • MantraSacred chant or phrase
  • MarcoOf Mars, the god of war
  • MarkieOf Mars, a pet form of Mark
  • MartiniClassic gin cocktail
  • MarvenSea fort, a form of Marvin
  • MasonStone worker
  • MasterOne in charge
  • MateraAncient cave city in southern Italy
  • MathaisGift of God, a form of Matthias
  • MatokSweet
  • MatrixThe sci-fi film The Matrix
  • MattGift of God, short for Matthew
  • MatzoFlat unleavened bread
  • MauiHawaiian demigod and island
  • MaverickIndependent one
  • MaxGreatest
  • MaydayDistress call, from French m'aider, help me
  • MaynardStrong and hardy
  • MeccaHoly city in Saudi Arabia
  • MeekoMischievous raccoon in Disney's Pocahontas
  • MegabiteA huge bite, a pun on megabyte
  • MeleSong
  • MercerMerchant of fine cloth
  • MerlinThe wizard of Arthurian legend
  • MichaWho is like God, short for Michael
  • MickWho is like God, short for Michael
  • MidnightTwelve o'clock at night
  • MijoMy son, from mi hijo
  • MikeyPet form of Michael, who is like God
  • MikkoFinnish form of Michael, who is like God
  • MilesSoldier
  • MilleniumA thousand years
  • MillerGrain grinder
  • MiloGracious
  • MimicOne who copies others
  • MischiefPlayful naughtiness
  • MisterPolite title for a man
  • MitchellFrom Michael, who is like God
  • MoeDrawn out of water, short for Moses
  • MohawkBold crested hairstyle, named for the Mohawk people
  • MojoMagic charm
  • Moki
  • MonkMember of a religious brotherhood
  • MonkeyPlayful, climbing primate
  • MontanaMountain
  • MontyShort form of Montgomery
  • Moochi
  • MooseMoose
  • MoparChrysler's car parts and performance brand
  • MorganSea-born
  • MorleyMoor clearing
  • MorpheusGreek god of dreams
  • MorrisonSon of Morris
  • MosesDrawn out of water
  • MossSoft green plant of damp, shady places
  • MotleyMixed in colour or variety
  • Mozer
  • MugsyNickname from mug, slang for a face
  • MulderFox Mulder, FBI agent from The X-Files
  • MulletHairstyle short at the front, long at the back
  • Mundy
  • MurphySea warrior
  • MuttDog of mixed breed
  • MuttleyWheezy-laughing cartoon dog from Wacky Races
  • MuttsyPlayful form of mutt
  • MythA traditional legendary story

N

  • NachoSnack food
  • NanookPolar bear
  • NapaCalifornia's famous wine valley
  • NapoleonNapoleon Bonaparte, French emperor
  • NashAt the ash tree
  • NatShort for Nathan, he gave
  • NateShort for Nathan, he gave
  • Navada
  • NavarroSurname from the region of Navarre
  • NebulaCloud of interstellar gas and dust
  • NedShort for Edward, wealthy guardian
  • NelsonSon of Neil
  • NemesisGoddess of retribution
  • NemoNobody
  • NeoNew
  • NeptuneRoman god of the sea
  • NeroStrong
  • NeutronNeutral particle in an atom's nucleus
  • NewtonNew town
  • nibblesSmall bites
  • NicholasVictory of the people
  • NickShort for Nicholas, victory
  • NickyPet form of Nicholas
  • NicoShort for Nicholas, people's victory
  • NikeGreek goddess of victory
  • NilesChampion, from Neil
  • NinerFan of the San Francisco 49ers
  • NitroShort for nitroglycerin, an explosive
  • NixonSon of Nick
  • NoahRest, comfort
  • NolanDescendant of the champion
  • NorbiePet form of Norbert, bright north
  • NormanMan from the north
  • NovaNew star
  • NubaThe Nuba Mountains region of Sudan
  • Nuffles
  • Nugent
  • NuggetSmall lump of gold

O

  • O'Riely
  • OakleyOak clearing
  • OberonKing of the fairies in A Midsummer Night's Dream
  • OctaviousVariant of Octavius, eighth
  • OdellHill where woad grew
  • OdieGarfield's goofy, lovable dog
  • OdinAll-father god
  • OliverOlive tree
  • OllieOlive tree
  • OmarLong-lived, flourishing
  • OmegaLast letter of the Greek alphabet
  • OrinLittle pale-green one
  • OrlandoFamous land, from Roland
  • Ortega
  • OrwellGeorge Orwell, the English author
  • OscarDeer friend
  • OsirisEgyptian god of the afterlife
  • OswaldGod's power
  • OtisWealthy
  • OttoWealth, fortune
  • OuijaThe talking board used in seances
  • OutlawOne living outside the law
  • OwenWell-born, noble
  • OzThe magical land of The Wizard of Oz
  • OzziePet form of Oswald, God's power

P

Q

R

S

T

U

  • UsherDoorkeeper who guides people to seats

V

  • ValShort for Valentine or Valerie, strong
  • Van GoghThe Dutch post-impressionist painter
  • VandallOne who wrecks things
  • VargasSloping meadows
  • VegasThe meadows
  • VegitaVegeta, the proud Saiyan prince from Dragon Ball Z
  • VersaceThe Italian luxury fashion house
  • VexTo annoy or irritate
  • VigoPort city in north-west Spain
  • VikingSea raider
  • VinceShort for Vincent, conquering
  • VincentConquering
  • VinnyPet form of Vincent, conquering
  • VinsonSon of Vincent
  • ViperVenomous snake
  • VitoLife
  • VodkaLittle water
  • VulcanRoman god of fire and forge

W

X

Y

Z

  • ZachShort for Zachary, God remembers
  • Zade
  • ZahnTooth
  • ZaireRiver, the old name of the Congo
  • ZatchZatch Bell, the young hero of the manga
  • ZebShort for Zebulon, dwelling
  • Zebula
  • ZeccaMint where coins are made
  • ZechsZechs Merquise from Gundam Wing
  • Zeebo
  • ZeekShort for Ezekiel, God strengthens
  • ZeligBlessed
  • ZephyrWest wind
  • ZepplinVariant of Zeppelin, the giant airship
  • ZeppoThe youngest of the Marx Brothers
  • ZeroThe number nothing
  • ZeusKing of gods
  • Zig ZagSharp alternating turns
  • ZiggyVictorious protector
  • ZipperFastener with interlocking teeth
  • ZodiacCircle of little animals
  • ZogThe clumsy young dragon from the picture book Zog
  • ZorroFox
  • Zox
  • Zuber
  • Zucco
  • Zuke
  • ZuluThe Zulu people
  • ZuniThe Pueblo people of New Mexico

How to choose a name for your boy dog

  1. Keep it to one or two syllables. Short names like Max or Ruby are easier for a dog to pick out of conversation, and easier for you to call across a park.
  2. Avoid names that sound like commands. Kit sounds like "sit", Bo like "no", and Stay-sie like, well, "stay". A clash makes training harder for both of you.
  3. Do the back-door test. Stand at the door and call the name out loud a few times. If you feel silly shouting it, you'll stop using it.
  4. Name the adult dog, not just the puppy. Tiny or Peanut is adorable at eight weeks and a running joke on a 90-pound Great Dane — which may be exactly what you want.
  5. Get the whole household to agree, and use one version of the name. If half the family says Bentley and half says Benny, the dog has two names to learn.
  6. Give it a week. Use the name with treats and praise every time; most puppies respond to a new name within a few days of consistent use.

More about boy dog names

So, you’ve got a new dog? How exciting! Adding a new canine member to the family is a big decision. There’s a lot that goes into being a responsible pet parent. There are trips to the vet, feeding schedules, and training. But before all that, you must pick a name for your new dog. What makes a good dog name? Do you name your dog based on their breed? Color? What about size? Choosing the perfect boy dog name doesn’t have to be a difficult decision. We’ve scoured the Internet and compiled a list of the best male dog names. Some of the names are based on popularity; others by uniqueness and appeal. O matter what you’re looking for in a dog name, this list has you covered. If you’re looking for just a list of 1000+ names to page through check out our master boy dog name list. Else here is some inspiration to help you pick the best name for your male dog. BOY DOG NAMES The following names are perfect for ay dog, no matter the age, size, or breed. • Bear – Also a great name for large breed dogs with dark coats. • Scout • Rascal • Champ • Scooter • Becks • Max • Lucky • Milo • Buster FAMOUS MALE DOG NAMES Want your boy dog’s name to be well-known and iconic like Lassie or Old Yeller? Here are our 10 favorite famous male dog names. • Marley – From the movie, Marley & Me, starring Owen Wilson. • Benji – Benji is all about a dog who saves two kidnapped children. • Bolt – From the Disney-Pixar film of the same name. • Cujo – Cujo, the rabid Saint Bernard based on Steven King’s novel by the same name. • Marmaduke – A movie about a clumsy, mischievous Great Dane. • Shiloh – A classic tale about a young boy who rescues a beagle. • ‘Toto – Dorothy’s dog in The Wizard of Oz. A great name for small breeds. • Brian – The black and white, almost human dog from Family Guy. • Snoopy – Charlie Brown’s iconic beagle. These are only a few of our favorite famous male dog names. There are even more movies starring canines in leading roles that can serve as inspiration for your new dog’s name. Think about your favorite animal movie. Was there another animal’s name that you liked? CUTE BOY DOG NAMES Is your new puppy absolutely adorable? Why not choose a name that reflects his cuteness? Here are 10 cute boy dog names guaranteed to make dog lovers swoon. • Neo • Cupid • Fuzz • Beau • Pickles / Mr. Pickles • Gizmo • Doodle / Doodle Bear • Chip • Buddy • Bam COMMON MALE DOG NAMES Looking for an oldie, but goodie for your boy dog name? This list of common male dog names has several classics you can choose from. • Ace • Rover • Bingo • Boomer • Hoss • Peanut • Oreo • Rex • Rocco • Sparky UNIQUE MALE DOG NAMES Want something different in your dog’s name? The following is a list of dog names that are somewhat unique. We’re sure they’ve been used before, but they are definitely creative and different from other boy dog names. • Thor • Steele • Rome • Thatcher • Aries • Cuba • Kash / Cash • Abacus • Hurricane • Hobbit THE BEST MALE DOG NAMES There are some great puppy names listed above, but the following are our favorite male dog names for 2019. • Ace • Jet • Hunter • Ryker • Jack • Finn • Teddy • Ollie • Gus • Alfie HOW TO CHOOSE THE PERFECT PET NAME Names are important. Although what you name your child is considerably more important than what you name your puppy; you should still put some thought into naming a new pet. Our pets are part of the family. This is especially true for dogs. They are known for their loyalty and companionship. Show how much you adore your new dog by giving them the best name possible. WHAT’S IN A DOG’S NAME Pet names can reflect personal style, your values or unique personality. But they can also reflect the same for your dog. Have you spent time with your new puppy? How do they act? How do they look? All of these questions can help you pick the best name for your new dog. There are names that represent a dog’s size, such as Maximus or Bear. Do you have a small dog? Why not pick a name like Toto or Nugget that reflect your pups’ size? There are names like Black or Old Yeller that are not only classic but represent the color of your dog’s fur. Is your dog from a breed that represents strength such as a Pitbull or boxer? Names like Hunter, Monster, or Trojan are great to showcase your new puppy’s strength and power. What is your dog’s breed known for? Why do you love that breed? What about your new puppy made you choose them? All of this should be taken into consideration when deciding on a name for your new male dog. WHAT IS THE BEST DOG NAME? The best dog name is one that you and your family love. It can be a name that reflects your individuality, values, or personality. The best dog name could also hold sentimental value. Many people name dogs after deceased loved ones, including pets that have since passed on. If you have small children, try having them weigh in on the new name. You may be surprised at how creative young minds can be when it comes to naming a new puppy. TIPS FOR CHOOSING THE BEST DOG NAME After reading this, we hope you have several names on your list of possible contenders. So, how do you narrow down the list and pick a name for your new dog? The following are a few tips for choosing the best dog name. 1. KEEP IT SHORT AND SIMPLE It’s best to keep puppy names short and simple. Names that are two syllables or less work best. When a dog’s name is too long, you’ll eventually start to call him something shorter to save time. 2. DON’T BE OFFENSIVE Don’t name your dog anything offensive. Just think about all the problems you’ll encounter shouting your dog’s offensive name at the park. 3. GET THE ENTIRE FAMILY INVOLVED Make sure everyone in the family is involved in picking the dog’s name. The name should be one that everyone likes and agrees upon. 4. AVOID TRIGGERS Make sure your new dog’s name doesn’t give cues or triggers. Can you imagine if your dog’s name was sounded similar to sit or stay? You don’t want your dog stopping and sitting down every time you call his name. 5. MAKE IT DIFFERENT FROM OTHER NAMES IN THE FAMILY It’s always wise to avoid naming your new puppy anything similar to someone in the family. The dog should easily recognize their name and its easy for them to get confused if their name sounds similar to another person’s. WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE BOY DOG NAME? Is your dog’s name on the list? Have a favorite dog name that you don’t see? Please leave a comment letting us know your favorite puppy names. Have you noticed a trend in dog names lately? We’d love to hear about it. We adore dogs, especially puppies. Will you be getting a new puppy soon? We want all the puppy details. Did you adopt your new addition? What’s the breed? Are you thinking about using a name on this list? Take over the comments section with the news of your new pet. Here’s to picking the perfect dog name!

Frequently asked questions

What are the most popular boy dog names?

Year after year, names like Max, Charlie, Cooper, Milo, Buddy, Rocky, Bear and Duke sit at or near the top of popularity rankings published by pet insurers and dog registries. They're short, upbeat and easy to call — the qualities that make any dog name work.

What's a good strong name for a male dog?

Names with hard consonant sounds — K, T, D, X — tend to sound strong: Titan, Duke, Rex, Axel, Kaiser, Thor. Mythological names like Atlas, Odin and Zeus are also popular choices for large breeds and working dogs.

Should a dog's name end in a vowel?

Many trainers suggest names ending in a vowel sound (Milo, Toby, Rocky) because the open sound carries well and is easy to say in an upbeat tone. It's a guideline, not a rule — plenty of dogs named Max and Duke learn their names just fine.

Can I change my dog's name?

Yes. Dogs of any age, including adopted adults, can learn a new name. Use it often, pair it with treats and praise, and most dogs respond within a week or two.

More Dog Names by Gender