43 Latin Dog Names

Classic picks for your one-of-a-kind pup

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Published on 05/28/20

Brown Pit Bull Terrier in red bandana smiling at camera. — Photography by Adri / Getty Images

It may be a language mostly relegated to the past, but Latin continues to provide tons of great inspiration when you’re looking for a name for your dog. As the language of ancient Rome and the mother of all Romance languages, Latin is at the root of many of our common words today. Its influence can be seen around the world—from France, Italy, and Spain to our very own shores—and you might be surprised to learn how many popular names have classical Latin origins.

Choosing a name for your dog is a big deal, and looking to the classics is an excellent place to start. To help you out, we’ve compiled some of our favorite Latin dog names all in one place so you can narrow down your choices and pick a name that’s just the right fit for your pup.

Top Latin Dog Names

Even before humans had written language, they had dogs. While the jury is still out on when exactly dogs became our loyal domestic companions (current estimations put the phenomenon at some time between 18,800 years ago and 32,100 years ago) we know that by the time of the founding—and the fall—of ancient Rome it was common to have a dog in your care. Many at the time had dogs for hunting or guarding purposes, but spoiled lap dogs were not unheard of either. Choosing a Latin name for your dog speaks to the long history between humans and canines, and celebrates the bonds that have remained strong for tens of thousands of years. Here are some of the most popular Latin and Latin-inspired dog names.

Adrian (the dark one)
Anthony (priceless)
Benedict (blessed)
Camilla (loyal attendant)
Celeste (heavenly)
Dexter (on the right-hand, favorable)
Felicity (luck)
Felix (successful)
Horace (timekeeper)
Lux (light)
Marcel (little warrior)
Petra (rock)
Regina (queen)
Rex (king)
Rufus (red haired)

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 classical Latin 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.

How to Confidently Name Your New Dog

Female Latin Dog Names

You don’t become mother of all Romance languages without a little beauty. Latin names for female dogs tend to be lyrical and feminine, though their meanings often speak to strength and power. So whether she’s a girly-girl or a bit of a tomboy, a Latin name could be the perfect choice for your girl pup.