Ultimate Dog Names Resource: Index to All Dog and Puppy Names

By Janice Jones   

Bringing home a new puppy is exciting, and choosing the perfect name is part of that joy. It’s often one of the first ways you begin to bond with your dog.

Over the years, I’ve shared my life with many small dogs, and I’ve seen how the right name seems to “fit” from the very beginning. It’s the name you’ll say every day, the one your dog learns to recognize, and the one that becomes part of their personality.

This page is here to help you find that name.

You’ll discover hundreds of dog names organized in different ways, by personality, color, origin, and more, so you can explore until something clicks.

Take your time, have fun with it, and trust your instincts; you’ll know the right name when you find it.

START HERE

Not Sure Where to Start?

With so many dog names to choose from, it can feel a little overwhelming at first. That’s completely normal!

Here are a few great places to begin:

Male Small Dog Names – strong, cute, and timeless choices for boys
Female Small Dog Names – sweet, elegant, and playful ideas for girls
Unique Dog Names – something a little different if you want your dog to stand out
Names by Color or Breed – perfect if your dog’s look inspires you

Most Popular Small Dog Names – classic favorites that never go out of style

Take a few minutes to explore—you’ll often know the right name when you see it.

Most Loved Dog Name Lists

These are my most popular dog names pages:

• Male Dog Names
• Female Dog Names
• Scottish Dog Names
• Brown Dog Names
• Redneck Dog Names
• Tan Dog Names
• Dog Names from Mythology

Start here if you want the most popular and helpful name ideas:

How to Choose the Right Name for Your Dog

• Keep it short and easy to say (Unless you can shorten it)
• Choose something your dog can recognize
• Avoid names that sound like commands
• Try saying it out loud—does it feel natural?

Concentrate on the first syllable of the name.  This is the sound the dog will hear.  But don't limit yourself to a one-syllable name when two or three-syllable names can be great.

Choose a name that does not have the same first sound as another pet or person in the household.

For example, it would be very confusing to have two pets in the same household named Alexander and Alexandra. It would be OK to name two pets Abby and Alexander.

Teach your dog his name by using it frequently. When training a dog to perform a new trick, it's always easy to say the dog's name first, then the command. "Zoey, Sit." 

Using your puppy's name in a happy tone and praising them when they respond will go a long way towards training. Once the dog knows his name, it is much easier to call out the name and then a command.

Choose a name that stands the test of time.  Trendy names are great, but remember that most small dogs live 12 to 15 years.  What sounds great today will be out-of-date in 15 years.

Choose a name that you feel comfortable shouting in public, at the vet clinic, groomers, or dog park.  Don't pick a name that might cause embarrassment, could offend someone, or worst of all, get you arrested!

Dog Names from the Movies and Television

Dog Names From Food and Drinks

Dog Names Just for Fun

Dog Names Based on Color

Dog Names Based on Nature

Dog Names Based on a Holiday

Names Based on Gender

Dog Names Based on The Breed's Country of Origin

Dog Names by Country of Origin is a very popular way of choosing a puppy name, especially for a purebred dog. 

More Small Dog Names

Many experts suggest that a dog name should be short.  Check out this list of two syllable dog names.

Bringing Home a New Puppy?

After breeding, raising, and caring for small dogs for many years, I’ve learned that choosing a name is just the beginning.

The first few days at home can shape your puppy’s behavior and comfort for years to come.

Before your puppy arrives, don’t miss our comprehensive Puppy Guide.

Your Puppy’s First Week at Home Guide

Reference and Further Reading

American Kennel Club Puppy Names