Best Shih Tzu Names, The Most Popular Shih Tzu Names
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The Shih Tzu is a breed of small companion dog with ancient roots stretching back over a thousand years to the royal palaces of China and Tibet. The name "Shih Tzu" translates to "lion dog" in Mandarin, referring to the breed's resemblance to the lions depicted in traditional Chinese art. These little dogs were treasured by Chinese royalty and were bred exclusively within the Forbidden City for centuries. Choosing the best Shih Tzu name means honoring this regal heritage while matching the breed's charming, affectionate personality.
The most popular Shih Tzu names often reflect the breed's small size, beauty, and pampered personality. Cute, elegant names like Coco, Bella, Gigi, and Princess suit the Shih Tzu's lapdog lifestyle perfectly. Chinese-inspired names add cultural authenticity — Mei (beautiful), Lian (lotus), Bao (treasure), and Ming (bright) connect to the breed's Imperial Chinese origins. Food-inspired names like Cookie, Mochi, and Ginger are also popular for this sweet, treat-loving breed.
When choosing the best Shih Tzu name, consider the breed's key characteristics: their long, flowing coat, flat face, large dark eyes, and affectionate, sometimes stubborn temperament. Shih Tzus are alert, lively, and love being the center of attention, so a name with personality suits them well. Short, sweet names are practical for this toy breed, and names with soft sounds match their gentle nature.
Browse our curated list of the most popular Shih Tzu names and find the perfect name for your little lion dog. Use our filters to discover a name as charming and special as your Shih Tzu.
| # | Name | Meaning | Gender | Origin |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Aero | Unisex | ||
| 2 | Angel | Messenger | Unisex | Greek |
| 3 | Antonio | Italian Form Of Anthony (Beyond Praise) | Male | Latin |
| 4 | Austin | Venerated | Male | Latin |
| 5 | Ava | English form with several proposed roots; often treated as a variant of Eve | Female | English, origin debated |
| 6 | Bebe | Baby | Male | English |
| 7 | Bella | Short form of Isabella; associated with Italian bella, “beautiful” | Female | English name with an Italian word association |
| 8 | Bliss | Supreme happiness | Female | English |
| 9 | Bonnie | From the Scottish word bonnie meaning 'pretty' or 'attractive' | Female | Scottish English from French |
| 10 | Bonsai | The art of growing dwarfed ornamental trees and shrubs. | Unisex | English |
| 11 | Brenda | Sword | Female | Norse |
| 12 | Brody | Muddy place | Male | Gaelic |
| 13 | Buddy | English word meaning 'friend' or 'companion' | Male | English |
| 14 | Caprice | Whim | Female | French |
| 15 | Cash | English occupational surname for a box maker; also the English word for money | Unisex | English from French and Latin |
| 16 | Chico | Boy | Male | Spanish |
| 17 | Ciara | Dark | Female | Gaelic |
| 18 | Cooper | English occupational surname meaning 'barrel maker' | Male | English |
| 19 | Crystal | Crystal | Female | English |
| 20 | Cubby | Unisex | ||
| 21 | Cuddles | To nestle or snuggle. | Unisex | English |
| 22 | Cupid | Desire | Unisex | Latin |
| 23 | Daisy | English flower name from Old English “day’s eye” | Female | English flower name |
| 24 | Dash | From Chiel | Male | French |
| 25 | Delilah | Desired | Female | Hebrew |
| 26 | Devon | Men of Devon | Female | English |
| 27 | Dinky | Dog on National Lampoon's Vacation | Unisex | English |
| 28 | Dixie | Regional nickname for the southern United States | Unisex | American English regional nickname |
| 29 | Dolly | English diminutive of Dorothy; in modern use also a diminutive of Dolores | Female | English name form |
| 30 | Duchess | From the AristoCats | Unisex | English |
| 31 | Dusty | Thor's stone | Unisex | Norse |
| 32 | Ella | English and German name with several historical routes; often a short form of... | Female | English and German, mixed roots |
| 33 | Elle | She | Female | French |
| 34 | Ember | A small piece of glowing or smoldering material from a fire | Unisex | English word name |
| 35 | Emma | All-containing | Female | German |
| 36 | Fifi | He will enlarge | Female | Hebrew |
| 37 | Fleur | Flower | Female | Latin |
| 38 | Foxy | Resembling a fox. Slang for sexy | Unisex | English |
| 39 | Fred | Peaceful ruler | Male | Germanic |
| 40 | Gem | Gemstone | Unisex | English |
| 41 | Ginger | English word name for the ginger plant or spice; also a reddish-brown color | Female | English word name |
| 42 | Goober | Southern US term for peanut. Also chocolate covered peanuts | Unisex | English |
| 43 | Gordy | Large fort | Male | English |
| 44 | Gucci | Unisex | ||
| 45 | Gus | English short form of Augustus or Angus; meaning depends on the source name | Male | English |
| 46 | Harold | Leader of an army | Male | English |
| 47 | Harry | Home ruler | Male | Germanic |
| 48 | Heidi | Noble one | Female | Germanic |
| 49 | Holly | Holly | Female | English |
| 50 | Hugo | Mind, heart or spirit | Male | Germanic |
99 names found. Page 1 of 2.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most popular Shih Tzu names?
The most popular Shih Tzu names include Bella, Coco, Gizmo, Daisy, Teddy, Gigi, Max, and Princess. Chinese-inspired names like Mei (beautiful), Bao (treasure), and Ming (bright) honor their Imperial Chinese heritage. Cute names like Mochi, Cookie, and Button suit their small, adorable appearance.
What Chinese names are good for a Shih Tzu?
Chinese names beautifully honor the Shih Tzu's royal Chinese origins. Consider Mei (beautiful), Lian (lotus), Bao (treasure), Ming (bright), Jade, Ling (delicate), or Xiao (little). The name Shih Tzu itself means lion, so names like Simba or Leo playfully reference this meaning.
What names suit a pampered Shih Tzu?
Shih Tzus are natural lapdogs who love luxury, so glamorous names fit perfectly. Try Princess, Duchess, Jewel, Dior, Chanel, or Gucci for a pampered feel. Sweet names like Honey, Sugar, Cupcake, or Peaches reflect their gentle, loving temperament and adorable appearance.