In need of inspiration for naming your dog? Take a (mental) trip to Egypt, where a rich history and a wealth of mythical beings provide lots of interesting and original options that are sure to stand out at the dog park.
Egyptian dog names often have very distinct meanings behind them, with references to ancient gods and goddesses and the rulers who helped shaped the world both in and beyond this transcontinental country. And while these names are especially fitting for those breeds whose ancestors appear in Egyptian texts and imagery—think Salukis, Basenjis, and Greyhounds—there’s no reason that your pup has to have their roots in the country to be befitting of one of these regal names.
Being a dog “mummy”—or dog parent of any variety—means making big choices for your furry one, including choosing the best name for them. With that in mind, here are our favorite Egyptian dog names to get the inspiration flowing.
Top Egyptian Dog Names
Dogs were often kept as pets in ancient Egypt, and many were even revered—gaining not just adoration in life but their own tombs and burial rituals in death, including mummification. In addition to passing down a love and appreciation for pets as part of the family, the ancient Egyptians also passed down plenty of great names. Here are some of the most popular.
- Azizi (precious)
- Cairo (capital of Egypt)
- Cleopatra (last ruler of the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt)
- Ebony (inner and outer beauty)
- Horus (sun god)
- Kamilah (perfection)
- Karim (noble and generous)
- Omari (high born)
- Osiris (lord of the underworld)
- Pepi (third king of the sixth dynasty of Egypt)
- Pharaoh (king of Egypt)
- Ramses (considered the most powerful ruler in Egyptian history)
- Rashidi (wise)
- Sabra (patient)
- Skylar (sky)
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 ancient Egypt 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 important tips to keep in mind:
- 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 day to day.
- 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 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 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.
Female Egyptian Dog Names
Ancient Egypt offers no shortage of inspiration for naming your female dog. If your four-legged friend is worthy of having a pyramid built just for her, try one of these stunning Egyptian dog names.
- Ain (priceless)
- Akila (intelligent)
- Anippe (daughter of the Nile)
- Dalila (gentle)
- Jamila (beauty)
- Khepri (morning sun)
- Layla (born at night)
- Nefertiti (Egyptian queen and global icon of beauty)
- Nomti (strong)
- Tia (Egyptian princess during the 18th dynasty)
Male Egyptian Dog Names
Whether your dog has the smarts of a pharaoh or the wiliness of a tricky ancient god, try one of these Egyptian names to see if it’s a good fit.
- Adio (righteous)
- Akins (brave)
- Bakari (noble oath)
- Gahiji (hunter)
- Hasani (handsome)
- Jabari (brave)
- Lateef (gentle)
- Musa (of the water)
- Runihura (destroyer)
- Sadiki (faithful)
Other Dog Name Ideas
Looking for even more dog naming inspiration? Take a look at these helpful roundups: