Whether you prefer classic films from the Golden Age of Cinema, modern comedies, or super spooky thrillers, you can find endless inspiration for your new dog’s name right in your Netflix queue. Not only are some of the world’s favorite films jam-packed with ideal dog names, but a movie-inspired name will make your dog seem totally cultured, too. Just don’t be surprised if he or she gets really, really into film theory.
The Most Popular Dog Names from Films
The best part about naming your new dog after a character from a movie is the never-ending inspiration. No matter your dog’s breed, size, appearance, or personality, you’re sure to find a name that suits him or her perfectly. Here’s a list of some of the most popular dog names in the United States—according to a survey conducted by BarkBox, BARK, and Super Chewer—that also appear in some of the world’s most beloved films.
- Annie – from the comedy-meets-drama Annie. Bonus points if your dog has a reddish coat!
- Apollo – from the Rocky film series. Sure, it may be a little on the nose if your dog is a Boxer, but we say, go for it.
- Bella – from one of the world’s most famous young-adult film series Twilight. Let’s just hope your Bella isn’t so brooding.
- Charlie – from the 1971 classic Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. Just don’t give your Charlie any chocolate, please.
- Loki – from the Avengers and Thor Marvel movie series. We’re sure your Loki won’t have the same sibling rivalry as the big-screen Loki.
- Luna – from the world-renowned Harry Potter film series. It’s magical how your dog can manage to get food off the counter, so why not name her after a young witch?
- Max – from the action-packed Mad Max film series. Who, besides your dog, would you want on your side during in a post-apocalyptic world, anyway?
- Nala – from the Disney classic The Lion King. It’s the perfect pick for a feisty, leader-of-the-pack girl dog.
- Rhett – from the silver screen classic, Gone With the Wind. Choose this name if you want your pooch to seem like a total intellectual.
- Rocky – from the Rocky movie series, of course. Just don’t be surprised if your dog’s barks start to sound a lot like “Adrian!”
Tips for Naming Your New Dog
When you’re adding a furry family member, your to-do list may seem endless. After weeks of shopping for a super comfortable bed, to choosing the healthiest kibble, to stocking up his or her toy collection, you just might forget the most important part of bringing home doggo: choosing the perfect name.
Our advice? Choose a name that’s meaningful to your family. Remember, the whole gang is going to have to love this name for years and years to come. We know it’s easier said than done, so here are a few tips for choosing the right dog name:
- Consider names with one to two syllables and hard consonants. These names will be much easier for your dog to hear and understand.
- Avoid names that might sound like a command, such as “sit” and “Kit.”
- Choose a name that’s easy to say and spell. Your family, friends, and veterinarian will be using this name for years.
- Don’t choose a name that could be considered embarrassing or offensive. If you’d be embarrassed to yell your dog’s name in the park, don’t do it.
Dog Names Inspired by Doggy Actors
Did you know the first doggy actor graced the silver screen in 1905? Since then, countless dogs have starred in some of the world’s most famous films. Get inspired by these big screen bow-wows.
- Buddy (Air Bud)
- Chance (Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey)
- Fly (Babe)
- Marley (Marley and Me)
- Petey (The Little Rascals)
- Perdita (101 Dalmatians)
- Samantha (I Am Legend)
- Scooby (Scooby-Doo)
- Shadow (Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey)
- Toto (The Wizard of Oz)
[bctt tweet=”Whether you prefer classic films from the Golden Age of Cinema, modern comedies, or super spooky thrillers, you can find endless inspiration for your new dog’s name right in your Netflix queue.” username=”alaskadogworks”]
Female Dog Names from Movies
From Scarlett O’Hara, to Furiosa, there’s plenty of dog-naming inspiration to draw from the ladies of the silver screen—whether your dog is a refined, southern belle or a rough-and-tumble kind of girl.
- Belle (Beauty and the Beast)
- Diana (Wonder Woman)
- Dottie (A League of Their Own)
- Dorothy (The Wizard of Oz)
- Elle (Legally Blonde)
- Elsa (Frozen)
- Jo (Little Women)
- Leia (Star Wars)
- Maya (Zero Dark Thirty)
- Ripley (Alien)
Male Dog Names from Movies
Looking for the perfect moniker for your dashing new dude? Look no further than some of Hollywood’s favorite male movie characters.
- Adonis (Creed)
- Bond (Spectre)
- Chuck (Cast Away)
- Indiana or Indy (Indiana Jones)
- Jack (The Pirates of the Caribbean)
- Luke (Star Wars)
- Marty (Back to the Future)
- Red (The Shawshank Redemption)
- Thor (Thor)
- Tyler (Fight Club)
Other Dog Name Ideas
Looking for more dog naming inspiration?
70 Cartoon Names for Dogs
45 Dog Names from Star Wars
50 Literary Dog Names
