Naming Your Pup After a Famous Face: Over 50 Suggestions

Picking a Famous Name for Your New Dog

If you are bringing home a new puppy and want a name that turns heads at the park, you might consider borrowing from a well-known figure. Many websites offer roundups of what famous people call their own dogs, but those lists often miss the mark. A more personal approach is to choose a name from a beloved movie or television star. Such names can evoke exactly the personality you imagine for your pup as he trots around the neighborhood. The suggestions below are organized by the era in which those celebrities were prominent.

Everyone else wants to name their dog after that famous pooch that said “By Dog in heaven, I swear I will never have dirty paws again.”

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Stars of the 1950s and Earlier

Name	Breed or Personality Fit

Bogart

The rugged actor who had a liking for Scotties.

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Doris

Named after the actress, a fitting choice for a gentle pup.

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Fonda

Ideal for an exceptionally amiable dog.

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Gable

Honestly, my dear, this ranks among the finest options.

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Garner (James)

Another name with a tough-guy feel.

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Hudson (Rock)

A sturdy dog who is secretly a softie.

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Liz

Best to overlook her later years!

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Lucy

Suits a mixed breed, a high-energy dog, or a red curly Poodle.

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Marlon

Or Brando, for a dog with a complex personality.

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Monroe

Many adorable puppies aspire to this name.

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Orson

The renowned director, or a chubby little Pug.

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Scarlett

Probably best reserved for a dog with a Southern drawl.

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Snoopy

The famous comic dog, but only if you also have a Charlie or Linus.

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Stewart

The Basset Hound among actors.

According to several famous sources, Snoopy is a celebrity.

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Also consider Groucho, who famously said: "Outside of a dog, a book is man's best friend. Inside of a dog it's too dark to read."

Just be mindful with certain names—Brando might have a tendency to put on weight as he ages. And Monroe …

Famous Names From the 1960s

Name	Breed or Personality Fit

Bardot

A charming choice, and no longer limited to poodles.

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Eastwood

The ultimate tough-guy dog—best for puppies whose barks grow raspy.

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Elvis

Instantly recognizable to everyone.

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Friday

One of those detective dogs.

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Hitchcock

A wonderful name—and not just for the birds.

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Hopper (Dennis)

Good for a dog destined for a long life and career.

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Jackie

The first dog, and a meaningful choice for a dog with a second owner.

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Newman (Paul)

A truly cool junkyard dog.

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Ringo

The musician, and a great fit for a Shih Tzu with the right hairstyle.

A genuine 1960s dog would not recall what you called him in any case.

Looking for that ’60s retro dog?

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Celebrity Names From the 1970s

Name	Breed or Personality Fit

Cosby

A solid name, and not only for a puppy that gnaws on sweaters.

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Elton

The musician—a bit silly, but excellent if you plan to dress him in Doggles.

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Farrah

Well-suited to a sleek sighthound (clunky scenthounds need not apply).

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General Lee (Gen´ral)

The true hero of that TV series. Any Redbone would be proud to bear this name.

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Kojak

For a Chinese Crested? Just avoid giving lollipops with xylitol.

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Meg (Ryan)

The actress, as sweet as Doris.

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Starsky

The TV cop, or a curly Portuguese Water Dog.

By the 1970s, long hair was in—even for dogs.

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My personal favorite from that era, and for many years afterward, was Arnold. He taught us that European breeds never lose their accents—even when they attempt to say "Hasta la vista, baby."

Celebrity Names From the 1980s

Name	Breed or Personality Fit

Denzel

A tough name, but tough with a soft heart.

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Elmo

Every puppy enjoys Sesame Street, right?

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Ferris

Because every puppy deserves a day off.

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Fonzie

A cool dog, just a bit later in life (or earlier).

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Kinglsey

The character actor, for a puppy that changes a little every day.

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Magnum

The private investigator, and a perfect fit for a Doberman puppy.

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Murphy

That puppy who becomes a threat to family values.

The Cocker Spaniel ruled the ’80s.

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Celebrity Names From the 1990s

Name	Breed or Personality Fit

Beavis

For that puppy who walks into walls.

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Britney

Does any puppy want to be named after a Mouseketeer?

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Buffy

The vampire slayer, or one of those dogs who barks at ghosts.

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Chandler

A friendly dog—perhaps overly so.

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Cooney

Everyone's handsome puppy.

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Cosmo

Stuck with a silly puppy affected with the "puppy crazies"? Sounds like a Kramer.

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Hopkins

I know, he was around before, but who can forget that mask?

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Jordan

One of those athletic breeds, able to leap walls.

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Oprah

A favorite puppy, just not for the guys.

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Robin (Williams)

The actor, and a perfect name for a silly mixed-breed puppy.

Homer stands out as the most memorable name of the '90s; if anyone asks, you can always say you named your puppy after the Greek poet. Doh!

Labs took over in the ’90s and don’t seem to want to give up their celebrity!

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Stars of the 2000s and More Recent Years

Name	Breed or Personality Fit

Abby

That smart NCIS dog, but a little Goth and weird

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Borat

Even if your dog is not a Caucasian Ovcharka

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Keira

English Cocker Spaniel, English Springer, English Pointer….you get the idea

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Kiefer

An actor for years, and a tough guy all the time.

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Malcolm

For that puppy that is always getting in the middle.

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Paris

Sleek, for that little dog that fits in a purse.

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Sookie

A supernatural puppy, and always getting into trouble.

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Stark

One of those wolf-dogs, of course.

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Tyra

The model, the woman that always struts around like an Afghan Hound.

My top pick from this set is Borat—who could resist a smile when they hear a name like that?

I have certainly left out plenty of worthy names; if you have a favorite that is not listed, feel free to disregard these suggestions and choose something that holds personal meaning. If you are stuck for ideas and nothing here speaks to you, try searching for "memorable movie characters from the '70s" (or whichever decade you prefer) and browse the results.

Just remember to keep it to one or two syllables. Dogs struggle with lengthy names, and something like DiCaprio simply will not work. If you are set on a long name, shorten it and use a nickname such as "Capri."

Whatever you decide to call your new puppy, make sure he is properly socialized and learns basic obedience. (Call around to see if an AKC Canine Good Citizen program is offered in your area.)

And do not forget to take photos. Lots of photos. Your puppy will grow up quickly, and you will want to remember those early days when he was tiny.

Great Artist Dog Names If your puppy has left an abstract work on your Persian rug, maybe he is a Jackson Pollock. Okay, all puppies are like Jackson Pollock. Here are a few others to choose from.