So, you’re bringing home a new dog. Congratulations! There are a lot of fun and memorable times ahead of you, but first, you’ll need to make a few decisions. Some choices, such as what to feed your dog and where your friend will sleep, can take some trial and error, but there are some fun decisions you’ll need to make, too. Of course, this includes giving your new BFF a name!
Unique dog names can be tricky to come up with, but it’s worth the extra time and thought to give your pup a name that no one else will have. And if you do hear the same name over the internet or in your local dog park, you’ll immediately have a new friend! To help you get started, we’ve compiled a list of 200 unique dog names, including monikers for girl dogs, boy dogs, and even pairs of pups. Will you find your new dog’s name?
How to choose a unique dog name
With limitless name options available to you and your newly adopted dog, choosing a name can feel overwhelming. To help you narrow it down, start by looking for names that stand out to you. Whether it’s the name of your favorite cartoon character, homage to your hometown, or just a silly word that makes you smile, selecting a name you truly love can make a world of difference. Remember, your dog will learn to recognize their name, but they won’t know what it means or represents — that part is just for you to enjoy.
To select a name that your dog will also enjoy, make sure to pick one that isn’t too long. One or two-syllable names are the easiest for your dog to recognize and learn, so consider calling them by a nickname if your heart is set on a long, formal name. For example, if you name your dog something complicated like Sir Remington Bartholemew, be sure to use “Remy” when training and calling them.
Similarly, be sure not to use a name that sounds similar to another word or obedience training command you’ll use with your pup. This could lead to lots of confusion! A moniker like Kit may be adorable for a female dog, but it will make learning “sit” that much trickier.
40 unique dog names for female dogs
If your new puppy or rescue dog is a girl, you’ll want to think of a name that’s just as pretty, majestic, or mystical as they are. No matter what their vibe is, though, there are plenty of unique dog names to choose from. These are just a few of our favorites.
- Aggie
- Alaska
- Arya
- Beatrix
- Bertha
- BonBon
- Champagne
- Dahlia
- DJ
- Dulce
- Effie
- Fable
- Freya
- Gaia
- Hattie
- Hermione
- Jewel
- Jules
- Lolly
- London
- Mairi
- Maude
- Maxie
- Meeka
- Nessie
- Noel
- Paloma
- Pansy
- Queenie
- Reina
- Ray
- Riesling
- Sable
- Sequoia
- Seraphina
- Sookie
- Tiabeanie
- Tinsley
- Uma
- Zara
40 unique dog names for male dogs
Male dogs deserve unique names that match their personalities, too. Whether you take inspiration from sports, pop culture, or even food, your options are literally endless. Try out these rare names to get the ball rolling, but feel free to brainstorm dog names yourself, too.
- Ajax
- Argo
- Bartleby
- Bauer
- Beckham
- Blitz
- Boudin
- Canyon
- Chex
- Chorizo
- Conan
- Corduroy
- Fenrir
- Fettuccini
- Epic
- Galileo
- Gator
- Hemingway
- Hobbes
- Jeff
- Jethro
- Kobi
- Lore
- Luigi
- Lumiere
- Magnus
- Naveen
- Poncho
- Prentice
- Ruckus
- Ryker
- Stash
- Tahoe
- Tonka
- Tuck
- Tugboat
- Valiant
- Wizard
- Yonder
- Ziggy
40 unique dog names for girls or boys
Perhaps you’d like to have a name selected before you pick your perfect pup, or maybe your newly adopted dog doesn’t give masculine or feminine vibes. There are tons of reasons to choose a gender-neutral name for dogs, whether or not it’s one of the monikers from this list.
- Acorn
- Bagel
- Bijou
- Bug
- Cannoli
- Churro
- Cricket
- Donut
- Eclair
- French Fry
- Georgie
- Happy
- Hurricane
- Indie
- Jupiter
- Kiba
- Klondike
- Kodiak
- Marvel
- Memphis
- Milkshake
- Moonpie
- Monkey
- Navy
- Nimbus
- Nyx
- Ocean
- Pip
- Polaris
- Pym
- Reeses
- Royal
- Sage
- Sorrel
- Sterling
- Tate
- Toast
- Valentine
- Waffle
- Zaire
80 unique names for pairs of dogs
Sometimes, two is better than one! Whether you’re adopting littermate puppies or a bonded pair of shelter dogs, selecting two names can be twice as tricky. There are many occasions when a pair of dogs go home together, so it’s only fitting that their names go together, too.
- Apple & Cider
- Bart & Lisa
- Bumble & Bee
- Bud & Weiser
- Chili & Pepper
- Colby & Jack
- Coco & Chanel
- Cosmo & Wanda
- Delta & Dawn
- Dippin & Dot
- Dolce & Gabbana
- Franklin (Roosevelt) & Winston (Churchill)
- Harry & Potter
- Hershey & Kisses
- Homer & Marge
- King & Queen
- Kit & Kat
- Jack & Daniel
- Jetsam & Flotsam
- Lightning & Mater
- Lilo & Stitch
- Lois & Lane
- Mac & Cheese
- Mary & Jane
- Mike & Ike
- Miss Piggy & Kermit
- Napoleon & Dynamite
- Olive & Pimento
- Phineas & Ferb
- Pork & Beans
- Pooh & Piglet
- Rhyme & Reason
- Rock & Roll
- Spongebob & Patrick
- Sugar & Spice
- Tequila & Sunrise
- Wallace & Gromit
- Woody & Buzz
- Yogi & Boo Boo
- Yzma & Kronk
We hope this list reminds you that inspiration for your dog’s name can come from literally anywhere. Even glancing around the room and saying random words can get the ball rolling, so don’t overthink it. Once you find the most fitting name for your new dog, you can start their training (and your bonding) by teaching it to them.
