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100 Unique Dog Names That Are as One-of-a-Kind as Your Pet

Your precious pup deserves one of these rare dog names.

By Kate Franke and Kelsey Hurwitz
preview for 15 Cutest Dog Breeds

Arguably, the most important moment in a dog's life is when their family picks their name. It'll be their name for the rest of their life, though a few nicknames may be acquired along the way. So it's important to choose wisely. We've put together 100 unique dog names to help you choose the perfect moniker for your pooch.

Whether it's a nod to their breed like Collie, a call-out to their features like Ivory, a play on their personality like Queenie, or an ode to their birthplace like Nash, your pup deserves a rare dog name that totally suits them. Even a funny dog name like Hot Dog can have meaning behind it. (We're looking at you, wiener dogs!)

Since 100 names is a lot to sift through, we divided them into categories to help make browsing easier. These uncommon dog names include unique gender-neutral dog names, boy dog names, girl dog names, cute dog names, and more. Our favorite might be the category of famous dog names inspired by movies, books, television, music, and art. Eeyore? Matilda? You can't tell us those aren't adorable.

Whether you're planning to adopt a pet or simply hoping for one in the future, jot down your favorite of these distinctive dog names to give your next furry family member.

Best Rare Dog Names

unique dog names best rare dog names
Michael Cogliantry
  • Granger
  • Dixon
  • Birdie
  • Pilot
  • Mojo
  • Ivory
  • Badger
  • Gibson
  • Stark
  • Malbec

Unisex and Gender-Neutral Dog Names

unique dog names unisex and gender neutral dog names
kiszon pascal
  • Rhode
  • Blythe
  • Cillian
  • Navy
  • Polaris
  • Synth
  • Calipso
  • Collie
  • Joplin
  • Piccolo

Unique Female Dog Names

unique female dog names
Paul Park
  • Lillian
  • Sylvia
  • Nora
  • Paisley
  • Clara
  • Donna
  • Sandy
  • Ophelia
  • Jane
  • Phoebe
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Unique Male Dog Names

unique male dog names
Chris McLoughlin
  • Drake
  • Boris
  • Mason
  • Tony
  • Maddox
  • Jefferson
  • Virgil
  • Heath
  • Carson
  • Diego

Short Dog Names

unique dog names short dog names
Getty Images
  • Kev
  • Abel
  • Andy
  • Ivan
  • Joey
  • Kat
  • Ina
  • Busy
  • Tito
  • Rudy

Cute Unique Dog Names

cute unique dog names
Getty Images
  • Cappy
  • Swae
  • Cleo
  • Pea
  • Pomme
  • Ruth
  • Penelope
  • Queenie
  • Hermes
  • Rascal

RELATED: 16 Cute Dog Breeds That Stay Small Forever

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Unique Food Names for Dogs

unique food names for dogs
Getty Images
  • Tonic
  • Meatball
  • Molé
  • Sprout
  • Courgette
  • Soju
  • Haggis
  • Bacon
  • Hot Dog
  • Pumpkin Spice

Nature-Inspired Rare Dog Names

unique dog names nature inspired rare dog names
Getty Images
  • Locust
  • Quill
  • Sage
  • Goose
  • River
  • Coral
  • Maple
  • Violet
  • Star
  • Magnolia

Rare Dog Names Inspired by Travel

unique dog names rare dog names inspired by travel
Getty Images
  • Nola
  • Havana
  • Cayman
  • Alaska
  • Banff
  • Rico
  • FiDi
  • Malibu
  • Austin
  • Nash

RELATED: 100+ Unique Country Dog Names for Your Down-Home Dog

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Creative Famous Dog Names

unique dog names famous dog names
André Hansen//Getty Images
  • Remus
  • Matilda
  • Scar
  • Regis
  • Lennon
  • Jolene
  • Monet
  • Eeyore
  • Ron Weasley
  • Sherlock
Headshot of Kate Franke
Kate Franke
Editorial Assistant

Kate Franke (she/her) is the editorial assistant at Woman’s Day. She loves all things lifestyle, home, and market related. Kate has a BAJMC in Magazine Media and BA in Writing from Drake University. She is a proud ASME alum whose work has appeared in Food Network Magazine, The Pioneer Woman Magazine, Better Homes & Gardens, Modern Farmhouse Style, Beautiful Kitchens & Baths, and more. Next to writing, Kate’s two favorite things are chai lattes and pumpkin bread!

Headshot of Kelsey Hurwitz
Assistant Digital Editor
Kelsey Hurwitz is the assistant editor of WomansDay.com, and covers entertainment, holidays, pets, and good news. When she’s not writing about doughnuts and talk show hosts, she can be found watching hours of bad reality TV, belting ‘70s rock songs, and searching for her next favorite snack.

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