6000+ Dog Names
- Thames
Origin:
Nature nameDescription:
Actress Jaime King gave her son Leo the middle name Thames, for the famous London river where she and her husband Kyle Newman were married. Thames is pronounced tehms, not necessarily common knowledge in the US. The etymology of the word Thames is uncertain, and may mean dark but more likely stems from an ancient word for river.
- Charleigh
Origin:
Variation of Charlie, English diminutive of Charlotte, French "free man"Meaning:
"free man"Description:
The popular -leigh suffix is clearly an attempt to feminize this traditionally boyish nickname — and it works. There were about 350 baby girls named Charleigh in the US last year — and zero baby boys.
- Figaro
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"barber"Description:
A literary name coined by the French playwright Pierre-Augustin Caron de Beaumarchais for the central character in his plays The Barber of Seville, The Marriage of Figaro and The Guilty Mother. It is thought that he based the name on his own nickname. In modern French, the word has come to mean "barber", due to the famous character's profession.
- Buford
Origin:
English variation of Beaufort, FrenchMeaning:
"beautiful fort"Description:
Buford has lost any charm it once had. Try Beauford instead.
- Tere
Description:
Tere is a feminine name with diverse origins across multiple cultures. In Spanish contexts, it often serves as a nickname for Teresa, meaning 'harvester' or 'to harvest.' In Estonian, Tere means 'hello' or 'greetings,' giving the name a friendly, welcoming association. It also appears in Filipino naming traditions. This short, two-syllable name embodies simplicity and warmth with its soft sounds. While never reaching widespread popularity in English-speaking countries, Tere maintains a steady presence in Spanish-speaking regions and parts of Europe. The name's cross-cultural nature makes it internationally accessible while remaining distinctive. With the growing appreciation for concise, meaningful names, Tere offers parents a choice that's both unpretentious and rich in cultural connections.
- Ena
Origin:
Diminutive of several namesDescription:
Baby names that started off as diminutives -- Ena, Ita, Etta -- seem too insubstantial for a modern female.
- Chief
Description:
Chief is a masculine English word name derived from the Old French 'chef', ultimately from Latin 'caput' meaning 'head'. As a name, Chief directly evokes leadership, authority, and responsibility. Unlike traditional given names, Chief falls into the category of title names that have occasionally been used as personal names. It remains very rare as a first name in most countries but may be found as a nickname for someone in a leadership position. The name carries strong connotations of respect and command. When used as a given name, it places expectations of leadership on the bearer. Chief saw minimal usage in the United States during the 20th century, primarily appearing in Native American contexts or as a nickname rather than an official given name.
- Malaya
Origin:
FilipinoMeaning:
"free"Description:
Deriving from the same East Asian root as Malaysia and Malay, Malaya is a name that recalls the more popular Maya and the name of 2014 Nobel Peace Laureate Malala Yousafzai. It first appeared in the US Top 1000 in 2006.
- Arvin
Origin:
GermanMeaning:
"friend of the people"Description:
This name's popularity peaked in the 1930s in the mid 600s - but we think it is time for a reconsideration. Arvin feels more modern than similar names like Marvin and Alvin. It also boasts a beautiful meaning and defies easy shortening (which is an asset to many parents who choose a name because they want it to be used!).
- Tarian
Origin:
WelshMeaning:
"shield"Description:
A distinctive name, originally male, that could be an updated tribute to Grandma Marian.
- Nyssa
Origin:
GreekMeaning:
"goal"Description:
A fairly common Greek name that would fit in well here.
- Rhythm
Origin:
Word nameDescription:
A musical name that is undeniably cool and, well, rhythmic. Its biggest challenge may be the spelling. Well, maybe not the biggest challenge. Save this one for a middle name.
- Vermont
Origin:
FrenchMeaning:
"green mountain"Description:
Place-name waiting to be discovered.
- Joie
Origin:
French variation of JoyDescription:
Pronounced as the English word joy, rather than as the French phrase joie de vivre, Joie might produce more complications than joy.
- Lapis
Origin:
PersianMeaning:
"azure blue stone"Description:
Out-of-the-ordinary gemstone name derived from lapis lazuli, which is said to enhance awareness and intellect, impart ancient wisdom and cure many ailments, making it an interesting possibility for a blue-eyed girl. Lazuli — or Azure or Blue — are other options.
- Emme
Origin:
Variation of Emmy, English diminutive of Emily and EmmaMeaning:
"work; universal"Description:
Introduced by model Emme (born Melissa) and now a legitimate member of the Em-starting girls' name group, especially since it was chosen by Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony for their twin daughter.
- Sookie
Origin:
Variation of Sukey, pet form of SusannaMeaning:
"lily"Description:
This spelling seems to be taking off as a result of media appearances as characters in first "Gilmore Girls" and then as Sookie Stackhouse, the Anna Paquin character in "True Blood," based on "The Southern Vampire Mysteries" series of books by Charlaine Harris.
- Hitch
Origin:
Diminutive of HitchcockDescription:
The charming Hitch played by Will Smith in the eponymous movie put this into the lexicon. Also known as the nickname of director Alfred Hitchcock and writer Christopher Hitchens, who titled his autobiography "Hitch."
- Lainie
Origin:
Diminutive of ElaineMeaning:
"bright shining one"Description:
Lainie is a nickname for Elaine that has been in the public eye via Lainie Kazan (that was her full given name), who was a popular singer in the 1960s and 1970s (she was Barbra Streisand's understudy in "Funny Girl"), and then became a motherly character actress. We still find Lainie a bit flimsy for a full first name.
- Halona
Origin:
Native AmericanMeaning:
"happy fortune"Description:
Resonant and unusual.
