NBA Dog Names, Names After Celebrity NBA Stars
Sorted alphabetically. Sort by popularity »
NBA dog names bring the excitement of professional basketball to your pup's identity. If you're a die-hard basketball fan who never misses a game, naming your dog after a legendary NBA player, team, or basketball term is the perfect way to combine your two greatest passions — hoops and hounds.
This collection features names inspired by the greatest players to ever grace the court. From all-time legends like Jordan, Kobe, and LeBron to modern superstars and classic icons, you'll find names that carry the competitive fire and athleticism of the NBA. Team names, mascots, and basketball terminology also provide creative and energetic options.
NBA-inspired names work especially well for athletic, energetic breeds like Boxers, Dalmatians, Weimaraners, and Vizslas — dogs that move with the speed and agility of a point guard. Tall breeds like Great Danes and Irish Wolfhounds can also rock basketball names with a touch of humor, given their impressive height.
Browse our full roster of NBA dog names below. Filter by gender, save your MVP picks, and draft the perfect basketball-inspired name for your four-legged all-star.
| # | Name | Meaning | Gender | Origin |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Adrian | From Hadria | Male | Latin |
| 2 | Alex | Defending men | Unisex | Greek |
| 3 | Allen | Rock | Male | Gaelic |
| 4 | Alonzo | Noble and ready/prompt | Male | Germanic |
| 5 | Andrea | Man, warrior | Unisex | Greek |
| 6 | Ann | Grace | Female | Hebrew |
| 7 | Anne | Grace | Female | Hebrew |
| 8 | Arron | Exalted | Male | English |
| 9 | Avery | Elf counsel | Male | English |
| 10 | Bailey | English occupational surname from Middle English baili, 'bailiff' | Unisex | English |
| 11 | Ben | Son | Male | Hebrew |
| 12 | Bernard | Bear brave | Male | Germanic |
| 13 | Bill | Will, desire and helmet, protection | Male | Germanic |
| 14 | Blake | Dark | Male | English |
| 15 | Bob | Bright fame | Male | Germanic |
| 16 | Brook | A brook, stream | Female | English |
| 17 | Candace | Fire-white | Female | Greek |
| 18 | Carlos | Free man | Male | German |
| 19 | Carol | Free man | Female | Germanic |
| 20 | Chandler | Candle seller | Male | English |
| 21 | Charles | Free man | Male | Germanic |
| 22 | Charlotte | Free man | Female | Germanic |
| 23 | Chauncey | Chancellor: Fortune: A Gamble. | Male | English |
| 24 | Cheryl | Darling | Female | French |
| 25 | Clyde | Name from the River Clyde in Scotland; the river-name origin is uncertain | Male | Scottish place name |
| 26 | Conley | Valiant | Male | Gaelic |
| 27 | Dale | Dweller in the valley | Male | English |
| 28 | David | Beloved | Male | Hebrew |
| 29 | Dawn | Sunrise, daybreak | Female | English |
| 30 | Dennis | God of wine | Male | Greek |
| 31 | Derek | Ruler of the people | Male | Germanic |
| 32 | Diane | Divine. Mythological Ancient Roman Divinity Diana Was Noted For Beauty And Sw... | Female | Latin |
| 33 | Dirk | Ruler of the people | Male | Germanic |
| 34 | Dolph | Famous wolf | Male | Germanic |
| 35 | Doron | Gift | Male | Greek |
| 36 | Duncan | Brown warrior | Male | Scottish Gaelic |
| 37 | Earl | Nobleman | Male | English |
| 38 | Elgin | Noble: White. | Male | English |
| 39 | Elvin | Friend of elves | Male | English |
| 40 | Francisco | From France | Male | Latin |
| 41 | George | Farmer or earthworker | Male | English from Greek |
| 42 | Griffin | Reddish | Male | Welsh |
| 43 | Hakeem | Wise or insightful | Male | Arabic |
| 44 | Horace | Hour, time. | Male | Latin |
| 45 | Isiah | God's Helper | Male | English |
| 46 | Ivory | Ivory | Female | English |
| 47 | James | Supplanter | Male | Hebrew |
| 48 | Jason | Healer | Male | Greek |
| 49 | Jerry | Spear ruler | Male | Germanic |
| 50 | Joakim | God will establish | Male | Hebrew |
107 names found. Page 1 of 3.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most popular NBA dog names?
Popular NBA dog names include Kobe, Jordan, LeBron, Shaq, Curry, Magic, and Duncan. These legendary player names carry star power and athletic energy perfect for active, spirited dogs.
Can I name my dog after an NBA team?
Yes! Team-inspired names like Laker, Celtic, Maverick, Rocket, and Pacer make excellent dog names. They're short, energetic, and instantly recognizable to basketball fans.
What basketball terms make good dog names?
Great basketball term dog names include Dunk, Swish, Rebound, Alley, Slam, and Crossover. These dynamic, action-oriented names suit high-energy dogs who love to play.