45 Australian Dog Names

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Updated on 05/20/22

Black, brown and white long-haired Australian shepherd dog sitting closeup — The Spruce / Phoebe Cheong

Why not head down under to find the perfect name for your new dog? Whether your pup is a ubiquitous Australian breed like an Australian Cattle Dog, Shepherd, or Terrier, or you just have an appreciation for the Aussie things in life, these Australian dog names are a great place to look for inspiration.

Australia is known for a lot of things, including stunning natural beauty, ancient Aboriginal cultures, and tons of cute animals. It’s also full of naming inspiration, with plenty of sunshine-soaked options to choose from. Browse our favorite Australian dog names below and you might just find the perfect name right out of the Land of Oz.

Top Australian Dog Names

Naming your dog after the great continent of Australia is an excellent way to celebrate their Australian heritage—or yours! And even if you don’t have roots in Australia, these names can still be a perfect fit, conveying that unique brand of Aussie charm that makes this such a must-visit location. Here are some of the most popular Australian dog names to start with.

Adelaide (city in Australia)
Aussie (someone from Australia)
Barbie (short for barbecue)
Bondi (Australian beach)
Canberra (capital of Australia)
Digger (slang term for a soldier)
Hobart (capital of Tasmania)
Joey (a baby kangaroo)
Kiwi (someone from nearby New Zealand)
Kookaburra (native Australian bird)
Marley (Australian beach)
Roo (short for kangaroo)
Sydney (city in Australia)
Taz (nickname for Tasmania)
Oz (nickname for Australia)

Tips For Naming Your Dog

There are no definitive rules when it comes to what you name your dog, but there are some general guidelines that you should follow so that you choose a name that isn’t confusing for your pup. Whether you go with inspiration from the land down under or not, picking a name for your dog is a big deal, and it’s going to be with them for life.

Here are some tips to keep in mind when you’re naming your dog:

For training purposes, a name that starts with a hard letter such as S, T, or R might be easiest for your dog to pick up on.
Try to keep your dog’s name to one or two syllables, which will help them understand what their name is. If you prefer a longer name, keep that name on paper but have a shorter nickname that you use for day to day communication.
Names that rhyme with key commands, such as May (“stay”), Bo (“no”), and Kitt (“sit”) could get confusing for your dog, so keep that in mind when making your choice.
Don’t pick a name that you’ll be embarrassed to say out loud. While it may seem silly in the moment, keep in mind that whatever name you choose for your dog is one that you’ll have to call out regularly, including in public places like the vet and dog park.
It’s perfectly okay to change your dog’s name if you don’t like it after a couple of days! Pick a name, try it out, and see how you like it—as well as how your dog responds. If the name seems off, it’s better to switch it then stick with it.

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Aboriginal Australian Dog Names

The rich culture of Australia can be traced back to the Aboriginals—the various indigenous people who have inhabited the main continent and surrounding islands for more than 50,000 years. Pay homage to this history by looking to some of the beautiful words that make up Aboriginal languages when you’re naming your dog.

Aari (mountain of strength)
Amarina (rain)
Bardo (water)
Cooee (come here)
Corella (white cockatoo)
Galah (red-breasted cockatoo)
Karri (type of eucalyptus tree)
Kaya (hello)
Kylie (type of boomerang)
Marlu (kangaroo)
Migaloo (a type of ghost or spirit)
Miki (moon)
Norin (honorable)
Tidda (sister or best female friend)
Yidaki (type of Aboriginal wind instrument)

Nature-Inspired Australian Dog Names

Australia is home to some of the most beautiful trees, flowers, and beaches in the entire world. Capture the beauty of your dog with one of these names, taken from the natural paradises of this unique and breathtaking land.