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
If you have a little dog then you might consider Toto, who was made famous in the beloved movie The Wizard of Oz. This faithful Cairn Terrier was named Terry in real life and was actually a female. She went on to star in another 13 movies and her charming spirit puts a smile on every Oz lover’s face.
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
Everyone loves a scamp, especially if they’re a mixed breed like Benji, who starred in the series from 1974 – 2004. A brave and lovable character, he was a poster-boy for all the so-called mutts who have ever been passed over for a pure breed or found as a stray.
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
If you need refreshing, Chopper is the junkyard guard dog from the coming-of-age cult classic, Stand by Me. Released in 1986, this movie starred Wil Wheaton, Corey Feldman, Jerry O’Connell, and the late River Phoenix.
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
Charlie B. Barkin is the main protagonist of the 1989 animated feature All Dogs Go to Heaven. You might remember him as the vengeful canine casino owner who reforms into a selfless hero by sacrificing his second chance at life for his human companion, Anne-Marie.
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 “Doc” Dr. Emmett Brown’s pet sheepdog from the popular franchise Back to the Future. The movies were directed by Robert Zemeckis and starred Christopher Lloyd and Michael J. Fox as Dr. Emmett Brown and Marty McFly respectively.
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
Fly and Rex are the “husband and wife” farm dogs in the movie Babe. Although there were hiccups along the way, Fly and Rex help the main protagonist, Babe on his journey to defy societal norms and accomplish his goal of becoming a sheep herder.
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
Perdita and Pongo are the main protagonists from the 1961 Disney classic One Hundred and One Dalmatians. Directed by Wolfgang Reitherman, Hamilton Luske, and Clyde Geronimi with Cate Bauer and Rod Taylor providing the voices of Perdita and Pongo.
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
Rin Tin Tin was a beloved international canine actor appearing in 27 movies from 1922 until 1931. The 1923, silent film Where the North Begins was his third appearance in cinema.
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
Stitch is the extraterrestrial creature adopted by Lilo Pelekai in the 2002 Disney favorite Lilo and Stitch. Voiced by Chris Sanders, Stitch first appears as a disobedient and unlikeable “dog” but with the love from Lilo, he transforms into a heroic and lovable best friend to the orphaned girl.
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
Verdell is the Brussels Griffon from the movie 1997 romantic comedy As Good as It Gets. Starring Jack Nicholson, Helen Hunt, and Greg Kinnear, As Good as It Gets was a box office hit.
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
A popular name for yellow Labrador Retrievers, Marley from the movie Marley and Me was more than a handful, with a naughty side in contrast to the inherent charm only a dog-lover would appreciate. If you have a puppy who shows the signs of being incorrigible, then this name would suit them well.
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
If you have a puppy who gets along with cats and loves adventure, then Otis could be a great choice. In the movie: The Adventures of Milo and Otis, we follow a pug and his feline friend as they go through many exciting and sometimes dangerous events. When they are separated, Otis sets out to find Milo.
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
A beloved and equally infuriating Saint Bernard who enjoys wreaking havoc and slobbering over everything and everyone is Beethoven, from the popular movie of the same name. If you’ve chosen a huge dog with the same characteristics, choose this name, especially if you’re a music lover.
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
In the story of the Grinch, the titular character has a dog called Max, who is the long-suffering canine friend of the meanie who stole Christmas. This beloved tale by Dr. Seuss was brought to the screen with funnyman Jim Carrey playing the lead role and the dog who played Max was a mixed breed.
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
Although you might think this name is an odd choice, it could be suitable for a dog that everyone’s afraid of, without reason. Big dogs or dogs with a bad rap might seem scary, like Cujo from the movie based on Stephen King’s novel of the same name, but deep down they’re still puppies who need love.
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
The little chihuahua from Legally Blonde was Reese Witherspoon’s constant companion, perched in her purse and adorned with fashionable accessories, so if you have a tiny dog or pampered puppy whose bark is bigger than his/her bite, Bruiser is an ironic name that is sure to fit.
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
Fans of the movie Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy will remember Baxter, who had also starred in the Grinch. This loveable mutt is a mixed breed who was treated like a human child by Ron Burgundy (Will Ferrell), wearing matching pajamas and dental retainers.
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 rare French breed called Dogue de Bordeaux, Hooch was Tom Hank’s sidekick in the 1989 movie Turner and Hooch. Hanks plays a detective who pairs up with Hooch after the dog witnessed a crime, which results in an amusing romp filled with action, adventure and lots of dog slobber.
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
From the Air Bud movies in the late 1990’s, the original Buddy was a Golden Retriever who was a stray in real life. His story inspired the movies, as he was brought to San Diego and trained to play various ball games and chess. First appearing on America’s Funniest Home Videos, he soon became famous.
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
Our Gang was later known as the Little Rascals, and from 1927-1938, Pete the Pup (or Petey) was an American Staffordshire Terrier who had a black ring around his eye. Joining in on the shenanigans with the motley bunch of children, he also had his own stories featured in the movie franchise.
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
One of the most famous dogs in movie history, Lassie was featured in movies, T.V. shows and short stories. A Rough Collie, she appeared in Lassie Come Home in 1943 with Roddy McDowell and Elizabeth Taylor, becoming a popular and beloved character that solved a lot of mysteries.
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
The well-loved tale of Peter Pan begins with the children Wendy, John and Michael Darling being doted on by a Newfoundland called Nana. Wearing a cute, white nurse’s bonnet, she gives them medicine, takes them to bathe and acts as a servant and watchdog.
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
Full House wouldn’t have been complete without Comet, who was a Golden retriever belonging to the Tanner family. First appearing in the show titled “And They Call it Puppy Love”, Comet arrived on the scene, causing the girls and Joey to fall in love with her, so they end up keeping her in the family.
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
The absurdity of a dog who talks and lives an almost 100% human life is matched only by the human name he’s been given. Brian is the dog featured in the popular cartoon Family Guy, owned by the Griffins. He’s a writer who loves women, drinking and leftist causes, to name a few.
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
The hit show Frasier would not have been complete without Eddie, the Jack Russell Terrier who was so well-trained, you could swear he understood what was required of him in each episode he appeared in. Often putting Frasier’s nose out of joint, he was the beloved pet of Frasier’s father, Martin.
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
Everyone loves the antics of this comical cartoon character, who was a Great Dane called Scooby-Doo. Helping the team solve mysteries while contributing to the laughs alongside Shaggy, like his funny dog-talk, Scooby-Doo would do anything for a Scooby-snack. Well, almost anything.
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
The Jetsons was a cartoon set in the future, revolving around the life of a family living in a space-age home suspended in the sky with their dog, Astro. His speech was similar to Scooby-Doo’s, saying things like “Ruh-roh!” instead of “Uh-oh” when trouble arose or when he was caught being naughty.
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
In the popular show 7th Heaven, Happy is brought to the family by a prayer after Simon begs his parents for a dog. A mixed Terrier, Happy was saved from a California dog pound in real life and trained before securing a role in the show. Happy is a great name for a puppy that has an upbeat temperament.
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
Even though Dino was technically a Dinosaur, he served as the pet dog for the Flintstones, with all the characteristics of a pet who was big, dopey and full of love for his owner. Often bowling Fred Flintstone over and smothering him with many loving kisses and licks, he kept going even though Fred hated it.
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
The children’s show Blue’s Clues features a cartoon dog called Blue, who leaves clues for the audience to solve the puzzles that are presented by the host, Steve. The clues are objects marked by Blue’s pawprints, which are left here and there while the show unfolds, to be discovered at the end.
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
The Simpsons naughty dog is called Santa’s Little Helper, who is a Greyhound that’s appeared since the show’s beginning. Often tearing up Homer’s newspapers or the furniture and digging holes in the yard, he was lucky to have been saved from being abandoned after finishing last in a Greyhound race.
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
If your puppy is a little on the dim side, with a goofy attitude and easily mocked or teased by a mean cat, then you might think about calling him Odie, after the dopey dog featured in Garfield, the cartoon series which was also made into a movie.
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
Fans of the cartoon The Adventures Of Rocky And Bullwinkle And Friends know all about Mr. Peabody, who appeared in the “Peabody’s Improbable History” segments as the most intelligent being in existence. With many accolades and achievements, he decides to adopt a human boy called 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.
