Dog Names That Start With P

  1. Puma
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "big cat"
    • Description:

      Lithe and leonine name chosen for her daughter by singer Erykah Badu -- whose other child has the number name Seven.
  2. Payson
    • Origin:

      English, meaning unknown
    • Description:

      Surname-sounding unisex cousin of Peyton is gaining in popularity, especially for girls.
  3. Piaf
    • Origin:

      French surname
    • Meaning:

      "sparrow"
    • Description:

      Possible musical tribute name to the waiflike, husky-voiced midcentury French singer who was given this last name because of her birdlike quality.
  4. Pegeen
    • Origin:

      Irish, diminutive of Mairead, Irish form of Margaret
    • Description:

      Infrequently used relic of the Maureen-Colleen-Kathleen era, though it does seem to have a bit more energy than the others.
  5. Pat
    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Patricia
    • Meaning:

      "noble, patrician"
    • Description:

      An early and still quintessentially gender-neutral name, now supplanted by thousands of fresher options. Hasn't been recorded as a given name since 1991.
  6. Pita
    • Description:

      Pita is a feminine name with diverse cultural origins. In Greek, it means 'rock' or 'stone,' symbolizing strength and stability. In Spanish-speaking countries, it often serves as a nickname for names like 'Guadalupe' or 'Piedad.' The name also exists in Polynesian cultures where it may have different meanings. While relatively uncommon as a given name in the United States and Europe, Pita enjoys modest usage in Hispanic communities and Pacific Island nations. The name's short, melodic quality gives it a gentle yet distinctive sound that crosses cultural boundaries. Its simplicity makes it easy to pronounce in multiple languages while maintaining its unique character.
  7. Patricio
    • Origin:

      Spanish variation of Patrick
    • Description:

      The final o in Patricio adds a bit of punch and pizzazz, though it also spins the name closer to the feminine Patricia.
  8. Pania
    • Origin:

      Maori, a mythological sea maiden
    • Description:

      Pania is a possible alternative to Tania, if you want to go the New Zealand rather than Russian route.
  9. Pecola
    • Origin:

      Literary name
    • Description:

      Name of the winning young heroine of Toni Morrison's first novel, The Bluest Eye.
  10. Pumpkin
    • Origin:

      English word name
    • Meaning:

      "pumpkin"
    • Description:

      A pet name, literally and figuratively. The word pumpkin is derived from the Greek pepōn, meaning large melon."
  11. Paciano
    • Origin:

      Spanish from Latin
    • Meaning:

      "peaceful"
    • Description:

      Paciano is an appealing twist on all the newly fashionable names that suggest peace.
  12. Praxis
    • Origin:

      Greek
    • Meaning:

      "practical"
    • Description:

      In mythology, another name for Aphrodite -- but the rare feminine name that sounds better for a boy.
  13. Philbert
    • Origin:

      French from Greek, "dear, beloved"
    • Meaning:

      "dear, beloved"
    • Description:

      Varying Filbert does not improve the name: it still makes one think of a nut.
  14. Paityn
    • Origin:

      Spelling variation of Payton
    • Description:

      Payton and Peyton are both very popular names for girls as well as boys, but Paityn is a spelling variations used almost exclusively for girls.
  15. Painter
    • Origin:

      Occupational name
    • Description:

      Painter is among the most creative choices in this very fashionable category of names, with a particularly pleasant sound. Whereas most occupational names conjure up physical labor, this one feels like a gateway to the arts.
  16. Pedra
    • Origin:

      Spanish
    • Meaning:

      "rock"
    • Description:

      Pedra has never caught on with anything like the popularity of its male counterpart, Pedro. The Greek Petra sounds a lot cleaner and more refined.
  17. Patches
    • Origin:

      English word name
    • Description:

      Most likely to be borne by a spotted cat or dog.
  18. Picasso
    • Origin:

      Spanish artist name
    • Description:

      A worthy honoree that would place a too-heavy expectation on a child, probably subjecting him to ridicule. Try Pablo instead.
  19. Pal
    • Description:

      Pal is a masculine name with multiple cultural origins. In Hungarian, it's equivalent to Paul, derived from Latin 'Paulus' meaning 'small' or 'humble.' In South Asian cultures, particularly India, Pal means 'protector' or 'caretaker.' The name also functions as a nickname for Paul or similar names in many Western countries. Short and straightforward, Pal is instantly recognizable and easy to pronounce across languages. While not currently ranking among popular baby names in most Western countries, it maintains steady usage in Hungary and parts of South Asia. The word's friendly associations in English (as in 'friend' or 'buddy') gives the name a warm, approachable quality. Its multicultural nature makes it appealing for families seeking a simple name with international versatility.
  20. Pacific
    • Origin:

      Ocean name; from Latin
    • Meaning:

      "tranquil"
    • Description:

      Pacific is an adventurous kind of place-name, with the added bonus of the association with peace.