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Apr 11, 2024   Critter Nets - Dog Names

Literary Dog Names: Over 100 Names Inspired by Classic and Modern Literature

For book lovers, naming a dog can be an opportunity to pay homage to beloved literary characters, authors, or themes from favorite novels. Literary dog names can reflect your passion for storytelling and the emotions that words can evoke. Whether you’re inspired by classic literature, modern novels, or poetry, there's a wealth of options to choose from.

In this article, we’ve compiled a list of literary dog names that capture the essence of storytelling and imagination. From heroic figures to whimsical characters, you’re sure to find a name that resonates with you and suits your furry companion. Let’s embark on this literary journey and discover the perfect name for your dog!

Literary Dog Names List

A

1. Atticus (from "To Kill a Mockingbird")
2. Austen (after Jane Austen)
3. Alice (from "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland")
4. Achilles (from "The Iliad")
5. Arthur (from "The Once and Future King")
6. Alcott (after Louisa May Alcott)
7. Aslan (from "The Chronicles of Narnia")
8. Antigone (from the play by Sophocles)
9. Ariel (from "The Tempest")
10. Abelard (from "Abelard and Heloise")

B

11. Bilbo (from "The Hobbit")
12. Bronte (after the Bronte sisters)
13. Beowulf (from the epic poem)
14. Boo (from "To Kill a Mockingbird")
15. Bard (for a poet or storyteller)
16. Baxter (from "The Great Gatsby")
17. Barnaby (from "Barnaby Rudge")
18. Beckett (after Samuel Beckett)
19. Bingley (from "Pride and Prejudice")
20. Bagheera (from "The Jungle Book")

C

21. Charlotte (from "Charlotte's Web")
22. Catcher (from "The Catcher in the Rye")
23. Cormac (after Cormac McCarthy)
24. Clarisse (from "Fahrenheit 451")
25. Cyrano (from "Cyrano de Bergerac")
26. Daisy (from "The Great Gatsby")
27. Dorian (from "The Picture of Dorian Gray")
28. Darcy (from "Pride and Prejudice")
29. Gatsby (from "The Great Gatsby")
30. Gulliver (from "Gulliver's Travels")

D

31. Don (from "Don Quixote")
32. Dobby (from "Harry Potter")
33. Draco (from "Harry Potter")
34. Dumas (after Alexandre Dumas)
35. Darcy (from "Pride and Prejudice")
36. Dorian (from "The Picture of Dorian Gray")
37. Demeter (from Greek mythology)
38. Desdemona (from "Othello")
39. Dorian (from "The Picture of Dorian Gray")
40. Delilah (from the biblical story)

E

41. Ember (from "The Night Circus")
42. Eowyn (from "The Lord of the Rings")
43. Edgar (after Edgar Allan Poe)
44. Elinor (from "Sense and Sensibility")
45. Eloise (from "Eloise at the Plaza")
46. Edith (after Edith Wharton)
47. Ebenezer (from "A Christmas Carol")
48. Ethel (from "Ethel and Ernest")
49. Emma (from "Emma" by Jane Austen)
50. Elmo (from "Elmo's World")

F

51. Finn (from "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn")
52. Faulkner (after William Faulkner)
53. Fitzgerald (after F. Scott Fitzgerald)
54. Flagg (from "Fried Green Tomatoes")
55. Fable (as in storytelling)
56. Fleur (from "Harry Potter")
57. Flora (from "The Secret Garden")
58. Frodo (from "The Lord of the Rings")
59. Faun (from "The Chronicles of Narnia")
60. Felicity (from "Felicity")

G

61. Gatsby (from "The Great Gatsby")
62. Gulliver (from "Gulliver's Travels")
63. Gatsby (from "The Great Gatsby")
64. Grendel (from "Beowulf")
65. Gatsby (from "The Great Gatsby")
66. Ginevra (from "Harry Potter")
67. Gollum (from "The Lord of the Rings")
68. Gwendolyn (from "The Importance of Being Earnest")
69. Galadriel (from "The Lord of the Rings")
70. Gatsby (from "The Great Gatsby")

H

71. Holden (from "The Catcher in the Rye")
72. Hester (from "The Scarlet Letter")
73. Heathcliff (from "Wuthering Heights")
74. Huck (from "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn")
75. Hermione (from "Harry Potter")
76. Hemingway (after Ernest Hemingway)
77. Holden (from "The Catcher in the Rye")
78. Huckleberry (from "Huckleberry Finn")
79. Hades (from Greek mythology)
80. Hazel (from "The Fault in Our Stars")

I

81. Ishmael (from "Moby Dick")
82. Iago (from "Othello")
83. Ivan (after Ivan Turgenev)
84. Inky (for an ink reference)
85. Iris (from poetry and literature)
86. Icarus (from Greek mythology)
87. Indra (from Hindu mythology)
88. Imogen (from "Cymbeline")
89. Isolde (from "Tristan and Isolde")
90. Ink (for an artistic touch)

J

91. Jay (from "The Great Gatsby")
92. Juliet (from "Romeo and Juliet")
93. Jasper (from "Twilight")
94. Jem (from "To Kill a Mockingbird")
95. Juno (from Roman mythology)
96. Jane (from "Jane Eyre")
97. Jekyll (from "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde")
98. Jo (from "Little Women")
99. Jupiter (from Roman mythology)
100. Jinx (from "Harry Potter")

K

101. Katniss (from "The Hunger Games")
102. Keats (after John Keats)
103. Kincaid (from "The Handmaid's Tale")
104. Kiki (from "Kiki's Delivery Service")
105. Kafka (after Franz Kafka)
106. Kilgore (from "Slaughterhouse-Five")
107. Kerouac (after Jack Kerouac)
108. K. (from "The Trial")
109. Kit (from "The Kitten")
110. King (after Stephen King)

How to Choose a Dog Name

Choosing a name for your new dog can be an exciting but challenging experience. A name should reflect your dog's personality, be easy for both you and your dog to use, and ideally resonate with you. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to choose the perfect name for your furry friend, covering everything from practical tips to inspiration based on your dog's characteristics and personality.

1. Understanding the Importance of a Good Dog Name

A dog’s name is more than just a label; it’s a tool for communication, bonding, and training. A good name will help your dog understand when you're calling them and help build a stronger bond between you. Studies have shown that dogs respond best to names with certain sounds, and the process of learning their name is one of the first forms of communication they have with you.

Why Naming Matters:

• Communication: A clear, distinct name helps your dog understand when they’re being called.
• Training: A good name will also make it easier to teach commands and maintain focus.
• Connection: The process of naming and using the name helps you bond with your new pet.

2. Characteristics of a Good Dog Name

When selecting a name, you should consider some practical factors. Here are a few characteristics to keep in mind:

• Short and Simple: Ideally, a dog’s name should be one or two syllables long. Short names are easier for dogs to recognize and remember.
• Distinct Sound: Dogs respond best to hard consonants like “k” or “t.” Names like “Baxter” or “Roxy” are distinct and easy for dogs to differentiate from other sounds.
• Avoid Common Commands: Avoid names that sound similar to common commands like "sit," "stay," or "no." A name like "Kit" might be confusing when teaching your dog the command "sit."
• Personal Meaning: A name that means something to you will have greater longevity. If a name has a personal connection, you’re more likely to feel a bond when calling your dog.

3. Factors to Consider When Choosing a Name

Choosing a name goes beyond picking something that sounds nice. Here are some factors to keep in mind:

Your Dog’s Personality

Observe your dog’s personality and energy level. Are they playful, calm, shy, or adventurous? Sometimes, a dog’s personality can inspire the perfect name, like “Bolt” for a high-energy dog or “Mellow” for a relaxed dog.

Physical Appearance

Your dog’s physical traits can also be a source of inspiration. Names like “Spot” or “Fluffy” are classic examples, but you could get more creative with names like “Copper” for a dog with reddish fur or “Shadow” for a black dog.

Breed Background

If your dog is a specific breed with a cultural or historical background, you could choose a name that pays homage to their origins. For instance, a Husky might suit a name like “Kodiak” (a region in Alaska), and a French Bulldog could have a name like “Pierre” or “Fleur.”

Your Own Interests

Think about names that reflect your interests. Are you a fan of literature, music, or pop culture? A fan of Tolkien might name their dog “Frodo,” while a lover of classic rock might choose “Jagger.” Your hobbies can lead to unique and meaningful names.

Popularity of the Name

It can be helpful to research popular dog names to avoid overly common choices if you want something unique. However, if you like a popular name, it’s perfectly fine to use it! Just be aware that in a dog park, names like “Bella” or “Max” are likely to be more common.

4. Popular Dog Names for Inspiration

Here are some popular dog names across different categories to give you inspiration:

Classic Dog Names

• Male: Buddy, Max, Rocky, Duke, Charlie
• Female: Bella, Daisy, Lucy, Molly, Sadie

Unique and Uncommon Dog Names

• Male: Ziggy, Orion, Rufus, Jasper, Huxley
• Female: Freya, Lyra, Zara, Opal, Quinn

Food-Inspired Names

• Male: Biscuit, Waffles, Taco, Nacho, Peanut
• Female: Olive, Mocha, Ginger, Saffron, Cookie

Nature-Inspired Names

• Male: River, Blaze, Thunder, Flint, Wolf
• Female: Willow, Rain, Misty, Hazel, Luna

5. Tips for Testing the Name

Once you have a shortlist of names, try these tips to see if the name is a good fit for your dog:

• Say It Out Loud: Sometimes a name sounds good in your head but feels different when spoken aloud. Make sure it’s easy and natural to say, especially if you’ll be using it in public.
• Practice Calling Your Dog: Call your dog by the name and see how they respond. Do they seem to recognize it? Dogs may react better to some names than others.
• Imagine the Future: Picture calling this name in different situations, like at the vet, in the park, or when introducing your dog to friends. A name that works in all settings is ideal.

6. Common Mistakes to Avoid

Choosing Overly Complicated Names

Names that are too long or complicated can confuse your dog and make it harder for them to recognize when you’re calling them. Avoid names with more than two syllables unless they can easily be shortened.

Changing the Name Frequently

Once you’ve chosen a name, it’s important to stick with it. Changing your dog’s name multiple times can be confusing and may hinder their response to training. If you’re not sure about the name right away, try it out for a few days before finalizing.

Picking a Name Without Your Family's Input

If you live with family or roommates, involve them in the naming process. It’s important that everyone feels comfortable with the name, as they’ll be using it, too. A name that everyone agrees on will strengthen the bond with your new pet.

Avoiding Human Names You Often Use

If you have friends or family members with certain names, it’s best to avoid naming your dog the same. This can prevent confusion and ensure that your dog’s name remains distinctive.

7. Final Tips for Naming Your Dog

Keep It Positive

Choose a name that makes you smile or feel positive. This will make it more enjoyable to use the name every day and will foster a positive atmosphere when calling or training your dog.

Use a Name That Can Grow with Them

Think about whether the name will suit your dog at all ages. A name like “Tiny” might be cute for a puppy but could feel less fitting for an adult dog, especially if they grow to be large.

Consider Nicknames

If you choose a longer name, consider whether it has a natural nickname. For instance, “Alexander” could be shortened to “Alex,” making it easier for everyday use.

8. Examples of Names Based on Dog Characteristics

If you want more specific ideas, here are some suggestions based on common dog characteristics:

Based on Energy Levels

• High-Energy: Rocket, Zoom, Dash, Flash, Turbo
• Calm and Relaxed: Zen, Chill, Mellow, Breeze, Gentle

Based on Size

• Small Breeds: Mini, Tiny, Pippin, Peanut, Pixie
• Large Breeds: Titan, Goliath, Moose, Bear, Atlas

Based on Color and Markings

• Black or Dark Coats: Shadow, Midnight, Coal, Ebony, Ash
• White or Light Coats: Snow, Pearl, Ivory, Frost, Casper

9. Letting Your Dog Help Choose Their Name

A fun approach is to let your dog “choose” their name. If you’re torn between a few options, try saying each name out loud with a treat or toy in your hand. Watch how your dog reacts to each one and see if they show more excitement or focus for a particular name.

10. Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I change my dog’s name if I adopt them with an existing one?
A: Yes, you can. Many adopted dogs adjust well to new names, especially if you use positive reinforcement. Gradually introduce the new name by associating it with treats and affection.

Q: Are there any names to avoid?
A: Avoid names that sound like common commands (like “Kit” for “sit”) or names that might be easily confused with family members’ names.

Q: How long does it take for a dog to learn their name?
A: It varies, but most dogs can learn their name within a few days to a week if you use it consistently and positively.

Choosing a name for your dog is a joyful experience, and with a bit of patience, you’ll find the perfect fit that both you and your dog will love. This name will become a lifelong connection between you and your pet, so take your time, test out a few options, and enjoy the journey of finding a name that feels just right.