Clever Dog Names

What Makes a Clever Dog Name?

When it comes to naming dogs, it's one of those "beauty in the eye of the beholder" things. Everyone has their personal taste and idea about what is clever and what is lame. Bottom line, you and your dog are the ones who will have to live with whichever name you ultimately decide on, so make sure you choose one you're completely comfortable with.

When choosing clever dog names, you have to think outside of the box. This might leave you feeling a bit stumped for inspiration, but look around you. Inspiration is everywhere. A clever name is something unusual or unique; a name you wouldn't expect to hear at the dog park everyday.

Store Names

A walk through your local mall is bound to yield dozens of name ideas that are not only a clever idea to use, but also reasonably unique in that you aren't likely to meet another dog with the same name. Move over King and Muffin, and check out:

• Abercrombie or Fitch
• Target
• Sephora
• Dillard
• Macy
• Sears

Magazine Names

With literally thousands of publications to choose from, how can you really go wrong choosing a magazine name to use for your dog? Some clever favorites include:

• GQ
• Maxim
• Marie Claire
• Ebony
• Mademoiselle
• Vogue

Soda Names

A trip to the grocery store is another fine opportunity to gather naming inspiration. The pop aisle alone will set your mind spinning.

• Pepsi
• Dew
• Shasta
• Sprite
• Fresca
• Vernors
• A&W
• Hires
• Faygo (Don't forget to explore individual flavor names!)

Beer Names

A cold brew might hit the spot in more ways than one; it can also make a great dog name. You don't even have to be a beer lover to appreciate names like these.

• Budweiser
• Michelobe
• Corona
• Pabst
• Guinness
• Busch
• Brewski (Not a real brand, obviously, but still in the spirit!)

Cereal Names

As mentioned, the grocery store is a treasure trove for unique and clever dog names. What about your favorite cereal brand?

• Quaker
• Captain Crunch
• Cheerios
• Trix
• Chex
• Wheaties
• Lucky Charms
• Kashi
• Kellog

Musical Artists

Hey, who wouldn't want to pay tribute to their favorite band when some of these names are really cool to use for your dog? Although rock names can be awesome, don't limit yourself. Classical, country, jazz and other genres have plenty of good names to offer.

• Fleetwood Mac
• Queen
• AC/DC
• Van Halen
• Evanescence
• Aerosmith
• Coltrain
• Yo Yo Ma
• Mozart or Amadeus
• Chopin

Sport Teams and Athletes

If you have a favorite team or sports hero, here's a great opportunity to give your dog a clever and meaningful name.

How about these for starters:

• Laker
• Piston
• Shaq
• Green Bay
• Bronco
• Steeler
• Brady
• Moreno
• Yankee
• A-Rod
• Gretsky

Restaurants

You might be tempted to skip exploring this category because it may feel kind of lame to name a dog this way, but consider the following names. You just might be surprised to find a name you really like amongst the restaurants owned or frequented by celebrities. These names carry a bit of cache, and are especially good for some of the more glamorous breeds such as Shih Tzus, Yorkies and Afghan Hounds.

• Spago
• Mezzaluna
• Dolce
• Patina
• Matsuhisa
• Chinois
• Formosa
• Pink
• Rocco

What's Your choice?

By now, your wheels are probably turning. Surely you can think of many other genres you could mine for terrifically clever dog names that will not only sound great, but impress your friends as well. Above all, be willing to explore territory you would never have considered before. Who knows, you might just pioneer a new dog naming trend among your friends and family!