There are plenty of cool names that just seem made for dogs (sort of like Beneful Originals!). Here are 30 of my favorites:
“People” Names for Dogs
Marley
Marley’s near the top of the popularity charts for both male and female dogs, thanks to the loveably mischievous canine in the book and movie Marley and Me.
Bailey
This Irish surname is a popular choice for puppies everywhere; it’s in the top 20 for both boy and girl dogs.
Sadie
Sweet and sassy, this girls’ nickname name is perfect for an energetic puppy.
Charlie
This nickname for Charles/Charlotte has become a popular baby name for humans and for dogs of both sexes.
Elvis
Elvis lives! And it makes an adorable name for your pooch. (Just picture it for a chihuahua.)
Roscoe
This old-fashioned name seems custom made for a big, friendly mutt.
Rufus
With a first syllable that sounds like a dog’s bark, it’s no wonder that Rufus regularly makes the list of the top 100 dogs’ names.
Word Names for Dogs
Lucky
Having a family to love him makes any dog lucky—and this name a particularly apropos pick.
Rocky
You don’t have to adopt a boxer to consider this pop-culture icon name for your dog (though that would make it extra cool).
Angel
This unisex name is popular for both humans and dogs.
Scout
Scout has ties to classic lit, as the protagonist for To Kill a Mockingbird. Consider it for a dog who loves to hunt and spend time in the outdoors.
Buddy
What better pick for man’s (and woman’s) best friend than this sweet nickname?
Bandit
Consider this the perfect name for the puppy that stole your heart (and perhaps, your sandwich when you weren’t looking).
Shadow
Black and gray-hued dogs regularly sport this cool word name.
Place Names for Dogs
Dakota
This unisex option is the name of a Native American tribe, two states, and a number of young celeb starlets.
Dixie
Dixie is nickname for the South, and a fun and frisky name for a female dog. It follows the common trend of an “e” ending for a girl dog’s name. (The top of the dog name list is filled with names like Maggie and Sadie!)
Nevada
The state that brings us the party hotspot Las Vegas sports a name that actually means “covered with snow.” This moniker is more popular for female dogs, but could be used for males as well.
Aspen
The Colorado city name makes a lovely pick for dogs of either sex.
Kona
Coffee lovers united in their love of this place name for dogs, after Hawaii’s rich coffee-growing lands.
Nature Names for Dogs
Willow
This nature name has become popular for babies of the human and canine variety.
Bear
While celebs like Kate Winslet and Alicia Silverstone have picked this name for their children, we think it’s better for fur babies.
Daisy
This bright and cheerful bloom makes a festive dogs’ name.
Fern
Fresh and green, this forest-favorite plant is the beloved heroine of animal-lover classic Charlotte’s Web.
Food Names for Dogs
Whiskey
This potent potable has been a classic dog name for decades.
Cocoa
Consider Cocoa the ultimate name for a chocolate lab.
Pepper
This spicy name is perfect for a dog with a feisty personality.
Ginger
Ginger is most commonly associated with movie musical great Ginger Rogers, and would be a lovely choice for a gold-hued puppy.
Oreo
Odds are, the sandwich cookie’s name is often used for dogs with black and white fur.
Sugar
This sweet Southern-style nickname seems perfect for a girly puppy.
Cookie
The classic treat name is custom-made for a teeny pocket-sized dog.
*This post is sponsored by Beneful. The opinions and stories are my own.
