Although there are many exciting things about getting a new puppy, one of the most exciting is picking out his or her name. Although some of the “old school” names like Spot still work, check out our list of some very unique names and the meaning behind them.
Abe
Of English origin and meaning “Father of Nations,” it was also the name of the U.S.’s 16th president.
Ace
A term for the best card in the deck, “ace,” can also mean an expert or pro.
Alfie
A classic 1966 rom-com starring Michael Caine that was remade in 2004 with Jude Law.
Ali
Iconic boxer Muhammad Ali floated like a butterfly and stung like a bee who won Olympic gold in 1960 and was the boxing heavyweight champion along the way.
Alpha
The first letter of the Greek alphabet, the name Alpha, will let all the other dogs know who’s the top dog!
Amigo
Meaning “friend” in Spanish, this is a perfect dog name for your new best friend.
Andy
Short for Andrew, which means “brave” or “manlike” in Greek.
Apollo
The name of the Greek god of sun and light also belongs to six outer space missions that successfully landed humans on the Moon.
Astro
Greek for “of the stars,” and also Houston’s Major League Baseball team.
Atlas
In Greek mythology, Atlas is the Titan who holds up the world.
Avery
This name of English origin means “ruler of the elves.”
Axel
Dating as far back as the 10th Century, the name Axel has many other spellings, including Aksel.
Bacardi
One of the all-time best-selling rums in the world.
Bailey
A creamy Irish liquor enjoyed in coffee in the morning or on the rocks in the evening.
Baloo
The easygoing bear character of “The Jungle Book.”
Bandit
Meaning a thief, this pup name could be perfect for your little pup who stole your heart!
Banjo A twangy instrument popularized by Earl Scruggs.
Eisenhower
Dwight D. Eisenhower was the 34th president of the United States.
Eli
Short for names like Elijah and Elliott, and meaning “elevated” in Hebrew.
Elvis
After “The King,” Elvis Presley, of “Jailhouse Rock” “Hound Dog” fame.
Fenway
Fenway Park is one of the most iconic stadiums in baseball and home to the legendary Boston Red Sox.
Finley Signifying a “fair-haired hero” in Scottish.
Finn
For fair-skinned male dog names, this literally means “fair or white” in Irish.
Finnegan
Also means “fair-haired” in Irish.
Flash
A good name for a sporty-looking pup.
Flex
A name with a macho vibe.
Ice
For the dog who is cooler than the other pups!
Igor
A common Russian and Polish name meaning “farm laborer.”
Jager
Short for Jägermeister, the licorice-flavored liqueur.
Jake
Short for Jacob, meaning “supplanter.”
Jager
Short for Jägermeister, the licorice-flavored liqueur.
Lincoln
The U.S. president on the penny, or a luxury automobile company.
Link
The main character in Nintendo’s “The Legend of Zelda” video game series.
Linus
Sibling of Lucy and Rerun in the iconic “Peanuts” franchise.
Marlin
A fish found in oceans throughout the globe.
Marshall
A Scottish name meaning “lover of horses.”
Martini
A cocktail that’s a favorite of James Bond.
Ninja
For a stealthy dog, or one with all black fur, like the ninja’s outfit.
Norman
Golfers can name their pup after “The Great White Shark,” former world No. 1, Greg Norman.
Noah
A biblical character known for his ark.
Porsche
The German maker of high-performance sports vehicles.
Presley
Last name of Elvis, the King of Rock’ n Roll.
Raven A bird, an Edgar Allan Poe poem, and Baltimore’s NFL team.
Rebel
For the dog who goes against the flow and shakes things up.
Red
The color of Mars, roses, bricks, and maybe your dog’s coat, too.
Teddy
Like a stuffed teddy bear, you’ll just want to snuggle with him.
Thunder A powerful name for the noise that comes after lightning.
