Choosing a name for your puppy can be just as daunting as selecting one for a baby. The breed, temperament and your own lifestyle can play into your final decision, but if you want to gain some more inspiration, check out our list of famous dogs names from movies and T.V. to get you started.
There’s an assortment of dog name ideas for males and females, names for puppies and for older dogs that may be finding a home later in their life and need a loving name. Whatever the case may be, pick your favorite!
Famous Dog Names from Movies
Whether or not you’re a big pop culture geek, the movies have a long history of beloved dogs as actors, from starring roles to bit parts where they still stole the show. If you’re looking for something special, you’ll find an assortment of tough, shy and everything in-between to bestow on your furry friend.
1) Toto from The Wizard of Oz
Toto would be well-suited for a dog who loves adventure and follows their owner wherever they go. If you’re a fan of magic and whimsy, then this name is evocative of those elements, which will give your puppy an aura of fantasy.
2) Benji from Benji
If your dog is expressive, loyal and more than a little curious with a hint of mischief, Benji could be an appropriate name, as it is reminiscent of a lovable friend who is also fearless and carefree.
3) Chopper from Stand by Me
In this movie, the narrator recalls the day he and his three best friends went on a hike to find the body of a missing child. During their hike, they take shelter in an old junkyard and encounter Chopper, one of their many obstacles during the day. To their surprise, Chopper ends up being a friendly Golden Retriever.
If you have a Golden Retriever or you would like to honor this movie, Chopper is a great choice.
4) Charlie B. Barkin from All Dogs Go to Heaven
This name would be a great fit for an adventurous, loving, and protective pup who might have had a rough start but is ready for a happy, fulfilling life with you.
5) Einstein from Back to The Future
Einstein is a loyal companion to Doc throughout the entire series, joining him and Marty McFly on most of their time travelling adventures.
If your dog is extraordinarily loyal and adventurous, this is the name for him.
6, 7) Fly and Rex from Babe
Released in 1995, this movie was directed by Chris Noonan and featured Miriam Margolyes as the voice of Fly and Hugo Weaving voicing Rex.
If you are looking for ‘couple’ names, Fly and Rex would be a great choice.
8, 9) Perdita and Pongo from One Hundred and One Dalmatians
After having their puppies kidnapped by the evil Cruella De Vil who intends on fashioning a coat made from puppy fur, Perdita and Pongo selflessly save an additional 84 puppies from meeting a similar fate.
Perdita and Pongo are another great choice for “couple” names for your loyal and protective pair of canines.
10) Rin Tin Tin from Where the North Begins
In the the movie, Rin Tin Tin, a German Shepherd who has been raised by wolves, saves the life of a fur trapper and subsequently develops a special bond and friendship with him that he has never experienced before.
Rin Tin Tin is a perfect name for a German Shepherd or another loyal breed.
11) Stitch from Lilo and Stitch
This is a great name for a smaller breed of dog like a Yorkshire Terrier or Shih Tzu.
12) Verdell from As Good as It Gets
In the movie, Jack Nicholson’s character, Melvin Udall, is forced into taking care of Verdell while his owner is the hospital. Originally against the idea, he quickly falls in love with the dog and subsequently becomes softer hearted and personable. What a powerful pup!
Verdell is a great name for a smaller breed of dog – one who is loyal and has a similar impact on your life!
13) Marley from Marley and Me
Named after Bob Marley, the dog goes from one calamity to another, seemingly impervious to being tamed. The movie was based on a true story and proved to be a well-received tearjerker that tugged on the heartstrings as well as the funny bone, so if your puppy encompasses these traits, this name is perfect.
14) Otis from The Adventures of Milo and Otis
Even if your dog is not a pug, Otis is a name that’s evocative of true friendship and is applicable for a pet who is loyal, friendly to all creatures and with a heart that knows no bounds.
15) Beethoven from Beethoven
Mischief is the key word here, and even though the idea of taking on a name that’s loaded with connotations of mayhem and madness, Beethoven is evocative of acceptance and seeing the good in everyone, even if the dog turns your life upside down.
16) Max from The Grinch
Max was the Grinch’s unwitting accomplice who was loyal to the end, so if you have a puppy that may have been rescued or has patience to rival Buddha, this name might suit them well. As a side note, another Max appeared in the movies The Terminator and Terminator 2: Judgement day.
17) Cujo from Stephen King’s Cujo
Cujo terrorized a town after going rabid when bitten by a bat, but his true nature was sweet and loving, even though he was treated poorly by his owner. If your puppy has an evil alter ego, Cujo is quite a fitting name.
18) Bruiser from Legally Blonde
Fun names for pets are a great way to socialize them with other people. Names like Bruiser, that indicate alternative personalities, can become endearing – like Tiny for a huge dog or Tiger for a miniature puppy. If your puppy is small and precious, Bruiser is a hilarious choice.
19) Baxter from Anchorman
If your puppy is more human than animal, Baxter is a great name that hints at a playful rogue who’s also part of the family. Not that it’s nice to dress animals up in human clothing, a dog that’s happy to be just like you might be happy to be included in every aspect of your life. Extra points if you understand his barks.
20) Hooch from Turner and Hooch
A puppy who shows signs of being a loyal sidekick, especially if he’s a big breed who drools, might do well with Hooch as a name. Whether you’re both solving mysteries or partners in fun-loving, harmless “crime” – why not call yourselves Turner and Hooch?
21) Buddy from Air Bud
In the first movie, Buddy played basketball and his skills got him a spot on the David Letterman show. If you have a puppy who can do almost anything you can do, call him Buddy – especially if he truly is a beloved friend who enjoys basketball.
22) Pete the Pup from Little Rascals
Pete is a plain name, but it signifies a fun-loving dog who loves being around children. So, if you find a puppy that you intend to give to the kiddies as a playmate and loyal watchdog, call him Pete or Petey – especially if he has a ring or colored patch around his eye.
23) Lassie from Lassie Come Home
Lassie is synonymous with characteristics such as loyalty, honor and courage. She often put herself in danger when trying to save the humans around her, so if you have a pup that exhibits this kind of bravery, consider Lassie as a perfect name that will endear her to anyone lucky enough to know her.
24) Nana from Peter Man
Nana also keeps things in order, like ensuring that the children’s building blocks are correctly alphabetized. If you have the kind of dog that seems to fuss over your children or other pets, you might want to call her Nana, in honor of this beloved canine.
Famous Dog Names from T.V. Shows
Dogs have been popular in T.V. shows over the years, including cartoons. From appearing as family pets or sidekicks to starring in their own shows, their presence has enhanced storylines and boosted ratings. Take a trip with us down memory lane and see if you can find that perfect name for your 4-legged friend.
25) Comet from Full House
That is, after Jesse complains about her peeing on his bed and Danny saying he doesn’t like dogs. If you have a dog that’s wandered into your life and you decide to keep it, Comet is a cute name to remind you that everyone deserves a home.
26) Brian from Family Guy
Brian often goes on whacky adventures with the infamous baby Stewie, so if you end up with a puppy who has a fondness for the finest things in life with a serious nature, including a sense of being more human than human, consider Brian as a perfect moniker.
27) Eddie from Frasier
Jack Russells are known to be highly intelligent, and even though your puppy might be a different breed, if he’s easy to train and seemingly attuned to your emotions, you might want to call him Eddie, in honor of this most wonderful dog.
28) Scooby-Doo from Scooby-Doo
This dog was even more of a chicken than Shaggy – often leaping into his owner’s arms when a ghost or villain appeared, so if you have a scaredy-cat dog who loves his treats, Scooby-Doo would be a perfect name, especially if he likes to solve mysteries – while standing safely behind your back.
29) Astro from The Jetsons
A famous scene from the show had Astro being walked by George Jetson on an automatic dogwalker. When a cat appeared, Astro chased it, making George run faster and finally lose a grip on the leash. If your puppy has a futuristic flair and likes to “talk”, Astro could be a nice fit.
30) Happy from 7th Heaven
Like the name Lucky, this is a name that could also be used for a dog that – no matter what the circumstances or conditions they escaped from – they are just grateful to finally find a home where they can be loved and cherished. Besides, happiness is its own reward.
31) Dino from the Flintstones
If you have a big, goofy dog who might be dumb but full of love – especially if he loves to lick – call him Dino. The name is reminiscent of the fact that dogs can give unconditional love, even if it’s not returned.
32) Blue from Blue’s Clues
Leading the children on a magical and educational journey, Blue and Steve work together to solve the mysteries. If you have an inquisitive puppy who has the character of a super-sleuth, with a willingness to help point the way, Blue is a cute name to bestow upon him or her.
33) Santa’s Little Helper from The Simpsons
Many of his antics in the Simpsons came from real life stories that occurred in the staff member’s lives and one hilarious episode had him mistakenly called Satan’s Little Helper. If you have a puppy that is naughty but loving, with a fondness for wandering off, consider Santa’s Little Helper, even though it’s a mouthful.
34) Odie from Garfield the Cat
Acting as Garfield the cat’s sidekick, Odie often foils plans, misunderstands directions and unwittingly upsets the apple-cart. Sometimes Garfield is so mean to Odie, but their owner intervenes and no matter what, Odie still loves his feline friend, even to his own detriment.
35) Mr Peabody from Mr Peabody and Sherman
He uses his time machine to take them back and forth through history for educational purposes, ending the show with a pun for comic relief. Mr. Peabody can be pompous, so if your puppy seems to be a little snooty know-it-all, it’s a great fit. Fun fact: His first name is said to be Hector.
Honorable Mentions of Other TV or Movie Dog Names
- 36) Ren Höek from The Ren and Stimpy Show
- 37) Clifford from the children’s T.V. show of the same name
- 38) Spike from Rugrats
- 39) Fang from the Harry Potter movies and books
- 40) Goofy from Disney
- 41) Chopper from Stand By Me
- 42) Charlie B. Barkin from All Dogs Go To Heaven
- 43) Einstein from Back To The Future
- 44) Fly and Rex from Babe
- 45) Perdita and Pongo from One Hundred and One Dalmatians
- 46) Rin Tin Tin from Where the North Begins
- 47) Stitch from Lilo and Stitch
- 48) Verdell from As Good As It Gets
Hopefully this list of tv dog names and famous dog names gives you a good idea about what to name your new addition to the family. Dogs have always been called man’s best friend, but they can be friends to everyone, as well as other animals.
These famous dog names from the movies and T.V. are sure to help your creative juices flow.
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A lover of animals, peace and quiet, and reading. When Fern is not working she will be engrossed in a Fiction book or drooling over the idea of going out for dinner.
Fern is strangely fond of Vampire movies.