If you’re searching for a creative name for your new dog, Rover is here to help. With the nation’s largest database of dog names on hand, we combed through thousands of names from top to bottom to find the most interesting choices. These creative dog names are clever, artistic, funny, delightful, or just plain surprising—and sure to turn heads at the dog park.
We handpicked these great name ideas for your pet by going way beyond the top 100 dog names to find creative monikers, and then we added others we’ve encountered through our research, social media travels, and personal acquaintances.
Whether you’re drawn to witty choices like Artoo Dogtoo or an artistic namesake like Frida or Rembrandt, you’re sure to find a creative dog name that fits the bill.
Best Creative Dog Names: Artists and Art-Inspired
ARTIST DOG NAMES | ART WORDS |
Ansel (Adams) | Alabaster |
Bacon (Francis) | Aqua(marine) |
Banksy (cool points) | Blue |
Basquiat | Brushy (maybe?) |
Dorothea (Lange) | Canvas |
Diego (Rivera) | Chiffon |
Frida (Kahlo) | Crayola |
Georgia (O’Keefe) | Fresco |
Goya (Francisco) | Fuchsia |
Judd (Donald) | Graffiti |
Leonardo (Leo) | Indigo |
Lucian (Freud) | Mona (Lisa) |
Matisse | Muse |
Michaelangelo | Ochre |
Pablo (Pawblo?) Picasso | Onyx |
Raphael | Paris |
Rembrandt | Sienna |
Rockwell (Norman) | Slate |
Salvador (Dali also works) | Smokey |
Vincent (Van Gogh) | Tapestry |
Walker (painter Kara) | Teal |
Weiwei (Ai) | Topaz |
Yazzie (sculptor Melanie) | Ultra |
Fashion-Inspired Creative Dog Names
FEMALE | MALE |
Coco / Chanel | Armani |
Dior | Bravo |
Dolce | Gucci |
Juicy | Louis |
Prada | Valentino |
Tiffany | Versace |
Vera Wa(n)g | Yves |
Food-Inspired Creative Dog Names
SWEET | SAVORY |
Butterscotch | Apple |
Coconut | Bean(s) |
Fondue | Butter(s) |
Fudge | Dumpling |
Huckleberry | Falafel |
Jelly | Kale |
Macaron | Lemon |
Marshmallow | Meatball |
Meringue | Nacho |
Milkshake | Oatmeal |
Mochi | Oregano |
Pancake(s) | Quinoa |
Peaches | Raisin |
Pudding | Rhubarb |
Snickerdoodle | Sage |
Soda | Spaghetti |
Strawberry | Tofu |
Toffee | Wonton |
Music-Inspired Creative dog Names
FEMALE | MALE |
Aria | Ballad |
Cadence | Bebop |
Harmony | Chord |
Lyric | Jazz |
Song | Rhythm |
Top 10 Creative Dog Names
- Coco
- Blue
- Apollo
- Mocha
- Georgia
- Onyx
- Jazz
- Diego
- Frida
- Harmony
Top 20 Witty Dog Names
We found these clever dog names by searching through our database. There are plenty more, but this is a great start to get your creative juices flowing.
- Beau Dacious
- Buzz Pawldrin
- Reeses Puppycups
- Sitka
- Lupin
- Willie Nelson
- Gryffindor
- Artoo Dogtoo
- Tater Tot
- Tyrion
- Hashtag
- Tony Romo
- Sativa
- Chronic
- Espresso
- Blade
- Ernest Hemingway
- Muttley Crue
- Yeti
- WiFi
Human Names for Dogs
You’ll notice that many of the names on this list are people names as well, and would sound equally at home on a baby as they do on a puppy. Why is that? Our data shows that each year, dog lovers increasingly turn to human names for their pets. This reflects the larger cultural trend that embraces dogs as full-fledged family members rather than “just” pets.
In the past, male dog names and female dog names alike were less likely to be personalized to the dog. For instance, a boy dog might have been named Rex, Duke, or Rover, while a girl dog might have been called Lady or Princess. Nowadays, however, you’re more likely to hear Oscar, Zoey, or Emma called out in the vet’s waiting room.
Dog Naming Advice
Are you still uncertain about which moniker to choose? You’re not alone. Some dog owners just know their pet is a Bailey or Peaches as soon as they make eye contact, but many other pet parents need time to try out various options. If you’re having trouble deciding, keep in mind that a creative dog name can come from many different sources of inspiration, such as your favorite foods, books, celebrities, or even dog breed history. For example, a Chihuahua mix puppy might sport a Latin-inspired name like Coco, while a German dog breed could carry a name like Heidi.
Another consideration when choosing your dog’s name is dog training, which is of particular importance for puppies. When you’re teaching your new dog to respond to commands like sit, stay, or come, you’ll want to be sure their name isn’t a source of confusion. In other words, avoid puppy names that sound like a common dog training cue, such as “Bit,” which could easily be misheard as “sit.” Many dog experts recommend choosing a name with at least two syllables and a sing-song or vowel sound at the end.
Of course, what matters most is that the dog name you choose rolls off your tongue with ease. We’re fans of the “backdoor test” for dog name selection. It’s pretty much what it sounds like: stand at the back door and call out your new dog‘s potential name. Saying “Chanel, it’s time for dinner!” or “Matisse, leave it!” helps take the name out of your imagination and into reality.
The Bottom Line
Good luck, have fun and be sure to check out our other dog name coverage. As dog lovers through and through, we find dog names absolutely fascinating, and we love searching our data on the topic to discover hot trends, quirky choices, and unique twists on classics. Over the years, we’ve compiled plenty of names for you to peruse!
To start, check out our list of the most popular dog names, and then jump over to unique dog names to see the contrast.
More Dog Names
- Irish Dog Names
- Romantic Dog Names
- Names for Hunting Dogs
- Small Dog Names
- Black Dog Names and White Dog Names
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