Updated 03/12/2024 – Whether you’ve recently welcomed a massive furry friend into your life or you’re in the process of selecting the perfect dog 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: Popular and Unique Names for Large Breeds” is here to simplify this process for you.
Our collection of big dog names, is a thoughtfully curated selection of over 400 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 names 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 too 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.
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 Popular Big Dog Names category.
Popular Big Dog Names for Male Dogs
- Apollo
- Bear
- Bruno
- Brutus
- Buster
- Caesar
- Chief
- Duke
- Hunter
- King
- Major
- Max
- Rex
- Rocky
- Samson
- Shadow
- Tank
- Thor
- Titan
- Zeus
Popular Big Dog Names for Female Dogs
- Athena
- Bella
- Cleo
- Daisy
- Duchess
- Freya
- Lady
- Luna
- Maggie
- Maya
- Molly
- Nova
- Queenie
- Roxy
- Ruby
- Sadie
- Sasha
- Sierra
- Stella
- Willow
Big Dog Names from Movies
These names draw from iconic movie characters known for their strength, bravery, and unique qualities, making them excellent choices for large dogs with big personalities.
Male
- Albus (from “Harry Potter”)
- Bruce (from “Jaws” – the shark’s nickname)
- Caesar (from “Rise of the Planet of the Apes”)
- Clyde (“Every Which Way But Loose”)
- Conan (from “Conan the Barbarian”)
- Diego (from “Ice Age” film series)
- Gandalf (from “The Lord of the Rings”)
- Gonzo (from Muppet movies and shows)
- Indiana (from “Indiana Jones”)
- Juno (from “The Proposal”)
- Leonidas (from “300”)
- Lex (Lex Luthor, from various Superman movies and comics)
- Maui (from “Moana”)
- Maximus (from Disney’s “Tangled”)
- Neo (from “The Matrix”)
- Rajah (from “Aladdin”)
- Remi – (from “Ratatouille”)
- Rocky (from “Rocky”)
- Simba (from “The Lion King”)
- Sully (from “Monsters, Inc.”)
- Tramp (from “Lady and the Tramp”)
- Thor (from “Thor”)
- Vader (from “Star Wars”)
- Wolverine (from “X-Men”)
- Yoda (from the “Star Wars” franchise)
Female
- Belle (from “Beauty and the Beast”)
- Clarice (from “The Silence of the Lambs”)
- Éowyn (from “The Lord of the Rings”)
- Furiosa (from “Mad Max: Fury Road”)
- Leia (from “Star Wars”)
- Matilda (from “Matilda”)
- Moana (from “Moana”)
- Mulan (from “Mulan”)
- Ripley (from “Alien”)
- Trinity (from “The Matrix”)
Names of Large Dogs from Movies, TV and Books
Male Dog Names
- Beethoven (from “Beethoven”) – St. Bernard
- Bruno (from “Cinderella”) – Bloodhound
- Buck (from “The Call of the Wild”) – St. Bernard-Scotch Collie mix
- Buddy (from Air Bud) – Golden Retriever
- Butkus (from the “Rocky” series) – Bullmastiff
- Chance (from “Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey” ) – American Bulldog.
- Clifford (from “Clifford the Big Red Dog”) – Vaguely a Giant Vizsla
- Cujo (from “Cujo”) – St. Bernard
- Fang (from “Harry Potter”) – Neapolitan Mastiff
- Frank (from “Men in Black” franchise) – Pug – Frank is a little dog in the movie but the name works well for a large breed.
- Hooch (from “Turner & Hooch”) – Dogue de Bordeaux
- Marley (from “Marley & Me”) – Labrador Retriever
- Marmaduke (from “Marmaduke”) – Great Dane
- Max (from “The Secret Life of Pets”) – Jack Russell, again Max is not a big dog but the name works well for a larger breed.
- Old Yeller (from “Old Yeller”) – Black Mouth Cur
- Rintintin – (from Rin Tin Tin) – German Shepherd
- Shadow (from “Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey”) – Golden Retriever
Female Dog Names
- Bella (from “A Dog’s Way Home”) – Pit Bull mix
- Lady (from “Game of Thrones”) – Northern Inuit dogs
- Lassie (from “Lassie”) – Rough Collie
- Maggie (from “Hotel for Dogs”) – Bullmastiff
- Missy (from “Beethoven”) -St. Bernard
- Nana (from “Peter Pan”) – Newfoundland
- Perdita (from “101 Dalmatians”) – Dalmatian
- Regina – “Seven Pounds” (2008) – Great Dane
- Stella – “Marley & Me” (2008) – Labrador Retriever
More Names Inspired By Pop Culture
Here’s a list of names inspired by characters from TV shows, comics, and beyond, perfect for your big dog.
Female Big Dog Names Inspired By Pop Culture
- Arya (from “Game of Thrones”)
- Belle (from “Beauty and the Beast”)
- Buffy (from “Buffy the Vampire Slayer”)
- Dana (from “The X-Files,” for Dana Scully)
- Elle (from “Legally Blonde” or “Stranger Things”)
- Eve (from “Killing Eve”)
- Faye (from “Cowboy Bebop”)
- Gamora (from “Guardians of the Galaxy”)
- Joy (from “Inside Out”)
- Kat (short for Katniss from “The Hunger Games”)
- Leia (from “Star Wars”)
- Liz (short for Elizabeth Swann from “Pirates of the Caribbean”)
- Max (from “Max: Fury Road” or “Stranger Things” for Maxine “Max” Mayfield)
- Mia (from “Pulp Fiction” or “The Princess Diaries”)
- Moana (from “Moana”)
- Nebula (from “Guardians of the Galaxy”)
- Rey (from “Star Wars”)
- Ripley (from “Alien”)
- Rogue (from “X-Men”)
- Zelda (from “The Legend of Zelda”)
Male Big Dog Names Inspired By Pop Culture
- Appa – Flying Bison from Avatar: the Last Air Bender
- Astro – The Jetsons
- Babe– The Big Blue Ox from Paul Bunyan
- Bart -The Simpsons
- Baymax – Big Hero Six
- Buzz– Buzz Light Year From Toy Story
- Chewie– Star Wars
- Comet – Air Bud
- Gandalf – Wizard from Lord of the Rings
- Groot– Guardian of the Galaxy
- Hercules – The Sandlot
- Hooch – Turner and Hooch
- Hulk – Super Hero
- Jabba – Star Wars
- Lassie – Book: Lassie come home
- Marley – Marley and Me
- Mr. Big – Sex and the City
- Pluto – Micky Mouse’s dog
- Scooby – Animated series: Scooby Doo, Where are you?
- Smalls– Movie: The Sandlot
- Toto – Small dog from Wizard of Oz
Names by Coat Color
Whether your dog has a dark, mysterious coat that blends into the night or a light, ethereal fur that glows in the sunlight, there’s a perfect name that captures the essence of their beauty. From sleek black dogs to those with snowy white fur, these names are inspired by the hues and textures that make each dog unique.
Dark Coats
Unisex
- Ash
- Coal
- Eclipse
- Ember
- Jet
- Midnight
- Onyx
- Panther
- Raven
- Sable
- Slate
- Smoky
- Storm
- Twilight
Light Coats
Unisex
- Alabaster
- Birch
- Blizzard
- Cotton
- Frost
- Ghost
- Ivory
- Pearl
- Snow
- Winter
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
Unique Girl Names For Your Big Dog
- Asia
- Bisou – /bi.zu/ – ‘kiss in French’
- Button – as in cute as a button
- Danica – Type of Flower
- Harmony
- Keeba
- Koda
- Lacey
- Lilou – French for Lily
- Puff
- Sashi
- Shiloh
- Star
Unique Boy Names For Your Big Dog
- Arlo
- Baloo
- Darwin
- Deuce
- Digger
- Ellington
- Ferris
- Hopper
- Huron
- Jai
- Raine
- Seymour
- Taz
Funny Names for Your Dog
Looking for a name that will give you a chuckle? Check out these funny names for large dogs.
Funny Names for Large Dogs
- Attila – Evoking the image of Attila the Hun, known for his fierceness, makes it humorous for a gentle giant.
- Bigfoot – For an especially large dog with big paws, referencing the mythical creature known for its size.
- Biscuit – For a dog as sweet as a cookie but ten times larger.
- Boomer – Perfect for a dog with a big bark or presence.
- Buttercup – Ironic and sweet for a massive, tough-looking dog.
- Chunk – Affectionately highlights their size.
- Chubbs – A funny name that highlights a dog’s chubby, loveable form.
- Cupcake – Sweet and fluffy but unexpectedly big.
- Dozer – Implies a dog that bulldozes through anything.
- Doodle – For a large, fluffy dog that might resemble a big, soft doodle.
- Fuzzball – For the dog with a lot of hair and a lot of body.
- Goober – For a large dog with a goofy personality.
- Hugo – Often associated with grandeur, making it amusingly dignified for a large dog.
- Jeeves – Implies a butler-like demeanor, humorous for a dog who is more likely to cause a mess than clean it up.
- Jellybean – Small and colorful, the opposite of a large dog’s size.
- Junior – Funny when used for a particularly large dog, implying they’re still a “little one.”
- Mini – Funny name for a large dog, because of the irony.
- Moose – Especially suitable for a dog as big as this majestic animal.
- Muffin – Because they’re just a big, softie at heart.
- Noodle – Perfect for a dog with a silly, floppy nature.
- Peanut – Ironic for a giant dog.
- Pickle – For a dog that gets into as many pickles as their namesake.
- Piglet – Cute name for any dog, humorous for its contrast with a large dog’s size.
- Rhino – Suggesting a bulky, unstoppable force, comical for a lovable, large dog.
- Shaggy – For a dog with a shaggy coat.
- Sir Waggington – Adds a touch of nobility to your dog’s playful nature.
- Spaghetti – Especially funny for long, lean dogs.
- Stallone – After Sylvester Stallone, known for his muscular roles, fitting for a strong, imposing dog.
- Tater Tot – Small name for a big dog.
- Tug – Suggests a dog that loves to play tug-of-war, a funny and endearing trait.
- Tiny – For the dog who is anything but small.
- Waffles – Because who doesn’t love waffles, regardless of size?
- Wolf – While many large dogs have wolf-like features, naming a cuddly pet after a wild animal is amusingly incongruous.
- Yogi – Conjures the image of Yogi Bear, funny for a dog with a bigger-than-life personality.
- Ziggy – Can be amusing for a dog with a quirky personality, named after David Bowie’s alter ego, Ziggy Stardust.
Badass Dog Names
Choosing a badass name for your big dog can reflect their strong, imposing presence or simply your love for powerful, resonant names
Male
- Axel – Implies strength and a cool edge.
- Blaze – Conveys fiery spirit and energy.
- Bronx – Evokes toughness and resilience.
- Butch – Classic tough-guy vibe.
- Fang – For a dog with a fierce bite or look.
- Goliath – After the biblical giant, perfect for a large dog.
- Gunner – Suggests courage and power.
- Hulk – For a dog with a massive build.
- Jett – Fast and powerful.
- Kane – Strong, manly, and formidable.
- Maverick – For the independent, strong-willed dog.
- Nitro – Implies explosive power and energy.
- Odin – Named after the Norse god, exuding wisdom and power.
- Rex – Latin for king, implying nobility and power.
- Sarge – Military-inspired, denotes leadership.
- Thor – After the Norse god of thunder, perfect for a dog with a powerful presence.
- Titan – For a dog as large and powerful as the mythological giants.
- Vader – After Darth Vader, for a dog with a commanding presence.
- Wolverine – Fierce and resilient.
- Zeus – The king of gods in Greek mythology, signifying strength and authority.
Female
- Athena – After the Greek goddess of wisdom and war, for a smart and strong dog.
- Blaze – Conveys fiery spirit and strength.
- Cleo – Short for Cleopatra, implying regal and fierce qualities.
- Electra – For a dog with a vibrant and electric personality.
- Freya – Named after the Norse goddess of love and war, symbolizing beauty and strength.
- Harley – For a dog with a rebellious streak.
- Huntress – For a powerful and independent dog.
- Jade – Precious and tough.
- Kali – After the Hindu goddess, symbolizing destruction and rebirth.
- Luna – Implies a mystical and powerful nature.
- Medusa – For a dog with a captivating and formidable presence.
- Nyx – After the Greek goddess of the night, for a dog with a dark coat or mysterious aura.
- Onyx – Strong and protective, like the black stone.
- Queen – Denotes authority and independence.
- Raven – For a dog with a dark coat or a mysterious presence.
- Sable – For a dog with a sleek, black coat.
- Sheba – Implying regal and powerful qualities.
- Storm – For a dog with a powerful and unpredictable nature.
- Valkyrie – After the Norse mythological figures, symbolizing strength and valor.
- Xena – After the warrior princess, for a fearless and powerful dog.
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
Scottish Names for Female Large Dogs
- Ayla – Strong
- Bean – Fair
- Dixis
- Flora – Goddess of Flowers
- Kyla
- Lexi
- Madra – Dog in olde Galtic
- Nessie – Loch Ness Monster
- Selkie – Mytholgical creatures
Scottish Names for Male Large Dogs
- Angus – Town in Scotland
- Bodie
- Bute – Island of Scotland
- Duffy
- Dugal
- Duncan
- Fagan
- Oliver
- Tavish
Names Inspired by the North and Nature
Many large dogs originate from colder climates so why not give them a name that is inspired by cold or up north.
Unisex Names For Inspired by Cold Climates
- Aspen
- Blizzard
- Bjorn
- Burke
- Everest
- Has
- Hunter
- Jackson
- Juneau
- Klondike
- Kodiak
- North
- Soren
- Tundra
- Vale
- Winter
- Yeti
- Yuki – Meaning snow
Elements & Phenomena
Unisex
- Blaze
- Breeze
- Comet
- Frost
- Mist
- Ocean
- Quake
- River
- Sky
- Stormy
Mountains & Forests (15 Names)
Unisex
- Cedar
- Denali (the highest peak in North America)
- Forest
- Juniper
- Rainier (a prominent mountain in the Cascade Range)
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:
- 550 British Dog Names: You Will Want to Use
- Norse Dog Names: Viking Names for Your Dog
- French Dog Names For Your Doodle
- Australian Dog Names: 200 Dog Names
Big Girl Dog Names Inspired by Cultures
- Astrid – Old Norse -Divine strength
- Athena – Greek Goddess of Wisdon
- Bestal – An Ancient Frost giantess
- Chan – Chinese meaning snow
- Eira – Welsh meaning snow
- Hera
- Sheba – African Queen
- Skadi – Norse Mythology- goddess of winter
Big Boy Dog Names Inspired by Cultures
- Ace – Slang meaning “Excellent!
- Albion – One of the titan giants
- Atlas – King of Atlantis – A Triton Giant
- Balor – “Evil Eye king of the Fomorians, a race of Giants
- Enzo – A giant
- Anakim – A giant race
- Azur – Black in Egyptian
- Triton
- Yuki – Japanese meaning snow
Even More Big Dog Names to Choose From
Names for 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.
- Akira
- Blossom
- Cali
- Cassie
- Clover
- Coco
- Dakota
- Darling
- Dixie
- Faith
- Greta
- Gwen
- Harley
- Hazel
- Helga
- Ida
- Kara
- Kira
- Larissa
- Lola
- Luka
- Mimi
- Nayla
- Penelope
- Princess
- Hope
- Hazel
- Rikki
- Rogue
- Rosie
- Roxie
- Sasha
- Shelby
- Tika
- Tilly
- Urma
- Vegas
- Winnie
- Zoey
Names for 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.
- Ace
- Admiral
- Archie
- Archer
- Axel
- Bailey
- Bennett
- Benny
- Boone
- Boris
- Brady
- Brody
- Bronson
- Bruiser
- Bryson
- Captain
- Chase
- Colby
- Dawson
- Dexter
- Diesel
- Dude
- Dudley
- Dunkin
- Finn
- Flynn
- George
- Gizmo
- Grizzly
- Gunther
- Gus
- Indigo
- Jasper
- Jax
- Judge
- Julius
- Kai
- Kaine
- Kodi
- Kona
- Kong
- Kylo
- Laddie
- Lenny
- Leo
- Levi
- Lewis
- Lilo
- Loki
- Mack
- Marvel
- Maverick
- Moose
- Murphy
- Nash
- Nikko
- Norman
- Oliver
- Ollie
- Otis
- Ozzy
- Pablo
- Preston
- Prince
- Rufus
- Ryder
- Scout
- Simon
- Talon
- Teddy
- Tiger
- Titus
- Toby
- Trooper
- Troy
- Whooper
- Wolfgang
- Wyatt
- Zuke
Selecting the perfect name for your new puppy is an important step in welcoming them into your home and heart. Whether you’ve chosen a majestic Saint Bernard, a noble Great Pyrenees, or another large breed, finding a name that’s a great fit is crucial for pet owners.
This post has offered a variety of names—from mythology-inspired to funny picks—that cater to every pet’s unique personality and appearance. Remember, the best name for your dog is one that resonates with you and reflects the special bond you share. When you find that perfect name, you’ll know it’s just the right one for your furry companion.
Not finding what you are looking for? Check out these dog name ideas:
- Best Badass Black Dog Names for a Confident Pup
- 199+ Best Baseball Dog Names Inspired By The Game
- Unique Dog Names: Plus Tips on How to Pick One
- Scottish Dog Names: 500 Names to Choose From
- Flower Names For Dogs: Plus Nature Inspired Dog Names
- 550 British Dog Names: You Will Want to Use
- French Dog Names For Your Doodle
- Australian Dog Names: 200 Dog Name