Dog Names That Start With L

  1. Lupine
    • Origin:

      Flower name from Latin
    • Meaning:

      "pertaining to the wolf"
    • Description:

      Lupine (spelled Lupin outside of North America) is a flower related to sweetpeas. It was given its wolfish meaning because the plant was said to deplete the soil. Comedian Jenny Slate used it as a middle name for her daughter Ida in 2020.
  2. Loli
    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Dolores, Spanish
    • Meaning:

      "lady of sorrows"
    • Description:

      This Spanish nickname name — originally short for Dolores — has potential as a full form now that four letter names ending in I have taken off.
  3. Levana
    • Origin:

      Roman, Latin
    • Meaning:

      "to lift"
    • Description:

      Roman goddess of childbirth. Levana is one of the lesser-known ancient Roman goddess names and has a somewhat synthetic feel but authentic roots.
  4. Lysandra
    • Origin:

      Greek
    • Meaning:

      "liberator"
    • Description:

      This name is the feminization of mythological name Lysander, which is best known to English-speakers as a character in Shakespeare's comedy A Midsummer Night's Dream.
  5. Lainie
    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Elaine
    • Meaning:

      "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.
  6. Luann
    • Description:

      Luann is a feminine name that emerged as a combination of the names Lou and Ann, or as a variation of Luana. It gained notable popularity in the United States during the mid-20th century, particularly in the 1940s-1960s. The name has English origins, with 'Lu' possibly derived from Louise (meaning 'renowned warrior') or Lucia ('light'), while 'Ann' comes from Hannah, meaning 'grace.' Luann projects a friendly, approachable quality with its short, melodic sound. The name experienced a decline in usage from the 1970s onward but maintains cultural recognition through characters in popular media, including the long-running comic strip and animated series 'King of the Hill.'
  7. Londo
    • Origin:

      Invented name
    • Description:

      Could be an interesting alternative to London, now that that one is firmly on the girl's side.

      Londo Mollari is a character from the TV show Babylon 5.

  8. Lovelace
    • Origin:

      English surname
    • Meaning:

      "outlaw"
    • Description:

      The most famous bearer of this striking name is Ada Lovelace, the brilliant 19th-century writer, mathematician and early computer pioneer.
  9. Lyle
    • Origin:

      Scottish and English from French
    • Meaning:

      "someone who lives on an island"
    • Description:

      Though it's used far more often for boys, Lyle has a lot in common with today's trending girl names that share the double L sound: Lila, Layla, and Lola. With its cool island related meaning, derived from the Norman French l'isle, it has been appearing in the US stars for girls since at least the 1880s, given to a small number of girls most years.
  10. Lapis
    • Origin:

      Persian
    • Meaning:

      "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.
  11. Lulie
    • Origin:

      Short form of Lula or Louise, German and French
    • Meaning:

      "renowned warrior"
    • Description:

      One of the few Lu- names that you've probably never heard of, Lulie could prove a good alternative for Luna, Lucy, and Lula.
  12. Larue
    • Origin:

      French
    • Description:

      Translating literally to "the street, the road" in French, this name is typically stylized as LaRue. Familiar in the early 20th century. It has a touch of vintage charm.
  13. Lollie
    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Charlotte, Laura, Dolores, and similar
    • Meaning:

      "free man; laurel; lady of sorrows"
    • Description:

      A sweet and rare nickname for Charlotte. Lollie would also work as a short form of other names with a strong L sound, such as Laura, Lauren, Dolores, Lola, Lorelei, Louisa, Elodie, Lois, Ottilie, Olive, Ololade, and beyond. Also spelled as Lolly, it featured in the US Top 1000 back in the late 19th century, and when combined with its alternative spelling, more than 60 girls have received it as a stand-alone since the 2000s.
  14. Leya
    • Origin:

      Spanish; Hindi
    • Meaning:

      "the law; lion"
    • Description:

      Leya is a simple, attractive multicultural choice, but with some teasing peril. The "Star Wars" princess spelled her name Leia.
  15. Lucina
    • Origin:

      Roman
    • Meaning:

      "grove or light"
    • Description:

      Lucina, deriving from Latin lucus "grove" and also associated with lux "light", is an epithet given in Roman mythology to the goddess Juno (and sometimes also Diana) in her role as goddess of childbirth. A stately and unusual route to Lucy, more delicate than Lucinda.
  16. Liodor
    • Origin:

      Variation of Iliodor, Russian from Greek
    • Meaning:

      "gift of the sun"
    • Description:

      Liodor is the Leo and Theodore mash-up you didn't know you needed — with authentic Russian roots! It ultimately derives from the Greek name Heliodoros.
  17. Lonnie
    • Origin:

      Short form of Alonso or Alonzo, variations of Alphonso
    • Meaning:

      "noble, ready"
    • Description:

      Lonnie is one of those antiquated nicknames that is used much more often in the US than you might think, especially as a short form of Alonso or Alonzo, names always on the US Top 1000.
  18. Lucette
    • Origin:

      French diminutive of Lucy
    • Meaning:

      "little light"
    • Description:

      Popular in the 1930s in France, this is a diminutive of Lucy (or Lucie).
  19. Leofwine
    • Origin:

      Anglo-Saxon
    • Meaning:

      "beloved friend"
    • Description:

      An ancient name belonging to several medieval English clergymen, also spelt Leofwin or Leobwin.
  20. Lolly
    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Laura, Charlotte, Dolores, Ololade, or similar
    • Description:

      Lolly is a sweet and playful nickname, usually used for Laura or Charlotte, though other full names could be Dolores, Ololade, Lauren, Lorelei, Lorena, Elodie, Ottilie, Louella, Elora, Elowen, Olive and beyond. Also spelled as Lollie (which featured in the US Top 1000 in the late 19th century, Lolly is still occasionally given as a stand-alone name, with more than 50 girls receiving the name since the 2000s.

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