Choosing the Right Name for Your Border Collie

Understanding the Border Collie

Every dog deserves a name that fits, and the most fitting names often stem from the dog's origins. The Border Collie traces back to the border regions of Scotland and England, so a name reflecting that heritage is particularly appropriate.

Names Reflecting Intelligence and Heritage

If you're considering an Irish name for your Border Collie, that's actually quite fitting. The name Scotland comes from Scotia, which means "land of the Irish." Irish settlers arrived in that land long ago when it was inhabited by the Picts, so an Irish name for a Border Collie is perfectly suitable.

You might also choose a name that highlights his intelligence. In The Intelligence of Dogs, Stanley Coren ranks the Border Collie as the most intelligent breed. You can select a name based on that reputation as the smartest dog. Consider these options:

Albert
Conrad
Curie
Einstein
Linus
Mensa
Plato
Sherlock
Sigmund
Slick
Truman

Here are some potential Border Collie names for your special pup.

Canva

Name Ideas for a Border Collie Puppy

Places In Scotland	Rivers In Scotland

Angus

Calder or Canny

| |

Buckie

Carey or Clyde

| |

Dundee

Esk or Goodie

| |

Glen (or Glenda)

Holmes or Kale

| |

Loch

Karen or Kerry

| |

Monzie

Jed or Mashie

| |

Ness (or Nessie)

Tala or Tweed

Border Collies can herd more than sheep!

cc-by ickr.com diap 504727379

Names Conveying Speed or Toughness

Blitzer	Jordan (as in Michael)	Rider
Bruiser	Lightning	Rodman (Dennis, as everyone remembers)
Dash (or Dasher, which is even better)	Nike	Snappy
Flash	Pronto	Tonic
Hasty	Ranger	Turbo
Kobe (as in Bryant)	Reebok	Whisper

Border Collies have been developed for performance, and sometimes dogs look different than the norm.

cc-by ickr.com ninahale 290019324

Scottish-Inspired Names for Border Collies

Bran (the Gaelic word for raven)	Gavin (the small hawk)	Norris
Brodric	Jackson	Ramsey
Coby	Lennox	Robert
Colin	Logan	Sandy
Derek	Murdock	Sinclair
Dubh (the Gaelic word for black, so call him Duvy)		Tavis

Most Border Collies are black and white, but not all of them.

cc-by ickr.com mauricekoop 2395869711

Names for Female Border Collies

Blondie	Cora	Julie
Bonni	Daisy	Lara
Caitrin	Ginger	Mandi
Casey	Holly	Raven
Christi	Jaimee	Tara
Cookie	Janet	Tyra

A Border Collie swimming

cc-by ickr.com ecvranch 7006871287

Tips for Naming Your Puppy

Stick to names with one or two syllables. Many good Gaelic names have three or more syllables and were left off this list. If you know another Scottish word you like that isn't listed, feel free to use it for a truly special name. Just keep in mind that dog names ideally have no more than two syllables (or even one).
If you have a name you really like, use it, but make sure to find a good nickname for it.
Avoid any name that sounds like a dog you already have. If you're lucky enough to have a new Border Collie and already have an older dog, using similar-sounding names will confuse the older dog and make training the new one harder.
Don't choose a name that sounds like a training command—"Grit" sounds too much like "sit"! If you pick a name that resembles a basic command, your dog will get confused and may not perform when he should. None of the names suggested here sound like any commands.
If you plan to train him for herding, also avoid words that sound like herding commands.
Give your dog a name that commands respect, and stay away from names I wouldn't use. Many Border Collie websites recommend names like Ace and Zeus. Don't go there.
Don't name your dog "Squirts" after an accident on the carpet. It may be funny at the moment but will get old real fast.
Don't brand your new dog with an overused name. Your dog has a noble history, he is an individual, and the last thing he needs is to be just another Charlie or Jake. Every dog deserves a unique name!

Questions & Answers

Question: Could Kennedy be an appropriate name for a border collie?

Answer: Since the word has three syllables, a dog will not respond well. That is unless you call him "Kendy."

Question: Would Stone be an appropriate name for a border collie?

Answer: That is a good name. I prefer two syllable names since they are usually easier to call the dog during training, but a one syllable name often works just fine.