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Big Dog Names: 300+ From the Classic to the Unique

Updated 09/19/2023 – Whether you’ve recently welcomed a massive furry friend into your life or you’re in the process of selecting the perfect name for your soon-to-be larger-than-life pup, naming your dog can be huge task. Finding a name that aligns with their substantial size and distinctive personality can be a challenge in itself. Fortunately, “Big Dog Names: 300+ Names from the Classic to the Unique” is here to simplify this process.

Our collection of large dog names, is a thoughtfully curated selection of over 300 names specifically tailored to suit those magnificent pups that grace our lives. Within this post, you’ll discover a diverse range of inspiration sources to draw from. These sources include classic monikers that have stood the test of time, names inspired by iconic canine characters in movies, elements of mythology that carry a certain grandeur, words that convey the sense of being big or large, and much more.

In the quest to find the ideal name for your big dog, we invite you to explore this guide and embark on a naming adventure where the right choice can aptly capture the essence of your canine companion’s personality and size.

How to Choose a Dog Name

Selecting the right name for your new dog can be a fun but sometimes tricky task. To make the process easier, here are some practical tips for you to use:

  • Consider Your Dog’s Personality: Think about your dog’s personality traits, such as whether they are playful, loyal, or independent. Then pick a name that reflects that trait.
  • Avoid Confusing Sounds: Pick a name that doesn’t sound like common commands like sit, stay, or no. This helps prevent confusion during training.
  • Keep It Short and Simple: Short names, typically one or two syllables, are easier for your dog to recognize and respond to.
  • Test It Out: Say the name out loud to see how it sounds and whether it feels natural when calling your dog.
  • Check for Popularity: Make sure the name isn’t common in your area or among your friends’ dogs to avoid mix-ups.
  • Keep it clean: Pick a name that you are comfortable saying in public. What might seem funny in private might not go over well in a public place.
  • Names have influence: Your dog’s name will influence what people think of your dog. 
  • Wait a Bit: Spend some time with your new dog before finalizing the name.
  • Trust Your Instincts: Ultimately, go with a name that feels right and resonates with you and your furry friend.
Happyoodles.com-Big-Dog-Names-Great-Pyrenees-Puppy

Classic Big Dog Names

There are certain names that just scream big dog. Names like Big Bertha or Brutus and we can’t forget the childhood favorite Clifford the Big Red Dog from children’s books with the same name.

You can find these types of names and more here in our Classic Big Dog Names category.

NamesGender
NanaF
QueenieF
BanditM
BeauM
BeethovenM
Bo M
BuddyM
CliffordM
CodyM
CometM
GoliathM
HunterM
KingM
NamesGender
LouieM
MarmadukeM
MiloM
RangerM
RockyM
SargeM
TysonM
Happyoodles.com - Berne puppy.

Unique Names For Your Big Dog

Looking for a unique name for your one of a kind pup? Check out these unique names that you probably won’t hear at the local dog park. For more unique name ideas please check out our post; Unique Dog Names: Plus Tips on How to Pick One

NameGender
AsiaF
Bisou – /bi.zu/ – ‘kiss in French’F
Button – as in cute as a buttonF
Danica – Type of FlowerF
HarmonyF
KeebaF
KodaF
LaceyF
Lilou – French for LilyF
Puff F
SashiF
ShilohF
StarF
NameGender
ArloM
BalooM
DarwinM
DeuceM
Digger M
Ellington M
FerrisM
HopperM
HuronM
JaiM
RaineM
SeymourM
TazM
Happyoodles.com Big Dog Names - Great Dane Puppy

Funny Names for Your Dog

Looking for a name that will give you a chuckle? Check out these funny names for large dogs.

Name Gender
BeanN
MochaN
ShadowN
TinyN
Female Names
DaisyF
MiniF
PandoroF
PeanutF
PetuniaF
PigletF

Funny Names for your Male Dog

Funny Names Gender
AttilaM
ChubbsM
DozerM
HugoM
JeevesM
JuniorM
RhinoM
ShaggyM
StalloneM
TankM
TugM
VaderM
Wolf M
YogiM
ZiggyM
Happyoodles.com Big Dog Names Great Dane - Grey

Dog Names from Movies

When putting together this list we couldn’t help but pull dog names from the movies. While not all of the names represent a large dog, they do make a good large dog name.

Female dog names from movies

  • Duchess – “The Aristocats” (1970) – Duchess is a sophisticated and elegant white Persian cat in this Disney animated film, but her name can be a unique choice for a large female dog.
  • Gigi – “The Ugly Dachshund” (1966) – Gigi is a Dachshund who causes chaos in a family of Great Danes.
  • Juno – “The Proposal” (2009) – Juno is a fluffy white American Eskimo dog in this romantic comedy.
  • Lady – “Lady and the Tramp” (1955) – While Lady is a small Cocker Spaniel in Disney’s classic animated film, the name lends itself to a large dog too.
  • Maggie – “Hotel for Dogs” (2009) – Maggie is a lovable Bullmastiff who plays a central role in the movie.
  • Missy – “Beethoven” (1992) – Missy is Beethoven’s love interest in the movie.
  • Perdita – “101 Dalmatians” (1961) – Perdita is the Dalmatian mother of the 101 Dalmatian puppies in the Disney classic.
  • Rajah – “Aladdin” (1992) – Rajah is the pet tiger of Princess Jasmine in the Disney animated film.
  • Regina – “Seven Pounds” (2008) – Regina is a Great Dane featured in this drama film.
  • Stella – “Marley & Me” (2008) – Stella is the Labrador Retriever owned by the Grogan family.

Male dog names from movies

  • Beethoven – “Beethoven” (1992) – The St. Bernard from this film series is named after the famous composer due to his mischievous nature.
  • Bruno – “Cinderella” (2015) – In Disney’s live-action adaptation, Bruno is the loyal Bloodhound who helps Cinderella.
  • Buddy – “Air Bud” (1997) – Buddy, a Golden Retriever, is a talented basketball-playing dog in this heartwarming family film.
  • Butkus – “Rocky” series – Named after Sylvester Stallone’s real-life dog, Butkus is a Bullmastiff who appears in the “Rocky” films.
  • Chance – “Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey” (1993) – Chance is an adventurous and fun-loving American Bulldog.
  • Cujo – “Cujo” (1983) – In this thriller, Cujo is a Saint Bernard turned ferocious after being bitten by a bat. Just remember this will affect how people look at you and your dog.
  • Fang – Fang is the name of Hagrid’s dog in the “Harry Potter” series of books and films.
  • Frank – Frank the Pug is a character from the “Men in Black” franchise. He’s a talking pug and appears in the first movie, “Men in Black” (1997).
  • Hooch – “Turner & Hooch” (1989) – Played by a Dogue de Bordeaux, Hooch was a lovable but slobbery companion to Detective Turner.
  • Max – “The Secret Life of Pets” (2016) – While Max is a Jack Russell Terrier who embarks on a wild adventure with his friends, it also makes a good name for a large dog.
  • Rex – “The Adventures of Rex and Rinty” (1935) – Rex was one of the lead German Shepherds in this classic adventure serial.
  • Rintintin – Rin Tin Tin was a famous German Shepherd actor who starred in numerous movies and TV shows.
  • Shadow – “Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey” (1993) – Shadow is the very loyal and obedient Golden Retriever.

Other Names from the Movies

These movie names may not be dogs, but they do lead themselves to being a great name for a large dog.

  • Clyde – Clyde is a character from the movie “Every Which Way But Loose” (1978). He’s an orangutan and a close companion to the main character, Philo Beddoe.
  • Diego – Diego is a saber-toothed tiger in the “Ice Age” film series, with the first movie “Ice Age” released in 2002.
  • Gonzo – Gonzo is a Muppet character known for his distinctive appearance and eccentric personality in various Muppet movies and shows.
  • Lex – Lex is often associated with Lex Luthor, the iconic villain from various Superman movies and comics.
  • Maui – Maui is a central character in Disney’s “Moana” (2016), known for his strength and demigod abilities.
  • Maximus – Maximus is the name of the horse in Disney’s “Tangled” (2010), and it’s a fitting name for a strong and majestic dog.
  • Remi – Remi is the main character, a rat, in Disney-Pixar’s “Ratatouille” (2007).
  • Symba – Symba is a playful variation of Simba, the lion who grows up to become king in Disney’s “The Lion King” (1994).
  • Tramp – Tramp is one of the titular characters in Disney’s “Lady and the Tramp” (1955), known for his carefree and adventurous spirit.
  • Yoda – Yoda is the wise and iconic Jedi Master from the “Star Wars” franchise, appearing in various movies.

Scottish Names for Large Dogs

If you happen to have a large dog breed from Scotland then a Scottish name might be in order. For more Scottish inspired names check out our post; Scottish Dog Names: 500 Names to Choose From

NameGender Meaning or association
AylaFStrong
Bean FFair
DixisF
FloraFGoddess of Flowers
Kyla F
LexiF
MadraFDog in olde Galtic
Nessie FLoch Ness Monster
SelkieFMytholgical creatures
NameGender Meaning or association
AngusMTown in Scotland
BodieM
ButeMIsland of Scotland
DuffyM
DugalM
DuncanM
FaganM
OliverM
TavishM
Happyoodles.com-Bull-Mastiff

Names Inspired By Pop Culture

This list was inspired by the famous dogs of our present and past pop culture.

NamesGender
Chloe – The secret Life of PetsF
Maggi – The SimpsonsF
Tinkerbelle – Fairy from Peter PanF
Appa – Flying Bison from Avatar: the Last Air BenderM
Astro – The JetsonsM
Bart -The SimpsonsM
Baymax – Big Hero SixM
Buddy – Air BudM
Buzz- Buzz Light Year From Toy StoryM
Comet – Air BudM
Gandalf – Wizard from Lord of the RingsM
Hercules – The SandlotM
Hooch – Turner and HoochM
Hulk – Super HeroM
Jabba – Star WarsM
Lassie – Book: Lassie come homeM
Marley – Marley and MeM
Mr. Big – Sex and the City M
Pluto – Micky Mouse’s dogM
Scooby – Animated series: Scooby Doo, Where are you? M
Smalls- Movie: The SandlotM
Toto – Small dog from Wizard of Oz M
Babe- The Big Blue Ox from Paul Bunyan N
Chewie- Star WarsN
Groot- Guardian of the Galaxy N
Happyoodles.com Big Dog Names - Black Dog in Snow

Names Inspired by the North

Many large dogs originate from colder climates so why not give them a name that is inspired by cold or up north.

Name
Aspen
Blizzard
Bjorn
Burke
Everest
Has
Hunter
Jackson
Juneau
Klondike
Kodiak
North
Soren
Tundra
Vale
Winter
Yeti
Yuki – Meaning snow
Happyoodles.com-Newfoundland.jpg

Big Dog Names Inspired by Cultures

Names inspired by the cultures around us tend to be unique and well…. inspiring. For more names from various cultures around the world check out our other posts for dogs names:

NameGender Meaning
AstridFOld Norse -Divine strength
AthenaFGreek Goddess of Wisdon 
Bestal FAn Ancient Frost giantess
ChanFChinese meaning snow
EiraFWelsh meaning snow
FreyjaFNorse Goddess Beauty
HeraF
ShebaFAfrican Queen
SkadiFNorse Mythology- goddess of winter
NameGender Meaning
AceMSlang meaning “Excellent!”
Albion MOne of the titan giants 
AspenM
AtlasMKing of Atlantis – A Triton Giant
BalorM“Evil Eye king of the Fomorians, a race of Giants
Enzo MA giant  
OdinM
ThorM
TritonM
ZeusMGreek God
AnakimA giant race
AzurNBlack in Egyptian
YukiNJapanese meaning snow

Names for Large Female Dogs

Big dogs don’t always have to have a name that implies they are big especially when they are girls. In our list of names for large dogs we made sure we added lots of sweet names for our big girls.

Names Names Names
Akira HelgaRikki
BerthaIdaRogue
BlossomKaraRosie
CaliKiraRoxie
CassieLarissaRuby
CleoLexiSasha
CloverLolaShelby
CocoLukaStella
DakotaLunaTika
DarlingMayaTilly
DixieMimiTrinity
Faith NaylaUma
GretaPenelopeVegas
GwenPrincessWillow
HarleyHope Winnie
HazelZoey

Names for Large Male Dogs

While reading through this list you might wonder why there is so many more male names on our list then female names. We wondered the same thing. It appears that names that invoke the image of “big” tend to be more masculine.

Male Names A to B
Ace
Admiral
Archie
Archer
Apollo
Axel
Bailey
Bear
Bennett
Benny
Boone
Boris
Brady
Brody
Bronson
Bruiser
Bruno
Brutus
Bryson
Males Names C to F
Caesar
Captain
Casper
Chance
Chase
Colby
Dawson
Dexter
Diesel
Dude
Dudley
Duke
Dunkin
Finn
Flynn
Forest
Male Names G to K
George
Gizmo
Grizzly
Gunther
Gus
Homer
Indigo
Jasper
Jax
Judge
Julius
Kai 
Kaine
Kodi 
Kona
Kong
Kylo
Male Names L to N
Laddie
Lenny
Leo
Levi
Lewis
Lilo
Loki
Mack
Marley
Marvel
Maverick
Max
Moose
Murphy
Nash
Nikko
Norman
Male Names O to T
Oliver
Ollie
Otis
Ozzy
Pablo
Preston 
Prince
Rex
Rufus
Ryder
Scout
Simon
Talon
Teddy
Tiger
Titus
Toby
Trooper 
Troy 
Male Names W to Z
Whooper 
Wolfgang
Wyatt
Zuke
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