70 Black Lab Names

If you recently welcomed a black Labrador Retriever puppy into your family or adopted an adult black Lab or black Lab mix, the next step is choosing the perfect name for your new friend. You'll be calling your dog this name for many years to come, so be sure to pick something you love. But where to begin?

The loving and gregarious Labrador Retriever has maintained the top spot as the most popular dog breed in the United States for three decades, and it comes as no surprise to Lab lovers. Let’s take a brief look at the history, original purpose and characteristics of the Labrador Retriever breed to help inspire you as you set out on your quest for a great name for your black Lab. 

Labrador Retrievers are a Canadian breed. They were developed in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador, a coastal region on the Eastern side of Canada. Here, Labrador Retrievers were used to retrieve ducks for hunters and to assist fisherman. Labs today are still invaluable retrievers of waterfowl, as well as ideal pets.

Labrador Retrievers appear in solid colors of yellow, black or chocolate, with no markings. With its coal-black, glossy coat, the black Lab is especially striking and elegant.

Gentle with children, easily trained, and a friend to all, Labrador Retrievers are famous for being excellent family dogs. They love to run and play and are always up for an adventure. Labs enjoy the water and are excellent swimmers, a skill enhanced by the breed’s webbed feet, rudder-like tail, and water-resident coat. They get along with other animals and humans alike. If you think Labrador Retrievers are top dog among all breeds, hundreds of thousands of dog lovers around the world agree with you.

Now that you’ve learned a bit more about your black Lab, you’re ready to choose his or her name. You can go in many different ways when choosing a name. You might like to select a name that relates to the breed’s history or original purpose, or maybe your black Lab’s color, or temperament. Popular dog names are always a good choice, as are more unusual choices. The sky’s the limit, but we’ve compiled 70 of our favorite black Lab names here to help get you started.

Top Black Lab Names

Let's take a look at some favorite black Lab names pulled from different categories. Many popular names for black Labs are those that call attention to the Labrador Retriever’s bird hunting prowess, the breed’s love of the water, the Lab's athleticism or their attractive, jet-black color. Some of the best names for black Labs include: 

• Captain 
• Chase
• Coal
• Cruise
• Dash
• Ebony
• Gunnar
• Hunter
• Jet
• Luna
• Max
• Sailor
• Shadow
• Storm 

Tips for Choosing Black Lab Names

When choosing a name, don't forget it will, hopefully, be one that you will be using for years to come. It's important to make sure that all the family agree it is a good one and that it is easy to pronounce, not too similar sounding to other pets in the household, and one that you won't be embarrassed by when your vet calls it in the waiting room.

Hunting Inspired Black Lab Names 

The Labrador Retriever is a renowned hunting dog (specifically a retriever of birds, including waterfowl like ducks and geese). Consider choosing a name that’s a nod to the Lab’s original purpose as a bird dog. Check out some of our favorite hunting-themed black Lab names:

• Arrow
• Aspen 
• Birdie
• Bullet
• Chase
• Decoy
• Goose
• Gunnar
• Hunter
• Ladybird
• Marsh
• Maverick
• Pistol
• Ranger
• Rocky
• Scout
• Shooter

Color-Themed Black Lab Names

Always dressed to impress, Black Labs stand out for their sleek, deep black coats. It can be great fun to play on words and choose a moniker that highlights your black Lab’s characteristic color. Try a few of these black-inspired names for size:

• Anise
• Ash/Asher
• Blackjack
• Cinder
• Coal/Cole
• Ebony
• Espresso
• Guinness
• Licorice
• Luna
• Magic
• Midnight 
• Ninja
• Obsidian
• Onyx
• Pearl
• Phantom
• Raven
• Shadow
• Smoke
• Spade
• Storm/Stormy

Active Black Lab Names 

An excellent swimmer and retriever, the Labrador Retriever Strong is fast, agile, and fantastically athletic. Use your creativity to choose a name that ties into your black Lab’s prowess and skills. Here are a few ideas to get you started: 

• Ace
• Blaze
• Bolt
• Dash
• Dock
• Flash
• Flip
• Hopper
• Jet
• Lightening
• Max 
• Rush
• Scooter
• Skip
• Sonic
• Zip

Water-Themed Black Lab Names

Whether it’s boating, swimming or just splashing around, Labrador Retrievers are famously obsessed with water. Names that are themed to the ocean, beach, lake, river or boats are perfect for Labs. Here are some ideas:   

• Anchor
• Brook
• Buoy
• Captain
• Commodore
• Cruise        
• Delta
• Dune
• Laguna
• Marina
• Neptune
• Reef
• Sailor
• Sandy
• Splash
• Spring
• Triton
• Wave

Other Lab Name Ideas

If none of the names above are calling out to you, for more name ideas check out these alternative lists:

• British Dog Names
• Old Dog Names
• Funny Names For Dogs