Red Dog Names

Carnelian is an ochre-colored semi-precious gemstone, named after a type of cherry. 

Carnelian

The color red was considered to have magical properties in early Japanese culture, with the power to cure blood and other illnesses.
Pronounced ah-kah-ko.

Akako

A sweet and rare spice name, which made its first and only appearance on the US baby name charts in 1969 — the year Neil Young's song "Cinnamon Girl" was released.

Cinnamon

This soundalike for the famous volcano, Mount Etna, is a fiery Irish choice that could be perfect for a red-haired baby girl.

Aithne

More unusual than Dakota or Austin, Colorado conjures images of majestic mountains and windswept wilderness. Some will prefer the more preppy Aspen, but Colorado feels like the true explorer.

Colorado

A handsome and rare Hebrew name related to Adam — it was given to fewer than five American babies in the United States in 2021.

Admon

Vermillion is an extremely rare feminine name derived from the vibrant red-orange pigment of the same name. The word ultimately comes from Latin 'vermiculum,' meaning 'little worm,' referring to the tiny insects (kermes) from which this crimson dye was originally made. As a given name, Vermillion falls into the category of color names, alongside more common choices like Scarlet or Ruby. However, Vermillion remains exceptionally uncommon, making it a truly distinctive choice. The name carries strong associations with creativity, boldness, and visual arts due to the pigment's historical importance in painting. Its four syllables and melodic quality give it a flowing, elaborate sound that contrasts with shorter color names, offering parents a dramatic and artistic choice that's virtually guaranteed to be unique.

Vermillion

With the fashions for tree names, place names, and nickname names, Derry is a three-way winner. 

The unusual Irish Derry was given to zero babies of either gender in the US last year, but it's a merry choice that deserves more attention.

Derry

Sorrel is a gentle, amber-hued herbal and autumnal name that's used most often to describe the color of a horse. Sorrell is a variant spelling. Both make excellent <a href="https://nameberry.com/list/351/names-for-autumn-babies">names for autumn babies</a> and can be used for either gender.

Sorrel

Elmo, like fellow Sesame Street characters Kermit and Grover, has a hard time being taken seriously. (It isn't easy being red either.)
 But Elmo also calls to mind the image of St. Elmo's fire--the light show sometimes visible around ships' masts during storms at sea, which is quite appropriate since Saint Elmo (another name for Erasmus) is the patron saint of sailors. St. Elmo's Fire was also the title of a classic Brat Pack film of the 1980s.
 There were a lot more Elmos around a century ago, when Elmo was in the top third of the popularity list.

Elmo

There are many fire-related names, from Aidan to Fiammetta, but the Flame isn't one that's often found on birth certificates. It's a highly symbolic word: flames can represent faith, passion and cleansing, for example, as well as straightforward heat and light.

Flame

Flanagan is an elabortion of Flann, and cousin of Flynn and Finn: a member of the family of  colorful Irish red-headed names. This one is lively and undiscovered.

Flanagan

Friendly, cheerful Irish name that originated as a nickname for a redhead. Potential problem: reminiscent of the Spanish custard. 

Flann

Flanna is an uncommon name for a red-haired girl, not as familiar -- or some would say, as pretty -- as its nickname, Flannery. 

Flanna

Flann variation that's most familiar as the name of writer Flannery O'Connor. It derives from the Irish surname Ó Flannghaile, meaning "descendant of Flannghal".

Flannery

An Italian surname — a variant of Rossi — meaning "red", hence a red-headed person. Russo is punchy and full of gusto, and very rare as a first name. It debuted on the US charts for boys in 2019.

Russo

Russet has a lot of potential. It's a rustic word name, associated with homespun cloth, apples, and an earthy shade of reddish-brown. At the same time, it's similar enough to the likes of Russell, Ross, Bennet and Emmett that it doesn't sound too out of place. Surprisingly, however, it has never featured in the US charts — perhaps held back by its link to potatoes?

Russet

Most closely associated with Australia's iconic progressive Prime Minister, Gough Whitlam, this name is a great choice for politicos or parents wanting to honor their Welsh heritage in naming a red-haired son.

Gough

Ancient martyr name that sounds totally modern, but perhaps too close to rumor. 

Rumo

A rare alternative to Roman or Ruben, with a sweet meaning for a rosy-cheeked baby boy.

Rumen

Red dog names take inspiration from a wide range of red characters, foods, and things found in nature. Other red names are traditionally given to red-haired babies — but would be just as darling on a red-furred pup.

 include familiar choices like Scarlett, Rory, and Poppy, as well as unique names like Aithne, Hestia, and Roisin. Some more offbeat word names include Apple, Kindle, and Crimson.

 include nature names as well, from fierce choices like Fox and Blaze to the more gentle Jasper and Rowan. Some fun red character names include the obvious choice — Clifford — as well as others like Elmo and Mario. Other 

Names for red female, male, girl, and boy dogs and puppies, such as Poppy, Jasper, Rufus, and Elmo, with meaning, origin, and popularity (Page 6)