Is there anything cuter than a puppy under the Christmas tree? Why, sure, there is A dog of any age who comes into your life to brighten the holiday season! That special pet deserves a merry moniker that will remind you of their arrival. And when it comes to Christmas dog names, you’ve got a wide selection to choose from. Get into the spirit of the season with these Christmas dog names.
Christmas Names for Female Dogs
Ailsa
Of Scottish origin, this girl’s name means “elf victory.”
Amaryllis
A popular Christmas flower, the amaryllis blooms during December.
Angelica
Derived from Latin and Greek, Angelica means “angel” or “messenger from God.”
Belle
This festive name jingles all the way.
Bianca
Are you dreaming of a white Christmas pup? This pretty Italian name means “white.”
Carol
As in Christmas carols, of course!
Celeste
This angelic name means “heavenly.”
Clara
Clara is the young heroine in “The Nutcracker.”
Epiphany
Also known as Little Christmas or Three Kings Day, the feast of the Epiphany is celebrated in early January.
Eve
A nod to Christmas Eve and its joyful traditions.
Faith
This theological virtue also makes for a pretty name.
Gloria
If your go-to Christmas carol is “Angels We Have Heard on High,” look no further.
Grace
Another virtue-inspired name, Grace, is a lovely choice year-round.
Hollis
An English name meaning “dweller at the holly trees.”
Holly
Holly berries are toxic to people and pets, but the plant makes for a fresh choice with evergreen appeal.
Hope
Hope will always be hoping for a treat!
Ivy
If Holly is a bit too prickly for you, consider Ivy.
Joy
Joy to the world: a new pup has come home!
Juniper
The evergreen shrub is also an on-trend girl’s name.
Lucia
In Scandinavia, St. Lucia Day is celebrated on December 13, marking the beginning of the holiday season.
Mariah
Mariah Carey is sometimes called the Queen of Christmas, and who are we to argue?
Merry
Is there any other way to feel when bringing a four-legged friend home?
Miracle
’Tis the season for Christmas miracles.
Mistletoe
This name comes with plenty of puppy kisses.
Mrs. Claus
We all know Santa’s better half keeps the North Pole running smoothly.
Natala
A Latin name meaning “the Lord’s birthday.”
Noël
This name is also the French word for Christmas.
North
Which way to Santa’s house?!
Paloma
Spanish for “dove,” a symbol of peace.
Partridge
Add a pear tree to your yard, and your first day of Christmas is complete.
Poinsettia
The iconic Christmas flower is toxic to pets but makes for a festive name.
Robin
With their red coloring and spiritual significance, robins are traditionally associated with Christmas.
Ruby
This gem of a name winks to the color of the season.
Scarlett
Another shade of red, Scarlett, is also a vintage girl’s name.
Star
In honor of the tree topper and your furry friend’s out-of-this-world personality.
Stella
Of Latin origin, this celestial girl’s name means “star.”
Tinsel
Perfect for the pet who can’t help but shine.
Twinkle
If your lights don’t twinkle, is it even Christmas?
Virginia
Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Paws.
Vixen
Santa’s reindeer shares its name with the word for a female fox.
Christmas Names for Male Dogs
Alfredo
Of Spanish and Italian origin, this variation of Alfred means “elf counsel.”
Alvie
Of British origin, this unisex name means “elf friend.”
Angelo
Meaning “angel” or “messenger from God,” this name is thought to have Greek and Latin origins.
Aster
Of Greek origin, this boy’s name means “star.”
Axel
This name, with Icelandic, Scandinavian, and German origins, means “father of peace.”
Baba
In Turkey, Father Christmas is known as Noel Baba.
Balsam
The balsam fir is a widespread variety of Christmas trees.
Blitzen
Giddy up! This reindeer’s name means “flash” or “lightning” in German.
Calum
A peaceful Scottish name meaning “dove.”
Cane
Like a candy cane, of course!
Celyn
A lovely name derived from the Welsh word for “holly.”
Christian
This classic boy’s name has a faithful following.
Christmas
For 11 months of the year, you can simply call your dog “Chris.”
Claus
Santa’s surname sounds like “claws,” which might be a fitting name for your Christmas pup.
Clement
In honor of Clement Clarke Moore, who wrote the poem “A Visit From St. Nicholas,” better known as “’Twas the Night Before Christmas.”
Coal
No good boy would find coal in their stocking, but it is an excellent name for black-coated pets!
Comet
Santa’s reindeer is the perfect namesake for speedy pets.
Crimson
This color-inspired name winks to Christmastime reds.
Crosby
Last name of famous crooner Bing Crosby, whose “White Christmas” and other songs are often heard during the holidays.
Cullen
Before it was made famous by the “Twilight” saga, Cullen was simply an Irish surname derived from the word cuileann, meaning “holly tree.”
Cupid
This reindeer name will work just as well come Valentine’s Day.
Dasher
For a cute nickname, you can shorten this reindeer-inspired name to Dash.
Donner
Festive and preppy, this reindeer name is a year-round winner.
December
Consider commemorating the month if you adopt your furry friend during the holidays!
Dickens
A nod to Charles Dickens, author of “A Christmas Carol.”
Dominick
Hee-haw, hee-haw! Love or loathe it, “Dominick the Donkey” is a classic Christmas tune.
Douglas
The Douglas fir is a popular Christmas evergreen.
Elf
A festive name for petite pets and big-boned buds alike.
Jingle
Oh, what fun it is to name pets!
Jolly
For the pet with a Santa-like disposition.
Kiefer
A German name meaning “pine tree.”
Krampus
The “anti-Santa,” Krampus is a horned character from European folklore who scares naughty children during the holiday season.
Kringle
Santa has many aliases, including Kris Kringle.
Nick
In honor of the jolly man himself, Saint Nick.
Nollaig
A unisex Irish name meaning “Christmas.”
North
Which way to Santa’s workshop? North!
Nutcracker
Tchaikovsky’s iconic ballet takes place on Christmas Eve.
Oren
A Hebrew name meaning “pine tree.”
Pax
Of Latin origin, Pax means “peace.”
Prancer
This reindeer name will put a little spring in any pet’s step!
Rudolph
The red-nosed legend is one of Santa’s most famous reindeer, and his name comes with a cute nickname: Rudy!
Santa
Go big or go home! The big man himself makes for a fantastically festive name.
Seanan
An Irish name meaning “little wise man.”
Spruce
The spruce tree is a classic Christmas choice.
Wenceslas
The Good King is the Christmas song made famous by Bing Crosby.
Yule
Another name for Christmas, as in “yuletide greetings.”
TV and Movie-Inspired Christmas Names for Dogs
Bailey
As fans of “It’s a Wonderful Life” know, George Bailey discovers the true meaning of Christmas in the beloved film.
Beethoven
Everyone’s favorite Saint Bernard has a holiday special, “Beethoven’s Christmas Adventure.”
Bob Cratchit
In “A Christmas Carol,” Bob Cratchit is Scrooge’s clerk.
Budderball
In “Santa Buddies: The Legend of Santa Paws,” Budderball lands on the naughty list for indulging in Thanksgiving turkey.
Buddy
As syrup-loving Buddy, Will Ferrell made “Elf” a holiday mainstay.
Bumpus
In “A Christmas Story,” the Bumpus Hounds devour the family’s much-awaited turkey dinner.
Charlie Brown
If your furry friend has a brown coat, the main character of “A Charlie Brown Christmas” is a holiday hit.
Cindy Lou Who
A little ray of sunshine is seen in “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” Cindy Lou, who is the perfect name for sweet, petite pets.
Clarice
In the classic TV Christmas special “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, ” Clarice is Rudolph’s girlfriend.”
Clarence
Pets have a way of gently guiding us in the right direction. With this in mind, Clarence, the guardian angel from “It’s a Wonderful Life,” is an inspired choice.
Ebenezer
Unusual human names are always fun for pets, especially when shared with Mr. Scrooge.
Elsa
Although “Frozen” isn’t a Christmas movie, Elsa and her magical ice powers are pure winter wonder.
Fred Claus
In the movie of the same name, Fred Claus (played by Vince Vaughn) is Santa’s grumpy older brother.
Grinch
Your dog isn’t a “mean one,” but it would still be fun to call him Mr. Grinch.
Griswold
“National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” centers on the Griswold family and their hilariously catastrophic holiday season.
Hans Gruber
Is “Die Hard” a Christmas movie? The jury’s still out, but we know one thing for sure: Hans Gruber is a fantastic name for any pet.
Hermey
Hermey is an elf in the stop-motion animated special “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.”
Jack Skellington
In “The Nightmare Before Christmas,” Jack Skellington is the Pumpkin King of Halloween Town, but he’s fascinated by Christmas.
Jesper
In 2019’s “Klaus,” Jason Schwartzman voices Jesper, a postman who befriends Santa.
Kevin McCallister
KEVIN! Don’t leave your pup unattended this Christmas, or he may wreak havoc like the main character of “Home Alone.”
Marley
In “A Christmas Carol,” Jacob Marley is the first ghost to visit Scrooge.
Max
In honor of the antler-sporting dog in “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.”
Mitzi
The name of Rudolph’s mom in “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.”
Mr. Fezziwig
In “A Christmas Carol,” Mr. Fezziwig is a kindly old businessman man, aka the anti-Scrooge.
Olaf
Does your pet enjoy warm hugs? The “Frozen” cutie might be a good namesake!
Santa Paws
In Disney’s 2010 “The Search for Santa Paws,” the central canine is a Great Pyrenees.
Santa’s Little Helper
In “The Simpsons,” Santa’s Little Helper is the family’s pet greyhound.
Snoopy
The famous dog in “A Charlie Brown Christmas.”
Snots
The aptly named dog in “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” has plenty of slobber to spare.
Ralphie
We triple-dog-dare you to name your pet after the main character from “A Christmas Story.”
Scott Calvin
In “The Santa Clause,” Tim Allen plays a soon-to-be Santa named Scott Calvin.
Scrooge
The grumpy main character of “A Christmas Carol” makes for a hilarious pet name.
Tiny Tim
No matter your pet’s size, the sweet character from “A Christmas Carol” is an adorable namesake.
Tucker
The handsome pup in the get-out-your-tissues film, “Christmas With Tucker.”
Zero
Zero is the ghost dog in “The Nightmare Before Christmas.”
Zeus
The canine star of “The Dog Who Saved Christmas.”
Food-Inspired Christmas Names for Dogs
Berry
From holly berries to cranberries, the festive fruits are holiday staples.
Brandy
There’s no sweeter sip while sitting fireside.
Candy Cane
The classic candy is both sweet and refreshing, just like your pet.
Caramel
Perfect for the caramel-coated furry friend in your life.
Chestnut
In “The Christmas Song,” Nat King Cole croons about “chestnuts roasting on an open fire.”
Cider
Spiked or not, cider always puts us in the holiday spirit.
Cinnamon
Equal parts sweet and spicy, we love this one for sassy pets.
Clementine
The tiny oranges are a traditional stocking surprise.
Clove
Is it possible to smell cloves without dreaming of a holiday feast?
Cocoa
Coming in hot: Everyone’s favorite merry mug!
Cookie
What else would you leave Santa beside that glass of milk?
Cranberry
Because it’s not Christmas dinner without a side of cranberry sauce.
Eggnog
You can call your pet an equally funny nickname: Egg!
Figgy
Now, bring us some figgy pudding!
Fruitcake
Nobody wants fruitcake as a gift, but give this name to your dog and everyone is sure to love your Fruitcake.
Ginger
The holiday spice is twice as nice if your pet has orange or red fur.
Gumdrop
The gingerbread house garnish is an adorable pet name.
Marshmallow
For the fluffy, snowy-white pet with the sweet-as-sugar disposition.
Nutmeg
For short, “Nut” and “Meg” are both hilarious nicknames.
Pecan
This nut-inspired name is sweet as (pecan) pie.
Peppermint
This candy cane-centric name was mint to be!
Persimmon
The winter fruit is in season October through January.
Sage
The holiday herb is ideal for older and wiser pets.
Snickerdoodle
Not only is this Christmas cookie delicious, it’s a super-fun name to say at the dog park!
Sugar Plum
A tip of the Santa hat to the Sugar Plum Fairy, a Christmastime legend.
Toffee
The sticky treat is a holiday mainstay.
Turkey
Naming pets after other animals is always fun, and Turkey is especially endearing.
Biblical Christmas Names for Dogs
Angel
Angels have several pivotal roles in the Christmas story.
Balthazar
Balthazar was one of the wise Biblical men who visited Jesus after his birth.
David
In the New Testament, the City of David refers to Bethlehem, where Jesus was born.
Emmanuel
In the gospel of Matthew, Emmanuel is interpreted to mean “God with us.”
Frankincense
This spiritual oil was one of the gifts the Magi brought for the infant Jesus.
Gabriel
The angel Gabriel appeared to Mary in the nativity story.
Gaspar
Gaspar is one of the Magi who was attributed to bringing gifts to the infant Jesus.
Malachi
In some Biblical interpretations, Malachi prophecies the second coming of Christ.
Melchior
The wise man Melchior completes the trio.
Myrrh
This aromatic was another gift of the Magi.
Luke
The Gospel of Luke provides the longest account of the nativity.
Hanukkah Names for Dogs
Blue
Blue and white are the traditional colors of Hanukkah, which is celebrated in the United States.
Brisket
Brisket is a cut of beef traditionally prepared at Hanukkah.
Donut
Israeli donuts, or sufganiyot, are puffy, jelly-filled treats served during Hanukkah.
Dreidel
The four-sided top is a Hanukkah toy.
Kugel
In honor of this delicious noodle dish often made at Hanukkah.
Latke
These yummy potato pancakes are traditional Hanukkah fare.
Menorah
During Hanukkah, the menorah candles are lit at sundown.
Winter Dog Names
Arctic
For the cooler than cool pet, it is all year long.
Aurora
Consider a nod to the Northern Lights for the pet who brightens your life all winter.
Avalanche
If you have a big, rowdy white dog, Avalanche is a strong name.
Beira
The Celtic goddess of winter.
Blizzard
Perfect for the white-coated pet who frequently has the zoomies.
Boots
While cute for any pet, Boots is ideal for those with paw markings.
Chilly
Someone get this pup a Christmas sweater!
Eira
Eira is the Welsh word for “snow.”
Fjolla
This sweet Albanian name comes from the word for “flake,” as in “snowflake.”
Flurry
Flurry might be a fit if your pet is too big to be a Snowflake.
Frosty
As the song goes, Frosty the Snowman “was a jolly happy soul.”
Fuyu
Fuyu means “winter” in Japanese.
Glacier
For the pokey pet who takes their time.
Haukea
A Hawaiian name meaning “white snow.”
Icicle
Nature’s ice sculptures make for a delicately darling name.
Igloo
Look no further than this snow house for a wintry name that’s fun to say.
Jack Frost
Winter personified—just don’t let your new pet nip at your nose!
Khione
The Greek goddess of snow.
Lumi
The Finnish word for “snow.”
Mittens
It doesn’t get any cuter than Mittens for pets with front paw markings.
Miyuki
This Japanese name means “deep snow.”
Neva
A Spanish girl’s name means “snow.”
Nieve
Another Spanish word for “snow.”
Olwen
A Welsh name meaning “white footprint.”
Polar
For bear-size pets, this northern name is a fit.
Snowball
A merry moniker for playful white pets.
Snowflake
Each one is unique—just like your new pet!
Solstice
The winter solstice marks the shortest day of the year.
Winter
This seasonal name is extra sweet for pets adopted during the holiday season.
Yeti
Also known as the Abominable Snowman, the Yeti is a legendary namesake.
Yuki
Yuki means “snow” in Japanese.
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