Big dogs are wonderful companions as there’s just so much more to love! If you’ve decided to take the plunge and have got the space in your heart and home for a big pup, you’ll probably be looking for some great big dog names.
Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered and have come up with a fantastic list of boy and girl big dog names, that includes everything from Disney inspired monikers, names that literally mean big and even ones that’ll make you laugh out loud!
Top 10 big girl dog names
Big girls bring both grace and gravitas, so a well-chosen name should celebrate power without losing femininity. Behavioural studies show that two-syllable words ending in a vowel (“Kali,” “Freya”) maintain a musical cadence that keeps an excitable XL puppy engaged while still feeling elegant. The names ahead fuse strength, sophistication, and a dash of sass, ensuring your Great Dane duchess or Bernese Mountain belle commands attention at obedience class and snuggle time alike.
- Artemis
- Athena
- Freya
- Pandora
- Asta
- Ebba
- Kali
- Moxie
- Sasha
- Willow
Top 10 big boy dog names
Whether you’re raising a mellow Saint Bernard or a rowdy Cane Corso, selecting a name with firm consonants and decisive stress helps channel that masculine energy into focused training. Think “Thor,” “Apollo,” or “Titus”. The upcoming list combines timeless classics, heroic legends, and modern pop-culture nods, giving every burly boy, from shaggy guardian to sleek sighthound, an identity as commanding as his stride.
- Tyson
- Hercules
- Apollo
- Ziggy
- Bjorn
- Bruno
- Fang
- Titus
- Zeus
- Thor
Big dogs with bigger hearts deserve names as magical as their personalities, and Disney’s timeless characters deliver just that! Whether you’ve got a gentle giant like a Saint Bernard or a sprightly XL puppy, names inspired by Disney heroes and sidekicks tend to have clear, memorable sounds, perfect for training recall and commands. The crisp consonants and sing-song rhythms help your mastiff-type companion quickly learn their name, even in bustling parks.
- Goofy
- Pluto
- Pongo
- Perdita
- Colonel
- Towser
- Thunderbolt
- Napoleon
- Roscoe
- Desoto
When your XL puppy lumbers in like a shaggy comedian, a light-hearted name can be the perfect icebreaker, yet it still needs sharp, punchy sounds a giant breed hears easily in the park. Trainers often prefer crisp consonants, or a long vowel followed by a hard stop (“Peanut,” “Chewie”) because hefty dogs can drift farther from you before you call them back. Whether you share your sofa with a gentle Great Dane or a mischievous mastiff-type mix, the names below strike a balance between comic flair and clear communication.
- Tiny
- Chewie
- Clifford
- Tinkerbell
- Peanut
- Biggie Smalls
- Cupcake
- Jabba (The Hutt)
- Tank
- Baby
Movie stars don’t just shine on screen, they inspire legendary names for your giant breed too! Names from famous big dogs in film have strong, distinctive sounds that carry well during training, especially in noisy outdoor settings. Think of bold, commanding names like “Sirius” or “Beethoven,” which use clear consonants and simple syllables that help your mastiff-type or XL puppy respond quickly. Whether you want a name that’s heroic, hilarious, or heartwarming, these film-inspired picks give your furry co-star the spotlight they deserve.
- Chance (Homeward Bound)
- Shadow (Homeward Bound)
- Sirius (Harry Potter)
- Buddy (Air Bud)
- Beethoven (Beethoven)
- Scooby Doo (The Scooby Doo Show)
- Brandy (Once Upon a Time in Hollywood)
- Hooch (Turner & Hooch)
- Marmaduke (Marmaduke)
- Wilby (The Shaggy Dog)
Looking for a name that does your huge pup justice? Then why not choose a name that literally means big? These girl and boy big dog names either mean big or translate to this (or something similar) in other languages, so they’re sure to echo their greatness. These names often feature strong consonants and bold vowel sounds, which trainers find helpful for clear, quick communication during commands. From ancient words to modern twists, these meaningful names pack serious weight—just like your gentle giant!
- Goliath (very large and powerful person)
- Maximus (largest/greatest in Latin)
- Colossus (a person/thing of enormous size)
- Groot (large in Dutch)
- Ookii (big in Japanese)
- Bozorg (large in Persian)
- Suuri (large in Finnish)
- Valtava (huge in Finnish)
- Stor (big in Swedish)
- Magnum (big in Latin)
FAQ
- Are big dog names different for male and female dogs?
Yes! Male dog names often use strong, hard consonants for clarity, while female dog names may have softer sounds, but both should be easy for your dog to recognise and respond to. - What kind of sounds work best for big dog names?
Names with sharp consonants like “K,” “T,” or “R” and one or two syllables are easiest for large breeds to hear and respond to, especially in outdoor environments. - Should big dogs have different names than small dogs?
Not necessarily, but names that suit a dog’s size, personality, and training needs tend to work best, strong, clear names often suit large breeds better. - Can I use a funny or unique name for a big dog?
Absolutely! Funny and unique names add personality, but ensure the name is clear and distinct enough for effective training. - How do I choose a good name for a giant breed puppy?
Consider names that are easy to say, have clear sounds for recall, and reflect your dog’s size, temperament, or your interests. - Do big dog names affect training?
While a name itself won’t change training success, clear and distinct names help your dog recognize commands and improve response time.
That’s our ultimate guide to the best big dog names! Remember when choosing a name, it’s not only important to choose one which fits their looks and personality, but it also needs to be something they respond to as well. Before you fully commit to a name, have a go at calling your dog with it to see how they react to it.
Thinking about getting a smaller dog instead? Check out our guide on the best names for a little dog, next.
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