Choosing a unique name for your dog can be tricky. You'll need to consider:
- Are you picking something so obscure that no one will get the reference? (Like naming your dog after a character from an old sci-fi novel buried in the attic.)
- Could you end up loving a name that's hard to spell or pronounce? (I made this mistake by naming a cat Nimue—pronounced Nim-a-way—after the Celtic moon goddess, and it led to a lot of confusion.)
- Will your quest for originality lead to more puzzled looks than compliments?
Choosing a unique name for your pet has several advantages: it's a fun way to honor something you love (like that niche TV show you adored as a kid), and it can be especially useful when boarding your dog with a pet sitter who's looking after multiple dogs.
20 Unique and Charming Female Dog Names
If you're searching for an uncommon name for your female dog, these options are unlikely to pop up at puppy kindergarten.
- Amaya
- Beatrix
- Brynn
- Camila
- Effie
- Evee
- June Bug
- Kiva
- Lil Bit
- Marnie
- Maude
- Maxi
- Memphis
- Nylah
- Palmer
- Selena
- Simba
- Snoopy
- Tequila
- Valentine
- Vixen
20 Unique and Rare Male Dog Names
Have a boy who has one-of-a-kind expressions? These rare and unusual male dog names are sure to inspire.
- Argo
- Baylor
- Beckham
- Bogie
- Conan
- Cricket
- Dennis
- Dodge
- Dolce
- Fisher
- Hondo
- Jeff
- Kenobi
- Lucifer
- Rockie
- Ruckus
- Tahoe
- Tug
- Waffle
- Wylie
40 Unique Names for Dogs of All Sizes
Dogs come in all shapes and sizes, and that diversity can spark some great ideas for rare names. We've put together a list of distinctive and unusual names for both the tiniest pups and the biggest canines.
Rare small dog names
- Bjorn
- Corduroy
- Kai
- Lightning
- Patience
- Pip
- Scotch
- Toaster
- Wizard
- Zephyr
Rare medium dog names
- Aggie
- Bullet
- Gator
- Maxie
- Nessie
- Nutmeg
- River
- Stash
- Sweet Pea
- Tuck
Rare large dog names
- Auto
- Brother
- Chomper
- Hurricane
- Knight
- Moose
- Nimbus
- Rollo
- Story
- Tugboat
Rare extra-large dog names
- Bertha
- Bentley
- Canyon
- Church
- Fable
- Fenrir
- Sequoia
- Yeti
- Yonder
- Zeus
Hilarious and Unique Dog Names
The best quirky names are the ones that bring a smile or a laugh. After all, what's the fun in being unique if you can't add a little humor? Here are our favorite names guaranteed to make people grin.
- Jimmy Chew
- Jimmy Kibble
- Beau Dacious
- Koby Teeth
- Reeses Puppycups
- Casper the Friendly Dog
- Baby Boomer
- Buzz Pawldrin
- Winston Furchill
- Crunchwrap Supreme
Uncommon Food-Inspired Names for Dogs
Food can be a fantastic source of inspiration for dog names, but it's important to think beyond the typical burgers and fries.
- Beef
- Blackberry
- BonBon
- Boudin
- Buckwheat
- Burger
- Cannoli
- Champagne
- Chex
- Chorizo
- Colby Jack
- Cream
- Jack Daniels
- Klondike
- Melon
- Milkshake
- Moonpie
- Pesto
- Plum
- Poptart
- Riesling
- Slider
- Snacks
- Soba
- Soda
Where to Find Inspiration for Unique Dog Names
Inspiration can come from just about anywhere! To start, avoid the most common lists and think outside the box with these ideas:
- People You Know: While it's a good idea to get permission before borrowing a relative's name, browsing baby name lists can be a great starting point.
- Foods: Is there a dish that always makes you smile? Use it as inspiration for a quirky or uncommon dog name.
- Supporting Characters: While main characters from movies, TV shows, or books often become popular dog names, choosing a lesser-known supporting character can give your dog a distinctive edge.
- Colors: Go beyond basic shades like Red, Sable, or Snowy. A box of crayons can offer creative color names that are perfect for your pet.
- Cultural Roots: Does your family have ties to another language, or does your dog's breed come from a different region? Using names from those cultural backgrounds can add a special, meaningful touch. These unique sources can help you find a name that truly stands out!