Big Dog Names: 200 Different Names For Male & Female Giant Breeds

Looking for the perfect big dog name for your new giant furry friend? Owning a giant breed dog is an experience like nothing else. They can play hard, love hard, and have huge personalities to match. Many people are not aware of the loving nature of these gentle giants. Huge dogs like Caucasian Shepherds, Anatolian Shepherds, Mastiffs, Great Danes, and other giant breeds are some of the most lovable pups you’ll find.

Many people see a big dog and assume it is aggressive or dangerous. But in most cases, this couldn’t be further from the truth. The name you choose for your oversized pet can also make a huge difference in how other people perceive them.

Your giant breed dog needs a name that fits its physical stature, demeanor, and personality. However, if you have never owned a bigger dog breed, you might be struggling to find the perfect name. Below we’ve put together a comprehensive list of our favorite names for your gentle giant.

Classic Names For Big Dogs

There are some classic names that fit big dogs of any breed. Before we get into the naming ideas, let’s take a look at some of these names fit for a giant-sized pup. These names either mean big or invoke a feeling of strength and power.

1. Agustus – A male moniker, means “great” and “magnificent.”
2. Baroness – A female name fit for a giant dog that exudes power.
3. Freya – The Norse goddess of love and beauty, Freya is a name perfect for any big, beautiful lady canine.
4. Goliath – This name literally means “giant,” and any large dog will carry it well.
5. Groot – This is a Dutch word that means”great” or “large.”
6. Heathcliff – A large name fit for a big, brooding pooch.
7. Marmaduke – We cannot help but smile at the thought of a lovable, gentle giant by this name.
8. Maverick – Larger than life. This makes a fantastic naming idea for big breeds.
9. Pandora – A beautiful name for a large-bodied lady dog.
10. Sahara – Male or female, this is a suitable name for any large breed.
11. Valerie – A name that means strong and lovely for a big girl dog.
12. Winifred – This female name means “joy and peace,” and we love it for larger canines.

Popular Big Dog Names

Many pet owners choose to call their pet a name with a meaning. A name with a meaning behind it can be a great conversation starter in a social setting. If you choose a unique name, people will ask you what the name means, which is a great way to break the ice with someone you are meeting for the first time.

Strong Big Dog Names

Some big dog owners want to call their pet something intimidating. This is typically the case for bigger intimidating breeds like the Cane Corso or the American Mastiff. We have you covered if this is the type of dog you’ve adopted. Below are some great names that will make people think your canine is always on guard, even if your pooch is more of an oversized lapdog.

Film-Inspired Big Dog Names

Fictional characters and celebrities provide great inspiration when looking for the perfect dog name. Great names for big dogs can come from classic 90’s movies like “The Sandlot” or TV shows like “Game of Thrones.” Below we look to film inspiration to pass down the right name for your giant pup.

Additional Big Dog Names

We think the dog names below are fantastic for giant breed dogs. While they may not be as popular or recognizable as the others we’ve already covered, they are still excellent options for your giant pup. Let’s take a look at several of our favorites.

Dog Naming Tips

When deciding what you call your dog, there are a few things to consider beyond choosing a name you like. Believe it or not, some names might cause problems for you in the future. So, it is best to take your time and choose something you will love for years to come.

Do Not Choose a Name that Sounds Like a Command

Teaching your dog basic obedience skills is one of the most critical steps in successful pet ownership. So, you want to make sure that the name you pick does not confuse your dog. Choosing something that sounds like “no” or another standard command might cause you and your dog unnecessary stress.

Ask Your Family What They Think

Owning a pet is usually a family affair. Even if the dog belongs to one family member, the rest of the family often interacts with and cares for the pet. So, getting their opinion when selecting a name is not a bad idea.

A great way to get everyone’s input is for each person you live with to choose one name they like; then, you can make the final choice. Or, you can run the names you like best by the rest of your family to see how they feel about each.

Choose a Name You Are Comfortable Using in Public

There are many situations when you will need to use your dog’s name in public. So, you will want to select something that you feel comfortable saying in front of others. Even if you do not frequent dog parks or pet-friendly outdoor eateries, you will still regularly need to use your pet’s name in public. For instance, when you take them to the vet or if your pet is lost, you must make signs to put up. If your dog has an offensive or scary name, it might make people less likely to approach your dog or contact you if they find your pet.

Don’t Make It Too Long

If you choose a long name, you will likely end up calling your dog a variation of their name. Doing this can also confuse your pet. So, it is better to call your dog the shortened version consistently. Think up a list of nicknames for every idea you are seriously considering.

Pick a Name that Represents You and Your Dog

You have so many choices when it comes to naming your puppy. But whatever name you choose should represent both you and your dog. You can pick a flower name for a female dog, like “Petunia,” or “Moss” for a male dog if you love to garden. Or, if you love coffee, “Mocha” could be a viable option for a boy or girl.

You can also select a name that represents your breed’s region of origin. So, if you own a German Shepherd, you might want to pick a German name like “Kaiser.” If your new pet is an Alaskan Malamute, a good name might be “Nanuq.” You also have the option of choosing a name that describes the physical traits of your dog. If you own a female Siberian Husky with blue eyes, you may want to call her “blue.” A dog with a black coat might be a good “Midnight” or ” Raven.”

Have Fun Choosing a Name

The most important part of picking a name for your new furry friend is having fun. It is not every day that you get to name a new member of your family. It’s okay to get a little silly, creative, or think outside of the usual name lists. So, have fun deciding what you will call your dog. If you need some motivation, check out our list of Badass Dog Names for some witty ideas.

Naming your dog should not require a lot of deep thinking. While you want to make sure you do not accidentally call your dog something offensive to others or a name that confuses your dog, you want to enjoy picking a name.

Spend Time with Your Pet Before Picking a Name

After you spend some time with your new puppy, you will have an easier time deciding on the perfect big dog name. Often pet owners pick a name before they bring their new dog home, only to realize afterward that the name they selected does not fit their dog.

Final Thoughts

When it comes to naming a bigger dog, as you’ve seen, you have plenty of options. If you want to be funny, you can even name your Rottweiler “Tiny.” No matter what name you pick, make sure it is something you like calling your dog and it fits both your personality and your pup’s.

It’s also fine to name your dog something unique that no one has ever heard. A fluffy English Mastiff named Uhtred isn’t something you’ve likely encountered before. Yes, people may ask you to repeat yourself a few times, but ultimately you’ll be the one living with your pup, so choose a name that you can live with for the next 8 to 10 years.