Whether you’re looking for a name with historical significance, one that evokes strength and bravery, or something more modern and unique, this list of big dog names will have something for everyone. The names are designed to suit any XL breed, from German Shepherds and Great Danes to Rottweilers and Saint Bernards. Enjoy!
120 AMAZING BIG DOG NAMES FOR MALES
Before we dive into these big dog names, I just want to mention a few quick notes. First, I decided to break the list into sections to make it easier for you to find just the right idea.
Second, while I broke the list down into “male” and “female” I feel like there are a lot on both lists that are super gender-neutral. So, if you love any of the girl dog names for your boy or vice-versa, go for it!
CLASSIC & STRONG NAMES (With Meanings)
- Max – Derived from the Latin “Maximus,” meaning “the greatest.” A popular, strong name.
- Duke – Refers to nobility, meaning “leader” or “commander” in Latin, a title for someone in power.
- Bear – Represents strength and bravery, often linked to the animal symbolizing protection and power.
- Thor – In Norse mythology, Thor is the god of thunder, storms, and strength.
- Titan – Refers to the Greek Titans, powerful and giant deities from ancient mythology, symbolizing immense strength.
- Rocky – Short for “rock,” representing toughness, resilience, and strength, popularized by the famous boxer character.
- Zeus – The king of the gods in Greek mythology, symbolizing supreme authority and power.
- Apollo – Another Greek god, representing the sun, light, music, and prophecy; a name that symbolizes leadership and clarity.
- Brutus – A Latin name meaning “heavy” or “dull,” but often associated with power, bravery, and loyalty, famously tied to Julius Caesar’s assassin.
- Rex – Latin for “king,” symbolizing royalty and leadership.
- Samson – A Hebrew name meaning “like the sun,” famously tied to the biblical figure known for his superhuman strength.
- Hercules – The Roman name for Heracles, a mythological hero renowned for his incredible strength and twelve labors.
- Goliath – A giant from the biblical story of David and Goliath, symbolizing great size and power.
- Chief – Meaning “leader” or “ruler,” a name that implies authority and respect.
- Caesar – A title for Roman emperors, representing power, control, and leadership.
- Odin – In Norse mythology, the chief god associated with wisdom, war, and death, symbolizing intelligence and strength.
- Leo – Latin for “lion,” a symbol of courage, strength, and majesty.
- Bruno – A Germanic name meaning “brown,” often associated with strength and resilience.
- Atlas – In Greek mythology, Atlas was a Titan who held up the heavens, representing strength and endurance.
- King – Simply refers to royalty, symbolizing supreme power, leadership, and authority.
INSPIRED BY NATURE
- Storm
- Everest
- Forest
- River
- Canyon
- Blaze
- Thunder
- Cliff
- Comet
- Oak
HISTORICAL & MYTHOLOGICAL NAMES
- Achilles
- Alexander
- Spartacus
- Leonidas
- Thorin
- Merlin
- Arthur
- Orion
- Phoenix
- Loki
You may also love: 70 Norse Mythology Dog Names for Male & Female Pups
NAMES THAT MEAN “STRONG” OR “LARGE”
- Ethan
- Gabriel
- Andrew
- Griffin
- Arnold
- Donovan
- Duncan
- Bernard
- Garrett
- Kenzo
MODERN & TRENDY DOG NAMES
- Diesel
- Maverick
- Kingston
- Jax
- Axel
- Phoenix
- Dash
- Ryder
- Chase
- Blaze
GENTLE GIANT DOG NAMES
- Hugo
- Winston
- Bentley
- George
- Murphy
- Oliver
- Theodore
- Jasper
- Finn
- Louie
CULTURAL & GEOGRAPHIC INSPIRATIONS
- Oslo
- Dakota
- Rio
- Cairo
- Denver
- Vegas
- Memphis
- Austin
- Boston
- Hudson
UNIQUE & UNCOMMON NAMES
- Koda
- Drago
- Neo
- Jett
- Zephyr
- Quasar
- Xander
- Zane
- Knox
- Flynn
NAMES WITH A TOUGH EDGE
- Bullet
- Tank
- Ranger
- Hunter
- Gunner
- Spike
- Shadow
- Bandit
- Rocco
- Hawk
Check out these 110 Fantastic Fiery Dog Names for Your New Pup for more great ideas!
NAMES INSPIRED BY COAT COLOR OR TEXTURE
- Midnight (Black dogs)
- Ghost (White dogs)
- Rusty (Reddish-brown dogs)
- Smokey (Gray dogs)
- Goldie (Golden dogs)
- Jet (Black dogs)
- Snow (White dogs)
- Copper (Reddish dogs)
- Ash (Gray dogs)
- Coal (Black dogs)
NAMES THAT EVOKE SIZE AND STRENGTH
- Boulder
- Colossus
- Mammoth
- Titan
- Giant
- Magnum
- Everest
- Summit
- Monster
- Behemoth
FEMALE BIG DOG NAMES
Again, we’ll break this down into my favorite categories.
CLASSIC & ELEGANT NAMES
- Bella
- Daisy
- Luna
- Athena
- Hera
- Cleo (Cleopatra)
- Diana
- Freya
- Venus
- Scarlett
INSPIRED BY NATURE
- Willow
- River
- Meadow
- Jasmine
- Sierra
- Aurora
- Ivy
- Sage
- Daisy
- Ruby
HISTORICAL & MYTHOLOGICAL NAMES
- Artemis
- Athena
- Freya
- Isis
- Hera
- Gaia
- Selene
- Thalia
- Pandora
- Penelope
NAMES THAT MEAN “STRONG” OR “LARGE”
- Briana
- Valentina
- Audrey
- Matilda
- Gabriella
- Isabella
- Andrea
- Karla
- Gertrude
- Bernadette
MODERN & TRENDY NAMES
- Zoe
- Harper
- Avery
- Quinn
- Skylar
- Piper
- Nova
- Phoenix
- Luna
- Scarlett
GENTLE GIANTS
- Olive
- Sophia
- Ellie
- Grace
- Emma
- Charlotte
- Molly
- Sadie
- Lucy
- Rosie
CULTURAL & GEOGRAPHIC INSPIRATIONS
- Paris
- Savannah
- Dakota
- Kenya
- India
- Sydney
- Vienna
- Asia
- London
- Sierra
UNIQUE & UNCOMMON NAMES
- Zara
- Giselle
- Brynn
- Esme
- Faye
- Ingrid
- Jovie
- Kali
- Lumi
- Nala
NAMES WITH A FIERCE EDGE
- Raven
- Storm
- Vixen
- Blaze
- Electra
- Rogue
- Onyx
- Shadow
- Tempest
- Valkyrie
REFLECTING COAT COLOR OR TEXTURE
- Amber (For golden-coated dogs)
- Ebony (For black dogs)
- Ivory (For white dogs)
- Ginger (For red or orange dogs)
- Pearl (For white dogs)
- Sapphire (For blue-coated dogs)
- Velvet (For dogs with a soft, velvety coat)
- Honey (For golden-coated dogs)
- Silver (For gray or silver dogs)
- Cocoa (For brown dogs)
NAMES THAT EVOKE SIZE AND STRENGTH
- Everest
- Amazon
- Sequoia
- Titaness
- Majesty
- Empress
- Giantess
- Monarch
- Behemoth
- Colossus
INSPIRING FEMALE LEADERS & ICONS
- Amelia (After Amelia Earhart)
- Rosa (After Rosa Parks)
- Eleanor (After Eleanor Roosevelt)
- Frida (After Frida Kahlo)
- Cleopatra
- Joan (After Joan of Arc)
- Serena (After Serena Williams)
- Oprah (After Oprah Winfrey)
- Malala (After Malala Yousafzai)
- Marie (After Marie Curie)
This list of big dog names offers a ton of choices that should match any dog’s personality, from the noble and serene to the brave and adventurous. Whether your gentle giant is a guardian of the home, a loving family pet, or a companion on your adventures, there’s a name on this list that’s perfect for her.
What are some of your favorite big dog names? Share below!
