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.
Popular boy dog names
The tried-and-true favourites. You'll hear these at every dog park for a reason: they're short, friendly, and easy to call.
Latin — Greatest
German — Gracious
English — Friend
English — Rock
English — Bear
Latin — Leader
English — Cloth softener
English — God is gracious
Latin — Olive tree
Latin — Lion
Hebrew — God is good
English — Bent grass meadow
Greek — King of gods
Irish — Sea warrior
Irish — Deer friend
German — Ruler of the home
Irish — Helpful
Hebrew — Heard by God
English — Bailiff or berry clearing
English — Tough guy
Strong & tough boy dog names
For guardians, working dogs, and big lads with presence — or small dogs with big egos.
Greek — Powerful giant
Norse — Thunder god
Greek — Bearer of the heavens
Norse — All-father god
English — Independent one
English — Forest guardian
Latin — Heavy
Hebrew — Exile
Greek — Glory of Hera
Hebrew — Sun
German — Emperor
Norse — Sea raider
Latin — Greater
French — Leader
Latin — King
Scandinavian — Father of peace
English — A sharp cutting edge
English — A big, booming gun
Greek — Eagle
Greek — Of Troy
Latin — Strong
Dutch — Master
Cute boy dog names
Playful, goofy, and impossible to say without smiling. Great for small breeds and big softies alike.
English — Preserved cucumber
English — Small lump of gold
German — Victorious protector
Hebrew — Son of my right hand
English — Brother
Latin — Olive tree
German — Truly brave
English — Short for Albert
English — Musical instrument
English — Walks with a side-to-side sway
English — Small wriggling movements
English — Absent-minded scribble
French — Handsome
Latin — Great, magnificent
German — Wealthy
English — A small seed pod
English — Soft chocolate sweet
English — Chubbiness
English — Small, zippy vehicle
English — Lively and spirited
Unique boy dog names
Want a name you won't hear twice on the same walk? These are uncommon without being hard to say.
Latin — From Attica
American writer of Walden
George Orwell, the English author
Greek — West wind
Greek — The Athenian philosopher
English — Bowman
Glam-rock legend David Bowie
Jazz legend Duke Ellington
Japanese — Masterless samurai
King of the fairies in A Midsummer Night's Dream
Latin — A Roman family name, possibly hollow
The clever barber of opera
Nickname of jazz great Louis Armstrong
English — Strip-shaped clearing
Aragorn's alias in The Lord of the Rings
English — Soft green plant of damp, shady places
Surname of jazz bandleader Cab Calloway
French — Fine friend
English — Short moral story
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.
German — Ruler of the home
Greek — Gift of God
Greek — Farmer
Latin — Happy, lucky
German — Ruler of the home
English — Nobleman
English — Stony meadow
Norse — Wolf counsel
Welsh — Grey
Gaelic — Dark water
German — Wealthy
Latin — Great, magnificent
Latin — Bald
English — Shearer of cloth
English — Settlement by the pool
English — Brave in war
English — Son of Hudde
Irish — Sea warrior
English — Steward
German — Short for Ernest, serious
Mythology & legend
Gods, heroes, and legends — a big name for a dog who'll live up to it.
Greek — God of sun and light
Greek — King of gods
Norse — Thunder god
Norse — All-father god
Norse — Trickster god
Greek — Bearer of the heavens
Greek — Glory of Hera
Greek — The swift messenger of the Greek gods
Greek god of the sea
The jackal-headed god of ancient Egypt
Egyptian god of the afterlife
The falcon-headed Egyptian sky god
The wizard of Arthurian legend
French — Land
Titan king of Greek myth and father of Zeus
Greek — The Greek god of the underworld
Roman god of the sea
The Roman god of wine and revelry
Greek — The Greek god of love
Food & drink names
Funny, sweet, and a great conversation starter.
English — Cured, smoky pork
Spanish — Snack food
English — Preserved cucumber
Japanese — Vinegar rice
English — Soft chocolate sweet
English — Hearty Louisiana stew
French — An American whiskey
Gaelic — Water of life
Italian — Strong pressed coffee
English — Small lump of gold
Hungarian — Red pepper spice
Greek — Royal, kingly
English — A ham bone
English — A cut of pork
English — T-shaped steak
German — Layered pastry with filling
Japanese — Rice wine
English — Luxurious fish roe
Pop culture boy dog names
From movies, music, and cartoons — and some famous dogs of their own.
Hebrew — One who knows
Scooby-Doo, the cartoon Great Dane
The beagle from Peanuts
Garfield's goofy, lovable dog
The heroic sled dog of the 1925 serum run
The noble knights of Star Wars
The home-loving hobbit hero of The Hobbit
Kermit the Frog of the Muppets
Fozzie Bear from The Muppets
The King of Rock and Roll, Elvis Presley
Ringo Starr, drummer of the Beatles
English — Carter, peddler
Groucho Marx, the wisecracking comedian
The spinach-eating sailor of cartoons
The jungle hero raised by apes
Greek — New
Greek god of dreams
The bumbling castaway from Gilligan's Island
English — Rock
All 1,158 boy dog names, A–Z
A
- A.J.A nickname made from two initials
- AaronExalted one
- AbeFather of many
- AbleCapable and skilled
- AbnerFather of light
- AbuFather
- AceOne, unity
- AdamMan of the earth
- AdonisThe beautiful youth of Greek myth
- AidenLittle fire
- AikaLove song
- AjaxEagle
- AkiraBright, clear
- AkitaA Japanese dog breed and northern prefecture
- AladdinThe lamp-rubbing hero of the Arabian Nights
- AlbieShort for Albert
- AlexDefender of mankind
- AlexaDefender of mankind
- AlexanderDefender of the people
- AlexiDefender
- AlexisHelper, defender
- AlfalfaA leafy green fodder plant
- AlfieElf counsel
- AlfredoElf counsel
- AliExalted, lofty
- AlizeA gentle trade wind
- AlphaFirst letter of the Greek alphabet
- AlpoA classic American dog food brand
- AlvinElf friend
- Ambu
- AmigoFriend
- AmmoShort for ammunition
- AmosCarried, borne
- AndreManly, brave
- AndrewManly, brave
- AndyManly, brave
- AngusOne strength
- AnimalA living creature
- AnkhThe ancient Egyptian symbol of life
- Antaues
- AntonioFrom the Roman family name Antonius
- AnubisThe jackal-headed god of ancient Egypt
- ApacheA Native American people of the Southwest
- ApolloGod of sun and light
- ArcherBowman
- ArchieTruly brave
- ArgoThe ship of Jason and the Argonauts
- Arlo
- ArmageddonA great final battle
- ArmaniThe Italian luxury fashion label
- ArmstrongStrong in the arm
- ArnieEagle
- ArnoldEagle power
- ArrowA swift projectile shot from a bow
- ArsonThe crime of setting a fire
- AssetSomething of great value
- AstroThe Jetsons' lovable Great Dane
- AtlasBearer of the heavens
- AtticusFrom Attica
- AttilaThe fearsome leader of the Huns
- AuggieGreat, venerable
- AugustusVenerable, majestic
- AustinGreat, magnificent
- AxelFather of peace
- Axo
- Ayvi
- Azzy
B
- BacchusThe Roman god of wine and revelry
- BachThe great German composer J.S. Bach
- BaconCured, smoky pork
- BagginsThe hobbit family of Bilbo and Frodo
- BaileyBailiff or berry clearing
- BajaLower
- BaldyBald one
- BaltazaarVariant of Balthazar, one of the three wise men
- BaltoThe heroic sled dog of the 1925 serum run
- BamaA nickname for the state of Alabama
- BambinoLittle boy, baby
- BandiHungarian pet form of Andrew, manly
- BanditOutlaw
- BanjoMusical instrument
- BannerA flag or standard
- BarkclayA barking play on the name Barclay
- BarkerOne who barks
- BarneySon of consolation
- BaronNobleman
- Barret
- BarryFair-haired
- BartSon of Talmai
- BasilRoyal, kingly
- BaxterBaker
- BeakerThe meeping Muppet lab assistant
- BeanA small seed pod
- BearBear
- Beasley
- BeauHandsome
- BeavisThe giggling cartoon teen of Beavis and Butt-Head
- BeckA brook, stream
- BeeperA device that beeps
- Beeter
- BeethovenThe composer, and the St Bernard film star
- BellamyFine friend
- BelvedereBeautiful view
- BenjiSon of my right hand
- BennetBlessed
- BentleyBent grass meadow
- BernieBrave as a bear
- BertBright
- Bettis
- BevoThe longhorn steer mascot of the University of Texas
- Bidwell
- BijouJewel
- BikerA motorcycle rider
- BikoPlease
- BilboThe home-loving hobbit hero of The Hobbit
- BillieResolute protector
- BimmerSlang for a BMW car
- BingoA shout of success
- BinxThe cursed black cat from Hocus Pocus
- BirdyA little bird
- BishopA senior church leader
- BistroA small, cosy restaurant
- BizzyA playful spelling of busy
- BladeA sharp cutting edge
- BlakeDark or pale
- BlueBlue color
- BogartClassic Hollywood star Humphrey Bogart
- BogusFake, not genuine
- BoingThe sound of a bounce
- Bojo
- BoloA string tie
- BomberOne who drops bombs
- BondThe suave secret agent James Bond
- BonesBones
- BongoA small hand drum
- BonkersCrazy, wild
- BonoThe lead singer of U2
- Boodrow
- BoogerA bit of dried nasal mucus
- BoogieTo dance to lively music
- BookerMaker or binder of books
- BookieA person who takes bets
- BoomerLarge male kangaroo
- BootsFootwear
- BootsyLittle boots
- BopperOne who bops to music
- BorisFighter
- BoscoWoods
- BossMaster
- BosworthBosa's enclosure
- Boudikai
- BourbonAn American whiskey
- BowieGlam-rock legend David Bowie
- BoxcarAn enclosed railway freight car
- BoxerA fighter
- Boz
- BradySpirited
- BrandoFilm legend Marlon Brando
- BraniganLittle raven
- BransonSon of Brand
- BratA spoiled child
- BrentHill or high place
- BrettA Breton
- BrewA freshly brewed drink
- BrewsterA brewer of ale
- Brey
- BriarA thorny wild rose bush
- BriggsDweller by the bridge
- BritA person from Britain
- BronteNamed after the Brontë sisters, famous novelists
- BruceFrom Brix in Normandy
- BrunoBrown
- BrutusHeavy
- BubbaBrother
- Bubbers
- BubbyAn affectionate nickname for a little one
- BuckA male deer
- BuckeyeA nut tree, the symbol of Ohio
- BuckoA swaggering young fellow
- BuckshotLarge lead shot for hunting
- BudPal or buddy
- BuddyFriend
- BudsterA playful form of bud, a pal
- Bugg
- Buggsy
- BulletA fast-moving projectile
- BumA carefree wanderer
- BumblesClumsy, bumbling moves
- BumperA car's protective guard
- BurtonFortified settlement
- BusterTough guy
- ButchTough
- BuzzA lively humming sound
- ByteA unit of digital data
C
- CaesarEmperor
- CairoCapital city of Egypt
- CalebDog, or whole-hearted
- CaliberQuality or worth
- CallowaySurname of jazz bandleader Cab Calloway
- CalvinBald
- Camden
- CameronCrooked nose
- CaneA walking stick or sugar cane
- CannonA big, booming gun
- CaperA playful leap or daring escapade
- CaponeNotorious Chicago gangster Al Capone
- CaptainLeader
- CarltonSettlement of free men
- CarneyWarlike
- Carson
- CarusoFamed Italian opera tenor Enrico Caruso
- CarverOne who carves wood or stone
- CasanovaFamous Venetian adventurer and charmer
- CaseyVigilant, watchful
- CashMoney
- CasinoLittle house, now a gaming hall
- CassiusA Roman family name, possibly hollow
- CaviarLuxurious fish roe
- CecilBlind
- CedroCedar tree
- Ceran
- ChiefLeader
- ChipperCheerful and lively
- ChopperA helicopter or a big axe
- CipherA secret code
- CiscoShort form of Francisco, free one
- CJ
- ClancyRed-haired warrior
- ClarkClerk or scholar
- CletusCalled forth
- CliffA steep rock face
- ClodaghNamed after the River Clodagh
- ClooneyActor George Clooney
- ClovisFamous in battle
- ClydeNamed after the River Clyde
- CobyShort form of Jacob
- CodyHelpful
- ColbyKoli's farmstead
- ColeCoal-black
- ColonelA senior army officer
- ColtA young male horse
- ColtonCoal town
- ComancheNative American nation of the southern Plains
- CometA blazing ball of ice in space
- ConradBold counsel
- ConverseClassic canvas sneaker brand
- ConvictA prisoner
- Cooley
- CopA police officer
- CorazonHeart
- Cordel
- Cordy
- CoronaCrown
- CortexThe outer layer of the brain
- CortezCourteous
- CosmoOrder, the universe
- Cosmosis
- CourageBravery in the face of fear
- CowboyA cattle-herding horseman
- CrankshaftAn engine's rotating shaft
- CrashA loud, sudden collision
- CreeperA climbing vine
- CrinklesSmall wrinkles and folds
- CritterA little creature
- CrosbyFarm with crosses
- CuervoRaven or crow
- CujoStephen King's rabid St. Bernard
- CullenHolly tree
- CurlyFull of curls
- CurryA spiced savoury dish
- CurtisCourteous
- CutterA fast sailing boat
- CypressA tall evergreen tree
- Cyrus
D
- DabneyFrom Aubigny
- Dack
- DaggerA short, sharp blade
- DakotaFriend or ally
- DaltonValley town
- DavinciRenaissance genius Leonardo da Vinci
- DickensVictorian novelist Charles Dickens
- DiggerOne who digs
- Dillon
- DimitriFollower of Demeter
- DingoAustralian wild dog
- DinoShort form of names like Bernardino
- DizzyWhirling and giddy
- DocShort for doctor
- DodgeTo duck and dart away
- DogzillaA doggy play on Godzilla
- DojoMartial arts training hall
- DominicOf the Lord
- DonShort for Donald, world ruler
- Don JuanThe legendary charming seducer
- DonanLittle brown one
- DoodleAbsent-minded scribble
- DorianOf the Dorian people
- DotsonSon of Dodd
- DouglasDark water
- Downey
- DoyleDark stranger
- DracoDragon
- DraftA current of air
- DrakeMale duck
- Dravin
- DreShort for Andre, manly
- DreamerOne who dreams
- DriverOne who drives
- DroopyThe deadpan cartoon dog from MGM
- DruShort for Andrew, manly
- DublinCapital city of Ireland
- DuckyLittle duck
- DudeA laid-back guy
- DudleyDudda's meadow
- DueceVariant spelling of Deuce, the number two
- DuffDark
- DuganLittle dark one
- DukeLeader
- DulceSweet
- DuncanBrown warrior
- DunkTo dip
- DurangoCity and state in Mexico
- DurbanPort city in South Africa
- DustyCovered in dust
- DutchFrom the Netherlands
- DylonVariant of Dylan, son of the sea
- DysonThe vacuum cleaner brand
E
- EarlNobleman
- EbenezerStone of help
- EchoReflected sound
- EddieShort for Edward, wealthy guardian
- EdgarWealthy spear
- EdgeyVariant of edgy, nervy and daring
- EggoThe frozen waffle brand
- EinsteinPhysicist Albert Einstein
- EldoradoThe golden one, a legendary city of gold
- Elexi
- EliAscended
- Elian
- EllingtonJazz legend Duke Ellington
- ElliotThe Lord is my God
- ElmerNoble and famous
- ElmoThe furry red Sesame Street monster
- ElvisThe King of Rock and Roll, Elvis Presley
- ElwoodElder tree forest
- EmittVariant of Emmett, whole
- EnzoRuler of the home
- EpicHeroic and grand
- ErnestSerious, earnest
- ErnieShort for Ernest, serious
- ErosThe Greek god of love
- Errol
- EspressoStrong pressed coffee
- EstavezVariant of Estevez, son of Esteban
- EverAlways
- ExcaliburKing Arthur's legendary sword
- ExitWay out
- EzraHelp
F
- FableShort moral story
- Fagan
- FairbanksCity in Alaska
- FalconSwift bird of prey
- FallonLeader
- FangLong, sharp tooth
- FarfelSmall pellets of egg noodle
- FarlieVariant of Farley, fern clearing
- FarmerOne who works the land
- FarnsworthFern enclosure
- FarrelMan of valour
- FatsNickname for a chubby fellow
- Fazer
- FelixHappy, lucky
- FelonySerious crime
- FenderThe Fender guitar brand
- FennwayVariant of Fenway Park in Boston
- FerbThe quiet stepbrother in Phineas and Ferb
- FerretSmall burrowing mammal
- FidoI am faithful
- FigaroThe clever barber of opera
- FighterOne who fights
- FijiThe South Pacific island nation
- FinsterDark, gloomy
- FireballBall of fire
- FlashBurst of light
- FletchShort for Fletcher, arrow maker
- FletcherArrow maker
- FlexTo bend or show off muscles
- FlickerUnsteady flash of light
- FlipQuick turn or somersault
- FlipperThe TV dolphin
- FloydGrey
- FlynnSon of the red-haired one
- FontTypeface
- FordRiver crossing
- ForrestWoods
- FosterTo care for and raise
- FoxWily wild canine
- FozzieFozzie Bear from The Muppets
- FranciscoFrenchman
- FreemanFree man
- FreewayOpen highway
- FreshNew and lively
- FridayDay before the weekend
- FriscoNickname for San Francisco
- FritzPet form of Friedrich, peaceful ruler
- FroggerThe classic road-crossing video game
- Fronx
- FudgeSoft chocolate sweet
- FunkyGroovy and offbeat
- FurballBall of fur
- FurbyThe furry talking toy
- FurmanCarter, wagon driver
- FuzzySoft and fluffy
- Fynneus
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
- JabbersChatters rapidly
- JackGod is gracious
- JacobSupplanter, holder of the heel
- JacobySupplanter
- JaggerCarter, peddler
- JaguarBig spotted cat of the Americas
- JakeSupplanter
- JamSweet fruit preserve
- JamesSupplanter
- JamisonSon of James
- JamminPlaying music or having a great time
- JaridDescent
- JarretFrom Gerard, brave spear
- JasonHealer
- JasperTreasurer
- Jaxx
- Jaytee
- JazzLively improvised music
- JediThe noble knights of Star Wars
- JesseGift
- JethroAbundance
- JinxA charm bringing bad luck
- JobyPet form of Job
- JockScottish pet form of John
- JoeHe will add
- JoeyHe will add
- JojoPet form of Joseph or Josephine
- JokerOne who plays jokes
- JonathanGod has given
- JordanTo flow down
- JorgeFarmer
- JoshGod is salvation
- JowlzSpelling of jowls, droopy cheeks
- JudgeOne who decides in court
- JugheadJughead Jones, the hungry Archie Comics character
- JuiceLiquid squeezed from fruit
- JuliusYouthful
- JunoRoman queen of the gods
- JuryGroup sworn to give a verdict
- JusticeFairness and rightness
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
- LancelotLand
- LarryFrom Laurentum, a pet form of Lawrence
- LeoLion
- LiloSpirited Hawaiian girl from Lilo and Stitch
- LimboCaribbean dance under a low bar
- LincolnSettlement by the pool
- LinkThe hero of The Legend of Zelda
- LinusFlax
- LionelLittle lion
- LoboWolf
- LocoCrazy
- Loder
- LoganLittle hollow
- LokiTrickster god
- LondonCapital city of England
- Loo
- LoxleyRobin Hood's home village
- LucasFrom Lucania, an Italian region
- LuckyFortunate
- LugnutNut that holds a car wheel on
- LukeLight-giving
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
- PacoNickname for Francisco, free one
- Pagin
- PalA close friend
- PalomaDove
- PanzerArmour
- PappyAffectionate word for father
- PaprikaRed pepper spice
- ParkerPark keeper
- PascoBorn at Easter
- PatchesPatched
- PatrickNobleman
- PawsA dog's feet
- PaxPeace
- PayneVillager, from Latin paganus
- PepeNickname for José
- PepperPepper spice
- PeugeotThe French car maker
- PicklesPreserved cucumber
- PinkyThe little finger
- PiranhaSharp-toothed South American fish
- PirateSeafaring robber
- PistolSmall handgun
- PistonMoving cylinder part of an engine
- PlatoThe ancient Greek philosopher
- PlutoGod of the underworld
- PogoA springy pogo stick
- PokeySlow-moving
- PoloTeam game played on horseback
- PoohWinnie-the-Pooh, the honey-loving bear
- PookieCutesy term of endearment
- PopeyeThe spinach-eating sailor of cartoons
- PoptartThe toaster pastry brand
- Pork ChopA cut of pork
- PorterDoorkeeper
- PoseidonGreek god of the sea
- PrestonPriest's town
- PriceSon of Rhys
- PrimoFirst
- PrinceRoyal son
- ProtonPositive particle, from the word for first
- PsychoSlang for wildly crazy
- PuckThe mischievous sprite in A Midsummer Night's Dream
- PudgeChubbiness
- PugsleyThe mischievous son in The Addams Family
- PykeSurname meaning pike or point
- PylonTall tower carrying power cables
Q
R
- RacketA loud noise
- RadarSystem for detecting distant objects
- RafaelGod has healed
- RageFierce anger
- RagsScraps of cloth
- RaiderOne who makes a daring raid
- RaleighDeer meadow
- RalphWolf counsel
- Ramey
- RandyShort for Randall or Randolph, shield wolf
- RangerForest guardian
- RansomPrice paid for a release
- RascalMischief-maker
- RastaShort for Rastafarian
- RatchetToothed gear mechanism
- RaveA lively party
- RayShort for Raymond
- RazorSharp cutting blade
- RazzleFlashy excitement, as in razzle-dazzle
- RebelDefiant one
- ReedRed-haired
- RegalRoyal, majestic
- ReggiePet form of Reginald, counsel ruler
- RemiOarsman
- Remington
- RemusTwin founder of Rome with Romulus
- RemyOarsman
- RenaldoRuler's counsel
- RenegadeA rebel or deserter
- RenoNevada's Biggest Little City
- ReubenBehold, a son
- RexKing
- RicoRich
- RifleLong-barrelled gun
- RikerCommander Will Riker of Star Trek
- RileyCourageous
- RingoRingo Starr, drummer of the Beatles
- RipleyStrip-shaped clearing
- RiverFlowing water
- RobbyBright fame
- RockoRest
- RockyRock
- RodeoRoundup of cattle
- RodneyHroda's island
- RoganRed-haired
- RomeoPilgrim to Rome
- RoninMasterless samurai
- RooShort for kangaroo
- RoofusRed-haired, a playful spelling of Rufus
- RooneyChampion
- RoperOne who ropes cattle
- RoryRed king
- RoscoDeer forest
- RossHeadland
- RougeRed
- RouserOne who stirs things up
- RoverA wanderer
- Roxx
- RoyalRegal, of a king
- Royce
- RuckusA noisy commotion
- RudolfFamous wolf
- RudyFamous wolf
- RuffFrilled collar, or a bark
- RufioLeader of the Lost Boys in the film Hook
- RufusRed-haired
- RugerThe American firearms maker
- RulerOne who rules
- RumorWhispered gossip
- RustyRed-haired
- RyderHorseman
S
- SabastianVenerable
- SaberCurved cavalry sword
- SakeRice wine
- SalemPeace
- SamHeard by God
- SambucaAnise-flavoured liqueur
- SamsonSun
- SamuelGod has heard
- SargeShort for sergeant
- SatchmoNickname of jazz great Louis Armstrong
- SavoyAlpine region of France
- SawyerWoodcutter
- ScamperTo run quickly and playfully
- ScardyEasily frightened, like a scaredy-cat
- SchnappsStrong fruit spirit
- SchwartzBlack
- ScoobyScooby-Doo, the cartoon Great Dane
- ScooterSmall, zippy vehicle
- ScotchScottish, or Scottish whisky
- ScoutExplorer
- ScrappyFeisty and fond of a fight
- ScrubbySmall and scraggly
- ScruffyUntidy and shaggy
- ScudTo race along swiftly
- SeanGod is gracious
- Semper FiAlways faithful
- SergeantMilitary rank
- SergeiRussian form of Sergius
- SerpicoNYPD whistleblower Frank Serpico
- SeussChildren's author Dr. Seuss
- SevenThe number seven
- SeymourFrom Saint-Maur
- ShaggyLong, unkempt hair
- ShakerOne who shakes
- ShakespeareThe English playwright William Shakespeare
- ShamusSupplanter
- ShaneGod is gracious
- SharpeSharp, quick-witted
- ShawSmall wood or thicket
- SheikElder, chief
- ShelbyWillow farm
- SheldonSteep-sided valley
- ShepShort for shepherd
- SheriffCounty lawman
- ShermanShearer of cloth
- ShilohPeaceful, tranquil
- ShonenBoy, young person
- ShortyShort person
- ShotzieLittle treasure, from Schatzi
- SidneyWide island
- SigmundVictorious protector
- SilverShiny grey metal
- SimonHe has heard
- SireFather, or a title for a king
- SkeeterSlang for mosquito
- SkipperCaptain of a boat
- SlaterRoof slate worker
- SleepyDrowsy
- SlugSlow, slimy creature
- SmittyNickname for Smith
- SmokeySmoky grey
- SnickersCandy bar
- SnooperOne who snoops
- SnoopyThe beagle from Peanuts
- SnuffyProne to sniffing
- SocksFoot coverings
- SocratesThe Athenian philosopher
- SodaFizzy drink
- SoldierMember of an army
- SoloAlone
- SolomonPeace
- SonnyLittle son
- SonyThe Japanese electronics company
- SoonerEarly settler of Oklahoma
- SopranoHighest singing voice
- SorenStern
- SotoGrove, thicket
- SoxSocks
- SpagoTwine, string
- SpaldingThe sports ball company
- SpamThe canned meat
- SpankyLeader of the Little Rascals gang
- SparkyLively and spirited
- SpeedyFast
- SpencerSteward, dispenser of provisions
- SpiderEight-legged arachnid
- SpikeSharp point
- SportA game, or a good sport
- SportsterThe Harley-Davidson motorcycle
- SpudPotato
- SpunkyCourageous and spirited
- SquallSudden gust of wind
- StainA discoloured mark
- StanleyStony meadow
- StatlerGrumpy balcony heckler from The Muppets
- StavrosCross
- StetsonThe classic cowboy hat brand
- SteveCrown
- StewartSteward
- StickyClingy
- StingThe rock musician Sting
- StinkerA mischievous rascal
- StollenFruit bread for Christmas
- StrayA wandering homeless animal
- StriderAragorn's alias in The Lord of the Rings
- StrudelLayered pastry with filling
- StrykerOne who strikes
- StubbyShort and stumpy
- StylesDweller by a stile
- SudzSoapy suds
- SullyDark-eyed
- SultanRuler
- SushiVinegar rice
- SwampWetland
- SwitchbladeFolding knife
- SyrusVariant of Cyrus, the Persian king
- Syther
- Syxx
T
- T-BoneT-shaped steak
- TadA small amount
- Talester
- TargetMark to aim at
- TaroEldest son
- TarzanThe jungle hero raised by apes
- TattooPermanent ink design on the skin
- TaxiCar for hire
- TazerVariant of taser, an electric stun device
- Tazzy
- TellyTelevision
- TequilaMexican spirit named after the town of Tequila
- TexFrom Texas
- TheodoreGift of God
- ThomasTwin
- ThorThunder god
- ThoreauAmerican writer of Walden
- ThumperThe foot-thumping rabbit from Bambi
- ThurmanProtected by Thor
- Tibbles
- Tibby
- TickA small check mark or a moment
- TicoNickname for a Costa Rican
- TimmyHonouring God
- TinkerTravelling mender of pots
- TipperOne who gives a tip
- TipsySlightly unsteady on one's feet
- TitanPowerful giant
- TizzState of nervous excitement
- TobyGod is good
- TodFox
- TokaiJapanese region whose name means eastern sea
- Tomba
- TommyPet form of Thomas, twin
- TontoThe Lone Ranger's loyal companion
- TonyShort for Anthony, priceless
- Tooney
- TooterOne who toots a horn
- TornadoViolent spinning windstorm
- TorrenceLittle hills
- Tosti
- TotoDorothy's little dog in The Wizard of Oz
- TovaGood
- TrackerOne who follows tracks
- TrampThe scruffy hero of Lady and the Tramp
- TrapperOne who traps
- TreasureHoard of valuables
- TrekkieStar Trek fan
- TrentFrom the River Trent
- TrevorLarge homestead
- TribbleThe furry, fast-breeding creature from Star Trek
- TricksterOne who plays tricks
- TrickyCrafty, hard to handle
- TriggerRoy Rogers' famous palomino horse
- TripA journey
- TristenVariant of Tristan, tumult
- TrojanOf Troy
- TrooperSoldier
- TrotterOne who trots
- TroutFreshwater fish
- TrumanFaithful man
- TrumpWinning card in a game
- TrunksThe time-travelling Saiyan from Dragon Ball Z
- TrystSecret meeting of lovers
- TuckerCloth softener
- TuffTough
- TugsHard pulls
- Tuny
- Turk
- TurokThe dinosaur-hunting hero of Turok games
- TutThe boy pharaoh Tutankhamun
- TwerpSilly or annoying person
- TwisterTornado
- TykeSmall child or mischievous little one
- TylerTile maker
- Tyson
- TzarEmperor
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
- WaddlesWalks with a side-to-side sway
- WagsTail wags
- WaldorfThe grumpy balcony heckler from The Muppets
- WhiskeyWater of life
- WigglesSmall wriggling movements
- WilburDetermined fortress
- WileyWily, cunning
- WilliamResolute protector
- WilliePet form of William, resolute protector
- WilloughbyWillow farm
- WilsonSon of Will
- WindsorEnglish town and royal house
- WingerWide player in a team sport
- WinkleSmall edible sea snail
- WinslowFriend's hill
- WishboneThe book-loving Jack Russell from the TV show
- WizzardVariant of wizard
- WodaWater
- WolferWolf hunter
- WolfieLittle wolf
- Wombay
- WoodyThe cowboy hero of Toy Story
- Woojie
- WorfThe Klingon warrior from Star Trek
- WowserExclamation of amazement
- WranglerCowboy who handles livestock
- WyattBrave in war
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
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.