35 Unique Dog Names & Their Meanings

This post lists 35 unique dog names to consider when naming your next pooch. Not only can you check out some interesting names with great potential, but also learn more about where the names originated from and where they still have significance in the world today. Naming your dog is a big decision, so take your time browsing these unique dog names to find one you love!

35 Unique Dog Names

1. Jasper

The name “Jasper” comes from Persian origin, derived from the word ganzabara meaning “Bringer of Treasure”.
The absolutely stunning Jasper National Park in Alberta, Canada is certainly worthy of being named after.
There is a semi-precious stone named Jasper, claimed to have calming properties. Probably a poor choice for an Aussie name, no?
If you’re a Twilight fan, this is a cool name that might be right for you!

2. Rio

“Rio” is the Spanish word for “river”, giving it fun potential for a water-loving dog or perhaps a dog with blue eyes.
The Japanese origin of the name “Rio” is “place of the cherry blossoms.” How pretty!
The name also appears in the animated movie Rio about a Hyacinth macaw in Brazil.
For the world traveler, this is a great name inspired by Rio de Janeiro

3. Cora

This name comes from Greek origin, meaning “maiden”.
Cora Crawley is a character in the tv show “Downton Abbey,” for the historical drama buffs out there.
This name perfectly follows the 2-syllable, hard consonant dog naming guideline!

4. Reina

“Reina” is the Spanish word for “queen,” making it a strong name for a female dog.

5. Nova

“Nova” comes from the Latin word novus, which means “new.”
A supernova is the explosion of a star, the largest explosion to occur in space. That seems well-suited for an Aussie. A monstrous explosion of mass and energy into the vastness of space.
While I love this name personally, be weary if you tend to shorten names by habit. Nova shortened would be “No” which could be confusing for your dog.

6. Mira

“Mira” is a name of Latin origin, stemming from words meaning “wonderful,” “peace” and “ocean”. How cute is that?!
In Greek, the name means “fate” or “destiny.”
Mira is also the name of a star in the Cetus constellation.

7. Juniper

The name “Juniper” stems from a Latin word meaning “young.”
Junipers are a family of evergreen shrubs, making this a great name for nature lovers.
Juniper berries are sometimes used to flavor gin.

8. Sage

“Sage” comes from Latin origin meaning “wise.”
Sage is an aromatic herb loaded with health benefits. The color of the herb is also popular for its botanical and calming vibes.
Some people burn dried sage to spiritually cleanse their homes, similar to the burning of incense.

9. Leo

In several different languages, “Leo” directly translates to “lion.”
This name was among the favorites of the Roman Empire and thirteen popes have shared the name.
“Leo” may also be inspired by the Zodiac sign. Leos are known for taking center stage and being courageous.

10. Yarra

“Yarra” is a name that originated as a word by Australian Aboriginals meaning “flowing water” or “ever flowing.”
The Yarra River is a river that passes through Melbourne, Australia.
The Yarra Valley in Australia is known for its vineyards.
Thanks to the Australian influence of this name, it’d make another great name for an Aussie!

11. Kano

“Kano” comes from both Japanese and African origins, meaning “masculine capabilities” and “god of the waters,” respectively.
Kano is a badass character in the Mortal Combat video games.
There is a city in Nigeria called Kano, which is a center for commerce in the area.

12. Aurora

This name comes from Latin origin meaning “dawn.”
Sleeping Beauty’s name is Aurora, for all the Disney Princess lovers out there.
The Northern Lights, otherwise known as aurora borealis, are the beautiful dancing lights in the night sky that can be seen in the Northern latitudes of the world.
The Roman goddess of sunrise is named Aurora, and it’s said that her morning dew is the result of her tears.

13. Atlas

“Atlas” comes from the Greek word meaning “enduring.”
Atlas is a character in Greek mythology. He was a Titan who participated in a revolt against the gods.
An atlas is a collection of maps – one for fellow wanderlusty dog parents.

14. Jet

Jet is a black gemstone known for its spiritual purification and protection properties.
Jets are a type of airplane, for aero enthusiasts.
The New York Jets are an NFL team.

15. Skye

“Skye” comes from the Norse word meaning “cloud.”
The Isle of Skye is a picturesque island in Scotland.
Another name with the color blue in mind, Skye could simply be inspired by the sky.

16. Arlo

This name has Spanish origin meaning “between two hills” or in old English, “fortified hill”.
This name is associated with strength and protection.

17. Kira

“Kira” translates to “throne” or “ruler” in Russian.
In ancient Hebrew, the masculine version of this name translates to “beam of light.”
Kira Valentinovna Ivanova is a world-famous Olympic ice skater from Russia.

18. Bali

The Sanskrit meaning of the name “Bali” is “mighty warrior.”
Bali is a gorgeous province of Indonesia, best known for its sandy beaches, lush rainforests and ancient temples.
For the designer fashionista readers, the Paris fashion insider, Bali Barret, oversees women’s style for Hermes.

19. Java

For all the super high-energy doggos out there, Java is most commonly known in the US as a coffee-infused beverage.
Java is an Indonesian island, home to 56% of all people in Indonesia.
Java is a popular programming language that first came about in 1995.

20. Coral

Coral is a beautiful marine invertebrate that lives in the ocean, coming in various vibrant colors and interesting textures.
The Great Barrier Reef in Australia is made up of nearly 135,000 square miles of coral reef.
Coral, as a color, is a light pink-ish orange color.
Mr. Krabb’s daughter’s name is Coral in the SpongeBob SquarePants cartoon.

21. Lura

Lura is of Germanic origin, meaning “alluring temptress.” In legends, this name is derived from a maiden who lured men to their deaths by singing her haunting song.
Perhaps a little dark and seductive for a dog, but this beautiful, uncommon name could be great for a pretty dog that always seems to reel in the attention of pets from strangers!

22. Kona

“Kona” is of Hawaiian origin, with a translation meaning “lady.”
On the other hand, it also has Celtic roots, meaning “world rule.” So, this one is certainly pretty versatile.
Another one for coffee lovers: Kona coffee is the most expensive coffee bean grown in the hilly mountains of Hawaii.

23. Gem

A “gem”, short for gemstone, is otherwise known as a “jewel.” Think gems like rubies and emeralds. Now that I think about it, Ruby is pretty cute too.
This one could be a great fit for a dog with bright, unique eyes or coat color.

24. Mali

“Mali,” looking at Thai origin, means “jasmine flower.”
In Arabic, “Mali” translates to “full” or “rich.”

25. Maya

When translated from Greek, “Maya” means “good mother.”
Maya could also be a cool dog name for those interested in ancient civilizations, like the Mayans.
Did you know Buddha’s mother’s name was Maya?

26. Baja

In Spanish, “Baja” translates to “lower.”
The Mexican peninsula extending out from southernmost California is the Baja Peninsula. Definitely gives off some hipster SoCal vibes.

27. Harper

The name “Harper” is rooted back to medieval Europe as someone who plays the harp or a “harp player.”
Harper has spiked in popularity after making a strong entrance into the media, with characters bearing the name in shows like Wizards of Waverly Place and Gossip Girls.
The American novelist that wrote the classic To Kill a Mockingbird‘s name is Harper Lee.

28. Knox

The word “Knox” comes from Scottish origin, meaning “round hill.”
To the southern folks, moonshine enthusiasts and country music lovers, Knox is a fun dog name that nods to Knoxville, TN.
Knox could also be a shortened tribute to Johnny Knoxville, an American stuntman, actor, producer, writer and more!

29. Stella

“Stella” directly translates to “star” in Spanish and Latin.
To the beer connoisseur pet parents: Stella Artois is a popular Belgian beer sold around the world.
Stella Carlin is a character in the fan-favorite show Orange is the New Black.

30. Rocky

Old English origins translated “Rocky” as a word meaning “rest.” I feel like that’s not very intuitive, but okay.
Could make a great dog name for nature enthusiasts that admire and explore the Rocky Mountains.
One can’t think of Rocky without Sylvester Stallone’s Rocky Balboa popping into their heads, so keep that in mind, good or bad.

31. Bekke

Bekke is a German name that means “lives by a stream.”
This one-syllable, unique dog name is another great choice for water-loving dogs, but also a cute choice for any breed or personality!

32. Zara

Of Arabic origin, this name means “radiance” or “blooming flower.”
You may also recognize this perfectly feminine name from the clothing brand. That said, this could be a great name for a dog that has a fashionista dog mom!

33. Jazz

The name “Jazz” became a slang word in the early 1900s when jazz music became popular on America’s west coast.
Jazz music is a unique style, often involving improvisation with instruments like the piano, saxophone, bass and drums. It tends to follow a consistent beat and rhythm, rarely too fast or too slow.
Jazz could also be used as a shortened version of Jasmine, a flower that symbolizes love, beauty and purity.

Honorable Mentions

My list of unique dog names wouldn’t be complete without including the names I’ve chosen for my dogs!

34. Zion

“Zion” comes from the Hebrew word meaning “the highest point.”
One of Utah’s five breathtaking National Parks is Zion National Park (my inspiration, in combination with Zion’s reddish fur, similar to the color of the red cliffs of Utah).
Zion is the fictional last human city on Earth in The Matrix.

35. Kobe (aka Joben) In Loving Memory

“Kobe” translates to “tortoise” in Swahili. My Kobe was far quicker and more energetic than a tortoise!
Many know the well-known basketball player Bryant. Did you know his name was inspired by Japanese Kobe beef?
While my dog was named Kobe, I hardly ever actually called him that, instead I called him “Joben”. Shortly after I adopted him, I watched the movie I Love You, Man. There’s a scene in the movie where Paul Rudd is drunk and thinking of a cool nickname for Jason Segel. In a weak, drunken attempt, he calls him “Joben.” Somehow, it just stuck!

And with that said, putting good thought into your new dog’s name is important, but don’t obsess over it. Odds have it, when you bring that little nugget home, you’ll end up calling them all kinds of nicknames too. Choose something you like and then get to enjoying dog ownership!

Hopefully, one of these unique dog names really resonated with you and inspired your next pup’s name. If not, I at least hope they got your creative juices flowing.

Do you have any favorite unique dog names you’d like to share? Please post in the comments!

Sincerely,

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