Classic Dog Names
Some names never go out of style. These are the classics — names that have been called across Auckland parks for generations and still sound just right today. Each one is short on fuss and long on charm.
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The names
- Abby — A friendly form of Abigail, "father's joy".
- Alfie — A warm pet form of Alfred, "wise counsellor".
- Amber — Golden fossilised tree resin — warm and glowing.
- Angel — A heavenly messenger — worn with varying accuracy.
- Angus — Means "one strength"; also a very good cow.
- Annie — A warm pet form of Anne, "grace".
- Archie — A friendly form of Archibald, "genuinely bold".
- Ava — Linked to avis, "bird" — sleek and simple.
- Bailey — An old word for a castle wall; also "bailiff".
- Barney — A jovial form of Barnaby, "son of comfort".
- Baxter — An old trade name meaning "baker".
- Bear — The big, huggable animal — great for gentle giants.
- Beau — Means "handsome".
- Bella — Means "beautiful" — a warm, timeless favourite.
- Benji — A soft form of Benjamin, "son of the right hand".
- Benny — A cheerful form of Benjamin.
- Billy — A friendly form of William, "resolute protector".
- Blue — The colour of sky and heelers — a farm-dog classic.
- Bonnie — Scots for "pretty, charming".
- Brandy — The warming spirit — golden and mellow.
- Bruno — Means "brown" — a natural for brown coats.
- Buddy — Literally "friend" — the classic companion's name.
- Buster — Vintage tough-guy charm with a wagging tail.
- Byron — Means "at the byres"; the romantic poet who loved his dog.
- Caesar — The great Roman general — a long-serving dog classic.
- Casey — Means "vigilant, watchful".
- Cash — For Johnny — the man in black.
- Cassie — A pet form of Cassandra, the prophetess of Troy.
- Charlie — A friendly form of Charles, meaning "free man".
- Chester — From castra, "fortress" — an old English city name.
- Chico — Means "boy, small" in Spanish.
- Chloe — Means "young green shoot" — fresh and springlike.
- Cleo — Short for Cleopatra; from kleos, "glory".
- Coco — A playful name with chocolate and Coco Chanel associations.
- Cody — From an Irish surname meaning "helpful".
- Colin — Means "pup, young creature" in Gaelic — genuinely.
- Cooper — An old trade name for a barrel maker.
- Daisy — The cheerful white-and-yellow flower; from Old English "day's eye".
- Dexter — Means "right-handed, skilled".
- Diesel — Engine power — for dogs with torque.
- Digby — An English place name, "farm by the ditch" — very good for diggers.
- Dixie — A bright, jazzy name from the American South.
- Dolly — A pet form of Dorothy; forever Parton's.
- Duchess — Aristocats royalty — for dogs who outrank you.
- Duke — A noble rank — dignified with a soft spot.
- Duncan — Means "dark warrior" — a sturdy Scottish classic.
- Dylan — Means "son of the sea"; folk-rock royalty.
- Eddie — A friendly form of Edward; Frasier's famous terrier.
- Ella — Means "all, completely"; jazz royalty via Fitzgerald.
- Ellie — A friendly short form of Eleanor, "shining light".
- Elvis — The King — blue suede paws optional.
- Emma — Means "whole, universal" — a timeless classic.
- Ernie — A warm form of Ernest, "serious" (ironically, rarely).
- Eva — A form of Eve, meaning "life".
- Felix — Means "happy, lucky".
- Fern — The lush green forest-floor plant.
- Finn — Means "fair, bright"; a legendary Irish hero.
- Frankie — A friendly form of Frank, "free one".
- Fred — A solid short form of Frederick, "peaceful ruler".
- Gemma — Means "gem, jewel".
More ways to choose
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By the numbers
- 60 verified names in this collection
- Every meaning and pronunciation checked by our editors
- Popularity data from 5 Auckland Pets In The City centres
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