Bear Dog Names: 265+ Names Inspired by Bears

Looking for a dog name that’s big, cuddly and just a little wild? Bear-inspired dog names are a natural fit for fluffy dogs, big dogs and puppies who look more like roly-poly bear cubs—but you certainly don’t need a bear-like dog to choose one of these names!

Your dog’s appearance might inspire the choice. A chocolate Lab might look like a brown bear, a black Newfoundland could bring a black bear to mind, and a fluffy white Samoyed might have you thinking of a polar bear. Or perhaps you simply love bears and want a name that celebrates these fascinating animals.

From different species of bears and famous teddy bears to movie characters, mythology, foods bears love and names that mean “bear,” we’ve rounded up over 200 bear dog names for your new best friend.

Our Little Bear

We chose the name Barli for our black dog because of its German connection; he was adopted from a shelter in Fredericksburg, Texas, a community settled by German pioneers. The name is reminiscent of German affectionate forms based on Bär, the German word for “bear,” making it especially fitting for a black dog who reminded us of a little black bear. We loved that Barli was unusual, easy to say, and carried that subtle bear association without being as obvious as naming him Bear. (Actually his shelter name was Baby Bear!) For families with German heritage—or anyone looking for a distinctive bear-inspired dog name—Barli can be a charming choice.

Bear in Other Languages: International Bear Dog Names

If you’re looking for a bear dog name that’s a little less obvious, travel around the world for inspiration. In many languages, the word for bear—or an affectionate expression based on bears—makes a short, distinctive dog name. Some of these literally translate to “bear,” while others mean “little bear,” “bear cub” or are used affectionately in much the same way we might call someone “Teddy Bear” or “little bear” in English.

Ayi: Inspired by ayı, the Turkish word for bear. Without the Turkish dotless “ı,” Ayi makes an easy-to-type dog name.

Bär: The German word for bear. Pronounced roughly like “bear,” it’s short and especially fitting for a German breed.

Barli: An affectionate German-inspired name that can evoke a little bear or “bear-like” pet name. It’s a sweet option for a dog whose name doesn’t immediately announce its bear connection.

Björn: The Swedish word for bear as well as a traditional Scandinavian given name. Bjorn, without the umlaut, is an easy spelling for a dog’s name.

Bjørn: The Norwegian and Danish word for bear and also a familiar masculine given name.

Bärchen: A German diminutive meaning “little bear” or “little bear cub.” It’s also used as an affectionate nickname.

Dubu: Inspired by dubu, a word associated with bear in some Indigenous North American naming traditions; because Indigenous languages vary greatly, check the specific language and cultural context before choosing this one.

Gấu: The Vietnamese word for bear. It’s also seen in affectionate expressions such as gấu bông, meaning teddy bear.

Gomboc: Inspired by Hungarian bear-related pet-name traditions and the idea of something round and cuddly; a fun choice for a roly-poly puppy.

Karu: The Estonian word for bear—a particularly good short, easy-to-call dog name.

Kuma: The Japanese word for bear. Short, strong and easy to pronounce, Kuma is one of the most natural international bear names for a dog.

Lācis: The Latvian word for bear.

Medo: A South Slavic affectionate form associated with medved, bear. Medo can have the cozy feeling of “Teddy” or “little bear,” making it especially appealing as a pet name.

Medved: A Slavic word for bear, appearing in languages including Czech and Russian in closely related forms.

Miś: A Polish affectionate word for a teddy bear or little bear and a term of endearment. Pronounced roughly “meesh,” it makes a particularly sweet name for a cuddly dog.

Mishka: A Russian affectionate diminutive associated with Misha and commonly used for a little bear or teddy bear. It’s an especially fitting name for a fluffy dog.

Misha: A Russian nickname for Mikhail that has also become strongly associated with bears, helped by Misha, the bear mascot of the 1980 Moscow Olympics.

Nalle: A Swedish and Finnish word used for a teddy bear or cuddly bear. It has much the same warm, affectionate feeling as Teddy in English.

Nanoq: The Greenlandic word for polar bear. It’s a striking choice for a large white dog or any pup whose family loves the Arctic.

Niedźwiedź: The Polish word for bear. Although it’s a mouthful for everyday use, it could inspire a shorter nickname such as Nied or Niedź.

Oso: The Spanish word for bear. Short, friendly and easy to call, Oso makes an excellent dog name.

Osito: Spanish for “little bear.” It’s also an affectionate expression, making it an especially sweet choice for a small or cuddly dog.

Ours: The French word for bear, pronounced roughly “oors.”

Oursin: Inspired by French diminutive forms; although ourson is the standard French word for bear cub, Oursin has a cute sound for a pet name.

Ourson: French for a bear cub or little bear. It’s a charming choice for a fluffy puppy.

Orso: The Italian word for bear. Short and strong, it’s an easy international name for a dog.

Orsetto: Italian for “little bear” or “teddy bear,” from orso with an affectionate diminutive ending.

Pardo: Spanish for brown or brownish and familiar from oso pardo, the Spanish term for brown bear.

Urso: The Portuguese word for bear and a distinctive choice for a dog.

Ursinho: Portuguese for “little bear” or “teddy bear.” The diminutive gives the name an affectionate feeling.

Urs: Derived from the Latin ursus, meaning bear. Urs is also a traditional given name in German-speaking parts of Europe, particularly Switzerland.

Ursa: Latin for a female bear and the word found in the constellation names Ursa Major and Ursa Minor.

Ursula: From Latin and traditionally interpreted as “little she-bear.” It’s a particularly appropriate bear-inspired name for a female dog.

Ursus: The Latin word for bear and the scientific genus that includes several living bear species.

Xióng: The Mandarin Chinese word xióng (熊), meaning bear. Xiong makes an unusual dog name with a direct bear connection.

Our Favorite International Bear Names for Dogs

For names that are both easy to use and have a great story behind them, Kuma, Oso, Osito, Orso, Karu, Mishka, Medo, Nalle, Bjorn, Ourson and Ursula are especially appealing. And affectionate “little bear” names can be particularly fun because they work whether your dog is a 100-pound Newfoundland who actually resembles a bear or a tiny Chihuahua whose only bear-like quality is a very big personality.

Brown Bear Dog Names

Does your dog have a rich brown, chocolate, cinnamon or reddish coat? These names celebrate both brown bears and the colors of their fur.

Amber: A warm golden-brown color that suits a honey-colored dog.

Autumn: Inspired by the warm browns, reds and golds associated with autumn leaves.

Bourbon: A rich amber-brown spirit and a sophisticated name for a brown dog.

Brandy: A warm reddish-brown name inspired by the distilled spirit.

Brownie: A sweet choice for a chocolate-colored pup.

Bruno: A classic dog name derived from a Germanic element meaning “brown” and also historically associated with bears.

Caramel: Perfect for a light golden-brown dog.

Chestnut: A rich reddish-brown color inspired by chestnuts.

Chocolate: A natural name for a deep brown dog.

Cinnamon: Perfect for a dog whose coat has warm reddish highlights.

Cocoa: A sweet, cozy choice for a chocolate-colored dog.

Coffee: For a dog whose coat resembles your favorite brew.

Copper: A warm reddish-brown metallic color.

Espresso: A fun choice for a very dark brown—and very energetic—dog.

Fudge: Sweet inspiration for a rich chocolate-brown pup.

Ginger: A warm reddish name that works especially well for a cinnamon-colored dog.

Hazel: Inspired by the warm brown color of hazelnuts.

Hershey: A chocolate-inspired name with an unmistakable connection to brown.

Mahogany: A deep reddish-brown color.

Maple: Inspired by both maple wood and sweet maple syrup.

Mocha: A delicious coffee-and-chocolate combination that’s perfect for a brown dog.

Nutmeg: A warm brown spice name.

Russet: A reddish-brown color.

Sable: A rich dark brown shade that is also used to describe certain canine coat colors.

Toffee: A sweet caramel-brown name for an equally sweet pup.

Truffle: Inspired by chocolate truffles and especially cute for a dog with a round, dark nose.

Black Bear Dog Names

Black bear-inspired names can be a natural fit for black Labs, Newfoundlands, Schipperkes, Pugs, Scottish Terriers and other dogs dressed in black.

Ash: A smoky dark gray name with a rugged outdoor feel.

Bear: Sometimes the simplest choice is the best!

Blackberry: A sweet nature name inspired by a fruit black bears enjoy.

Carbon: An element associated with deep black coloration.

Coal: A straightforward choice for a coal-black pup.

Ebony: A classic word for a deep, glossy black.

Eclipse: Inspired by the darkness of a solar eclipse.

Inky: A cute choice for an ink-black puppy.

Jet: A gemstone-like material famous for its intense black color.

Midnight: Perfect for a dog with a coat as dark as the night sky.

Nero: The Italian word for black.

Night: A simple nature-inspired choice for a dark-coated dog.

Onyx: The black gemstone makes a strong, elegant dog name.

Panther: Not a bear, of course, but a fitting wilderness name for a sleek black dog.

Pepper: A lively name for a black or black-and-white dog.

Raven: Inspired by the glossy black bird.

Shadow: Perfect for a black dog who follows you everywhere.

Smoky: A softer choice for a charcoal-black or gray-black coat.

Soot: A funny name for a little black dog who looks as though he has rolled through a fireplace.

Velvet: For a black dog with a soft, glossy coat.

Polar Bear Names for White Dogs

A fluffy white dog can look remarkably like a miniature polar bear—especially as a puppy. These Arctic names are perfect for Samoyeds, Great Pyrenees, white German Shepherds, American Eskimo Dogs and other snowy pups.

Alaska: Home to polar bears along its Arctic coast.

Arctic: The icy region that polar bears call home.

Aurora: Inspired by the aurora borealis or northern lights.

Blizzard: A fun choice for an energetic white dog.

Crystal: Inspired by sparkling ice crystals.

Denali: The great Alaskan mountain and a rugged northern name.

Flurry: A cute name for a small, fluffy white dog.

Frost: Inspired by the frozen landscapes of the north.

Frosty: A playful variation of Frost.

Glacier: A massive body of ice—and a suitably impressive name for a large white dog.

Ice: Short, cool and easy to call.

Igloo: A playful Arctic-inspired name.

Nanook: A name associated with the Arctic and often interpreted as meaning polar bear in Inuktitut.

North: For the far northern home of the polar bear.

Snow: A simple choice for a snow-white dog.

Snowball: Especially cute for a round, fluffy puppy.

Snowflake: A delicate choice for a small white dog.

Tundra: The vast, treeless landscape of the Arctic.

Winter: A beautiful unisex name for a white dog.

Yuki: A Japanese name that can mean “snow,” depending on the characters used.

Panda-Inspired Dog Names

Black-and-white dogs practically come with their own built-in panda costume. These names can be especially fun for black-and-white Shih Tzus, Border Collies, Boston Terriers and mixed-breed dogs.

Bamboo: The food most closely associated with giant pandas.

Bao: A short Chinese name with several possible meanings depending on the character used—and a cute choice for a round puppy.

Bei: Inspired by Beijing and Chinese language and culture.

China: The native home of the giant panda.

Dumpling: A cute food name for a round, cuddly pup.

Giant: Inspired by the giant panda—and particularly funny for a tiny dog.

Lucky: A cheerful name celebrating how fortunate you are to have your new dog.

Panda: The most obvious—and adorable—choice.

Patch: For a dog whose dark eye markings resemble a panda’s patches.

Patches: Perfect for a black-and-white spotted dog.

Peanut: A cute name for a little panda-like pup.

Sichuan: Inspired by the Chinese province that is home to important giant panda habitat.

Spot: A simple nod to a panda’s distinctive black markings.

Yin: Inspired by yin and yang and a clever choice for a black-and-white dog.

Yang: Pair it with Yin if you’re naming two dogs.

Teddy Bear Dog Names

Some dogs don’t resemble wild bears at all—they look like teddy bears! These cozy names are perfect for Poodles, doodles, Shih Tzus, Pomeranians, Bichons and other irresistibly cuddly dogs.

Buttons: For a teddy bear with button eyes—and a dog with equally irresistible eyes.

Cuddles: Perfect for a dog who wants to spend every evening in your lap.

Fuzzy: A fun choice for a shaggy dog.

Huggy: Because your dog is essentially a living teddy bear.

Patch: Inspired by the patches and repairs on a much-loved old teddy.

Pookie: A sweet term of endearment for a cuddly pup.

Snuggles: For the dog who never turns down a cuddle.

Squish: A funny choice for an irresistibly squeezable-looking dog.

Stuffie: Short for stuffed animal.

Teddy: The quintessential teddy bear dog name.

Teddy Bear: Why settle for half the name when your dog looks exactly like one?

Tuffy: A cute name with just enough toughness for your furry bear.

Velvet: Inspired by the soft texture of a treasured stuffed bear.

Famous Teddy Bear Names

Teddy bears have been childhood companions for generations, and some have become famous characters in their own right.

Bialosky: Inspired by Bialosky Bear, the teddy bear character who appeared in books and television.

Corduroy: For the little bear in Don Freeman’s beloved children’s book Corduroy.

Fozzie: For Fozzie Bear, the joke-telling Muppet famous for his “Wocka Wocka!” catchphrase.

Paddington: For Paddington Bear, the polite Peruvian bear who arrives in London wearing his familiar hat.

Pooh: For Winnie-the-Pooh, A. A. Milne’s honey-loving bear.

Rupert: For Rupert Bear, the long-running British children’s character.

Smokey: For Smokey Bear, the American wildfire-prevention icon.

Teddy: Inspired by the teddy bear itself, which received its name from President Theodore “Teddy” Roosevelt.

Winnie: For Winnie-the-Pooh—and a wonderful dog name even without the bear connection.

Bear Names from Movies and Television

From animated classics to adventure movies, bears have supplied some unforgettable characters.

Baloo: The easygoing bear from Disney’s The Jungle Book, based on the bear character in Rudyard Kipling’s stories.

Bear: The big blue bear from the children’s television series Bear in the Big Blue House.

Boog: The domesticated grizzly bear who finds himself in the wild in Open Season.

Breezly: For Breezly Bruin, the polar bear character from Hanna-Barbera cartoons.

Br’er Bear: The large bear character from Disney adaptations of the Uncle Remus stories.

Fozzie: The lovable comedian of The Muppets.

Ice Bear: The quiet polar bear brother from We Bare Bears.

Kenai: The young man transformed into a bear in Disney’s Brother Bear.

Koda: The playful bear cub from Brother Bear.

Little John: The bear who serves as Robin Hood’s best friend in Disney’s animated Robin Hood.

Lotso: Short for Lots-o’-Huggin’ Bear, the strawberry-scented teddy bear from Toy Story 3.

Paddington: The marmalade-loving star of the Paddington movies.

Panda: One of the three bear brothers in We Bare Bears.

Po: The panda hero of the Kung Fu Panda movies.

Pooh: Disney’s version of the famous Hundred Acre Wood bear.

Yogi: The picnic-basket-loving cartoon bear of Jellystone Park.

Bear Names from Children’s Books and Stories

Bears have starred in children’s literature for generations, making this an especially rich source of sweet dog names.

Berenstain: For the Bear family of The Berenstain Bears books.

Brother: For Brother Bear of The Berenstain Bears.

Corduroy: The department-store teddy bear created by author Don Freeman.

Ernest: For the gentle bear of the Ernest & Celestine stories.

Little Bear: The young bear from Else Holmelund Minarik’s classic children’s books.

Mama: For Mama Bear, a familiar character and expression in countless stories.

Paddington: Michael Bond’s famous bear from darkest Peru.

Papa: For Papa Bear, both a storybook figure and a fun name for a big male dog.

Pooh: For Winnie-the-Pooh.

Rupert: For the British comic-strip and children’s-book character Rupert Bear.

Sister: For Sister Bear of The Berenstain Bears.

Winnie: The first half of Winnie-the-Pooh’s famous name.

Famous Real Bears

Some individual bears have become famous through history, conservation, wildlife viewing or popular culture.

Bart: For Bart the Bear, the Kodiak bear who appeared in numerous movies and television productions.

Ben: Inspired by Gentle Ben, the bear character made famous by books and television.

Bruno: A traditional bear-associated name and one that has been given to numerous real bears.

Hercules: For Hercules the Bear, a trained grizzly bear who became a celebrity in Britain.

Hope: A fitting conservation-inspired name and one used for well-known bears.

Otis: Inspired by the famously successful brown bear known as 480 Otis at Alaska’s Brooks River.

Smokey: For Smokey Bear, whose creation was followed by a real black bear cub that became the living symbol of the wildfire-prevention campaign.

Wojtek: For the Syrian brown bear adopted by Polish soldiers during World War II who became famous as a member of their unit.

Names That Mean Bear

If you want a subtler connection to bears, consider a personal name whose meaning or history is associated with the word “bear.”

Arthur: Often connected through Celtic roots with the word for bear, making this classic name especially appropriate for a dignified dog.

Arturo: The Spanish and Italian form of Arthur, carrying the same traditional bear association.

Barrett: An English surname traditionally associated with “bear strength” or bear-like qualities.

Benno: A Germanic name connected with the element for bear.

Bernard: From Germanic elements traditionally interpreted as “bear” and “brave” or “hardy.”

Bernardo: The Spanish and Italian form of Bernard.

Bernie: A friendly nickname for Bernard.

Bjorn: From the Old Norse bjǫrn, meaning “bear.”

Orsa: Inspired by the Latin ursa, meaning female bear.

Orson: A name derived from a word meaning “bear cub.”

Urs: A traditional European given name derived from the Latin word for bear.

Ursa: Latin for a female bear and the familiar name from the constellations Ursa Major and Ursa Minor.

Ursula: From Latin, meaning “little she-bear.”

Bear Names from Mythology and the Stars

Bears have inspired myths and legends for thousands of years—and even have a permanent place in the night sky.

Arcas: A figure in Greek mythology closely associated with the myth behind the bear constellations.

Arctos: Inspired by the Greek word arktos, meaning bear.

Callisto: A figure in Greek mythology who was transformed into a bear and associated with Ursa Major.

Cosmos: A celestial name inspired by the bear constellations.

Major: For Ursa Major, the Great Bear constellation.

Minor: For Ursa Minor, the Little Bear.

Polaris: The North Star, found at the end of the Little Dipper in Ursa Minor.

Star: A simple celestial name celebrating the bears in the night sky.

Ursa: The Latin word for she-bear and part of the names Ursa Major and Ursa Minor.

Alaskan and Wilderness Bear Dog Names

Bears bring to mind vast forests, rushing rivers and mountain wilderness. These nature names work especially well for outdoorsy dogs and families.

Alaska: A natural choice for a dog inspired by America’s great bear country.

Aspen: Named for the beautiful tree found across many northern landscapes.

Brooks: For Alaska’s Brooks Range or Brooks River, famous for its brown bears.

Canyon: A rugged landscape name.

Denali: For North America’s highest mountain.

Everest: A mighty mountain name for a mighty dog.

Forest: The natural home of many bear species.

Juneau: Alaska’s capital and a fun northern dog name.

Kenai: Inspired by Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula as well as the Brother Bear character.

Kodiak: The Alaskan island home of enormous Kodiak bears.

McKinley: The former official name of Denali and still a familiar historical reference.

River: Bears and rivers go hand in paw, especially during salmon runs.

Rocky: Inspired by the Rocky Mountains and their grizzly country.

Sitka: An Alaskan place name with a rugged outdoor feel.

Summit: For the top of a mountain—and a dog who’s at the top of your list.

Tahoe: A mountain-and-lake name from black bear country.

Timber: Inspired by the forests bears inhabit.

Yukon: A northern wilderness name associated with Canada and Alaska.

Foods Bears Love

Your dog probably shouldn’t eat like a bear, but foods associated with bears can provide some especially cute names.

Apple: Bears are opportunistic eaters and readily enjoy fruit, including apples.

Berry: A sweet name inspired by the berries eaten by many bears.

Blueberry: A favorite wild food in many northern bear habitats.

Cherry: Another fruit bears may forage for when available.

Honey: Forever associated with Winnie-the-Pooh and also eaten by real bears when raiding beehives.

Huckleberry: Bears feast on huckleberries in parts of North America.

Mango: A sunny food name for a sweet pup.

Peanut: Not necessarily a wild bear staple, but an adorable food name for your own little bear cub.

Raspberry: One of the berries bears may eat in the wild.

Salmon: Closely associated with brown bears catching migrating fish in Alaska.

Cute Bear Names for Small Dogs

A bear name becomes even more fun when the “bear” in question weighs eight pounds. These names can be especially cute for Pomeranians, Chihuahuas, Yorkies and other little dogs with enormous personalities.

Baby Bear: For the smallest bear in your family.

Bean: A tiny name for your tiny bear.

Boo: Short, sweet and easy to call.

Brownie: Especially cute for a little brown dog.

Bubbles: A cheerful name for a bubbly little pup.

Cub: A baby bear—and a perfect name for a puppy.

Cubby: An affectionate variation of Cub.

Fuzzy: For the little dog with a huge coat.

Gummy: Inspired by gummy bears.

Honey: Sweet enough for even the smallest dog.

Little Bear: A straightforward name that becomes especially funny on a tiny pup.

Mini: For your miniature bear.

Nugget: A little name with lots of personality.

Paddington: A wonderfully important-sounding name for a very small dog.

Pooh: Short, familiar and undeniably bear-inspired.

Pookie: A cuddly name for a cuddly pup.

Smudge: Cute for a dog with a little patch of dark coloring.

Teddy: One of the best choices for a fluffy little dog.

Toto: Not bear-related itself, but a cute companion-style name that pairs nicely with a tiny teddy-bear appearance.

Winnie: A sweet name with an instant bear connection.

Big Bear Names for Large Dogs

For a Newfoundland, Saint Bernard, Leonberger, Great Pyrenees, Mastiff or other extra-large dog, you might want a name that celebrates that impressive bear-like size.

Atlas: The Titan of Greek mythology who carried the heavens on his shoulders.

Beast: A playful choice for a giant dog who is really a sweetheart.

Bruin: An old word for a bear and a strong name for a large dog.

Brutus: A traditional tough-guy name with plenty of weight behind it.

Goliath: For the biblical giant.

Grizzly: One of the ultimate names for a big, shaggy dog.

Hercules: The great strongman of Greek and Roman mythology.

Kodiak: Inspired by one of the world’s largest brown bears.

Mammoth: Perfect for a truly enormous dog.

Moose: Another giant wilderness animal and a fun companion to a bear theme.

Mountain: For the dog who seems nearly as big as one.

Oso: The Spanish word for bear.

Tank: A humorous name for a big, solid dog.

Titan: One of the powerful primordial deities of Greek mythology and a natural name for an imposing dog.

Yeti: Inspired by the legendary Abominable Snowman and a fun choice for a huge white dog.

Funny Bear Dog Names

Bear names don’t have to be serious. These choices are perfect for the dog who makes you laugh every day.

Barely: A punny choice for a dog who is “bear-ly” behaving.

Bearrito: For a little bear who likes to roll himself up in blankets like a burrito.

Beary: A playful twist on Barry.

Boo-Boo: For Yogi Bear’s smaller and more sensible companion.

Cubcake: A bear-inspired spin on Cupcake.

Fuzzball: For the pup who seems to be made almost entirely of fur.

Gummy Bear: Sweet, colorful and especially funny for a tiny dog.

Hairy: A pun on Harry that’s perfect for an exceptionally shaggy bear dog.

Honey Bear: A sweet nickname that works just as well as an everyday dog name.

Picnic: A nod to Yogi Bear’s never-ending interest in picnic baskets.

Pizzly: The nickname sometimes used for a polar bear–grizzly hybrid.

Snuggle Bear: For the dog whose main occupation is cuddling.

Teddy Bear: The ultimate choice for a dog who looks like a stuffed toy.

Yogi: For the cartoon bear who’s always looking for his next picnic basket.

Bear Names for Brother and Sister Dogs

Naming two new dogs? Bear stories, species and characters offer some fun pairings.

Baloo and Mowgli: The bear and his human friend from The Jungle Book.

Brother and Sister: Inspired by Brother Bear and Sister Bear of The Berenstain Bears.

Grizzly and Kodiak: Two powerful brown bear names.

Kenai and Koda: The central pair from Disney’s Brother Bear.

Major and Minor: For Ursa Major and Ursa Minor.

Panda and Polar: Two instantly recognizable bears with very different looks.

Pooh and Piglet: The inseparable friends from the Hundred Acre Wood.

Smokey and Ranger: A pairing with a wilderness and forest-protection theme.

Teddy and Winnie: Two classic, cuddly bear names.

Yogi and Boo-Boo: The famous cartoon pair from Jellystone Park.

Choosing the Best Bear Name for Your Dog

When choosing a bear-inspired name, your dog’s appearance is a great place to start. A fluffy brown puppy might immediately suggest Grizzly, Kodiak, Cocoa or Teddy, while a big white dog could be Polar, Tundra, Nanook or Blizzard. Black dogs have plenty of bear-inspired possibilities, too, from Onyx and Midnight to the simple but unmistakable Bear.

You can also look beyond appearance. Perhaps Paddington brings back happy childhood memories, Smokey reminds you of family camping trips or Wojtek appeals to your love of history. A name such as Bjorn, Ursa or Orson gives you a bear connection that’s not immediately obvious and comes with a fun story to share when someone asks about your dog’s name.

And don’t overlook the fun of giving a very small dog a very big bear name. There’s something especially memorable about meeting a five-pound Chihuahua named Grizzly, Kodiak or Goliath.

Whether your new best friend resembles a mighty grizzly, a fluffy polar bear or the teddy bear you loved as a child, a bear-inspired dog name is a fun way to celebrate your dog’s cuddly appearance, larger-than-life personality—or your own love of the wild.