150+ Iconic Dog Names Inspired by Famous People and Characters

Have you recently adopted a new dog or maybe you’re planning to? It’s time to pick out a name. If you’re looking for a name that will stand the test of time, why not draw inspiration from famous names rich in history, culture, and character? 

From beloved cartoon characters and blockbuster movie stars to historical figures and real-life heroes, there’s no shortage of famous figures that make for conversation-starting dog names.

To help you pick the perfect name, we’ve compiled a list of more than 150 options, each with a unique story.

Dog names inspired by history

When it comes to giving your dog a name with timeless appeal, history offers a wealth of inspiration. Legendary leaders, pioneering explorers, and influential thinkers provide names carrying a deep sense of legacy and distinction.

• Cleopatra — The last pharaoh of Ancient Egypt 

• Joan — Inspired by Joan of Arc, the heroic French warrior

• Darwin — After Charles Darwin, the naturalist who developed the theory of evolution

• Aristotle — A Greek philosopher who made pioneering contributions to all fields of philosophy and science 

• Abraham (or Lincoln) — The well-respected 16th president of the United States 

• Marco — Short for Marco Polo, the famous explorer 

• Leonardo — Inspired by Leonardo da Vinci, the artist and inventor

• Newton — As in Sir Isaac Newton, the mathematician and physicist

• Franklin — Inspired by Franklin D. Roosevelt, the 32nd president who led the U.S. during challenging times

• Mozart — The brilliant composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

• Helen — Inspired by Helen Keller, known for her extraordinary accomplishments despite being deaf and blind 

• Kennedy — After John F. Kennedy, the 35th U.S. president known for his leadership and inspiring vision

• Magellan — As in Ferdinand Magellan, the first explorer to circumnavigate the globe

• Galileo — The astronomer who championed heliocentrism

• Shakespeare — After William Shakespeare, the legendary playwright 

• Edgar (or Poe) — After Edgar Allan Poe, the master of mysterious and macabre stories and poems

• Plato — Inspired by the ancient Greek philosopher known for his deep theories and ideas about life and society 

• Sigmund (or Freud) — After Sigmund Freud, the father of psychoanalysis 

• Benjamin — After Benjamin Franklin, the founding father known for his contributions to science and politics

• Frida — As in Frida Kahlo, a significant figure in art history 

• Alexander — Inspired by Alexander the Great, the ancient Macedonian king and conqueror

Famous dog names from movies 

If you’re a movie buff, what better way to name your dog than after an iconic canine character? Here are some creative options.

• Lassie — Named after the heroic Rough Collie from Lassie

• Beethoven — After the mischievous Saint Bernard from Beethoven

• Toto — Inspired by Dorothy’s loyal little dog in The Wizard of Oz

• Benji — After the scrappy mixed-breed dog from the 1974 Disney movie Benji the Hunted

• Hooch — Inspired by the lovable (and slobbery) Dogue de Bordeaux in Turner & Hooch

• Lady — After the refined Cocker Spaniel in Lady and the Tramp

• Marley — Inspired by the spirited Labrador Retriever in Marley & Me

• Shadow — As in the wise, resilient Golden Retriever in Homeward Bound 

• Chance — Inspired by the spirited American Bulldog from Homeward Bound 

• Perdita — The caring Dalmatian mother in 101 Dalmatians

• Pongo — The devoted Dalmatian father in 101 Dalmatians

• Cujo — From the classic movie Cujo, based on a Stephen King novel 

• Fang — Hagrid’s Neapolitan Mastiff in the Harry Potter series

• Buddy — As in the Golden Retriever in Air Bud

• Fly — The Border Collie in the movie, Babe 

• Copper — The loyal hound from The Fox and the Hound

• Bolt — After the heroic White Shepherd from Bolt

• Nana — Inspired by the gentle Newfoundland in Peter Pan, who watches over the Darling children

• Balto — The heroic sled dog from the animated film Balto who helped save an Alaskan town by delivering medicine (based on a true story) 

• Sparky — Inspired by Victor’s beloved dog in Frankenweenie

• Bruno — The loyal, slightly clumsy Bloodhound in Cinderella

• Frank — The snarky, talking Pug from Men in Black

• Slink — The stretchy, loyal Dachshund from Toy Story

Movie-character names for dogs

If you’re looking for a dog name inspired by classic movies but not necessarily famous canine characters, consider names based on iconic human characters. 

• Rocky — After Rocky Balboa, the underdog boxer who rises to fame in the Rocky series

• Indiana — Inspired by Indiana Jones, the fearless archaeologist who embarks on daring quests in the Indiana Jones movies

• Gatsby — As in Jay Gatsby, the mysterious millionaire from The Great Gatsby 

• Forrest — After Forrest Gump, the kind-hearted man who overcomes numerous challenges in Forrest Gump

• Dorothy — Inspired by Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz, the girl who journeys to find her way home

• Peeta — After Peeta Mellark from The Hunger Games

• Jacob — Inspired by Jacob Black from Twilight, the strong and loyal werewolf 

• Maverick — Named after Pete “Maverick” Mitchell, the bold and skilled fighter pilot in Top Gun

• Leia — Inspired by Princess Leia from Star Wars, a leader known for her bravery, intelligence, and resilience

• Ferris — After Ferris Bueller, the charismatic teenager who orchestrates an elaborate day off from school in Ferris Bueller’s Day Off

• Neo — As in the main protagonist in The Matrix, who discovers his destiny to liberate humanity from a simulated reality

• Thor — The Norse god of thunder, portrayed as a powerful force in Marvel movies

• Baby — After Frances “Baby” Houseman from Dirty Dancing

• Morticia — As in Morticia Addams, the mother in The Addams Family.

• Dobby — After the loyal house-elf in the Harry Potter series, known for his unwavering dedication to Harry Potter

• Hermione — Inspired by Hermione Granger in Harry Potter, a loyal friend who excels in her studies and helps defeat dark forces

• Vito — As in Vito Corleone, the powerful and influential mob boss in The Godfather

• Bella — Named after Bella Swan from Twilight

• Buttercup — Inspired by Princess Buttercup from The Princess Bride 

• Elle — After Elle Woods from Legally Blonde, the bright, determined, and stylish law student

• Rose — As in Rose DeWitt Bukater from Titanic, the strong-willed, romantic heroine

• Chewie — Inspired by Chewbacca, the loyal Wookiee from Star Wars (also a perfect fit if your pup has a bit of a chewing habit)

• Yoda — Inspired by the wise Jedi Master from Star Wars

• Regina — Inspired by Regina George from Mean Girls 

• Wolverine — Inspired by the fierce, clawed mutant from X-Men known for his superhuman abilities and rugged nature

• Bond — After James Bond, the sophisticated British secret agent famous for his intelligence, charm, and bravery in the 007 series

• Zorro — As in Don Diego de la Vega (aka “Zorro”), the masked vigilante in Zorro 

• Katniss — As in Katniss Everdeen, the brave and resourceful heroine from The Hunger Games series 

• Frodo — The resilient hobbit in The Lord of the Rings tasked with carrying the One Ring to Mount Doom

• Han — Inspired by Han Solo from Star Wars, a cunning smuggler with a heart of gold who becomes a key hero in the Rebellion

• Scarlett — Inspired by Scarlett O’Hara from Gone with the Wind, a headstrong and determined Southern belle who perseveres through hardship 

• Atticus — Inspired by Atticus Finch from To Kill a Mockingbird, a compassionate lawyer known for his wisdom, integrity, and dedication to justice

• Elsa — Inspired by the ice-wielding queen from Frozen, who learns to embrace her powers and love for her sister

• Rambo — As in John Rambo, the resilient and tough Vietnam veteran in First Blood, famous for his survival skills and strength

• Wednesday — Inspired by Wednesday Addams from The Addams Family

Famous cartoon-dog names

Cartoons have introduced us to some of the most beloved dogs of all time, each with unique quirks and charm. Whether classic characters or modern animated favorites, these famous cartoon dog names are ideal for pups with larger-than-life personalities.

• Scooby — As in Scoobert “Scooby” Doo, the lovable Great Dane from the Scooby-Doo franchise

• Pluto — Inspired by Mickey Mouse’s loyal pet dog, Pluto, a classic Disney character

• Goofy — After the clumsy yet lovable dog from Disney cartoons

• Brian — As in Brian Griffin, the sophisticated and dry-humored dog from Family Guy 

• Odie — Inspired by Garfield’s cheerful and slightly clueless dog companion 

• Astro — The family dog (a Great Dane) from The Jetsons

• Blue — From Blue’s Clues, the blue-colored dog who helps solve mysteries through clues

• Snoopy — Inspired by Peanuts’ Snoopy, the imaginative Beagle with a penchant for daydreaming

• Spike — The tough yet protective Bulldog from Tom and Jerry

• Mr. Peabody — The intelligent dog from Mr. Peabody & Sherman 

• Droopy — From Droopy Dog cartoons, the slow-talking, clever Basset Hound who always finds a way to outwit his foes

• Huckleberry — Inspired by Huckleberry Hound, the blue dog with a Southern drawl and a laid-back approach to life

• Clifford — As in Clifford the Big Red Dog, the gentle giant known for his enormous size and kind heart

• T-Bone — Clifford the Big Red Dog’s friend, a yellow Bulldog with a loyal and friendly nature 

• Dogbert — Dilbert’s canine sidekick in the Dilbert comics 

• Dug — Inspired by the happy-go-lucky Golden Retriever from Up

• Spike — The tough, no-nonsense Bulldog from Rugrats

• Ren — From The Ren & Stimpy Show, a hyperactive Chihuahua with a unique, often cynical personality

• Jake — The magical shape-shifting dog from Adventure Time

• Gromit — The intelligent and loyal dog from Wallace and Gromit

• Hotdog — The pet of Jughead from the Archie comics 

Celebrity pet names

The following names draw inspiration from iconic stars or are borrowed directly from the beloved pets of the famous. These names are sure to bring a touch of glamour, charm, and pop culture to your pet’s life. 

• Elvis — As in the King of Rock ’n’ Roll himself, Elvis Presley

• Bowie — After David Bowie, the music legend known for his unique style and creativity

• Frank — Inspired by Frank Sinatra, the legendary crooner

• Marilyn — As in Marilyn Monroe, the iconic actress

• Norman — Jennifer Aniston’s late Welsh Corgi-Terrier mix

• Toulouse — The name of Ariana Grande’s Beagle-Chihuahua mix

• Asia — One of Lady Gaga’s three French Bulldogs 

• Pacino — After Al Pacino, an actor known for his intense and powerful performances in films like The Godfather and Scarface

• Diamond — Inspired by Paris Hilton’s late Chihuahua 

• Shark —  One of Billie Eilish’s rescue dogs, an adorable Pit Bull 

• Marley — Named after reggae legend Bob Marley

• Taylor — After Taylor Swift, the wildly popular singer-songwriter

• Meredith — A nod to Taylor Swift’s first cat, whom she named after Dr. Meredith Grey from Grey’s Anatomy

• Bambi — The name of Kylie Jenner’s Italian Greyhound, named after the Disney character

• Jim (or Carrey) — The beloved comedian and actor famous for his comedic roles in movies like Ace Ventura and The Mask

• Freddie — Inspired by Freddie Mercury, the charismatic frontman of Queen 

• Dolly — After Dolly Parton, the much-adored country music legend

• Betty — As in Betty White, the beloved actress known for her lifelong passion for animal welfare

• Robin — As in Robin Williams, the late actor and comedian known for his humor and joyful spirit 

• Chanel — After Coco Chanel, the fashion designer

• Twain — Inspired by Mark Twain, the famed author and humorist

• Lennon — After John Lennon of The Beatles 

• Brad — As in Brad Pitt, the charismatic actor known for his charm and versatility in roles 

• Gaga — Inspired by Lady Gaga, the bold and unique pop icon

• Chunk — The name of Chelsea Handler’s late German Shepherd-Chow mix, whom she rescued from a kill shelter in 2009 

• Britney — After Britney Spears, the iconic pop star

• Jagger — As in Mick Jagger, lead singer of the Rolling Stones

• Cash — Inspired by Johnny Cash, the country music icon

• Hendrix — As in Jimi Hendrix, the classic rock legend

• Billie — After Billie Eilish, the pop star

• Cardi — Inspired by Cardi B, an American rapper with a big personality 

• Charlie — After Charlie Chaplin, the silent film star

• Audrey — Inspired by Audrey Hepburn, the beloved actress and style icon 

Heroic dog names

Heroic dog names are ideal for pups who embody loyalty, bravery, and a strong sense of duty. These names take inspiration from notable historical heroes, legendary mythological figures, and heroic dogs themselves.

• Mandela — Inspired by Nelson Mandela, the South African leader who fought for justice and equality

• Rosa — Inspired by Rosa Parks, the brave civil rights activist

• Adak — The name of a German Shepherd who served with the U.S. Department of State and with the Army in Iraq and Afghanistan for several years.

• Gandhi — As in Mahatma Gandhi, the leader of India’s nonviolent independence movement 

• Roselle — A heroic guide dog who led her blind owner down 78 flights of stairs to safety during the 9/11 attacks 

• Trakr — A German Shepherd who, along with his handler, dug through the debris at the World Trade Center and located the last survivor of the 9/11 attack

• Amelia — Inspired by Amelia Earhart, the first female aviator to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean 

• Hercules — After the legendary hero from Greek mythology

• Thor — Inspired by the Norse god of thunder, a symbol of power and protection, and a popular Marvel hero

• Martin (or Luther) — As in Martin Luther King Jr., an American Baptist minister and activist who was one of the most prominent leaders in the civil rights movement 

• Harriet — After Harriet Tubman, the courageous abolitionist and conductor of the Underground Railroad who helped hundreds of enslaved individuals escape to freedom 

• Malala — Inspired by Malala Yousafzai, the advocate for girls’ education and the youngest Nobel Prize laureate

• Jane — After Dr. Jane Goodall, the pioneering primatologist and environmentalist, known for her compassion and groundbreaking work with chimpanzees

• Teresa — Inspired by Mother Teresa, the Nobel Peace Prize-winning humanitarian who dedicated her life to helping the poor and sick 

• Armstrong — After Neil Armstrong, the first person to walk on the moon 

• Albert (or Einstein) — Inspired by the physicist whose revolutionary theories in physics reshaped the understanding of the universe

Commonly asked questions

What are the most popular dog breeds? 

Some of the most popular dog breeds include Labrador Retrievers, French Bulldogs, German Shepherds, Poodles, English Bulldogs, and Golden Retrievers.

What president made the dog name Fido famous?

Abraham Lincoln popularized the name “Fido” with his yellow mixed-breed dog, Fido, who became one of the first “celebrity” dogs in the U.S.

What is the most common dog name in the U.S.? 

The most popular dog names of 2024 include Luna, Charlie, Bella, Lucy, Cooper, Daisy, Max, Milo, Bailey, and Sadie. 

How can I choose the perfect dog name?

Pick a name that’s easy to say, with one or two syllables, and avoid names that sound like common commands. Choose something that reflects your dog’s personality, breed, or unique traits.

How do I change a dog’s name?

To change a dog’s name, start by introducing the new name alongside the old name. Then, use the new name only while rewarding your dog any time they respond to their new name.

Resources

Harrington, Grant Suneson and John. “The 25 Most Heroic Dogs in America.” USA TODAY, www.usatoday.com/story/life/people/2018/07/05/25-most-heroic-dogs-america/761906002/.

‌Reisen, Jan. “Dog Heroes: 10 Real-Life Tales of Heroic Dogs.” American Kennel Club, American Kennel Club, 2 Feb. 2018, www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/real-life-tales-of-heroic-dogs/.

Skiena, Steven, and Charles B. Ward. “Who’s Biggest? The 100 Most Significant Figures in History.” Time, 10 Dec. 2013, ideas.time.com/2013/12/10/whos-biggest-the-100-most-significant-figures-in-history/.