Unique Dog Names: 100+ Uncommon Pup Names for Girl and Boy Dogs

Most Unique Dog Names Inspired By…

You have adopted a new puppy, but have trouble selecting the perfect name for them? Are you looking for a name that perfectly reflects your dog’s personality and the way they look? Are you searching for something uncommon but short and catchy? If so, we’re here to help! We have prepared an extended list of unusual dog names together with a short handbook on what to take into consideration while picking names for dogs.

What to Take Into Consideration While Picking a Name for Your Puppy

There are no limitations when it comes to the choice of a name for your new pet. However, there are several rules that you should follow, if you want to make life easier for you and your buddy.

Keep It Short and Simple

Although dogs are able to recognize words that we say, they usually have trouble understanding long phrases. Keeping your dog’s name short will allow them to easily learn and remember it. It is always convenient in case you need to call them.

Go for a Unique Dog Name

Many dog owners choose popular dog names for their pets. In fact, this can turn out to be problematic. Imagine that you take your pooch to a dog playground and want to call them. You scream their name and all of a sudden several dogs come closer because they all share the same name.

Don’t Choose Words With Double Meaning

When you pick a name for your furry buddy, avoid words that have double meanings, or resemble commonly used words. Your dog may be confused when you use their name all the time in other contexts than calling them.

Adjust It to Your Pet

If you are looking for an unusual name for your dog, focus on your pet’s traits and try to make use of them. Examples? If you have a tiny dog, you can call them Baby, and if they’re big, why don’t you call them Tank?

Be Serious

You will use your dog’s name in a variety of places, so keep in mind that it should be appropriate. Avoid names that may be insulting, ambiguous, or can embarrass people around you. Of course, a name for a dog can be hilarious, but be careful not to cross the line.

Cool Dog Names for Male Puppies

If you have a male puppy, check out some of our unique name ideas for boy dogs:

• Amadeus – for a musical pup;
• Astro – for a little explorer;
• Castaway – for a rescue dog;
• Gizmo – for an adorable, tech-savvy pup;
• Homer – for a loyal pooch;
• Falafel – for a foodie pup;
• Pablo – for an artistic pooch;
• Franklin – for a fun-loving pup;
• Mario – for an outgoing pup;
• Carlito – for a cool pup;
• Gonzo – for a brave pup.

Unique Female Dog Names

Looking for a cute dog name for a female puppy? Choose one of the following:

• Flora – for a pup with a flowery personality;
• Destiny – for an adopted pup;
• Sally – for a sweet pup;
• Jasmine – for an exotic pup;
• Pebbles – for a tiny and cute pup;
• Nyla – for a pup that loves the night;
• Velvet – for a soft-tempered pup;
• Cleopatra – for an exotic-looking pup;
• Mimosa – for a bubbly pup;
• Echo – for a pup that loves to bark;
• Pia – for a pup with an old soul;
• Sakara – for a pup that loves the sun.

House-Inspired Female and Male Dog Names

If you don’t know how to name your dog, look around to find your inspiration. It can be anything that you like – your favorite fruit or veggie, the title of the book that lies on your bedside table, or the brand of your favorite cosmetics. All names that are short (preferably no more than 3 syllables) and will work.

Discover some of our ideas and get a sense of where to find your inspiration:

• Mustard – for an energetic pup;
• Pepper – for a spicy pup;
• Matcha – for a pup that loves green tea;
• Twix – for a pup that loves candy;
• Granola – for a healthy, foodie pup;
• Kale – for an eco-conscious pup;
• Nutella – for a pup with a sweet tooth;
• Armani – for a pup that loves fashion;
• Olive – for a pup with an old soul;
• Marzipan – for a pup that is as sweet as candy;
• Peaches – for a pup with a sunny disposition;
• Lobster – for a playful pup.

Here you will find more food-inspired names for dogs!

Uncommon Names for Pups Inspired by Geography

Do you like traveling and sightseeing? If so, why don’t you name your dog after one of the places that you desperately want to visit, or you have already seen and won your heart? This way, your dog’s name will mean something to you and bring a smile to your face whenever you call them. Check our short idea list for inspiration:

• Cairo – for an exotic pup;
• Eden – for a pup that loves nature;
• Córdoba – for a pup that loves adventures;
• Fiji – for a pup that loves the sea;
• Harlem – for a pup with swag;
• Vegas – for a pup with a wild side;
• Mumbai – for an outgoing pup;
• Verona – for a pup with an old soul;
• Seville – for an elegant pup;
• Odessa – for a pup that loves long walks;
• Savannah – for a pup that loves long naps;
• Catalina – for a pup that loves the sun;
• Laredo – for a pup that loves exploring;
• Rio – for a pup that loves to dance.

Having fun? You should also check the best nature dog names out there!

Our Reader’s Story

As a proud pet parent, I wanted to find a unique name for my new puppy that was special and meaningful. After much research, I found the perfect name for my pup: Apollo. The name was inspired by the Greek God of the sun and light, which reminded me of the joy and warmth that my pup brought into my life. 

Human Names for Girl Dogs

Baby names are not exclusively for people. Our pets can also have them. Have you ever considered giving your adorable pooch a human name? If you have a strong bond with your new best friend and treat them like a family member, why do you have to restrict yourself to giving them a meaningless pet name?

Instead, you can choose an actual name for humans. This can be the name of a film star, a protagonist of the book that you are currently reading, or just a name that you like. Here are some great dog names for female pups:

• Aaliyah – for a Labrador Retriever;
• Bianca – for a Maltese;
• Cecilia – for a Poodle;
• Annabelle – for a Shih Tzu;
• Jasmine – for a Beagle;
• Felicity – for an Australian Shepherd;
• Caroline – for a Yorkie;
• Aurora – for a Siberian Husky;
• Penelope – for a Corgi;
• Hailey – for a Chihuahua;
• Gisele – for a Pomeranian;
• Sienna – for a Bulldog;
• Olivia – for a Terrier;
• Josephine – for an Alaskan Malamute;
• Ruby – for a Bichon Frisé.

Baby Boy Names That Suit Your Dog

If your new dog is a boy, you can also find their name among those for humans. Just like in the case of female names, you can find your inspiration wherever you want. Perhaps you will name your pooch after your favorite actor or a writer? It is up to you to decide! Find a name for your pooch:

• Nate – for a Labrador Retriever;
• Alonzo – for a Maltese;
• Otto – for a Poodle;
• Maxwell – for a Shih Tzu;
• Harry – for a Beagle;
• Evan – for an Australian Shepherd;
• Flynn – for a Yorkie;
• Liam – for a Siberian Husky;
• Aiden – for a Corgi;
• Oliver – for a Chihuahua;
• Theo – for a Pomeranian;
• Isaac – for a Bulldog;
• Mason – for a Terrier;
• Zachary – for an Alaskan Malamute;
• Leo – for a Bichon Frisé.

The Most Unique Dog Names: Puns, Pop Culture, and More!

Are you looking for something creative? Do you want your pooch to stand out of the pack with their unique name? Then you should definitely check out these puns and pop culture inspirations:

• Snickerdoodle – for a pup with a sweet and silly personality;
• Furiosa – for a brave and determined pup;
• Pawdrey Hepburn – the perfect name for a classy and sophisticated pup;
• Jurassic Bark – a great name for an adventurous pup;
• Pawcasso – for an artistically-inclined pup;
• Barkenstein – for a pup with monster potential;
• Sherlock Bones – for an inquisitive and clever pup;
• Hairy Pawter – perfect for a magical and mischievous pup;
• Scooby Snacks – an adorable name for a pup with a voracious appetite;
• Waldo – the perfect name for a pup who loves to explore;
• Tater Tot – a funny yet sweet name for a pup who loves to play;
• Spock – the perfect name for an intelligent and inquisitive pup.

We hope that our tips and moniker proposals will make it easier for you to choose the name for your new furry friend. Keep in mind that you don’t have to look far to come up with an uncommon dog name, and anything that you like can inspire you. If you are still unclear on what name to select for your truly unique pup, carefully study our name lists and go for one of the monikers that we suggested. Have fun while picking the perfect name!

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are Some Unique Dog Names?

Some unique dog names for female pups include Flora, Destiny, Jasmine, Velvet, Cleopatra, Mimosa, and Echo. For male puppies, some uncommon names are Amadeus, Astro, Castaway, Gizmo, Homer, Falafel, Pablo, Franklin and Mario.

What Is the Most Rare Dog Name?

The most rare dog name is likely one that has been made up or is unique to your pup. Some popular unique dog names include Koa, Zuri, Bodhi, and Nala.

What Is a Badass Name for a Dog?

Badass dog names can be inspired by characters from movies, books, or pop culture. Some ideas include Maximus, Thor, Luna, and Rogue.

What Is the #1 Dog Name?

The #1 dog name in the US is Bella. Other popular dog names include Max, Charlie, Lucy, and Daisy.

What Is a Cute Puppy Name?

Cute puppy names often reflect the personality of the pup. Some examples include Coco, Teddy, Milo, and Peanut.

Lucas Taylor

Lucas Taylor is a veterinary assistant, freelance journalist and single dad who lives in the suburbs with his three pups: Ruby, Nala, and Woody. He has one cat named Pepper. When he’s not writing articles or working at the vet clinic, Lucas loves cooking French cuisine for himself and friends at home. One of Lucas’ favorite things to do is paddleboard with his son Noah and their canine companions. Pepper is the homebody of the bunch – she loves chilling on the couch.