All puppies are special, and yours deserves a unique name! However, it can be difficult to think of a name that is truly one-of-a-kind. Use these suggestions as a starting point to develop an amazing name for your new canine companion.
Amusing and Absurd Dog Name Ideas
Is there anything funnier than a puppy chasing their tail? Is there anything sillier than a dog rolling onto their back for a tummy rub? Consider reflecting this joyful demeanor with an amusing or even absurd name. You can make up names that will ensure truly unique puppy names. Try these fun approaches to creating your own clever dog name.
- Take any word and substitute a new letter or two. The word "trooper" can become "Drooper," a great name for a Basset Hound or Bloodhound.
- Some words already sound funny on their own. Boogle, pollywog, and pumpkin all sound silly and could make fun names for a dog.
- Take it a step further and can create a nonsensical name with some simple letter changes: "Snoogle," "Gollypog," and "Trumplin."
Dog Name Ideas From the Animal Kingdom
It can be very funny to see a dog named Rhinoceros or Giraffe. Play off your dog's features for inspiration. You can even go the ironic route with a name that opposes your dog's size or appearance. Use these great animal name suggestions, or create your own.
- Horse - for a Great Dane
- Gerbil - for a Chihuahua
- Tiger - for a brindle colored hound
- Flamingo - for a Dachshund
- Moose - for a French Bulldog
- Mouse - for an Italian Greyhound
- Dinosaur - for a petite Papillon
You can also give your dog a name commonly associated with another species.
- Simba - (lion) for a Lhasa Apso
- Jaws - (shark) for a Doberman Pinscher
- Bossy - (cow) for a Bulldog
- Felix - (cat) for a Catahoula
- Shamu - (whale) for a Newfoundland
- Yogi - (bear) for a Saint Bernard
- Bambi - (deer) for a Scottish Deerhound
- Flipper - (dolphin) for a Labrador Retriever
Rhyming to Make a Unique Puppy Name
Even a simple name becomes amusing when you make it a rhyme. You can also gear it to the puppy's personality or behavior.
- Goosey Lucy
- Silly Lilly
- Scary Larry
- Dizzie Lizzie
- Dusty Rusty
- Fuzzy Wuzzy
Multiple Names for Pups
If you combine two human names into one, it will be even more unique. You can use two first names or first and last names. Say both on a regular basis, or use their second name as you would a middle name. For example, "Maybelline Barkley, who made this mess?"
- Doris Sue
- Rupert Lee
- Mary Elizabeth
- Bob Smith
- Billy Bob
Famous Name Ideas for Pets
You can also use the name of a famous actor, author, or character as an interesting and uncommon name for your dog.
- Butch Cassidy
- Mark Twain
- Carrie Underwood
- Angelina Jolie
- Chuck Norris
- Frida Kahlo
- Bruce Lee
- Oprah
- Kobe Bryant
- Ruth Bader Ginsburg (or RBG for short)
- Mozart
Classical Name Ideas for Dogs
The historic names from ancient civilizations can stand out. Some, like Hercules, Venus, and Thor, are common for dogs. However, there are also many unusual and colorful names.
- Nyx - the Greek goddess of the night; good for a black female dog
- Pontos - the original Greek god of the sea; for a male Retriever
- Themis - the Greek goddess of law and order; for a German Shepherd
- Hypnos - the Greek god of sleep; for a particularly sleepy puppy
- Sif - the Norse god associated with golden hair; for a Golden Retriever
- Hnoss - the Norse god related to beauty and treasure; appropriate for any puppy
- Hlin - the Norse goddess of protection; for a guard dog
- Shiva - the Hindu god of destruction; for a particularly naughty dog
- Lakshmi - the Hindu goddess of beauty; for any pretty pup
Twin Names for Puppy Pairs
If you adopt two puppies at the same time, you can name them as a pair. Try these names on for size, or create your own.
- Levi and Strauss - for any German breed pair
- Bogie and Bacall - for the perfect male/female match
- Burt and Ernie - for a comical set
- Lucy and Ricky - for a zany and tempestuous pair
- Cyclone and Tornado - for any energetic breed
- Mickey and Minnie - for a pair of Disney fans
- Orville and Wilbur - for a couple of energetic Jack Russells
- Sherlock and Watson - for a pair who love investigating ... with their noses
Unique Dog Names Inspired by Food
Some of the most unusual dog names are those inspired by your favorite dishes. These silly names can even resemble your dog; for example, choose the name Meatball for a round English Bulldog, or Twinkie for a long Dachshund. Here are a few more silly food names for inspiration.
- Pickle
- Chex Mix (Chex for short)
- Chorizo
- Pesto
- Waffles
- Taco
- Wonton
- Tofu
- Turnip
Oddball Puppy Names
If you're determined to pick an unusual name that will turn heads at the dog park, consider one of these unique monikers.
- Sumo
- Acorn
- Blobosaurus
- Neutron
- Cactus
- Oswald
- Midge
- Robot
- Sputnik
- Grunt
- Beef
- Rain
Finding the Perfect Name for Your Dog
That new addition to your household is a special creature. With a little creativity and imagination, you can reflect their individuality with a unique name. For example, you could go for a southern-inspired dog name if your pet hails from that region. There are plenty of creative dog name ideas to consider. Take care of your puppy, and you will have a great canine companion for years to come.
