Hella cool dog names
- Clay
Origin:
English word name; diminutive of ClaytonDescription:
Clay is a rich, earthy one-syllable name with a southern-inflected handsome-rogue image, featured on soap operas and reality TV. Its longer forms are Clayton and Clayborne.
- Ace
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"one, unity"Description:
No longer tied to the hapless Ace Ventura, this jaunty, high-flying nickname name is starting to take flight among celebrity and other parents, with its countless positive references to doing well in tests and poker games, on the tennis court and golf course, and in the air.
- Gus
Origin:
Diminutive of Augustus, Angus, Gustave, Augustin, Augusten, Augustine, AugustDescription:
Gus is a homey grandpa nickname name that can work as a short form for any of the above or stand on its own as a cutting-edge replacement for Max and Jake--though it was off the Top 1000 from 1978 until 2016, when it squeaked in at Number 999.
- Zuko
Origin:
XhosaMeaning:
"glory"Description:
No, this name is not an homage to Grease! Zuko is a Xhosa (Zulu) boys' name meaning glory. In a world of Zekes, Zaks and Zanes, Zuko could make a refreshing choice for parents looking for something short and snappy.
- Coco
Origin:
Spanish and French pet nameDescription:
Coco came to prominence as the nickname of the legendary French designer Chanel (born Gabrielle) and has lately become a starbaby favorite, initially chosen by Courteney Cox for her daughter Coco Riley in 2004. At first it was the kind of name that the press loves to ridicule, but we predict Coco's heading for more broad acceptance and even popularity.
- Mario
Origin:
Italian variation of Marius, form of mythological name MarsMeaning:
"warlike"Description:
Many may associate Mario with the popular platform game - unsurprising when it's the 5th best-selling video game worldwide, and was voted the 2nd best game ever by IGN in 2024. The titular plumber was apparently named after American businessman, Mario Segale, who rented a warehouse to Nintendo, and this in itself reflects that Mario is much more established than just a name for a video game character.
- Pharaoh
Origin:
Egyptian, LatinMeaning:
"ruler"Description:
Kaiser, Rex, Kingsley, and Prince have become increasingly popular in recent years and Pharaoh is one of the more unexpected members of this regal family of names. Used as the title of ancient Egyptian rulers, it was also given to more than 200 babies in 2019.
- Peaches
Origin:
English fruit nameDescription:
Unlike the other fruit names that are just coming onto the baby name menu, Peaches is an old-timey nickname previously reserved for spangled showgirls, and now would be considered an outrageous -- verging on hip -- choice. Or perhaps it was, until 2023, when it entered the UK Top 1000, not sounding too out of place beside other 2023 favorites, Honey, Blossom, Sage, Halo, and Dolly.
- Moon
Origin:
Word nameDescription:
The original oddball celebrity baby name, via Frank Zappa's daughter Moon Unit, who claims she's always liked it.
- Rogue
Origin:
English word nameMeaning:
"independent, uncontrolled"Description:
Now that names like Cannon and Gunner, fit for comic book heroes, are rising up, Rogue may fit right in.
- Mulligan
Origin:
IrishMeaning:
"descendent of the bald-headed"Description:
Less appealing than some other Irish surnames, such as Malone and Sullivan, unless used as a tribute to jazz musician Gerry. There could be some Mulligan stew teasing.
- Moose
Description:
Moose is an unconventional masculine name derived from the North American mammal. As a given name, it emerged from nickname usage, typically assigned to individuals with large, strong builds or gentle personalities reminiscent of the animal. The name carries associations of strength, imposing presence, and a connection to wilderness and nature. While extremely rare as a legal first name, it has occasionally appeared as a nickname for athletes and other public figures. The name reflects a contemporary trend toward bold, nature-inspired naming choices. Moose projects a masculine, rugged image while simultaneously conveying a certain playful, approachable quality. It remains outside mainstream naming statistics but may appeal to parents seeking distinctive, memorable names with strong character associations.
- Panda
Origin:
Animal nameMeaning:
"bamboo eater"Description:
Panda, welcome to the baby name menagerie! Panda is an adorable animal name (after an adorable animal) that is sure to be both very rare and very cute. In Skins there was a character called Panda, which was short for Pandora. The name Panda comes from the Nepali word ponya meaning "bamboo eater".
- Champ
Origin:
English word nameMeaning:
"champion"Description:
Though it sounds like a modern invention, Champ actually has a long history as a first name. It hit the Top 1000 several times just before and after the turn of the 20th Century.
- Bogart
Origin:
Dutch surnameMeaning:
"orchard"Description:
What it really means: you're a "Casablanca" fan.
- Sundae
Origin:
Word nameDescription:
I'm sure the parents of the six little girls named Sundae in the US last year were thinking, "well, if Nicole Kidman can use Sunday..." In this case, we think the day of the week spelling is preferable to the dessert spelling.
- Bogie
Description:
Bogie is an uncommon masculine name that likely developed as a nickname before occasionally being used as a given name. It may derive as a diminutive of surnames like Bogard or Bogardus, or from the Scottish word 'bogie' referring to a low cart or a goblin in folklore. Many people associate it with the nickname of legendary actor Humphrey Bogart, giving it a classic Hollywood connection and a certain cool, sophisticated aura. In golfing contexts, 'bogie' (or 'bogey') represents a score, adding sporting associations. While rare as a formal given name, Bogie has a playful, distinctive quality that stands out from conventional names while maintaining a friendly, approachable sound.
- Hades
Origin:
Greek mythological nameDescription:
The name of the god of death and the underworld in Greek mythology is definitely a dark and daring choice. The Roman version Pluto is more associated with the used-to-be planet or Mickey Mouse's side-kick dog.
- Nilla
Origin:
AfricanMeaning:
"glorious"Description:
Something slightly negative about that Nil beginning; more positive similar names would be Lilla or Willa, Lucilla or Priscilla. Nilla may also be a short form of the Scandinavian Gunilla.
- Marble
Description:
Marble is a feminine name derived from the English word for the smooth, hard stone known for its beauty and durability. As a given name, Marble is extremely rare, offering a distinctive choice with natural world connections. The name evokes qualities of strength, elegance, and timeless beauty—characteristics of the stone itself. Object-inspired names have gained some popularity in recent decades, though Marble remains on the unconventional edge of this trend. The name's uniqueness makes it stand out while still feeling familiar due to the common word it's derived from. Marble's short, two-syllable structure gives it a rhythmic quality that's easy to pronounce. This uncommon choice might appeal to parents seeking a name that symbolizes permanence and natural beauty while standing apart from traditional feminine naming conventions.