Dog Names That Start With S
- Shade
Origin:
English word nameDescription:
Nice sound, but double meaning -- shady glen or shady character.
- Starling
Origin:
Bird nameDescription:
Unusual choice that was the original name of children's illustrator Tasha Tudor, but is an interesting elaboration of Star, taking it into avian territory.
- Sybille
Description:
Sybille is a feminine name of Greek origin, representing a French and German variation of Sibyl. In ancient Greece, sibyls were women believed to possess prophetic powers and served as oracles. The name carries connotations of wisdom, foresight, and mysterious knowledge. This continental European spelling gives the name an elegant, sophisticated quality compared to the more anglicized Sibyl or Sybil. Popular in French-speaking regions and Germany, Sybille combines ancient mystique with refined European charm. The name experienced modest popularity throughout the 20th century but remains relatively uncommon in English-speaking countries, making it an intriguing choice for parents seeking a name with classical roots and international appeal.
- Swift
Origin:
English, IrishMeaning:
"quick, windblown"Description:
Surname with strong ties to singer Taylor Swift and writer Jonathan Swift. It could make a fun and quirky middle name.
- Solari
Origin:
Italian surnameMeaning:
"land exposed to the sun"Description:
Sunny Italian surname name for a little girl. Solari was the name of a character on Xena: Warrior Princess.
- Seraph
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"the burning one"Description:
A seraph is a heavenly, angelic being from Ancient Jewish scripture. The Hebrew word literally translates to "the burning one." It can also be considered a diminutive of the name Seraphim.
- Scarlette
Origin:
Spelling variation of ScarlettMeaning:
"brilliant red"Description:
Although we think Scarlett is plenty feminine enough without the girly -ette suffix, this variation entered the US Top 1000 in 2011, where it remained for more than a decade. In 2023, it dropped off the list, however, it was still given to 240 girls that same year.
The traditional Scarlett is used 26 times more often its more elaborate counterpart, but Scarlette could could have the plus side of drawing people's eyes away from the "Scar" syllable and onto the second part of the name. For anyone hoping to use nickname Lettie, Ettie, or Etta - or plan to use it to honor a Charlotte - this form could be more appealing.
- Sherlock
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"fair-haired"Description:
If ever there was a one-person name, it's probably Sherlock. But Sherlock Holmes the character has arguably never been hotter: he's been played by Robert Downey Jr., Ian McKellen, Jonny Lee Miller and, most memorably, Benedict Cumberbatch, in various film and TV adaptations over the last few years. So you never know.
- Sherwood
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"bright forest"Description:
Unfashionable surname, best left in the forest with Robin Hood and his Merry Men.
- Shep
Origin:
Diminutive of ShepherdDescription:
Three Stooges name (he's the one who wasn't Moe or Curly).
- Shoshana
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"lily"Description:
This is a rare and lovely form of Susannah commonly heard in Israel. Shoshana Shapiro — nicknamed Shosh — is the character played by Zosia Mamet on the hit HBO series Girls — a fact that could give the name an upward thrust.
- Sheba
Origin:
Hebrew, short variation of BathshebaMeaning:
"daughter of an oath"Description:
This biblical place-name for the region now known as Yemen started to feel fresh again as the name of the heroine of Zoe Heller's Notes on a Scandal, played on screen by Cate Blanchett.
- Sundance
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"sun dance"Description:
Long synonymous with the American outlaw Harry Longabaugh, aka The Sundance Kid, who got his nickname from the town of Sundance, Wyoming, where he was incarcerated as a teenager. The place name Sundance was taken from the sun dance ceremony practiced by local Native American tribes.
- Soutine
Origin:
French artist nameDescription:
Creative choice relating to the Lithuanian-born expressionist painter known for his bold, vibrantly colored canvases.
- Shakespeare
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"brandish spear"Description:
This name will forever be associated with the Bard and would likely prove hard to live up to. It might be cool for a pet though.
- Sini
Origin:
Finnish or SanskritMeaning:
"blue; white, fair"Description:
A color name in two languages. As a Finnish word name, Sini is a fancy way to say "blue". In India, it means "white" or "fair".
- Sakina
Origin:
Arabic,, HebrewMeaning:
"peace, tranquility"Description:
Sparky and bright but with a serene meaning, Sakina is a multicultural choice, quietly on the rise in the US. Derived from the Arabic Sakun or the Hebrew shekinah, it means "peace, tranquility" and is associated with the sense of serenity, or the reassuring peace that can settle upon an enlightened person, particularly within Islamic tradition.
- Shadow
Description:
Shadow as a masculine name falls into the category of modern word names, drawing from the natural phenomenon rather than traditional naming conventions. This unconventional choice emerged primarily in English-speaking countries during the late 20th century, reflecting growing interests in distinctive, nature-inspired naming. The name evokes imagery of mystery, protection, and constant companionship. As a given name, Shadow remains quite rare, appealing to parents seeking something dramatically unique with a touch of intrigue or gothic sensibility. The name carries associations with depth, complexity, and a certain enigmatic quality. While uncommon in official records, Shadow occasionally appears as a nickname or middle name, particularly in communities embracing alternative naming traditions.
- Sappho
Origin:
Ancient GreekMeaning:
"sapphire"Description:
Name of the 7th century BC Greek lyric poet born on the island of Lesbos, whose name has been synonymous with lesbian love. Though this name is rarely used today, it certainly could be and, some might say, SHOULD be revived.
- Sindri
Origin:
Old NorseMeaning:
"sparkling; someone who sprays sparks"Description:
This sparkling name from Norse Mythology is borne by the blacksmith dwarf, who, along with his brother Brokkr, forged Thor's hammer Mjǫllnir and Odin's golden ring, Draupnir. Also known as Eitri in mythology, his name means "sparkling" or "someone who sprays sparks", likely in reference to his work with metal.