Our 21 Favorite Unique Puppy Names for Boys & Their Meanings

There is a new dog bed in the corner of the living room and a shiny food bowl in the kitchen – it looks like your home is ready to welcome a new family member! The children certainly are anxiously awaiting to hear the pitter-patter of floppy feet coming from the hallway. Even though you’ve done your best to welcome your new puppy into your family, one final thought remains – What are you going to name your new canine friend?

Call Names Vs. Registered Names

If you are getting a purebred dog from a breeder you will learn that a dog’s AKC registered name is usually [AKC title abbreviations + kennel name + litter theme (explicit or implied) + explicit or implied statement related to the call name + more earned title abbreviations]. 

But of course, that’s not what you’re going to “call” your dog. 

Your dog’s “name” can be anything. 

Bonus points if you can relate that to the registered name, but it’s not a requirement. 

If you’re not going to have your dog shown or competing in performance events, no one’s ever going to see the registered name in the catalog, so it doesn’t really matter!

So let’s talk about call names. 

Obviously, the job of finding the perfect puppy name is no easy task. 

The name itself may reflect numerous aspects, from the puppy’s look to its personality. 

Furthermore, some degree of uniqueness must be associated with each pup, and there is no easier way to achieve that than through a cute, unique name. 

After all, you don’t want to deal with a herd of dogs every time you call out your puppy’s name in the park.

If the search for the perfect boy pup name is getting you nowhere, fear not—we’ve put together a list of 21 unique boy pup names, including both names that might ring a bell for you and names whose uniqueness makes them less known. 

Moreover, since we want to make your choice even easier, we will explore the meanings of these names, associating them with certain personality traits. 

Let’s explore the world of boy pup onomastics together!

Common Yet Unique Boy Puppy Names

Even though the meaning of popular names does not always resonate the same, we couldn’t help but include in this list a few special picks:

Francis

Aside from the current Pope, another famous saint held the same name—St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals. 

Though its etymology is dubious, the name has long been associated with freedom—another good reason for you to consider Francis as your puppy’s name!

Levi

Aside from its biblical tone, this name is perfect for furballs who love to accompany their owners wherever they might go—it translates from Hebrew as “attached” or “joined.”

Asher

This name stems from the same word that means “happy” or “blessing” in Hebrew—the perfect way to symbolize the happiness brought by your puppy into your home! 

Furthermore, if the puppy’s fur color helps, you can shorten it to “Ash.”

Parker

With its “park keeper” meaning, this name will tie your puppy with long strolls in the park even more!

Hudson

You are probably now thinking about the mighty Hudson river, right? 

However, there is no name without meaning, and this name definitely has a special one. 

It means „son of Hud,” a close cousin of the name „Hugh,” which is connected with the words „mind, spirit, intellect.” 

The perfect name for an intelligent dog!

Big Dog Names

Sure, your puppy might be small and cute now, so a cute name is in order, but what happens when your puppy becomes an adult? 

You definitely do not want it to be stuck with a name unworthy of its size and strength. 

Let’s take a look at a few big dog names:

Goliath

Although this name’s etymology is still lurking in the shadows, we can all trace it back to the biblical giant’s sheer size and strength. 

Of course, we know the abrupt end of Goliath’s story, but your puppy doesn’t have to know that.

Jupiter

The king of all Roman gods, as well as the largest planet of our solar system, make this name a perfect choice for a puppy who will become big and strong as an adult. 

The name’s etymology, signifying “god and father” in Latin, makes it all the more special.

Magnus

Have you ever wondered where the word “magnitude” came from? 

Look no further. 

Descending from Latin, this name means “big, strong, mighty, and well-known” all at the same time!

Greek Dog Names

“It’s all Greek to me!”—the phrase that we always use whenever something doesn’t make sense. 

However, Greek does make sense, and each Greek name has a beautiful story behind it:

Argos

Meaning “shiny, bright,” Odysseus’ faithful canine companion, who waited 20 years for his master’s return, bore this name—a beautiful name for a loyal friend.

Atlas

Although you might be thinking about a book full of maps, the name has a beautiful origin. 

It reminds us of the titan who held the celestial sky on his shoulders, a testament to his strength and importance.

Apollo

There is no better example of purity and nobility than the one brought by Apollo, the god of the Sun. 

Although its origin remains unknown (the name could mean either “the pure” or “the purifier, the destroyer”), this name best describes strong yet gentle puppies, akin to the god himself—the patron god of arts, yet unstoppable when enraged!

Argus

One of many primordial greek giants, Argus’ main epithet was „all-seeing,” since he was often described as a dog with 100 eyes, whose reputation as a guardian has been renowned ever since. 

With such a name, your puppy is sure to grow into a watchful guardian of the house!

Roman Dog Names

Once you dive into Greek names, there is no way to avoid their ancient counterparts, the Roman names!

Rufus

Rufus represents a popular and cute dog name choice amongst dog owners nowadays. 

Furthermore, since it actually means „red-haired,” Rufus is the perfect name choice for your little rusty puppy.

Fido

We do not think there’s a more obvious statement of loyalty from your dog than the name Fido. 

Made popular by Abraham Lincoln’s pet canine, the name specifically means „I trust” or „I entrust you with something,” symbolizing the special relationship between dogs and their owners.

Felix

The sacred origin of this name puts it between the top special puppy names. 

Meaning „lucky” or „bringer of luck,” a puppy named Felix will only bring joy and prosperity into your home. 

Who knows, maybe Felix will be the lucky charm you’ve been looking for?

Hunting Dogs

If your puppy is more of a troublemaker, better to allow a suitable name to speak for his feisty personality!

Bandit

Originating from the 16th-century Italian word „bandito,” the name has always been associated with outlaws and bandits. 

If your puppy is something of a rebel, there’s no better way to reflect this personality trait.

Hunter

The clear etymology of this name speaks for your puppy’s outdoor, independent personality. 

Be sure that your dog will always be on the lookout whenever you go out on a stroll together.

Trapper

This is the perfect name for a clever, sharp-witted dog. 

Always bring him with you for hunting or for solving mysteries!

Sawyer

One of Mark Twain’s famous characters, Tom Sawyer would never say no to any mischief, which might be true about your puppy, too!

Special Boy Puppy Name Picks

We will conclude today’s blog post with two special puppy names, whose history and nobility set them aside from all the puppy names we have seen today!

Homer

The author of both the Iliad and the Odyssey and father of poetry as we know it, the name Homer encapsulates millennia of mythical heroes and precious legends. 

This name speaks to the hero in each one of us, a hero that your puppy is ready to reveal.

Linus

Son of Apollo and one of the Muses, Linus taught both Orpheus and the mighty Hercules (though it did not go as planned) how to play the flute. 

Let your dog’s gentleness and love for music be shown by this beautiful name!

Have you decided on one of the names from the list? We are so happy to know that we could help you deal with this not so easy task. Would you like to hear more interesting boy puppy name ideas? Feel free to contact us or check out our blog!

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