If you like the classics, then our list of classic dog names will fulfill all of your expectations. You will find 100+ ideas to name your dog, because we have explored a wide myriad of topics, to help you come up with the ideal choice for your pet.
We have names for every type of temperament, size, and personality. Of course, we also have suggestions based on gender. In short, everything you need to name your dog perfectly.
Since we have several names, we have included some sections that include specific suggestions, to make it faster for you to find the ideal choice.
Classical Dog Names Inspired By Special Words
Since we have so many words that make awesome classic names, we decided to explore our vocabulary to find them. Below, you will find our top selections.
Does your dog have a strong presence? On top of that, if you are a fan of short names, then you will love our first idea, Rex. It means king, and in addition, it is a quick reference to the T-Rex, one of the most feared dinosaurs. You could it for a huge dog like the English Mastiff, or as an ironic name for a small breed like the Chihuahua or the Affenpinscher.
Is your dog especially lovely? If that is the case, then you could name it Toby, which means lovable. It would be an amazing pick for dogs like the Golden Retriever and the Akita Inu, which are very affectionate and lovely.
Is your dog a hunter? If so, you will love our next suggestion, which is Scout. It is a reference to a hunter, and therefore, it makes a lot of sense to use it for breeds like the Weimaraner and the Irish Setter, which are formidable hunting dogs.
Finally, if your dog has an independent and free-spirited nature, then you should name it Charlie, which means exactly that. Certain breeds like the Shiba Inu, the Korean Jindo and the Greyhound will match it the best because they are known for being some of the most independent dogs in the world.
List of Classic Dog Names
Here are several options of classic dog names for you to choose from:
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AngelAngelic.
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ArgosA character from a Disney movie.
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AtticusFrom To Kill a Mockingbird.
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BaileyIrish cream-based liquor.
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BanditMask markings.
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BanjiSon of my right hand.
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BearLarge and cuddly.
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BeautyBeautiful.
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BellaBeauty and elegance.
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BentleyA car manufacturer.
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BiddySmall things.
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BingoA popular bingo game.
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BlancaWhite in Spanish.
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BrownieBrown treat.
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BuckFrom Call of the Wild.
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BudGood-natured pup.
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BuddyMost popular classic dog name.
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ChampCampus dog.
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Chancewonderful coincidence.
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ChantillySweet.
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CharlieFree-spirited and independent.
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ChloeFressh bloom.
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ClaraBright or clear.
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CliffordFrom Clifford the Big Red Dog.
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CocoFor small and brown dogs.
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CricketAn insect.
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DaisyA day's eye.
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DarcyFrom the novel Pride and Prejudice.
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DollyA favorite toy.
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DorianFrom The Picture of Dorian Gray.
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DukeA sense of royalty.
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DustyA layer of dust.
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ElizaFrom Pygmalion and My Fair Lady.
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FalstaffFrom the Shakespeare plays.
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FidoFaithful.
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FifiClassic for Fido.
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FloraFlower or flowery in Latin.
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FluffyLittle fluff ball.
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FrodoFrom the Lord of the Rings.
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GandalfFrom The Lord of the Rings.
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GidgetSurfer.
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GingerFor a dog that is red-haired.
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GoldieGolden colored dog.
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GraceSimple and elegant.
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GracieFull of grace or thanks.
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HamletA character from a classic play.
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HoneyHoney colored dog.
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HunterClassical hunter.
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JakeGod is gracious.
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JoyHappiness.
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LaddieYoung man in Scottish.
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LadyFrom Lady and the Tramp.
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LassieMost popular dog tales.
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LilySymbol of purity.
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LolaSorrowful.
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LuckyLucky.
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LucyRed, black and white dog.
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MaggieChild of light in Persian.
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MarleyFrom pleasant wood.
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MaxMost classic dog name.
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MiloMild in German.
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MinnieA child that was wished.
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MissyLittle princess.
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MollyA multicolored fish.
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NeroStrong and energetic.
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OliverFruitfulness, beauty and dignity.
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PatchPatterned coat.
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PepperBlack colored dog.
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PicklesFood.
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PirateCourageous and adventurous.
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PrincePrincely dog.
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PrincessLine for the throne.
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RexLatin for 'king'.
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RockyLarge and robust.
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RoxyBright.
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RufusRuff.
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RustyRed or rust-colored fur coat.
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SadiePrincess.
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SamsonA character from the bible.
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SashaDefender of the people.
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ScampSmall and scrufy.
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ScooterVariation of Scott.
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ScottFrom Scotland in Gaelic.
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ScoutA hunter.
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ShadowDark-colored dog.
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ShilohPeace.
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SocksDescribes a certain color marking.
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SophieWisdom.
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SparkyA lot of spunk.
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SpotColor markings and patterns.
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StarOutstanding.
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StellaStar in Latin.
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SugarSweet.
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TeddyLooks like a teddy bear.
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TobyThe Lord is good.
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WagsInspired by their tail.
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WinstonJoyful or pleasant.
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ZackA laugher.
Timeless Dog Names from Famous Shows and Movies
Movies, TV shows, cartoons, and books make an exceptional source of inspiration, and therefore, we use it to find some of our best suggestions.
If you are a fan of To Kill a Mockingbird, then you will love our suggestion, Atticus. It is one of our top picks because it sounds classic in every single way. Therefore, it is a good classic name for any dog.
Is your dog exceptionally big? Then you should consider naming it Clifford, like the famous big red dog from the show with the same name. In case you own a red-coated Tibetan Mastiff, then it would make an exceptional name. Nonetheless, it works for any huge dog breed.
Is your dog white-haired, smart and patient? If those traits characterize your pet, then you should name it Gandalf, as the mythic magician from The Lord of the Rings. For example, it would be the perfect name for an expensive Afghan Hound, which personifies such temperament and appearance perfectly.
However, what if you are a fan of The Lord of the Rings but your dog is small? Then you could name it Frodo, like one of the heroes from the book and movie. Since he was a Hobbit, his size was small, and therefore, it would make an awesome classical name for a toy/small dog.
Top Old-Fashioned Dog Names for Males
We have already explored some excellent ideas, but now it is time to bring you suggestions filtered by your dog’s gender.
If your dog arrived in your life at a key moment, and you think and feel that it has made your life better, then you should name it Chance, which means “a wonderful coincidence”. It would make an excellent choice for a therapy dog, for example, because it brings change and a chance for the owner to enjoy a better life.

Are you a fan of cars? Then our next suggestion will resonate with you, Bentley. Like the famous car brand, it makes an excellent classic puppy name. It will make your pet stand out from the crowd.
Would you describe your dog as joyful and always eager to please? Then we have the perfect match for your pet, Winston. It means joyful and pleasant, and in consequence, it makes a wonderful pick. On top of that, it sounds elegant.
Best Classical Names for Female Puppies
From over a hundred timeless dog names and old-fashioned puppy names we have on our list, we have amazing choices for female puppies. Below, find our top picks.
Do you live near a beach and you love to surf? On top of that, if you plan to take your dog with you, then you should call it Gidget, which means surfer.
Do you feel your dog is always grateful? Especially if you have rescued it, then you could name it Gracie, which means “full of grace or thanks”. It is feminine and its meaning is quite interesting. In consequence, we recommend it to you!
If you have ever wished to own a dog and your dream has just come true, then you can honor it by calling your pet as Minnie, which means “a child that was wished”. It is also a good timeless name for your favorite puppy from a litter, especially if it matches all the appearance and temperament traits you expected.
Closing Down
As you can see, there are plenty of excellent classic dog names. Now that you have over 100 options at your disposal – along with our special guide and recommendations – it will make an easy job for you to find the perfect name for your pet.
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