Popular Male Dog Names
When it comes to choosing a name for your male dog, there are so many great options out there. From the classic, traditional names to modern and unique ones, there are many to choose from.
In this article, we will be exploring some of the most popular male dog names with meanings. From Irish names to meaningful names, we have it all!
Let’s take a look at some of the top picks for 2020:
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1. Charlie
Coming from the Old English name Cearra, Charlie has become a popular name for male dogs throughout the world. The name’s meaning remains derived from the ancient Anglo-Saxon word which means “free man”.
A free and noble spirit is often associated with as owners give this name to affectionate, playful and energetic pups. It is also commonly used as a nickname for pets with names such as Charles, Carlos or Charlotte in combination with it.
Since its rise to fame in England in the Middle Ages, Charlie has steadily climbed up the popularity charts and has even been immortalized by Charles Dickens in his novel “The Pickwick Papers“.
Its easy pronunciation and strong meaning have resulted in it becoming an easily recognizable and trusted dog name.
2. Max
Max is a popular male dog name with a Greek meaning of “greatest.” It is also associated with power and dominance. This moniker for pooches became especially popular after the release of the animation movie “The Secret Life Of Pets” in 2016.
Max, a white terrier mix, found friendship and adventures with his little friend Duke, which resulted in them embarking on an exciting journey across New York City. The heroic qualities radiating from this role made this name top the list of most popular names for male dogs.
3. Buddy
The name “Buddy” is the perfect choice for your new pup. It is both timeless and playful, and it conveys the idea that your pet is more than just a pet. He is a friend, companion, confidante, and buddy!
Other popular male dog names include Fido (“faithful one”), Spot (“dogspot”), Rex (“king” in Latin”), Duke (“leader”), Jack (“God’s grace”), Rocky (“restless of spirit”), Bowser (“protective castle guard” in German”), Tucker (“cloth fuller” in Old English”), Max (meaning “the greatest”), Charlie (meaning “manly”) and Duke (Latin for “leader”).
No matter what you decide to call your male dog, the name should reflect your pup’s personality as well as yours. Above all else, a good male dog name should be easy to say and remember. With so many possibilities out there, you’re sure to find one that’s just right for him!
4. Rocky
Rocky is a popular male dog name that has been used for decades. It can be derived from two languages, Greek and English. In Greek, it is derived from “Rokkos” or “Rokkos“, meaning strong or rugged mountain. In English, it comes from “rock” and signifies someone who is strong and unbreakable.
This might be the perfect choice for a determined pup that has an indomitable spirit of determination and the strength to carry on through any challenge. Some other variations include Rocco, Rocko, Rocky-Boy, Rocket, Marky-Rocky, Rockett, Roque and Rocki.
Unique Male Dog Names
Finding unique and creative male dog names can be tough. Sometimes you may want your pup to have a meaningful name that reflects special qualities.
Here we have compiled a list of meaningful, funny and unusual male dog names for you to choose from. Whether you want your pup to have a classic name or something trendy, you will find it here.
So let’s get started!
1. Ace
Ace is an excellent choice if you are looking for a unique name for your male dog. The name comes from the English surname, which is derived from the medieval given names Ace or Ays. It has Latin origins and means “one who excels“.
It can also mean “noble strength” or “unity“. In short, it’s a great choice for a strong dog that loves to make his owners proud.
Other variations of this popular male dog name include Aces, Acie, Acen, and Acey.
2. Apollo
Apollo is a unique option for any dog owner looking for a male pup name with strong symbolic meaning. In Greek mythology, Apollo was the god of music, poetry and healing. He was the son of Zeus and Leto who drove the sun-chariot across the sky each day and adorned himself with laurel wreaths to symbolize victory and honor.
These majestic qualities make Apollo an excellent pick for a brave, kindhearted pet that loves to show its loyalty.
This powerful moniker is sure to make your pup stand out from the crowd!
3. Bentley
Bentley is a popular name for male pups, as it calls to mind strength and style. The name Bentley carries a certain sophistication and is growing in popularity for its high-class association. It comes from Anglo-Saxon origins and its name roughly translates to “clearing in the meadow”.
It has earned the top spot on many boy dog names lists due to its charming sound and can be used as a nickname or full name.
Bentley can also make a great middle name when combined with strong, classic titles like Rover or Prince. This unique male dog name will instantly add dignity and distinction to your four-legged friend.
4. Cooper
Cooper is a name of English origin meaning “barrel maker“. Though originally intended as a surname, it has grown in popularity as a first name.
Cooper is an excellent choice for a male pet because it embodies the strong characteristics of its namesake while still being gentle and kind. Plus, it’s one letter away from being ‘cute’!
Cooper can be shortened to “Coop” or used as part of a longer nickname like Coopinator or Coopy-dog. Give your pup an expanded sense of identity with this classic name!
Male Dog Names With Meaning
Naming your pup can be both an enjoyable and a challenging task. If you are looking for a name that has some significance and meaning, there are plenty of quality male dog names to choose from.
Whether you’re looking for something traditional, powerful, or funny, picking a great name for your new pet can be a fun and exciting experience.
Let’s dive in and explore some of the most meaningful male dog names around:
1. Ace (meaning: One Who Excels)
Ace is a great option for a name if you are looking for something that conveys your pup’s special status, as this name has the underlying meaning “one who excels.” It is also commonly used to refer to exemplary performance, making it an ideal fit for an animal who has a positive influence in its home and community.
Ace is also simple enough to be used as just one word or broken into two words (Acey or Acy). Additionally, Ace can be shortened into other cute nicknames such as Acy or Acey.
If you like the sound of Ace but would prefer another spelling, consider taking a look at what else might resonate such as Asa or Asce.
2. Apollo (meaning: Strong and Powerful)
Apollo is a strong and powerful name with Latin roots, perfect for a strong and mighty pup. From ancient Greece, Apollo was associated with music, light, intellectual pursuits and knowledge – all admirable characteristics you would want in your loyal companion.
As the mythological god of prophecy and healing, he was also known to be wise but hot-headed at times.
A great name for a strong but sensitive pup.
Other popular names understood to represent strength include:
- Hunter (meaning: one who hunts)
- Max (meaning: greatest or mightiest)
- Maverick (meaning: independent in thought or action)
- Tucker (meaning: fabric weaver)
There are hundreds of dog names that have special meanings that symbolize strength; you’ll need to do some research to find one that really resonates with you.
3. Bentley (meaning: Meadow With Coarse Grass)
Bentley is an ideal moniker for your furry four-legged friend! The name Bentley originates from the Old English language and means “meadow with coarse grass”. This name is usually associated with British luxury car brands, but the meaning of this name stands on its own.
Other male dog names with meaning based on the same language consists of Brody (meaning muddy place), Baxter (meaning baker or father’s helper), Bennet (meaning blessed), Bruce (meaning thick brush or woods), and Barnaby (meaning son of comfort).
These names all evoke an appreciation for one’s environment and history. They also give your pup a unique identity that you can be proud to share with friends and family.
Perhaps Bentley best suits your pup’s personality – flashy, energetic, and always ready to explore. Unbeknownst to many, there are numerous other options available where male dog names with meaning are concerned!
Such as:
- Bradley (consisting of two parts – broad meadow and meadow land)
- Beckett (signifying a small stream or river)
- Angus (the Scottish form of Aonghas, which means one strength)
- Baker (an occupational name for a bread maker).
So, no matter what type of atmosphere you desire for your pup’s name – whether modern-day urbanite or vintage classical – there will be something special just for him!
4. Cooper (meaning: Barrel Maker)
Cooper is a classic male dog name with the meaning of “barrel maker”. The root of the name Cooper comes from the old French word copeor, which means “cask” or “barrel”.
Cooper is also used as a first name in English speaking countries. It’s been used as a surname in England since at least the year 1150. Today, it’s considered to be one of the more popular first names for boys in the U.S.
This name would be perfect for a strong-willed and hardworking canine companion! If your pup loves to carry things or feels like he has an important job to do, then this could be an ideal choice for a name that speaks to his character and personality.
Not only does this name have strength, but it also brings with it feelings of loyalty, dedication and reliability—all traits that suit most committed canine owners!
Unusual Male Dog Names
Are you looking for a unique name for your male pup? Unusual male dog names can be a great way to set your pup apart and express his uniqueness. These names can also have a symbolic meaning and represent the personality of your pup.
Let’s have a look at some of the more unusual male dog names with meaning:
1. Arrow
Arrow is a perfect name for an especially speedy pup that loves running and playing. It has multiple meanings, from weaponry and direction to speediness, focus and swiftness. It could also be used to describe an especially sharp-witted or focused dog.
Arrow is a great independent choice that your pup will love to have called out while getting exercise, playing or just around the house.
The character Arrow comes from Greek mythology, in which he was the son of Hercules and Aibo, a society Goddess – another ode to strength, speed and wit when combined with the original Greek meaning of “the swift one.” The term arrow is often equated with intelligence, thanks both to its ability to be directed toward its purpose in life without fail and the sharply focused aim it requires.
For a loyal pup that loves adventure or even just a solitary activity such as chasing after squirrels or sniffing around for new scents – you can bet there’ll be little moments when speed and precision are greatly admired.
By simply calling out “Arrow!“, your pup will know exactly what you mean; soon enough it may correlate with recall training sessions or return calls as well!
2. Caesar
If you’re looking for something out of the ordinary, Caesar is a great name for a male dog. The name Caesar itself is derived from the Latin word ‘Caisar’ which means head of hair. This makes Caesar a great choice for dogs with especially full and luscious coats as it celebrates their beautiful manes.
Aside from its connection to hair, it also has classical Roman associations. Julius Caesar was the famous Roman general and statesman who was instrumental in granting the Roman Empire greater political power and military strength than ever before.
The name is often used today to symbolize bravery, courage and leadership – perfect traits for any pup.
Caesar is classic with a modern twist and will serve as an excellent and unique name for your furry friend. Whether you choose to go with its more traditional spelling (with one ‘a’) or its current spelling (with two ‘a’s), it will certainly be a stand-out choice when introducing your pooch at the park!
3. Diesel
Diesel is an excellent name choice for a strong and durable male pup. This popular name has become a staple in recent years thanks to its incorporation in multiple pop culture references, including the titular character from the Fast & Furious movie franchise.
While Diesel can refer to a type of fuel often associated with cars, it also works well as a dog name as it means ‘durable’ and ‘strong’ in German.
This makes it perfect for your strong and sturdy pup who won’t give up no matter what.
4. Finn
Finn is a popular name for male dogs, and it has many meaning including “white”, “fair” and “blessed”. This traditional name is related to Ireland’s national hero, Finn MacCool.
It also has Scottish roots, where the name refers to warrior leader Fingal. A great Fin-themed choice could be naming your boy pup Finnigan or Fitzwilliam.
There are some adorable names that mean “bird-like” such as Falcon and Fledgey – perfect for a little flyer like your pup! For a cute twist on this classic theme, you could try Pigeon or Finchley. If you want something more masculine-sounding try options such as Drake or Eagle.
If your pup’s unique personality is inviting even the most curious of nature then Gaelic names may be right up his alley! Names such as Tyrone (land of Owen), Kyle (it’s wooded), Quinn (wise one) and Oran (little green one) will provide an interesting conversation starter without fail.
If stargazing is more you and your poochs’ thing then maybe opt for names like Leo (lion) Sirius (scorching sun) or Polaris (North Star). Their celestial connotations will provide a stellar choice to accompany his starry look in your eyes!