500 Male Dog Names For Your New Furry Friend

Jesse Scott

Updated

Apr. 30, 2025

Photo by Chewy Studios

So you’ve got a new dog, and he’s a very good boy? Congrats! One of your first tasks as a dog parent is choosing the perfect male puppy name for your new furry fellow. Will you choose a name based on his color, breed or personality? Only one thing is certain: You’ll know the right name when you see it. So browse our list of male dog names. With nearly 500 choices to consider, there’s no better dog name list for your inspiration.

Looking for girl dog names? We’ve got 500 ideas for your female dog, too.

A
Abe	Of English origin and meaning “Father of Nations,” it was also the name of America’s 16th president.
Ace	A term for the best card in the deck, “ace” can also mean an expert.
Alex	In honor of “Jeopardy!” host Trebek baseball legend Rodriguez—it’s up to you.
Alfie	A classic 1966 rom com starring Michael Caine that was remade in 2004 with Jude Law.
Ali	Iconic boxer Muhammad Ali floated like a butterfly and stung like a bee, winning Olympic gold in 1960 and heavyweight titles along the way.
Alpha	The first letter of the Greek alphabet, the name Alpha will let all the other dogs know who’s in charge.
Amigo	Meaning “friend” in Spanish, this is a perfect dog name for your new bestie.
Andy	Short for Andrew, which means “brave” or “manlike” in Greek.
Angus	A top-notch grade of beef that also means “choice” in Scottish.
Apollo	The name of the Greek god of sun and light also belongs to six outer space missions that successfully landed humans on the Moon and brought them back to Earth.
Archer	For outdoorsmen, this literally means “bowman.”
Archie	Fit for a royal pup, this is the name of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s son.
Ares	The Greek god of war, this name translates to “ruin”—perfect for the toy chewer in your life.
Arlo	After singer-songwriter Arlo Guthrie or the character Arlo Givens on the hit show “Justified.”
Armani	Feeling stylish? Fashion icon Giorgio Armani made this name famous.
Arthur	A favorite name in fiction, Arthur was both a medieval king and the beloved aardvark who stars in the children’s adventure book and television series.
Aspen	A posh Colorado ski resort town.
Astro	Greek for “of the stars,” and also Houston’s Major League Baseball team.
Atlas	In Greek mythology, Atlas is the Titan who holds up the world.
Atticus	“Atta boy, Atticus” has a nice flow to it, right?
Avery	This name of English origin means “ruler of the elves”—perfect for a pup who’s a natural born leader.
Axel	Dating as far back as the 10th Century, the name Axel has many other spellings, including Aksel, Axelle and, yes, Axl (as in Rose, the lead singer of Guns N’ Roses).

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B
Bacardi	One of the best-selling rums in the world.
Bailey	A creamy Irish liquor enjoyed in coffee in the morning or on the rocks at night.
Baloo	The easygoing bear character of “The Jungle Book.”
Bam	For the spunkiest and energetic of pups, this interjection is perfect.
Bandit	Meaning a thief, this boy puppy name could be perfect for your little robber of shoes, socks or whatever else is lying around.
Banjo	A twangy instrument popularized by Earl Scruggs.
Barkley	A name with bark in it, which could pay homage to legendary NBA power forward Charles Barkley.
Baron	The lowest order of British nobility.
Barney	Inspired by the purple dinosaur or the goofy deputy from “The Andy Griffith Show”—the choice is yours.
Basil	This herb is sprinkled on pizza and widely used in sauces.
Baxter	For “Arthur” fans, Buster Baxter is Arthur’s best friend.
Bean	Legumes—just like dogs—come in all colors, shapes and sizes!
Bear	Rawr! Name your dog after this formidable furry beast.
Beau	Meaning “a male admirer,” this might be the perfect boy dog name for your four-legged admirer.
Beethoven	As in Ludwig van Beethoven, German composer and piano master
Ben	Affleck, Stiller, Harper, Franklin—you have your pick of famous Bens to choose from.
Benji	The first “Benji” movie hit the big screen in 1974, and the dog-centric franchise is still rolling to this day.
Benny	If Benjamin is too formal, this is an endearing option.
Benson	Literally meaning “son of Ben,” this was the name of a ’70s and ’80s American sitcom starring Robert Guillaume.
Bentley	A fancy car brand right up there with the Rolls Royces of the world.
Bernard	Meaning “brave as a bear,” this name already belongs to a dog breed (the Saint Bernard).
Bernie	A less formal version of Bernard, shared by celebrities from Mac to Sanders.
Bert	Ernie’s counterpart on “Sesame Street.”
Billy	A nickname for William, Billy could mean a goat, or a club—or your best friend.
Bingo	The game of chance popular among schoolchildren and adults in casinos. Perfect for a farmer’s dog’s name-o!
Biscuit	There are many types of biscuit: Rolled, drop, scones, shortcakes … and your pup.
Binky	Meaning a pacifier or, in the case of boy dog names, something a small child (or anyone) is very attached too.
Bub	In honor of Bjorn Borg, the iconic tennis player and winner of six French Open titles and five Wimbledon championships.
Blackjack	The casino card game where players race to 21.
Blade	The 1998 vampire-filled blockbuster “Blade” starred Wesley Snipes.
Blaze	For dog breeds with fiery personalities—we’re looking at you, Chihuahuas—the name Blaze is hot.
Bleu	The French word for the color blue that doubles as a great male puppy name.
Blitzen	The father of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. Also, Blitzen means “flash” in German.
Blue	A popular color for boys, Blue is a natural choice among boy puppy names.
Bo	Pay homage to Bo Burnham the comedian, Bo Jackson the baseball legend or wrestler Bo Dallas with this one.
Bob	Short for Robert, “Bob” is the third most popular name in the U.S. during the last 100 years, according to the Social Security Administration.
Bobo	This can be an endearing alternative of Bob, but it also means “silly” in Spanish.
Bogart	Film star of “Casablanca” and “The Big Sleep,” Humphrey Bogart was named the greatest male star of classic American cinema by the American Film Institute.
Bogey	This term for a stroke of one over par is perfect for golf-obsessed pet parents.
Bolt	For dog parents with a pup as fast as lightning.
Booger	More than what’s up your nose, this can be an endearing term for a little friend.
Boomer	Short for baby boomers or those born between 1946 and 1964. “Boomer Sooner” is also the fight song for the University of Oklahoma.
Boone	Daniel Boone was the quintessential American frontiersman.
Boots	Perfect for a pup with distinctive fur around their feet.
Boss	For boy dogs who are totally in charge, the name Boss leads the way.
Bowen	New Orleans Saints legendary quarterback Drew Brees named his son Bowen and so can you.
Bowie	After David Bowie, the UK-bred singer-songwriter known for such hits as “Under Pressure,” “Space Oddity” and “Rebel Rebel.”
Bowser	The massive, shelled beast in too many Nintendo games to count.
Boyd	Of Scottish, Gaelic and Celtic descent, this means “yellow” or “blond.”
Brady	Whether it’s honoring “The Brady Bunch” or the New England Patriots-gone-Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback, this name’s a winner.
Brando	Marlon Brando was a 20th century American film mainstay, starring in everything from “A Streetcar Named Desire” to “The Godfather.”
Breeze	Somewhere between still air and a big gust of wind. Maybe this name is reflective of your dog’s breezy attitude.
Bronco	The casino card game where players race to 21.
Brownie	A delicious name for a dog with brown fur.
Bruce	If you have a little ninja on your hands, why not name him after famed martial artist and actor Bruce Lee?
Bruiser	Meaning “tough,” this is a great boy puppy name for a dog who has grit.
Bruno	From the German meaning “brown,” this is a great way to show your love for your brown dog (or for “24K Magic” and “Grenade” singer Bruno Mars).
Brutus	If the reference to Caesar is too dark for you, take inspiration from the popular webcomic “Pixie and Brutus” instead.
Bubba	An informal way to address a brother, and the nickname of the soldier Forrest Gump befriends in the classic movie.
Bubby	Another endearing term to address a brother or small boy.
Buck	Most dog parents spend a few bucks on their pets throughout the years!
Bucky	For Marvel Universe fans, James “Bucky” Barnes Jr. originated as Captain America’s sidekick and BFF
Buddy	A dog does make the best buddy of all.
Buford	A city in Georgia. You can’t help but say this name with a Southern twang.
Bullet	This boy dog name is fast as a speeding … well, you know.
Bully	The ultimate tough guy.
Buster	Meaning someone who breaks or destroys things, is this the perfect name for your rambunctious pup?
Butch	Emitting masculinity, this is among the most macho on dog name lists
Butterball	The traditional Thanksgiving turkey brand, or simply a sweet nickname for your roly-poly pup.
Butters	A beloved goofy and long-time character on “South Park.”
Butterscotch	Full of brown sugar, butter and deliciousness.
Buttons	Fit for a pup who’s cute as a button.

C
Cabo	The picturesque and sometimes raucous destination in Mexico.
Caesar	A popular salad dressing and famous Roman general.
Caliber	Meaning a measure of someone’s character, this name tells the world your dog is top-notch.
Calvin	As in Klein (fashion icon) or perhaps John (the French theologian).
Cameron	Meaning “crooked nose,” this name comes with a cute nickname: Cam.
Captain	The pup who leads the ship safely to shore.
Capone	The famous Prohibition-era mob boss.
Carter	Jimmy Carter was the 39th president of the United States.
Cash	After the “Man in Black” and “Ring of Fire” singer Johnny Cash—or simply a promise to invest in giving your dog the best life.
Cashew	A snackable nut with a golden color—a description that might also fit your dog.
Casper	The name of the famous friendly ghost, this is a great choice for a white pup.
Cassius	A less formal version of Bernard, shared by celebrities from Mac to Sanders. After the Roman senator who masterminded Julius Caesar’s demise, or Clay, the boxer who became Muhammad Ali.
Cedric	Cedric the Entertainer (his real name is Cedric Kyles) is one of “The Original Kings of Comedy.”
Champ	For the dog who’s the champion of your heart.
Charger	A battle-trained horse or a device that gives your phone life—either way, this name is full of energy.
Charlie	This cute nickname for Charles belonged to the kind kid who explored Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory.
Checkers	The classic game of red and black squares.
Cheech	Comedy duo Cheech & Chong started generating laughs in 1971.
Chester	Meaning a fortress or camp of soldiers, you might associate this name with Cheetos’ mascot Chester Cheetah.
Chevy	A nickname for Chevrolet automobiles, or for comedian Chevy Chase.
Chewbacca	Everyone’s favorite Wookiee warrior from “Star Wars.”
Chewy	Chewbacca’s nickname, a nod to your dog’s favorite pastime, or an homage to your favorite online destination for pet parents. (We’d be honored!)
Chico	This boy dog name is literally is Spanish for “boy.”
Chief	For the dog who rules their house just like a chief leads their people.
Chip	Chocolate or potato, these delicious morsels would make a great namesake.
Chomp	For dog parents of especially chew-happy pups.
Chopper	Inspired by a kitchen device, helicopter or low-riding motorcycle–it’s your choice.
Chubby	An homage to rock and roll singer Chubby Checker, or just to your puppy’s roly-poly physique.
Cinco	Spanish for “five.”
Clover	If you find a clover with four leaves, you’re in very good luck.
Claude	As in French impressionist painter Claude Monet, creator of more than 2,500 works of art.
Clyde	If you have another pup named Bonnie, you have quite the mischievous duo.
Cocoa	Chocolate wouldn’t be chocolate without it.
Cody	Meaning “helpful,” a pup named Cody is always there when you need them.
Cole	A surname of English origin meaning “charcoal.”
Colt	Meaning a young male horse, this name could be inspired by Indianapolis’ NFL team.
Comet	An out-of-this-world object that orbits the sun (just like your pup orbits your feet).
Conan	Of “O’Brien” and “the Barbarian” fame, Conan is of Irish and Gaelic descent and means “hound.”
Cooper	Centuries ago, the maker of barrels was called a cooper. Today it’s a common last name and increasingly popular first name for pets and people alike.
Copper	A soft and malleable dog name option, especially for those whose coats are a rusty red.
Cosmo	Short for Cosmopolitan, the iconic cocktail with vodka, cranberry juice, triple sec and lime juice.
Cowboy	Perfect for a rugged pup who’s at home on the range.
Cricket	An insect your dog will love to chase, or the baseball-like sport that’s globally popular.
Crimson	A rich shade of red.

D
Dakota	There’s a North Dakota, South Dakota, and maybe your dog Dakota too?
Dallas	The third largest city in Texas by population, behind Houston and San Antonio.
Dane	Signifying a person from Denmark, this name already belongs to the Great Dane dog breed.
Danger	For the dog who’s great at sniffing out trouble
Dante	The Italian poet and philosopher known for his “Divine Comedy” poem.
Dax	Taken from a town in Southwestern France, the name Dax has risen in popularity in recent years.
Dash	For the pup who loves to race.
Denver	The largest city in Colorado with a population of more than 700,000.
Deuce	Slang for the number two card in a deck of cards.
Dexter	Meaning “fortunate,” this name has plenty of pop culture references, from cartoon scientist Dexter to the Showtime TV drama starring Michael C. Hall.
Dez	As in Dez Bryant, NFL star who was a long-time wide receiver for the Dallas Cowboys.
Diablo	Spanish for “devil” and also a popular, dungeon-y video game series.
Dice	A pair of cubes that could help you win big at the casino.
Diego	Spanish for “David” and first name of Argentine soccer legend Maradona.
Diesel	A type of engine and fuel.
Dino	A nickname for those with longer, -dino ending names (e.g., Bernardino).
Disco	The popular 70s-era music genre full of big hair and synthesizers.
Dobby	The loyal house elf from the “Harry Potter” series.
Dodger	In 2020, the Los Angeles Dodgers won its first World Series since 1988.
Domino	The popular game played with black and white tiles.
Donut	Homer Simpson’s favorite food.
Doug	Short for Douglas, this was the name of an adored ’90s animated show tracking the school adventures of Doug Funnie.
Dozer	Short for a bulldozer—and perfect for a rambunctious pup.
Draco	Latin for “dragon.”
Dragon	Mythical creature that can fly and breathe fire.
Drake	Canadian rapper who got his start as Jimmy on the TV series “Degrassi.”
Duck	After Duckie, the lovelorn best friend in “Pretty in Pink,” or just those animals your dog wants to chase at the pond.
Dude	An informal word for a guy.
Dudley	An industrial town in England near Birmingham. Or, inspired by Harry Potter’s cousin, Dudley Dursley.
Duff	Meaning “dark” and of Irish origin. Also, it’s Homer Simpson’s favorite beer brand.
Duke	Big-time British royalty who you’ll want to address as “your grace.”
Dusty	Signifying “brave warrior” in German.
Dutch	The official language of the Netherlands.
Dylan	In honor of Minnesota-born songwriter and rock icon, Bob Dylan.

E
Eagle	The bald type of this bird would make for a very patriotic dog name.
Echo	The reflection of sound waves.
Eddie	This was the name of the beloved Jack Russell Terrier on the hit TV show “Frasier” starring Kelsey Grammer.
Eeyore	The gloomy donkey from “Winnie the Pooh” fame.
Einstein	A prime name for an extra-smart pup.
Eisenhower	Dwight D. Eisenhower was the 34th president of the United States.
Eli	Short for names like Elijah and Elliott, and meaning “elevated” in Hebrew.
Elvis	After “The King,” Elvis Presley, of “Jailhouse Rock” “Hound Dog” fame.
Elway	John Elway is an executive for the Denver Broncos and also helped the team win two Super Bowls in the late ’90s.
Ember	A small piece of burning wood in a fire.
Enzo	Meaning “winner” in Italian.
Ernie	After Bert’s best friend on “Sesame Street” or South Africa’s Ernie Els, once the No. 1 golfer in the world.
Eugene	City in Oregon and home of the University of Oregon.
Ezra	For the little helper in your life, this means “helper” in Hebrew.

F
Farley	Actor and comedian Chris Farley starred in “Saturday Night Live,” “Tommy Boy” and “Black Sheep” before his passing in 1997.
Fenway	Fenway Park is one of the most iconic stadiums in baseball and home to the Boston Red Sox.
Finley	Signifying a “fair-haired hero” in Scottish.
Finn	For fair-skinned male dog names, this literally means “fair or white” in Irish.
Finnegan	Also means “fair-haired” in Irish.
Flash	A good name for a speedy pup.
Flex	A name with a macho vibe.
Fluffy	If your pup’s fur matches this description, you can’t go wrong with this name.
Fox	Some Shiba Inu parents give their dogs this nickname due to their shared resemblance.
Frank	For a bigger dog, “Frank the Tank” does have a nice ring to it.
Franklin	Benjamin Franklin was one of the Founding Fathers of the U.S.
Freckles	A top pick for a pooch with spots.
Fred	The longer version—Frederick—has German roots and means “peaceful ruler.”
Freddie	Honor the lead singer of Queen, Freddie Mercury, with this name.
Freedom	For the feisty pup who cannot be contained.
Fritz	A German name meaning “peaceful ruler.”
Fudge	A chocolatey treat, and a great name for a dark brown dog.
Fury	As male dog names go, it doesn’t get more badass.

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G
Gadget	Detective “Inspector Gadget” has taken many forms since his 1983 debut.
Galaxy	Perfect for a pup who’s out-of-this-world.
Garth	As in country music star Garth Brooks, or Wayne’s best friend in “Wayne’s World.”
Gator	The chomping reptile that you may find at a Florida lake or golf course.
Genie	The mystical creature who grants wishes.
George	Of Greek origin meaning “farmer.”
Geronimo	Skydivers are known to scream “Geronimo!” when they are jumping out a plane.
Ghost	For a white dog, or a dog who likes to sneak up on you.
Gibbs	Joe Gibbs was a popular coach of the Washington NFL team and is now a big-time owner in the auto racing world.
Gio	Short for Giovanni, meaning “God is gracious.”
Gizmo	For “Gremlins” fans, this is the most adorable Mogwai.
Gnocchi	An Italian dumpling.
Goofy	The Disney icon often clad in oversized shoes and pants.
Goose	Named for the bird, or for Maverick’s best friend in “Top Gun.”
Grant	Ulysses S. Grant was the 18th president of the Unites States, serving from 1869 to 1877.
Gremlin	A mischievous creature who loves to wreak havoc.
Griffin	Of Latin origin meaning “strong lord.”
Griswold	Clark Griswold—played by Chevy Chase—has been the main character in numerous “National Lampoon’s” flicks throughout the years.
Grizzly	A type of brown bear that is native to North America.
Gronk	After Rob Gronkowski, the NFL tight-end and recipient of many of quarterback Tom Brady’s touchdown passes.
Groot	The tree-like Marvel character.
Grover	A furry, blue “Sesame Street” personality.
Gucci	After the Italian luxury fashion brand.
Guinness	A beer that’s especially popular on St. Patrick’s Day.
Gumbo	A must-have soup whenever you visit New Orleans.
Gunner	Meaning “warrior,” this name may have originated from the occupation of operating canons.
Gunther	Named after well know car.
Gus	Often short for August, Angus or Augustine and signifying “majestic.”

H
Hammer	For a dog who’s strong like the tool, or who has dance moves like MC Hammer.
Hamilton	After American Founding Father Alexander Hamilton, or the wildly popular Broadway show based on his life.
Handsome	The obvious choice for your photogenic pup.
Hank	In honor of “Hammerin’ Hank,” aka Hank Aaron, long-time home run king and star of the Atlanta Braves.
Hans	Meaning “God is gracious,” this name has Scandinavian, German, Danish and Hebrew roots.
Hansel	Gretel’s sibling in the classic fairy tale.
Happy	Give your dog this name and you’ll smile all day.
Hardy	Meaning “bold and brave” in German.
Harlem	A timeless neighborhood in New York City.
Harley	After Harley-Davidson motorcycles, or DC Comics character Harley Quinn.
Harry	Short for Harold, this name has belonged to everyone from royalty (Prince Harry) to fictional boy wizards (Harry Potter).
Harvey	From English and French, this name means “battle worthy.”
Heath	A candy bar made of chocolate, toffee and almonds.
Hector	Trojan prince and legendary defender of Troy.
Heinz	The king of ketchups.
Hennessy	The world’s largest cognac producer. Cheers!
Henry	Of German origin and meaning “estate ruler.”
Hercules	From Roman and Greek mythology, this hero is known for his epic adventures.
Hershey	Pennsylvania-based purveyor of chocolate bars and kisses.
Hitch	This name could refer to a trailer hitch, the act of hitching a ride, or the 2005 rom com starring Will Smith and Eva Mendes.
Hoss	A Southern term of endearment.
Houdini	After the famous illusionist and escape artist.
Hubble	The space telescope that has been orbiting the earth since 1990.
Huck	Short for Huckleberry as in the classic read, “Huckleberry Finn.”
Hudson	The New York river connecting upstate New York to New York City.
Huff	After some strenuous playtime, your dog may be left huffing on the couch.
Hugo	For a little trickster, this name means “savvy” and “intellect.”
Hulk	Name your incredible dog after “The Incredible Hulk.”
Hunter	Count on your pup hunting for anything from treats to socks.

I
Ice	For the dog who is cooler than cool.
Igor	A common Russian and Polish name meaning “farm laborer.”
Indy	Short for Indianapolis or perhaps the annual “Indy 500” race?

J
Jack	A short and sweet name that’s traditionally a derivative form of John.
Jackson	After the artist (Jackson Pollock) or actor (Samuel L. Jackson).
Jager	Short for Jägermeister, the licorice-flavored liqueur.
Jagger	Name your dude after Mick Jagger, legendary singer of The Rolling Stones.
Jake	Short for Jacob, meaning “supplanter.”
Jameson	Irish whiskey that’s been in production since the late 1700s.
Jasper	A typically quartz-comprised gemstone that comes in a variety of colors.
Jax	A name based on John or Jacques, and a key character on the hit show “Sons of Anarchy.”
Jazz	An American musical genre, and a great dog name for a pup with style.
Jefe	Spanish for “boss.”
Jersey	Paying homage to the third state admitted to the union, New Jersey.
Jester	Traditionally a medieval entertainer. In the realm of boy dog names, your four-legged entertainer.
Jet	Perhaps faster and more luxurious than the average plane.
Joey	Another word for a young kangaroo.
Jonah	Biblical figure that avoided drowning by being swallowed by a whale.
Jordan	Meaning “to flow down,” this name could pay homage to basketball legend Michael Jordan.
Jose	The Spanish form of “Joseph.”
Journey	San Francisco-bred rock band known for “Don’t Stop Believin’.”
Julius	First name of Caesar, the Roman dictator.
Junior	Means young or younger, and also refers to the third year of high school.
Juno	The Roman goddess of love and marriage.

K
Kai	When referring to its Hawaiian origin, it means “sea.”
Kaiser	German for “emperor.”
Kalik	A popular beer in the Bahamas.
Kane	The 7-foot-tall World Wrestling Entertainment star who became mayor of Knox County, Tenn.
Keanu	Actor Keanu Reeves has starred in “Speed,” “The Matrix” and “Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure” among other flicks.
Keegan	Name your pup after Keegan-Michael Key, half of the comedy duo Key & Peele.
Kennedy	John F. Kennedy was the 35th president of the United States, serving from 1961 until 1963.
Keno	Gambling game where you pick a bunch of numbers and hope all of them hit!
Kevin	Irish in origin, this name means “handsome.”
King	Because you know your dog will be the king of the house.
Kingston	The capital of Jamaica and also a city in New York north of Poughkeepsie.
Kip	A nickname for Kipling, and a cute boy dog name for your pup.
Knox	For the dog that loves to run up and down hills, this name is of Scottish descent and means “round hill.”
Knuckles	The redhead character in Sega’s “Sonic the Hedgehog” series.
Kobe	After basketball legend Kobe Bryant.
Kodak	A famous brand of camera, perfect for your photogenic pup.
Kody	If you have a little helper, this name means “helpful” in Gaelic.
Koko	The name of a famous gorilla who could allegedly communicate with humans via sign language.
Kona	An area on the island of Hawaii.
Koopa	From the “Mario” franchise, Koopa Troopas are turtle-like characters that throw their shells.

L
Larry	A short form of Lawrence, as in Larry King and Larry Bird.
Lars	A rockin’ name that may be inspired by Lars Ulrich (drummer of Metallica) or Lars Frederiksen (singer of Rancid).
Lennox	This name is a knockout, in honor of three-time world heavyweight champ, Lennox Lewis.
Lenny	A name for your new BFF? Lenny Leonard is one of Homer Simpson’s BFFs.
Leo	In the zodiac world, Leos are charismatic, passionate and always entertaining.
Leon	Greek for “lion.”
Leonardo	As in DaVinci, Italian artist and engineer, or DiCaprio, the “Titanic” actor.
Leroy	Of Norman origin, this name means “the king.”
Levi	For a dog that’s as tough as a pair of your favorite jeans.
Lex	Lex Luthor is a DC Comics mainstay—a supervillain and nemesis of Superman.
Liberty	The state of freedom, an ideal written into the U.S. Constitution.
Lightning	The cracking energy that lights up the sky during nighttime storms.
Lilo	Beloved orphan alongside Stitch in Disney’s “Lilo & Stitch.”
Lincoln	The US president on the penny, or a luxury vehicle company.
Link	The main character in Nintendo’s “The Legend of Zelda” video game series.
Linus	Sibling of Lucy and Rerun in the iconic “Peanuts” franchise.
Little Man	This would probably not be the best name for a Mastiff or Great Dane.
Logan	This Scottish name means “little hollow.”
London	The capital of England.
Lotus	An aquatic plant that’s also known as a water lily.
Lou	In honor of Lou Gehrig, baseball’s “Iron Horse” who rarely missed a game.
Louie	For a little warrior, this is of French origin and means “famous warrior.”
Lucky	For a lucky dog, or to tell the world how lucky you feel to have them!
Luka	“Bringer of light” in Latin.
Luke	A Biblical name meaning “light.”
Luther	As in Lex Luthor, famed comic book villain.
Lyric	For music lovers, Lyric should strike the right chord.

M
Mac	A common Scottish and Irish nickname.
Maddux	As in Greg Maddux, long-time Atlanta Braves pitcher and Hall of Famer.
Magnum	Generally signifying something big. Small dogs need not apply.
Magoo	Inspired by Mr. Magoo, the cartoon character that made TV Guide’s “50 Greatest Cartoon Characters of All Time” list in 2002.
Major	In music, a key or scale. In the military, a high-ranking individual.
Manny	A nickname for monikers like Manuel, Emmanuel and Manfred.
Marley	Reggae lovers can have Bob Marley’s spirit live on through their pup.
Marlin	A fish found in oceans throughout the globe.
Marbles	Kids still play this game of knocking small glass balls out of a circle.
Marshall	A Scottish name meaning “lover of horses.”
Martini	A cocktail that’s a favorite of James Bond.
Marty	Short for Martin, meaning “warrior.”
Marvel	After the comic universe that includes Captain America, Iron Man and Thor.
Mason	A stoneworker, and a popular brand of jar. Also, George Mason University is one of the largest schools in Virginia.
Maui	The second biggest Hawaiian island by area.
Maverick	For the independent pup, this means “independent-minded.”
Maximus	Latin for “greatest,” this name sounds incredibly prestigious, doesn’t it?
Maxwell	A Scottish surname that brings to mind coffee thanks to the brand Maxwell House.
Max	Short for Maximillian, meaning “greatest.”
Meeko	The beloved raccoon in Disney’s “Pocahontas.”
Memphis	City in Tennessee and mecca of soulful tunes.
Merlin	A name for a pup with wizard-like powers.
Mick	Sometimes short for Michael, as with Mick Jagger, legendary Rolling Stones hip-shaker.
Mickey	The first name of the world’s most famous cartoon mouse.
Midnight	Perfect for a dog with black fur, or one who likes to stay up late.
Mika	This name refers to a nice fragrance in Hungarian, Japanese and Russian.
Milan	Big-time Italian city known for its fashion sense.
Miles	You’ll be walking many of these with your new pal.
Milo	A popular chocolate drink made by Nestlé.
Miracle	For the doggy with an incredible story of perseverance.
Mister	This honorific can also be abbreviated Mr. for a unique twist on the typical boy dog name.
Mocha	The only thing better than this combo of coffee and chocolate? Naming your dog after it.
Mochi	A yummy Japanese rice cake that sometimes has ice cream in it.
Moe	A nice one-syllable dog name, and Homer’s go-to bartender on “The Simpsons.”
Morgan	A Welsh unisex name, as in actor Morgan Freeman.
Mojo	Meaning a magical power or spell, this name is perfect for a dog with mystical energy.
Monroe	As in James Monroe, the 5th president of the United States.
Monty	Short for Montgomery or Montague, this name is shared by British comedy troupe Monty Python’s Flying Circus.
Mooch	For the dog who’s mooching for treats and food all the time.
Moon	A celestial name for your little lunar pup.
Moonshine	A powerful liquor that was popular in the Prohibition era.
Moose	Not just another name for elk, Moose is a popular nickname for athletes, including hockey star Moose Johnson.
Mosley	A common English last name, this might be perfect for a pet who moseys around your home.
Motley	Meaning incongruous or disparate, a motley was also the name of a court jester’s costume.
Mowgli	From “The Jungle Book,” a boy raised in the jungle by wolves.
Mozart	Austrian composer of “The Marriage of Figaro,” among many others.
Mulligan	A do-over in golf.
Munchkin	A small or endearing person, as in “The Wizard of Oz.”
Murdock	The 80s hit action-adventure TV series “The A-Team” featured the character and pilot “Howling Mad” Murdock.
Murphy	For a pup who likes to swim, this Gaelic name means “sea warrior.

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N
Nacho	It’s not just for chips and cheese—this is also a nickname for Ignacio, meaning “born from the fire.”
Nanook	Nanook first became a popular name thanks to the 1922 silent film “Nanook of the North.”
Nash	As in Nash Bridges, title character of the witty police procedural that ran through the early 2000s.
Ned	As in Ned Stark, patriarch of House Stark in “Game of Thrones.”
Nemo	Disney’s Nemo was a fish, but you might find that Nemo’s a perfect fit for your dog, too.
Ninja	For a stealthy dog, or one with all black fur, like the stereotypical ninja costume.
Norman	Golfers can name their pup after “The Great White Shark,” former world No. 1, Greg Norman.
Noah	Biblical character known for his ark.
Norm	As in Macdonald, comedian and “Saturday Night Live” mainstay, or Peterson, fictional barfly in “Cheers.”
Nova	Meaning “new star,” it’s perfect for the new pup who’s become the center of your universe.
Nugget	This word for a little lump would be beyond cute for a small-breed dog.

O
Oakley	A popular brand of shades.
Ocho	Spanish for “eight.”
Odie	Garfield’s canine nemesis in the classic cartoon.
Olaf	A snowman created by Elsa and Anna in “Frozen.”
Oliver	Common for both first and last names, Oliver has stood the test of time, from “Oliver Twist” to “Last Week Tonight with John Oliver.”
Omega	The last letter of the Greek alphabet.
Onyx	A popular stone that’s usually black.
Opie	As in Opie Taylor, son of Andy Griffith on the timeless “The Andy Griffith Show.”
Oreo	Black and white cookie that should be dunked in milk. A prime name for a black and white pup.
Oscar	As in The Grouch from “Sesame Street” and De La Hoya, the champion boxer.
Oso	Spanish for “bear.”
Otis	Meaning “son of Otto,” this was the name of the Pug in the film “The Adventures of Milo and Otis.”
Otto	The school bus driver in “The Simpsons.”
Outlaw	For the independent pup who obeys no laws (except the ones you enforce, hopefully).
Ozzy	Honoring Black Sabbath front man and reality TV star Ozzy Osbourne.

P
Pablo	Spanish for Paul and also meaning “small” or “humble.”
Paco	A nickname for Francisco. Paco the pooch just rolls right off the tongue, doesn’t it?
Paddy	This can mean a field where rice is grown, or a nickname for Patrick.
Padre	Spanish for “father.” Also, San Diego’s baseball team is the Padres.
Paisley	As in Brad Paisley, country crooner.
Panda	A furry, black and white creature—just like your new dog, perhaps.
Parker	As in Peter Parker, Spider-Man’s alter ego.
Paws	You can’t go wrong with a literal homage to one of your pup’s cutest parts.
Peanut	A little brown nut—a phrase that might also describe your dog!
Pebbles	A popular kid’s cereal that comes in cocoa or fruity flavors.
Pepe	A nickname for Jose.
Pete	Short for Peter, meaning “rock.”
Petey	Another nickname for Peter, this dog name is based on popular male dog Petey from “Little Rascals.”
Peyton	Retired NFL quarterback Peyton Manning won Super Bowls with the Indianapolis Colts and Denver Broncos.
Pharaoh	An ancient Egyptian ruler.
Phoenix	The capital of Arizona and also a mystical bird that rose from the ashes.
Pickles	It’s your favorite sandwich topping—why not also your favorite boy dog name?
Pippin	Famed musical that originally hit Broadway in 1972.
Pluto	The dwarf planet at the outer edge of our solar system.
Pokey	As in the classic children’s book “The Pokey Little Puppy.”
Polar	A big white bear.
Popeye	The classic cartoon character who gained strength from spinach.
Pooh	As in Winnie the Pooh, the cartoon bear who’s friends with Eeyore, Piglet and Rabbit.
Porkchop	A boy dog name to honor your favorite dinner.
Porky	Why not your pup after Porky Pig?
Porsche	German maker of high-performance vehicles.
Presley	Last name of Elvis, the King of Rock ‘n.
Pretzel	When used as a verb, meaning “to twist or contort.”
Prince	German maker of high-performance vehicles.
Puddles	Perfect for a pup who loves splashing in the rain.
Pudge	This word for fat might be perfect for a dog who’s, uh, big-boned.
Pugsley	The oldest Addams Family child, and a perfect name for—what else?—a Pug.

Q
Queso	Spanish for “cheese.”
Quincy	As in John Quincy Adams, the 6th president of the United States.

R
Radar	For the dog who’s excellent at tracking.
Ralph	Of English descent and meaning “famous wolf.”
Rambo	An action-packed film series starring Sylvester Stallone with five flicks to-date.
Rascal	Meaning “mischievous,” this will undoubtedly be a fit for many pups.
Rally	For the dog who will rally your spirits after a bad day.
Raven	A bird, an Edgar Allan Poe poem and Baltimore’s NFL team.
Rebel	For the dog who goes against the flow.
Red	The color of Mars, roses, bricks, and maybe your dog’s fur, too.
Reggie	Sports fans can name their dog after Reggie Miller (former Indiana Pacers shooting guard) or Reggie Jackson (baseball Hall of Famer).
Reese	After actress Witherspoon or your favorite chocolate peanut butter cups.
Reuben	A Hebrew-bred name. Also, a delicious sandwich with thousand island dressing and sauerkraut.
Rex	Of Latin origin meaning “king.”
Rhett	A Boston terrier and the mascot of Boston University.
Rhys	Got a perky pup? This stems from the Welsh and means “enthusiasm.”
Ricky	Short for Richard and several other names that end in -rick: Frederick, Patrick and more.
Rico	This means “rich” in Spanish.
Rigby	This is a common English surname, as in the Beatles’ song “Eleanor Rigby.”
Riley	This name means “courageous” and is of Irish descent.
Ripken	Honoring baseball’s “Iron Man” and longtime Baltimore Orioles star, Cal Ripken, Jr.
Rodrigo	This means “famous ruler” in Portuguese, wonderful for the four-legged ruler of your abode.
Roger	Dating back to the 14th Century, this name has belonged to tennis great Roger Federer, film critic Roger Ebert, and Pink Floyd rocker Roger Waters.
Rollo	The name of the Viking who first ruled Normandy in France.
Rowdy	A perfect description of your energetic pup when they let loose at the dog park.

S
Samuel	From Hebrew and English origin. With this name, your pup could also go by Sam or Sammy.
Scoop	If you’re a journalist, this is the perfect name for your dog. You’ll always have the Scoop!
Seven	A lucky number for a lucky new dog parent.
Shadow	For the loyal pup who follows you everywhere.
Smoky	For the dark-furred companion.
Snickers	A sweet, nutty candy bar name perfect for a sweet, nutty dog.
Stu	A one-syllable boy dog name that’s short for Stuart.

T
Tank	A name that brings to mind a tough, muscular breed.
Taz	As in the wild and ferocious “Looney Tunes” character, the Tasmanian Devil.
Teddy	Like a stuffed bear, you’ll just want to cuddle him.
Thunder	A powerful name that comes after lightning.
Tom	Of Hebrew descent and meaning “innocence.”
Tubby	A prime option for the short and slightly chunky little pup.
Tundra	A frozen environment, or a popular pick-up truck made by Toyota.

U
Urkel	Is your pup a little geeky? Name him after famous TV geek Steve Urkel.

V
Vegas	As in Las Vegas, “Sin City” and Nevada’s largest city

W
Wayne	As in “Wayne’s World,” the ’92 film starring Mike Myers and Dana Carvey.
Winston	Pay homage to Winston Churchill, the former prime minister of the United Kingdom.

X
X	A short, unique, totally badass boy dog name that marks the spot.

Z
Zane	If your girl dog were human, she’d be a free spirit with a loving heart and your most loyal companion.
Ziggy	“Ziggy Stardust” was a song by David Bowie and also his alter ego.

Phew, that’s a lot of boy dog names! If these dog names weren’t enough inspiration, check out our list of the best dog names, gender neutral dog names, and girl dog names. Good luck finding the perfect fit for your pup!

Attributions

Jesse Scott

Jesse Scott is a contributor for the Chewy blog. In addition to writing about anything and everything within the pet spectrum, he covers

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