Looking for a creative dog name? Look no further than your favorite—or your kids’ favorite—animated series and movies. From classic, Saturday morning cartoons, to modern-day movies, the most beloved cartoons are jam-packed with dog naming inspiration. (Bonus: Dog naming research is a great excuse to kick back on the couch and binge cartoons for a few hours.)
Top Dog Names from Cartoons
- Astro: The beloved pet of the Jetsons, Astro was known for his robust vocabulary and high-tech hijinks.
- Balto: Long before the cartoon, Balto was a real-life dog known for his heroics. In 1925, he led a sled-pulling team to deliver medicine to a town overtaken by illness.
- Bandit: Side-kick to Johnny Quest, Bandit often used his distinctive coloring to fool bad guys.
- Clifford: A childhood favorite—from both books and cartoons—it doesn’t get any more classic than Clifford.
- Lady: This name, inspired by the Disney classic TheLady and the Tramp, constantly ranks in the top 100 most popular dog names in the United States.
- Scooby: Jinkies! Everyone’s favorite mystery-solving Great Dane, Scooby Doo, doesn’t just have excellent tracking skills—he has an excellent name, too.
- Snoopy: Need we say more? This beloved Peanuts pooch has entertained audiences for 70 years.
- Spike: Every tough guy dog needs a tough guy name to match his strong personality. This definitely rings true for Spike the Bulldog from Looney Tunes.
- Winston: Although Feast is a newer animation, Winston makes a cute, classic name for any dog.
Tips for Choosing a Dog Name
Bringing your new furry family member home is the easy part. Choosing the perfect name for him or her? There’s where things get tough. Not only do you have to pick a name that suits her personality, but everyone in the family has to be in agreement, too. Not sure where to begin? Here’s some helpful advice:
- Opt for names that are one or two syllables. Shorter names are easier for dogs to hear and understand.
- Look for hard consonants, which will also help your dog hear his or her name better.
- Avoid names that sound like commands. Think “sit” and “Kit” or “lay” and “Layla.”
- Consider the pronunciation and spelling of your dog’s name. Remember: Family members, friends, and your veterinarian are going to have to say and spell your dog’s name for years.
- Thinking about a funny dog name? Picture yourself sitting in your veterinarian’s waiting room. When your vet calls your dog’s name, are you embarrassed? Would it be embarrassing or even offensive to shout your dog’s name in the park? If so, you might want to consider a different name.
[bctt tweet=”Saturday morning cartoons, to modern-day movies, the most beloved cartoons are jam-packed with dog naming inspiration.” username=”alaskadogworks”]
Dog Names from Classic Cartoons
Harken back to your childhood—and long, easy Saturday mornings jam-packed with your favorite cartoons—by naming your dog after a classic cartoon character. Unfortunately, choosing one of these names won’t make your current day Saturday mornings any less hectic—back-to-back sports practices, anyone?—but they make cute throwbacks, anyway.
- Augie
- Belle
- Bruno
- Copper
- Droopy
- Goofy
- Huckleberry
- Odie
- Peabody
- Perdita
- Pluto
- Pongo
- Nana
- Tramp
- Tyke
Dog Names from Modern-Day Cartoons
Looking for something a bit more modern? Today’s cartoon series and animated films are packed with unique names that can work for any dog—including our favorite, hilariously human names, Dug (from Up) and Kyle (from Despicable Me.)
- Annabelle
- Bolt
- Buster
- Courage
- Dante
- Dug
- Kyle
- Lucky
- Max
- Porkchop
- Rocky
- Scud
- Zoe
Dog Names from Adults-Only Cartoons
If you prefer more, ahem, adult humor from your cartoons, fear not: There are cartoon-inspired dog names for you, too. Just don’t be surprised if your dog starts telling fart jokes or dragging his butt on the rug. We’re looking at you, Ren & Stimpy.
- Brian
- Jasper
- Ren
- Santa’s Little Helper
- Sharky
- Spunky
- Vinny
Dog Names Inspired by Non-Canine Cartoon Characters
Want even more inspiration from cartoons? Don’t want to name your dog after an anthropomorphic cartoon canine? No problem. These cartoon-inspired names range from old school to current day, and cover all your favorites. Think: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, The Flintstones, Rugrats, and more.
- April
- Barney
- Beast
- Betty
- Blossom
- Casper
- Chuckie
- Daphne
- Dixie
- Donald
- Elmer
- Flynn
- Jake
- Leela
- Maggie
- Olive (Oyl)
- Pickles
- Pixie
- Rocko
- Rocky
- Shaggy
- Sylvester
- Wendy
- Wiley
- Wilma
- Zed
Other Dog Naming Ideas
Looking for more inspiration? Be sure to chdck out:
74 Celebrity Dog Names
87 Funny Dog Names
17 Flower Dog Names
We offer a FREE Discovery Call. Please click on the graphic to learn more:
