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Nature-Inspired Dog Names

Rivers, storms, flowers and forests — nature has been naming things beautifully forever. These names bring a bit of the outdoors to the dog who loves rolling in it.

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The names

  • Acorn — Small now, mighty oak later.
  • Alpine — Of the high mountains.
  • Amber — Golden fossilised tree resin — warm and glowing.
  • Aspen — The trembling-leafed alpine tree.
  • Aurora — The Roman goddess of dawn; the southern lights.
  • Basil — The royal herb; from basileus, "king".
  • Bay — A sheltered curve of coast; also a reddish-brown coat.
  • Birch — The graceful silver-barked tree.
  • Blossom — Spring flowers at their happiest.
  • Bramble — The wild blackberry thicket — scruffy and sweet.
  • Breeze — A light wind — easy by nature.
  • Brook — A small, clear stream.
  • Canyon — The great carved gorge.
  • Cedar — The tall, fragrant evergreen.
  • Chestnut — The glossy brown autumn nut — a rich coat colour too.
  • Cloud — Soft, white and drifting.
  • Clover — The lucky meadow plant — four leaves if you're fortunate.
  • Comet — The long-tailed visitor streaking across the sky.
  • Coral — The living jewel of the reef.
  • Crystal — Means "ice" — clear and sparkling.
  • Dahlia — The showy late-summer flower, named for botanist Dahl.
  • Daisy — The cheerful white-and-yellow flower; from Old English "day's eye".
  • Dawn — First light of the day.
  • Delta — Where the river meets the sea.
  • Dune — A hill of wind-blown sand.
  • Dusk — The soft blue hour after sunset.
  • Everest — The world's highest peak.
  • Falcon — The fastest bird on earth.
  • Fern — The lush green forest-floor plant.
  • Finch — The small, bright songbird.
  • Flint — The spark-making stone — sharp and quick.
  • Flora — The Roman goddess of flowers.
  • Frost — Crisp winter mornings in a name.
  • Gale — A strong wind; also a form of Abigail.
  • Hawk — Sharp-eyed and swift.
  • Hazel — The hazelnut tree, and the warm brown-green eye colour.
  • Heather — The hardy purple moorland shrub.
  • Ivy — The evergreen climbing plant, a symbol of faithfulness.
  • Jade — The precious green stone.
  • Jasper — Means "treasurer"; also the speckled gemstone.
  • Juniper — The evergreen shrub with fragrant berries.
  • Lake — Calm water in one syllable.
  • Laurel — The victor's evergreen wreath.
  • Leaf — Green, light and everywhere in autumn.
  • Luna — The Latin word for the moon.
  • Magnolia — The grand, ancient flowering tree.
  • Maple — The tree of golden autumn leaves and sweet syrup.
  • Marigold — The cheerful golden flower.
  • Marina — Means "of the sea".
  • Meadow — A field of grass and wildflowers.
  • Misty — Soft as morning fog.
  • Moss — Soft, green and quietly persistent.
  • Nova — Means "new"; a star that suddenly shines brighter.
  • Ocean — The vast sea itself.
  • Olive — The Mediterranean tree and its fruit, a symbol of peace.
  • Onyx — The glossy black gemstone — striking for dark coats.
  • Opal — The gemstone that flashes every colour.
  • Pebble — A small, smooth stone — perfect for little dogs.
  • Petal — The softest part of the flower.
  • Pinecone — The forest's favourite fetch toy.

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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