Choose the Perfect British Name for Your Dog
Is your newest furry family member making you feel positively chuffed? You can find plenty of inspiration for naming your dog in the United Kingdom, whether you’re an anglophile, a fan of the royal family, or you’re interested in British culture and history. Getting a great name from across the pond doesn’t require owning an English bulldog or a Scottish terrier.

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The Top British Dog Names
What better way to find a British dog name than to go straight to the source? Here are some of the most popular dog names in the UK, according to a poll conducted by The Independent.
- Alfie – A friendly and charming name, suitable for a loyal and affectionate dog.
- Archie – Reflective of a spirited and playful nature, perfect for an energetic canine.
- Bella – Derived from the Italian word for “beautiful,” ideal for a dog with an elegant and graceful demeanor.
- Buddy – Symbolizing companionship and loyalty, perfect for a faithful canine friend.
- Charlie – A classic and versatile name, suitable for dogs of all sizes and personalities.
- Daisy – Named after the cheerful flower, ideal for a dog with a bright and sunny disposition.
- Max – A strong and powerful name, perfect for a dog with a commanding presence.
- Millie – Denoting sweetness and gentleness, perfect for a loving and affectionate dog.
- Milo – A name meaning “soldier” or “merciful,” suitable for a brave and protective canine.
- Molly – A name meaning “worthy of love,” ideal for a dog with a loving and lovable nature.
- Oscar – Reflective of a strong and noble nature, perfect for a distinguished canine.
- Poppy – Named after the vibrant flower, suitable for a dog with a lively and playful personality.
- Rosie – Reflective of a gentle and affectionate nature, perfect for a sweet and loving dog.
- Teddy – Denoting warmth and comfort, ideal for a dog who brings comfort and joy to its family.
- Tilly – A name meaning “mighty in battle,” suitable for a courageous and determined canine.
Dog Names From British Culture
- Bond – Reflective of sophistication and charm, ideal for a suave and intelligent dog.
- Q – Symbolizing intelligence and ingenuity, perfect for a clever and resourceful canine.
- Beckham – Inspired by the renowned soccer player David Beckham, suitable for a graceful and athletic dog.
- Ed – Named after the talented musician Ed Sheeran, ideal for a dog with a melodic or soulful nature.
- Monty – Reflective of humor and wit, perfect for a dog with a playful and comedic personality.
- Clouseau – Named after the bumbling detective from the Pink Panther series, suitable for a dog with a curious and investigative nature.
- Cato – Inspired by the loyal and capable assistant in the Pink Panther series, ideal for a faithful and dependable dog.
- Cuckoo – Reflective of eccentricity and unpredictability, perfect for a dog with a quirky and unique personality.
- Emma – Named after actresses Emma Watson or Emma Thompson, suitable for a dog with grace and elegance.
- Ginger – Inspired by the former Spice Girl, suitable for a dog with a fiery and spirited personality.
- Mr. Bean – Reflective of silliness and humor, perfect for a dog with a playful and mischievous streak.
- Jane – Named after the esteemed author Jane Austen, ideal for a dog with intelligence and sophistication.
- Sherlock – Symbolizing deductive reasoning and intelligence, perfect for a dog with keen senses and intuition.
- Watson – Named after the loyal companion of Sherlock Holmes, suitable for a faithful and reliable dog.
- John, Paul, George, or Ringo – Inspired by the members of The Beatles, suitable for a harmonious and musical dog.
- Winston – Reflective of strength and leadership, perfect for a confident and assertive dog.
- Gandalf – Named after the wise and powerful wizard from Lord of the Rings, ideal for a dog with wisdom and magic.
Dog Names From Game of Thrones
- Lady – Reflective of elegance and grace, perfect for a dignified and refined female dog.
- Grey Wind – Inspired by Robb Stark’s loyal direwolf, suitable for a strong and fearless dog.
- Shaggy Dog – Named after Rickon Stark’s unruly direwolf, ideal for a dog with a wild and untamed nature.
- Summer – Symbolizing warmth and vitality, perfect for a spirited and lively dog.
- Ghost – Reflective of mystery and stealth, ideal for a dog with a quiet and observant demeanor.
- Nymeria – Named after Arya Stark’s fierce and independent direwolf, suitable for a bold and courageous female dog.
Dog Names Inspired by the Royal Family
Do you stay up at the crack of dawn for British royals’ weddings? Can’t get enough of the gossip about them? Do you love a nice funky headpiece? Then perhaps you should consider choosing a name from one of the world’s most famous families.
Royal Females
- Anne – Reflective of sophistication and elegance, perfect for a regal and graceful female dog.
- Beatrice – Named after Princess Beatrice, suitable for a dog with a refined and noble demeanor.
- Diana – Inspired by the beloved Princess Diana, ideal for a dog with a compassionate and caring nature.
- Fergie – Named after Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, suitable for a spirited and charismatic dog.
- Camila – Reflective of charm and grace, perfect for a dog with a warm and friendly personality.
- Charlotte – Named after Princess Charlotte, ideal for a dog with a sweet and endearing nature.
- Elizabeth – Inspired by Queen Elizabeth II, suitable for a dog with a dignified and regal presence.
- Kate – Reflective of elegance and poise, perfect for a dog with a refined and graceful demeanor.
- Meghan – Named after Meghan Markle, suitable for a dog with a confident and independent spirit.
- Princess – Symbolizing royalty and nobility, ideal for a dog with a majestic and dignified demeanor.
- Queenie – Reflective of authority and leadership, perfect for a dog with a commanding presence.
- Duchess – Named after the title held by royal consorts, suitable for a dog with sophistication and grace.
- Lilibet – Inspired by Queen Elizabeth II’s childhood nickname, suitable for a sweet and affectionate female dog.
Royal Males
- Charles or Charlie – Reflective of regal charm and sophistication, perfect for a dignified and noble male dog.
- George – Named after Prince George, suitable for a dog with a playful and adventurous spirit.
- Harry – Inspired by Prince Harry, ideal for a dog with a fun-loving and spirited personality.
- William or Bill – Reflective of strength and leadership, perfect for a dog with a confident and authoritative demeanor.
- Louis – Named after Prince Louis, suitable for a dog with a sweet and endearing nature.
- Prince – Symbolizing royalty and nobility, ideal for a dog with a majestic and dignified presence.
- King – Reflective of authority and power, perfect for a dog with a commanding and regal demeanor.
- Duke – Named after the title held by royal family members, suitable for a dog with sophistication and elegance.
Dog Names From British Slang
If you’re looking for a less formal nickname for your mutt, there are plenty of names that can be gleaned from the fast-paced slang vocabulary of Britons.
- Bonnie – Reflective of beauty and charm, perfect for a pretty and lovable female dog.
- Lass/Lassie – A term of endearment for a girl or female dog.
- Bloke – Named after a man or guy, suitable for a male dog with a laid-back and easygoing personality.
- Lad – Reflective of youthfulness and energy, ideal for a playful and spirited male dog.
- Bonkers – Reflective of silliness and craziness, perfect for a dog with a quirky and playful demeanor.
- Barmy – Reflective of eccentricity and absurdity, suitable for a dog with a unique and quirky personality.
- Cheerio – Named after the British expression for goodbye, ideal for a dog who brings cheer and joy to its family.
- Jiffy – Reflective of speed and efficiency, perfect for a quick and agile dog.
- Cheeky – Reflective of charm and playfulness, suitable for a dog with a mischievous and endearing nature.
- Muppet – Named after the clueless characters, suitable for a dog with a lovable but sometimes clueless demeanor.
- Geordie – Named after someone from Newcastle, suitable for a dog with a strong and distinctive personality.
- Manc – Named after someone from Manchester, ideal for a dog with a proud and resilient nature.
- Nosh – Reflective of food or a meal, perfect for a food-loving dog.
- Blimey – An expression of surprise or amazement, suitable for a dog who surprises you with their antics.
- Kerfuffle – Reflective of a scuffle or commotion, ideal for a dog who loves to play rough.
- Bruv – A term of endearment for a brother or close friend, suitable for a loyal and faithful male dog.
- Peng – London slang for something interesting or desirable, ideal for a dog with a captivating and charming personality.
- Chippy – Named after a pub that sells fish and chips, suitable for a dog who enjoys tasty treats.
- Quid – British slang for one pound, suitable for a dog who brings value and worth to your life.
- Rugger – Named after rugby, suitable for a strong and athletic dog.
- Numpty – Reflective of silliness or absurdity, perfect for a lovable but sometimes silly dog.
- Shiner – Reflective of a black eye, ideal for a dog who’s been in a playful scuffle.
- Tidy – Welsh slang for fantastic, suitable for a dog who exceeds expectations.
- Wee – Reflective of small size, ideal for a petite or tiny dog.
- Jammy – Reflective of luckiness, perfect for a dog who always seems to be in the right place at the right time.
- Kip – Named after a nap or sleep, suitable for a dog who loves to snooze.
- Bagsy – To call dibs, perfect for a dog who likes to claim things as their own.
- Mitts – Reflective of hands, suitable for a dog who loves to use their paws.
- Rosie Lee – Cockney slang for a cup of tea, ideal for a dog who brings comfort and warmth to your life.
- Tickety-boo – Reflective of everything being well, suitable for a dog who brings harmony and balance to your life.
- Uncle Ned – Cockney slang for bed, ideal for a dog who loves to snuggle up and sleep.
- Vino – Named after cheap wine, suitable for a dog who enjoys the finer things in life.
- Wonky – Reflective of being unbalanced, perfect for a dog with a playful and quirky nature.
- Ace – Reflective of greatness or awesomeness, suitable for a dog who excels in everything they do.
- Bants – Short for banter, reflecting playful jokes and teasing, ideal for a dog who loves to play and interact with their family.
- Snazzy – Reflective of style and sophistication, suitable for a dog with a fashionable and elegant demeanor.
British dog names inspired by geography
Ready for a little geography lesson? Take out a map and discover these remarkable places in the United Kingdom’s gorgeous island landscapes. Maybe you have the perfect ring when calling your dog.
- Carrick: A famous bridge built by salmon fishermen in 1755, the Carrick-a-Red Rope Bridge hangs 100 feet above the Atlantic Ocean. It is a major destination for adventure tourists in Northern Ireland.
- Ives: St. Ives Bay is a beautiful inlet on the Atlantic coast of Cornwall, England. What could be a better name for your English Springer Spaniel, Retriever, or other water-loving dog?
- London: Sure, it might sound a little strange, but if it’s good enough for Slash (the Guns N’ Roses guitarist whose son is named London), it’s good enough for us!
- Ness (Nessie): Loch Ness in the Scottish Highlands is the subject of legends, so it’s only fitting to name your pooch after this famous lake – or its mythical inhabitants.
- Stone: Stonehenge, a prehistoric monument located in Wiltshire, England, is probably the United Kingdom’s most famous landmark – making Stone the ideal name for your family dog’s base.
Tips for Naming Your New Dog
Bringing home a dog is exciting. In addition to preparing food, a comfortable bed, and toys for your new friend, you also need a name—a perfect name. It may seem impossible to choose a name that is suitable for your dog and that every member of the family will like, but we have made some suggestions to help make the selection easier:
- Consider names with difficult consonants and one to two syllables. These types of names will be easy for your dog to hear and understand.
- Avoid names that may sound like a command. Naming your dog Kit can be a little confusing when what you really want him to do is Sit.
- Leave out any names you would be embarrassed to use in public. Imagine you are sitting in your veterinarian’s waiting room and a veterinarian is calling your pet’s name. are you crying? If yes, don’t use it.
- Choose a name that is easy to say and write. Remember that your family, friends, and veterinarian will be saying (and sometimes even writing) your dog’s name for many years to come.