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Shih Tzu Names, Shih Tzu Puppy Names

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Shih Tzu Names

The Shih Tzu is an ancient and regal toy breed with roots in the imperial palaces of China, where they were cherished as prized companion dogs of Chinese royalty. Often called the Chrysanthemum Dog for the way their facial hair grows in all directions, or the Chinese Lion Dog for their resemblance to traditional Chinese guardian lions, Shih Tzus are known for their luxurious flowing coat, sweet round face, and warm, trusting eyes.

When naming your Shih Tzu, consider their affectionate, playful, and charmingly confident personality. Shih Tzus were bred purely for companionship, and they excel at their job — these dogs live to love and be loved. Names inspired by Chinese culture, royalty, or their sweet and cuddly nature are all wonderful choices for this adored breed.

Shih Tzus are outgoing, friendly, and remarkably adaptable little dogs who get along with everyone. They are happy in apartments or houses, with singles or families, and are known for their gentle, trusting nature. A name that celebrates their loving personality and imperial heritage is the perfect match.

Browse our collection of Shih Tzu names below. Filter by gender, save your favorites, and find a name fit for your little lion dog.

# Name Meaning Gender Origin
1 Abby English diminutive of Abigail, 'my father is joy' Female English from Hebrew
2 Anais Grace Female English
3 Angel Messenger Unisex Greek
4 Annie Diminutive of Anne, ultimately from Hebrew Hannah meaning 'favour' or 'grace' Female English from Hebrew
5 Anya Favor, grace Female Russian
6 Armani Freeman Female Germanic
7 Autumn Autumn Female English
8 Baby An infant or very young child; an affectionate form of address Unisex English word name
9 Bailey English occupational surname from Middle English baili, 'bailiff' Unisex English
10 Bambi Italian familiar form from bambina, little girl Female Italian
11 Bella Short form of Isabella; associated with Italian bella, “beautiful” Female English name with an Italian word association
12 Bianca White Female Italian
13 Bing From The Kettle Shaped Hollow Male English
14 Bishop Overseer Male English
15 Bitsy Unisex
16 Bonita Pretty Female Spanish
17 Bonnie From the Scottish word bonnie meaning 'pretty' or 'attractive' Female Scottish English from French
18 Bonsai The art of growing dwarfed ornamental trees and shrubs. Unisex English
19 Brandy Burning wine Female English
20 Brenda Sword Female Norse
21 Brittany Land of the Britons Female English
22 Bubbles Thin spherical liquid filled with gas. Irrepressible activity. Unisex English
23 Bud Brother. Nickname Used Since Medieval Times. Male English
24 Buddy English word meaning 'friend' or 'companion' Male English
25 Bugsy Unisex
26 Bunny Little rabbit Female English
27 Buster One who breaks or overcomes something; also an informal form of address Male English word and nickname
28 Calvin Bald Male French
29 Candy Honest Female Latin
30 Chanel Channel, pipe Female French
31 Chaos Gaping void Unisex Greek
32 Charlie Diminutive or feminine form of Charles Unisex English form from a Germanic name family
33 Chen Grace of God Male Hebrew
34 Chico Boy Male Spanish
35 Chloe Greek name meaning 'green shoot' or new growth Female Greek
36 Clover A plant of the pea family with three-part leaves Female English botanical name
37 Coco A diminutive of names beginning with Co, influenced by cocoa Unisex Nickname used in several languages
38 Cody Descendant of Cuidighthigh Male Gaelic
39 Cookie English word for a small flat or slightly raised cake, borrowed from Dutch ko... Unisex English from Dutch
40 Cosmo Order Male Greek
41 Cuddles To nestle or snuggle. Unisex English
42 Cupid Desire Unisex Latin
43 Cutie A cute character. Unisex English
44 Daffodil The asphodel Unisex Dutch
45 Dahlia Dweller in the valley Female English
46 Daisy English flower name from Old English “day’s eye” Female English flower name
47 Dash From Chiel Male French
48 Delilah Desired Female Hebrew
49 Dinky Dog on National Lampoon's Vacation Unisex English
50 Dizzy Unisex

192 names found. Page 1 of 4.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most popular Shih Tzu names?

Popular Shih Tzu names include Bella, Gizmo, Teddy, Coco, Lulu, Milo, and Daisy. Cute, sweet names are overwhelmingly popular for this adorable toy breed. Chinese-inspired names like Mei and Jade are also common choices.

What Chinese names work for Shih Tzus?

Chinese names honor the breed's imperial origins. Consider Mei (beautiful), Bao (precious), Lotus, Ming, Jade, or Ling. The name Shih Tzu itself means lion in Chinese, so Leo or Simba also make fitting tributes.

Should Shih Tzu names be cute or elegant?

Both suit the breed perfectly. Cute names like Button, Cookie, or Muffin match their adorable looks, while elegant names like Empress, Pearl, or Duchess honor their royal Chinese heritage. It depends on your Shih Tzu's individual personality.

Related guides for Shih Tzu Names

  • Shih Tzu Names: Finding the Perfect Fit for Your Adorable Pup

    Shih Tzus are often called "lion dogs" for good reason — their flowing coats, regal bearing, and royal Chinese history make them standouts. This tip explains why a unique name fits the breed's noble heritage and playful affection, then moves into regal male picks like Leo ("lion"), Kaiser ("emperor" in German), Sultan for majestic presence, and Prince for unapologetic royalty. Each name ties to the Shih Tzu's imperial past or charming personality. By the end, you'll have a thoughtful shortlist that honors your pup's Chinese roots, silky looks, and the tiny-lion attitude packed into that adorable frame.

  • Finding the Perfect Fit: Unique Shih Tzu Dog Names with Meaning

    Shih Tzus carry royal Chinese heritage beneath those silky coats and affectionate personalities, and their names should feel just as distinctive. This tip gathers unique female and male picks, from elegant options that honor the breed's palace-dog past to playful choices for their clownish side. You'll see why names with noble or poetic meaning suit Shih Tzus better than generic cutesy defaults, and how to find something that reflects your dog's specific personality. Whether your pup is a dignified tiny emperor or a flop-eared goofball, you'll walk away with a shortlist that celebrates both their regal lineage and their irresistibly affectionate heart.

  • Shih Tzu Names: Breed History, Coat, and Practical Call Choices

    Pearl, Teddy, and Honey are short Shih Tzu calls with different moods. Lotus and Goldie offer plant or color imagery; Shadow works for a darker coat.

  • 50 Celebrity Shih Tzu Dog Names And Their Owners

    Shih Tzus have swept through Hollywood living rooms, with Marnie perhaps the most famous. This tip catalogs 50 celebrity Shih Tzu names with their owners: Bill Gates' Ballmer, Rebecca Mader's Bella, Carson Kressley's Billy, Mariah Carey's Bing and Bong, Colin Farrell's Bonny, Maurice Gibb's Brownie, Queen Elizabeth's Choo Choo, Ali Landry's Cosmo, Phyllis Diller's Fang, Brandy's Feather, Geri Halliwell's Ginger and Harry, Nicole Richie's Honeychild, Jerry Lewis's Jolie and Lady, and many more. Each entry names the celebrity owner. Perfect for Shih Tzu owners wanting a name with direct red-carpet lineage.