Naming a big dog is no small task. You want something that suits their size, personality, and the way they make the whole street stop to stare.
Some names just feel powerful the moment you say them out loud. Others make people smile because they’re cheeky or unexpected.
Whether you’ve just adopted a giant fluffball, rescued a big ol’ gentle soul, or you’re helping a dog find their forever home, the right name matters. It’s not just for calling them at the park, it’s part of their story.
I once knew a Great Dane in a rescue shelter who was called “Tiny” as a joke. The name stuck, and somehow it suited him perfectly. It’s amazing how a single word can capture a whole personality.
Male Big Dog Names
Strong. Commanding. A bit of a head-turner. These names have that presence you want in a big boy.
- Maximus
- Diesel
- Bear
- Titan
- Bruno
- Chief
- Thor
- Goliath
- Ranger
- Moose
- Duke
- Atlas
- Odin
- Rocky
- Samson
Female Big Dog Names
Grace and power can exist in the same name. These fit a lady who carries herself like royalty, or like she owns the sofa.
- Athena
- Sasha
- Roxy
- Nala
- Storm
- Hera
- Bella
- Freya
- Juno
- Willow
- Ember
- Misty
- Queenie
- Luna
- Cleo
Unique And Rare Names
Want to make sure your dog doesn’t share a name with every second pup at the park? Try these.
- Calypso
- Zephyr
- Vesper
- Indigo
- Sable
- Onyx
- Cairo
- Rune
- Brontë
- Echo
- Everest
- Solstice
- Vega
- Azura
- Orion
Names Inspired By Size Or Strength
Sometimes it’s fun to lean into the obvious. If your dog is built like a small horse, why not name them like it?
- Jumbo
- Tank
- Boulder
- Colossus
- Titania
- Mammoth
- Hulk
- Big Ben
- Magnum
- Everest
- Tower
- Behemoth
- Major
- Giant
- Iron
Pop Culture References
From movies to music, these names bring a bit of character flair. Perfect for when you want something instantly recognisable.
- Chewbacca
- Baloo
- Hagrid
- Falkor
- Aragorn
- Simba
- Elsa
- Drogon
- Groot
- Khaleesi
- Maverick
- Mufasa
- Zelda
- Thorin
- Morpheus
Nature-Inspired Names
Big dogs often have big personalities that feel at home in the wild. Here are some earthy picks.
- Aspen
- Cedar
- River
- Storm
- Glacier
- Bearberry
- Sierra
- Flint
- Canyon
- Willow
- Maple
- Ocean
- Summit
- Meadow
- Tundra
Historical And Mythological Names
If you want a name with weight and a story, these classics never fail.
- Achilles
- Caesar
- Cleopatra
- Apollo
- Hercules
- Diana
- Spartacus
- Odin
- Athena
- Merlin
- Troy
- Minerva
- Ajax
- Thor
- Hera
International And Foreign-Language Names
Sometimes the perfect name comes from another culture. These add a touch of global charm.
- Kaiser (German for “emperor”)
- Bruna (Italian for “brown”)
- Lupo (Italian for “wolf”)
- Chica (Spanish for “girl”)
- Amara (Igbo for “grace”)
- Bjorn (Swedish for “bear”)
- Zorro (Spanish for “fox”)
- Nikko (Japanese place name)
- Paco (Spanish name)
- Suki (Japanese for “beloved”)
- Klaus (German name)
- Rio (Spanish for “river”)
- Misha (Russian diminutive)
- Yara (Arabic for “small butterfly”)
- Runa (Old Norse origin)
Fun And Quirky Names
Not every big dog needs a big serious name. Sometimes silly suits them better.
- Waffles
- Noodle
- Pickles
- Biscuit
- Jellybean
- Chonk
- Marshmallow
- Pudding
- Flapjack
- Wiggles
- Tater Tot
- Muffin
- Peaches
- Popcorn
- Snickers
Tips On Picking A Name That Suits A Big Dog
Think about how the name sounds when you yell it across the yard. Shorter names are easier for dogs to recognize, but two syllables often hit the sweet spot.
Avoid anything that sounds like a command. “Kit” might be cute, but it’s too close to “sit.” Also, remember you might be introducing your dog in polite company. If it would make your grandma blush, skip it.
How To Test If A Name Fits
Try calling it out a few times in a normal voice, then in your “excited park” voice. See if it rolls off the tongue. Watch your dog’s reaction too, they’ll often perk up at sounds they like.
If it feels awkward or you hesitate saying it, you might want to try again. Naming is a mix of instinct and practicality. You’ll know when you’ve found “the one.”
Historical Names for Famous Large Dogs
From war heroes to royal pets, history has seen its fair share of legendary large dogs.
Names like “Balto,” the Siberian Husky who saved a town from a diphtheria outbreak, or “Hachiko,” the loyal Akita from Japan, carry a timeless charm.
You could also draw from ancient rulers like “Caesar” or “Cleopatra” for an air of grandeur.
Sports-Inspired Big Dog Names
For sports lovers, naming your dog after a favorite athlete or team can be a fun way to show loyalty.
Think “Shaq” for a towering presence, “Serena” for power and grace, or “Brady” for an unstoppable spirit.
Even terms like “MVP” or “Rookie” can work for an energetic pup.
Food and Drink-Themed Names for Big Dogs
Sometimes, a name that makes people smile is the best choice. “Mocha,” “Brandy,” “Bagel,” or “T-Bone” can be playful yet fitting for a big dog.
You could even get creative with regional dishes like “Gumbo” or “Biscotti” for a unique twist.
Movie and TV Character Names
Cinematic and television worlds are full of bold, larger-than-life characters perfect for big dogs.
“Hagrid” from Harry Potter, “Rocky” from the boxing classic, or “Simba” from The Lion King work well. Villain names like “Thanos” or “Darth” can add some playful intimidation.
Military or Hero-Inspired Names
Strong, courageous names like “General,” “Major,” or “Sarge” instantly bring authority.
You could also choose names from decorated service dogs or military history, such as “Chesty” (after Chesty Puller) or “Storm” for a tough, resilient feel.
Adventure and Travel-Inspired Names
For pups that love the outdoors or belong to adventurous owners, names like “Everest,” “Rio,” “Atlas,” or “Safari” feel fitting.
Even names from famous explorers, “Magellan” or “Amelia,” can carry a spirit of curiosity and exploration.
Seasonal and Holiday-Inspired Big Dog Names
Certain names instantly bring a festive or warm feeling. “Winter,” “Autumn,” or “Solstice” can sound poetic, while holiday-linked names like “Noel,” “Pumpkin,” or “Cupid” give a joyful touch. These work great for dogs adopted around those seasons.
A Quick Naming Story
A family in my neighborhood adopted a massive Saint Bernard from a shelter. The shelter had called him “George,” but the kids decided he looked more like a “Marmaduke.”
Within a week, he was answering to it like he’d had it his whole life. Sometimes the name finds the dog, not the other way around.
Finding the right name for a big dog can feel like a lot of pressure, but it should be fun. After all, you’re giving a new identity to a companion who’s going to be part of your life for years.
Whether you go for strong, silly, rare, or classic, the best name is the one that feels right when you say it and fits like a glove when you look into their eyes.
So, have you found your big dog’s perfect name yet, or are you still testing a few out?