By freelance writer Shahrzad Warkentin
I believe it was Shakespeare who once asked, “What’s in a dog name?”
Well, maybe that wasn’t the exact quote…but it is a question most aspiring dog owners ask themselves while they’re looking to add a new member to their pack.
And, unlike the process of naming a human, you have way more freedom to get creative with what your new pup will be called — you can even make it a funny name, if you feel so inclined. In fact, a humorous name lets both you and your dog show off your funny bones.
If you want your new dog to be a splash hit with his doggy day care or dog-walking crews, check out this list of funny names that are perfect for goofy, fun-loving puppies.
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Names With Clever Wordplay
These dog names take a hilarious spin on familiar names:
- Winnie the Poodle: This name is for a poodle who’s cuddly as a bear.
- Doggy Howlser M.D.: Paging Doctor Dog!
- Santa Paws: For the jolly holiday pup.
- Spark Pug: Doesn’t this suit a pug with an electric personality?
- Chew Barka: Can you play fetch with a lightsaber?
- Kareem Abdul Ja-Bark: The dog, the legend.
- Ozzy Pawsborne: Give this one to a rockin’ cool pup.
- Prince of Barkness: Good for a yippee yelper.
- Orville Redenbarker: A poppin’ fun name.
- Mary Puppins: Yes, a spoonful of funny helps the medicine go down!
- Droolius Caesar: Et tu, doggy?
- The Notorious D.O.G.: How about this for a notoriously funny name?
- Fur-dinand: A regal name for a bullish fur ball.
- Woofgang Amadeus: Try this one for your classically trained pooch.
- Sarah Jessica Barker: This name is both stylish and hilarious.
- Bark Twain: A funny author plus a funny name equals a funny dog!
- Doc McDoggins: Laughter, and puppies, are the best medicine.
- Hairy Paw-ter: This magically funny name will charm everyone he meets.
- Sherlock Bones: No mystery here — it’s just silly!
- Salvador Dogi: For your arf-tistic pooch.
- Jimmy Chew: Though chewed shoes are never funny, the name is.
Traditional Names
Once commonplace, these too-familiar conventional dog names now seem funny and a little out-of-place:
- Spot
- Fido
- Socks
- Rusty
- Scooter
- Sparky
- Boo
- Squeakers
- Scrappy
- Rex
- Snuffles
Pop Culture Character Names
If you’re a fan of pop culture, some of your favourite characters could make for great and funny dog names, too:
- Frodo: Master Frodo could be the Lord of the Funny Dog Names
- Yoda: A wise and witty dog, you will have.
- Elmo: Everyone loves a lovable, furry dog!
- Brutus: Just tell your pet sitter to watch her back.
- McGruff: This one takes a bite out of criminally funny names.
- Charlie Brown: Snoopy will be jealous of this clever spin.
- Mister Miyagi: Wag on. Wag off.
- Pumba: With this name, your dog becomes your comedic sidekick.
People Names
The funniest people names for dogs are either nerdy, old-fashioned or very “generic,” like these:
- Bob
- Rufus
- Bernadette
- Alfalfa
- Fergus
- Archie
- Oswald
- Pam
- Gary
- Harold
- Kevin
- Lloyd
- Barney
Big Names for Small Dogs
These names may not seem funny on their own, but when given to the right dog breed they are pure comedy.
- Cujo: His bark might be bigger than his bite, but he sure is cute.
- Thor: He wields the biggest hammer on four legs.
- Rambo: This time he’s fighting for his chew toy.
- Tank: Built for war, but made for cuddling.
- Shredder: Just hope he’s not shredding your shoes.
- Butterball: He may be little, but he’s no turkey.
- Terminator: He’ll be back — right after he fetches that tennis ball.
- T-Bone: This is the perfect name for the little bruiser who you just want to eat right up.
Small Names for Big Dogs
- Mittens: Even big paws get cold sometimes.
- Fluffy: Adding bows, ribbons, and a bejeweled collar really takes this name all the way home.
- Snowball: A name for all seasons, but it works especially well in winter.
- Tiny: It’s a funny nickname for tall people, and for tall dogs.
- Pee Wee: With this funny name you (and your dog) are headed for the big leagues.
- Slim: The bigger your dog, the funnier this is.
- Squirt: As long you’re not talking about a drool situation, this is hilarious.
- Peanut: It doesn’t get any nuttier than this.
- Twinkie: This is for a sweet dog (with or without the cream filling).
- Kitty: There is a picture of this dog next to the entry for “ironic” in the dictionary.
- Fuzzy: Try this one on a hairless breed for a double joke.
Food Names
Food names are funny. Plenty of dog owners, especially celebrities, like to name their pets after their favorite meals.
- Burrito
- Cheeseburger
- Meatball
- Beans
- Butters
- Waffles
- Chalupa
- Tater
- Cheeseball
- Noodles
- Oscar Mayer
- Nacho
Just Plain Silliness
Some pet owners like to get seriously silly coming up with names. These funny dog names are pretty out there, but they’re all hilarious because they are just wacky.
- Sir Waggington
- Woofer
- Doodle
- Sergeant Barkowitz
- Deputy Dawg
- Sir Barks-a-Lot
- Alfred von Wigglebottom
- Count Droolsbury
- Mister Fluffers
- Lucky Goodsniffer
- Otto Von Longdog
- Hotrod Woofington
- Putt Putt
- Professor Wagglesworth
- Miss Furbulous
- Barkley
- Captain Sniffer
No matter what name you pick, welcoming a new dog into your life is sure to bring you lots of joy and laughter for years to come. Check out these 8 Tips For Raising The Perfect Puppy.
