Picking the perfect name for your new furry friend can be challenging, but also exciting. You want a name that embodies the unique characteristics of your pup, and you want it to stand out amongst the thousands of other dog names out there.
We’ve come up with a list of 35 special dog names that are perfect for your new companion. Peruse these names, as well as their meanings, to find the name that best suits your dog.
Unique Dog Names That Will Make Your Pooch Stand Out
- Buck
If you’ve read The Call of the Wild or seen the 2020 movie by the same name, Buck will immediately strike you as a special name for an amazing pup. The word conveys a sense of adventure, as well as a bit of the wild.
- Eclipse
Eclipses are rare and memorable, which makes this a perfect name for a dog that is just as unique. Think this is a little too modern? The name has been used back as far as the 1820s for both people and animals!
- Casper
If you’ve got a white dog that’s both friendly and one-of-a-kind, why not name him after your favorite friendly ghost? Interesting fact: the name actually means “treasurer.”
- Titan
This Greek name, meaning “defender,” stirs up mental pictures of ancient immortal, powerful giants. If you’ve got a big pup who likes to protect his home, this name is spot-on.
- Darwin
Are you a lover of nature? Consider naming your pooch after one of the most famous biologists to ever live, Charles Darwin. Added bonus: this name actually means “dear friend.”
- Boo
This is an adorable nickname for a pup that’s as spunky as he/she is fun. Whether you’re referencing “Boo” Radley from To Kill a Mockingbird or the cute little girl from Monsters Inc., this name is too unique to pass up.
- Apollo
The Greek name Apollo has roots in so many interesting stories: myths from ancient Greece, the historic Apollo Theatre in Harlem, the NASA Apollo program. It’s a big name with lots of character.
- Goober
Goober is a downright silly name, but one that makes for a great pet title. It essentially refers to someone who is kindhearted, but obviously goofy – it’s a term of endearment.
- Taz
This name means “king” and has a unique, quirky ring to it. Ironically, it’s often used as a female name, but it can also be given to male pups.
- Tank
Whether you want to reference the military or simply want to dub a guard dog with a name that sounds fitting, Tank is a great name for the dog you trust to defend your home.
- Gus
Short for Augustus, the name Gus is a cute choice for a pup who will be your dedicated friend. It has its roots in Ireland and can stand on its own or as a nickname.
- Delta
This name, typically given to females, has a few hidden meanings. Not only can be viewed as a cute Southern name with a bit of charm, but also as a homage to the Greek alphabet.
- Forest
For both males and females, this is a name that conveys a sense of adventure and nature. It technically means “woodsman or woods,” but it can also reference an old French occupational name.
- Boomer
This Dutch name, meaning “gatekeeper,” is an excellent choice for the pup who always races to the door to find out what’s going on. It’s both cute and powerful and conveys a sense of athleticism.
- Barkley
Is this name too punny? We don’t think so! Make a fun play on the noises your pooch makes with a traditional name that has its roots in Scotland and England.
- Harvey
Meaning “battle worthy,” this French name is often used for strong, dependable creatures. Although it has experienced some negative connotations over the past few years, it’s still a powerful name.
- Elliot
Interestingly, this name can be used for both female and male dogs. It has several common spellings and has been popular ever since the 1980s when E.T. was released.
- Gatsby
We hardly need to explain why this name is cool – The Great Gatsby novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald speaks for itself. Want a nickname? Shorten this literary reference to something fun like Gatz.
- Flapjack
If your pup is warm, golden, and oh-so-sweet, this is the perfect name for them. Not only is it fun, but it’s also not very commonly used, so your pup won’t share its name with many others.
- King
This name has plenty of rich associations, from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to a classic sense of monarchy. It’s strong, classic, and powerful – especially when given to a larger dog.
- Lincoln
Whether you’re naming your pup after the famous president or something that sounds honest and strong, this name has become increasingly popular for humans. Why not use it for a trusty dog?
- Percy
Soft but traditional, the name Percy was originally very popular in England and France. Now, it’s a sweet choice for a male dog that always wants to stay by your side.
- Watson
Looking for a reliable sidekick? Why not name your dog after Sherlock Holme’s infallible companion? We think this name is facing a revival, so get ahead of the curve.
- Pongo
If you grew up watching Disney’s 101 Dalmatians, this name will immediately ring a bell. It’s a name that perfectly suits dogs of all shapes, sizes, and colors.
- Kovu
The name Kovu means “love and affection” in Western cultures. If your dog loves to cuddle and stay close, there’s really not a better name out there.
- Scout
Does your pup lead the way on hikes and trips? This name can be used for both female and male dogs and is wonderfully adventurous.
- Kenai
A Native American name, Kenai has geographical connections to the wild places in Alaska, including the Kenai Fjords National Park. If you’ve got a dog that likes to adventure and explore, this name might be a great fit.
- Lulu
This female name, meaning “pearl,” comes from Arabic origins, as well as English. It can also mean “famous warrior,” making it a wonderful name for a unique, strong female pup.
- Birch
Used for both males and females, this name comes from a type of tree. It’s solid, strong, and embodies the same sense of grace as the white-barked tree.
- Cricket
Looking for a name that matches your pooch’s small, fun size? Cricket is a great unisex name for miniature dogs who have a big personality.
- Trapper
Said to mean “strong and manly,” this name is very suitable for dependable male dogs. It’s often used by hunters who like to bond with their pups while sporting and tracking.
- Bandit
Got a sneaky little dog? This name conveys a sense of stealth and is cute for the little puppy that makes off with your heart.
- Samson
This name, meaning “sun,” has its roots in Hebrew texts. The biblical story of supernaturally strong Israelite of the same name has encouraged people to use the name for strong, big dogs.
- Rowan
Used for either female or male dogs, this name technically means “little redhead.” It comes from the name of a tree that bears red berries, making it a fun choice for nature lovers.
- Twyla
This old English name means “strength” and is usually used for female pooches. Although it sounds pretty and light, it conveys an underlying sense of dependability.
These Dog Names Will Help Your Pooch Stand Out
Picking the perfect name for your dog is easier when you think about the meaning, intention, and popularity of the names you’re evaluating. Choose something that really reflects your pup’s personality, not just another “Max” or “Fido.”
