39 Baby Names Meaning 'Dog'

A dog is a man’s best friend. Hence, it is no surprise that baby names that mean ‘dog’ are cherished among new parents. Though rare, these names still have made a place for themselves among other popular choices. They carry special significance. As descendants of wolves, dogs are known for their ferocity and protective nature. However, they are also the most loyal and brave companions of humankind. When parents choose such names, they may want to honor these unique qualities of dogs. Whatever the reason, these names are here to stay. Across different languages and cultures, these names have been cherished and loved.

Several names mean ‘dog’ in Irish mythology. They include Conall, Conchobar, and Connla. These names appear in several Irish legends, too. Other mythologies also contribute to these names. For instance, the name Hyndla from Norse mythology means ‘the dog’ while Cynosura from Greek mythology means ‘dog’s tail.’ In Chinese mythology, the name Saiken means ‘rhinoceros dog.’ Cynosura is also used in astronomy as the Greek name for Ursa Minor. Incidentally, Auva is another name that means ‘dog’ and is used in astronomy for a star in the constellation of the zodiac Virgo. Literature has also contributed to these names. The English name Tarka, which means ‘water dog,’ is the main character of Henry Williamson’s 1927 novel Tarka the Otter. Banquo is another literary name with Scottish Gaelic origins and means ‘white dog.’ This name appears in William Shakespeare’s 1606 play Macbeth. Some of the names that mean ‘dog’ might have religious associations, too. One of the most well-known names in the Old Testament would be Caleb, which has Hebrew origins and means ‘dog.’

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Name		Gender	Meaning
Caleb		Boy	Dog; Brave; Devoted to God; Whole-hearted
Colin		Boy	Victory of the people; Whelp; Young dog
Khaleb		Unisex	Dog; Faithful; Wholehearted
Kayleb		Boy	Whole; All of; Heart; Dog
Cale		Boy	Whole heart; Dog; Faithful
Kyon		Boy	Dog; The homeland
Kaileb		Unisex	Whole heart; Dog
Collyns		Unisex	Whelp; Young dog; Victory of the people
Kalev		Boy	The land of Kalevi; Dog
Daken		Boy	Bastard dog; Mongrel
Kaeleb		Boy	Wholehearted; Dog
Coyote		Unisex	Small dog-like animal
Collan		Boy	Victory of the people; Whelp; Young dog
Kaylib		Unisex	A dog; Faithful; Whole heart
Kayl		Boy	Dog
Kayly		Girl	Faithful like a dog
Calev		Boy	Dog; With a good heart
Colyn		Boy	Whelp; Young dog
Connery		Boy	A child of the hunting-dog's keeper
Cayle		Boy	Dog; Heart; Whole-hearted
Alarka		Boy	Furious; A Mad Dog; Intensely Violent; Extremely Angry; Enraged
Hunda		Boy	Dog island; An uninhabited island in the Orkney archipelago in Scotland
Cavall		Unisex	The dog of King Artur
Cylla		Unisex	Monster of sea; A young dog
Cymbeline		Boy	Dog; Hound; Strong
Kalb		Boy	Dog, Brave
Madden		Unisex	Dog; Hound
Madigan		Unisex	Descendant of Madaihín; Dog
Madyn		Boy	A small dog
Tahmores		Boy	Resembling a strong wild dog
Tamraz		Boy	A strong dog
Qimmiq		Unisex	Dog
Muunokhoi		Boy	A vicious dog
Nugai		Boy	Dog
Cafall		Boy	Arthur's dog's name
Itzcuin		Boy	Runs like a dog
Inuyasha		Boy	Dog; Demon
Inu		Unisex	Dog
Dingo		Unisex	Wolf-like; Wild dog