There are many types of hound dogs out there, and even more names for them. Choosing a name for your hound is a tough job, and one that requires plenty of inspiration. So to help you out, we’ve compiled a list of our favorite hound dog names. From Afghan Hounds to Whippets and every type of hound in between, here are more than 50 great names to choose from.
Top Hound Dog Names
Hounds represent a large and diverse class of different dog breeds, though they share many similar traits. The lineage of most hound dogs can be traced back to canine ancestors who were bred for hunting, which explains unique features like the Beagle’s tendency to “point,” the Greyhound’s seemingly endless stamina, and the Bloodhound’s low-hanging ears. And while your own hound might not be getting anywhere near a real hunt, this ancestral lineage can be used to find a name. With that in mind, here are some of the most popular names for these impressive dogs.
- Bertha
- Blue
- Copper
- Dexter
- Dixie
- Duke
- Forrest
- Hunter
- Jett
- Maggie
- Pippa
- Pointer
- Ruby
- Scout
- Tahoe
Tips For Naming Your Hound Dog
Picking a name for your hound dog—or any pet that you have—is a big deal. This name will be with them for life, and should be a good fit for who they are in personality and appearance. It should also be a name that you really love, since you’ll be calling it out a lot!
Before deciding on your hound dog’s name, it helps to look at lists like this one for inspiration, as well as to take some cues from your pup. Don’t pick something over complicated unless you plan to use a nickname, since you want your dog to be able to recognize when they’re being called. And when it doubt, wait a few days to decide fully on a name so that you don’t end up selecting a name that you later regret.
Here are some additional tips to keep in mind when you’re naming your hound 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 hound dog’s name to one or two syllables, which will help your dog 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 Ray (“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 hound 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.
Names For Female Hound Dogs
Choose a name for your female hound dog that is as sweet, fierce, or silly as she is. Here are some ideas to get you started.
- Addie
- Athena
- Dottie
- Ella
- Fern
- Grace
- Harley
- Liberty
- Lily
- Ophelia
- Queenie
- Roxie
- Sadie
- Willow
- Xena
Names For Male Hound Dogs
Whether your male hound dog is a tireless rascal or a big softie, these names might just fit the bill.
- Atlas
- Archie
- Boone
- Diesel
- Edgar
- Elvis
- Luther
- Mac
- Nelson
- Roscoe
- Silas
- Tank
- Walter
- Zeus
- Ziggy
Famous Hound Dog Names
Hound dogs have been mainstays of popular culture for decades, appearing in movies, cartoons, and even famous ads. If you want to take your inspiration from the famous hounds who have come before, here are some names to start with.
- Bruno
- McGruff
- Lafeyette
- Napolean
- Pluto
- Stella
- Toby
- Towser
- Trusty
Other Dog Name Ideas
Looking for even more dog naming inspiration? Take a look at these helpful roundups: