Black dogs are some of the most extraordinary and spectacular canines. Sleek and shiny, or gloriously fluffy, you can find that striking coat color in almost any breed, whether Chihuahua, Portuguese Water Dog, or Great Dane. Here at Rover, we love names that fit our pet’s unique traits, and we want to share the love with you.
From behavior training to boarding your dog with a sitter, your pet’s moniker will become an important part of everyday life – for you, your pet, and others who spend time with your dog!
We’ve compiled the best names for black dogs from our database—and looked into inspirations from around the world—into one staggering list. It’s sure to get your brain churning with possibilities as you welcome your new companion home!
Most Popular Black Dog Names
Want to know the most popular dog names for black dogs? We’ve combed the database for the cream of the crop (or is that the shadow of the crop?) just for you!
- Bear
- Stella
- Pepper
- Scout
- Nova
- Olive
- Dakota
- Poppy
- Skye
- Bean
- Arya
- Hershey
- Guinness
- Midnight
- Opal
- Darcy
iStock/Ksenia Raykova
Best Girl Names for Black Dogs
You may also want to check out our complete list of black female dog names, from cute to unique.
- Amaya
- Anise
- Artemis
- Astra
- Bren
- Calla
- Dahlia
- Denali
- Eclipse
- Elvira
- Espresso
- Indigo
- Jetta
- Leila
- Luna
- Lyra
- Nyx
- Ophelia
- Orion
- Rain
- Velvet
- Panther
Best Boy Names for Black Dogs
Choose one of these top male dog names for your new good boy.
- Adrian
- Angus
- Ash
- Blackjack
- Boomer
- Bran (raven)
- Cosmos
- Darth
- Domino
- Flint
- Jett
- Kodiak
- Kylo
- Maverick
- Noir (French word for black)
- Orpheus (Greek mythology)
- Oso
- Stormy
- Thunder
- Tux
Badass Black Dog Names
Playing up that sooty coat is popular with black dogs. But how to really make that darkness stand out in a way a main character in a novel would? We pulled names that associate well with vast, deep greatness—like your future dog!
- Angst
- Cole
- Dusk
- Enigma
- Jaguar
- Fog
- Forest
- Nero (Italian word for black)
- Obscurio
- Obsidian
- Jet
- Puma
- Diesel
- Slate
- Zorro
iStock/LordHenriVoton
Dog Names Inspired by Black Foods
Have you ever stopped to consider the number of edible things are black in color? If you’re a foodie or have a sense of humor, these black food-based dog names are sure to please.
- Blackberry
- Caviar
- Cake
- Chocolate
- Coffee
- Shiitake
- Fig / Figgy
- Goji
- Licorice
- Mars (bars)
- Nori
- Sapote
- Sesame
- Soy
- Vanilla
- Scallop
- Truffle
- Beans
- Cocoa
- Earl Grey
- Trumpet (mushroom)
- Oreo
- Fig
- Lentil
- Chia
- Cola
Names Inspired by Black Flowers
- Colo(casia)
- Gera(nium)
- Helle(bores)
- Holly(hock)
- Iris
- Karma
- Mondo (grass)
- Mrytle
- Pansy
- Petunia
- Rose
- Tulip
- Viola
Names Inspired by Black Animals
Real, and imagined!
- Ani
- Bat
- Black Beauty
- Bonobo
- Crow
- Fox
- Mamba
- Willy (whale)
- Wolfy
- Selkie
- Starling
- Turtle
- Vole
- Panda
- Raven
- Rook
iStock/amriphoto
Puppy Names Based on Black Objects
That sable color gets people thinking in terms of themes. And there’s nothing wrong with that! So we plumbed the database for our favorite sooty-colored things to name your black dog after.
- Cinder
- Dice
- Ebony
- Ink
- Knight
- Charcoal
- Pearl
- Sable
- Sooty
- Shadow
- Smokey
Non-English Names That Mean Black
Black dogs have served as inspiration in literature and mythology around the world. So why not pull your black dog name from another language? Then you can share those stories with everyone who asks where you came up with the idea!
- Musta (Finnish)
- Schwarz (German)
- Preto (Portuguese)
- Hei (Chinese)
- Kuro (Japanese)
- Geom-jeong (Korean)
- Svart (Swedish)
- Mávros (Greek)
Black Dog Names Inspired by Famous Characters
We couldn’t end this list without paying tribute to our favorite characters in film and literature. After all, that shadowy gaze probably makes you think of one or two famous people!
- Buck (The Call of the Wild)
- Chess (A Queen’s Gambit)
- Deva (Hindu moon goddess)
- Grim (Reaper)
- Hades (Greek god)
- Joker (Batman)
- Batman
- Morpheus (The Matrix)
- Morticia (The Addams Family)
- Myer (Michael)
- Poe (Edgar Allen)
- Sirius (Harry Potter)
- Toto (Wizard of Oz)
- Wednesday (The Addams Family)
Magic-Related Black Dog Names
Looking for a mystical, magical name? Here are some suggestions.
- Wizard
- Phantom
- Circe
- Hex
- Warlock
- Maleficent
- Merlin
- Nightshade
- Salem
- Goth
- Diablo
- Magic
More Black Dog Names to Consider
Have fun when choosing a name for your new buddy. Here are more suggestions.
- Beetle
- Swift
- Uni
- Checkers
- Lava
- Inky
- Juniper
- Humbug
- Taffy
iStock/CBCK-Christine
Considerations for Naming Your Dog
Black dog names can come from anywhere—as you’ve seen. You can look at your dog’s breed, your family history, or their personality. But there are a few key reminders you want to keep in mind as you work through the process:
- Try to avoid “relativity:” You love the name, Ash. But you have an Aunt Ash. That could cause confusion for your dog (or hurt feelings if your Aunt doesn’t appreciate being a namesake). Think of what would happen if your dog became sick or injured. Better to avoid using human names of anyone you know.
- Keep things clear: You’re going to train your dog. So you don’t want to cause confusion with a name that sounds like a command. For instance, while Poe is a perfect black dog name, it’s close to “No” and may present problems.
- Practice makes perfect: Once you’ve narrowed your list of potential black dog names, try calling them off the back porch. Do they roll off your tongue? Or do you stumble? If you’re having trouble saying the names, your dog will have trouble understanding them.
Pro-tip: When walking your black dog, remember black coats are hard to see in low light, and almost impossible to detect at night. Consider picking up a reflective collar and leash, leash light, and harness.
Unique Facts About Black Dogs
Would you believe black is a dominant hair color for dogs? Eumelanin is one of two primary pigments in dogs that control hair color. But a dog needs two copies in his or her genes to have black hair, brown eyes, and a black nose. If they only have one copy, you get different variations of fur, eye, and nose color, such as:
- Gray
- Lilac (a soft bluish-purple)
- Liver (a rusty shade with brown undertones)
- Red (like an English Setter)
All still with those chocolate eyes and black nose, though!
‘Black dog syndrome’ and mythology
Black dogs have become symbols of good and evil throughout history—just like black cats. Something about those dark faces appeals to the imagination.
- The good: In Somerset (England) and Connecticut, black dogs are guardians. They keep travelers from getting lost and protect children.
- The bad: Unhappily, black dogs with red eyes are usually considered bad omens. J.K. Rowling popularized this myth when she wrote of the Grim in the Harry Potter series. (Though Padfoot turned out to be a hero!)
There is a common belief that black dogs stay in shelters much longer than dogs with other color coats. Research shows that black dog syndrome doesn’t exist, but it likely still prevails due to anecdotal evidence.
Still Hunting for the Perfect Black Dog Name?
Don’t fret. We’re dog lovers here at Rover and fascinated by dog names. Check out these additional lists for even more possibilities!
- Unique Dog Names
- Irish Name Choices
- Popular Names for Hunting Dogs
- Small Dog Names
- White Dog Names
- Names for Huskies or German Shepherds
Rover Knows Pet Names
As pet lovers through and through, Rover has the scoop on what people are naming their dogs. We have a passion for all things dog names and love helping pet parents pick their pup’s perfect name. For over a decade, we’ve gathered pet names from Rover’s database of millions of pets. The names you find here aren’t randomly generated. We keep our lists updated to match the trends within—and from—our own pet parent community.
