Are you looking for a classic girl’s name to give a new puppy or an adult dog you’ve just adopted? We’ve found over 1,000 great girl dog names by searching through the Social Security files for old-fashioned girl’s names starting in 1880.
Now that human names are more popular than ever for our fur babies, this list of female dog names and their meanings will provide you with plenty of ideas for names and nicknames for your new dog.
Classic Girl Dog Names Starting with A
- Abbie – Charming
- Abigail – Joyful
- Ada – Noble
- Adah – Beautiful
- Adaline – Graceful
- Adda – Serene
- Addie – Kind-hearted
- Adelaide – Noble
- Adele – Tender
- Adelia – Delicate
- Adeline – Elegant
- Adell – Noble
- Adella – Kind
- Adriana – Enchanting
- Adrienne – Confident
- Agatha – Wise
- Agnes – Pure
- Aileen – Bright
- Aimee – Beloved
- Alberta – Noble
- Albina – Fair
- Alene – Gracious
- Alexandra – Defender
- Alfreda – Wise
- Alice – Noble
- Alicia – Graceful
- Alida – Noble
- Aline – Noble
- Alisa – Joyful
- Alisha – Honest
- Alison – Honest
- Allene – Bright
- Allie – Friendly
- Allison – Truthful
- Alma – Nurturing
- Almeda – Soulful
- Alpha – Firstborn
- Alta – High
- Althea – Wholesome
- Alva – Lively
- Alvina – Noble
- Alyce – Gracious
- Alyssa – Rational
- Amanda – Lovable
- Amber – Warm
- Amelia – Industrious
- America – Patriotic
- Amie – Beloved
- Amy – Beloved
- Ana – Graceful
- Anastasia – Resurrection
- Andrea – Strong
- Angel – Divine
- Angela – Angelic
- Angelia – Messenger
- Angelica – Heavenly
- Angelina – Gracious
- Angeline – Messenger
- Angelique – Angelic
- Angie – Messenger
- Anissa – Gracious
- Anita – Graceful
- Ann – Gracious
- Anna – Gracious
- Annabel – Lovable
- Annabelle – Lovable
- Anne – Gracious
- Annetta – Gracious
- Annette – Gracious
- Annie – Gracious
- Annmarie – Gracious
- Antoinette – Priceless
- Antonia – Priceless
- April – Lively
- Ardis – Blooming
- Arleen – Gentle
- Arlene – Pledge
- Arline – Gentle
- Arminta – Thoughtful
- Artie – Noble
- Ashley – Ash tree meadow
- Audra – Noble strength
- Audrey – Noble strength
- Augusta – Majestic
- Aurelia – Golden
- Aurora – Dawn
- Ava – Life
- Avis – Birdlike
B
- Barb – Stranger
- Barbara – Foreign
- Beatrice – Bringer of joy
- Becky – Captivating
- Belinda – Beautiful serpent
- Bell – Beautiful
- Bella – Beautiful
- Belva – Fair view
- Benita – Blessed
- Bennie – Blessed
- Bernadette – Brave as a bear
- Bernadine – Strong as a bear
- Bernice – She who brings victory
- Berniece – Victory bringer
- Berta – Bright
- Bertha – Bright
- Bertie – Bright
- Beryl – Gemstone
- Bess – God is my oath
- Besse – God is my oath
- Bessie – God is my oath
- Beth – God’s promise
- Bethany – House of figs
- Betsy – God is my oath
- Bette – God is my oath
- Bettie – God is my oath
- Betty – God is my oath
- Bettye – God is my oath
- Beulah – Married
- Beverly – Dweller near the beaver stream
- Billie – Resolute protection
- Birdie – Bird-like
- Blanch – White
- Blanche – White
- Bobbi – Bright fame
- Bobbie – Bright fame
- Bobby – Bright fame
- Bonita – Beautiful
- Bonnie – Pretty
- Brandi – Beverage
- Brandy – Warm and comforting
- Brenda – Sword-blade
- Bridget – Strong
- Bridgett – Strong
- Bridgette – Strong
- Brooke – Small stream
C
- Callie – Beautiful
- Camille – Attendant at a religious service
- Candace – Glowing
- Candice – Pure
- Candy – Sweet
- Cara – Beloved
- Carey – Careful
- Cari – Beloved
- Carla – Strong
- Carlene – Little and strong
- Carmela – Garden
- Carmella – Garden
- Carmen – Song
- Carol – Song of joy
- Carole – Song of joy
- Carolina – Strong
- Caroline – Free man
- Carolyn – Joyful song
- Carrie – Free man
- Cassandra – Shining upon man
- Cassie – Pure
- Catharine – Pure
- Catherine – Pure
- Cathleen – Pure
- Cathrine – Pure
- Cathryn – Pure
- Cathy – Pure
- Cecelia – Blind
- Cecil – Blind
- Cecile – Blind
- Cecilia – Blind
- Celeste – Heavenly
- Celestine – Heavenly
- Celia – Heaven
- Celina – Heaven
- Chandra – Moon
- Charity – Love
- Charlene – Free woman
- Charles – Free man
- Charlie – Free man
- Charlotte – Free man
- Cheri – Beloved
- Cherie – Beloved
- Cheryl – Beloved
- Chloe – Blooming
- Chris – Bearer of Christ
- Christa – Follower of Christ
- Christena – Follower of Christ
- Christi – Follower of Christ
- Christie – Follower of Christ
- Christina – Follower of Christ
- Christine – Follower of Christ
- Christy – Follower of Christ
- Cindi – Moon
- Cindy – Moon
- Claire – Bright and clear
- Clara – Bright and clear
- Clare – Bright and clear
- Clarice – Bright and clear
- Claudette – Lame
- Claudia – Lame
- Claudie – Lame
- Claudine – Lame
- Clementine – Merciful
- Clemmie – Merciful
- Cleo – Glory
- Clyde – River
- Coleen – Girl
- Colette – Victory of the people
- Colleen – Girl
- Concetta – Conception
- Connie – Constant
- Constance – Constant
- Consuelo – Consolation
- Cora – Maiden
- Cordelia – Daughter of the sea
- Cordie – Maiden
- Corine – Maiden
- Corinne – Maiden
- Cornelia – Horn
- Corrie – Maiden
- Corrine – Maiden
- Courtney – Courtly
- Cristina – Follower of Christ
- Crystal – Ice
- Cynthia – Moon
D
- Daisie – Day’s eye
- Daisy – Day’s eye
- Dale – Valley
- Dana – God is my judge
- Danette – God is my judge
- Danielle – God is my judge
- Daphne – Laurel tree
- Darcy – Dark one
- Darla – Dear one
- Darlene – Tenderly loved
- Dawn – Sunrise
- Deana – Divine
- Deann – Divine
- Deanna – Divine
- Deanne – Divine
- Debbie – Bee
- Debby – Bee
- Debora – Bee
- Deborah – Bee
- Debra – Bee
- Dee – Divine
- Deena – Divine
- Deidre – Sorrowful
- Deirdre – Sorrowful
- Delia – Delicate
- Della – Noble
- Delores – Sorrows
- Deloris – Sorrows
- Delphine – Dolphin
- Dena – Valley
- Denice – Follower of Dionysius
- Denise – Follower of Dionysius
- Desiree – Desired
- Dessa – Roaming
- Dessie – Desired
- Diana – Divine
- Diane – Divine
- Diann – Divine
- Dianna – Divine
- Dianne – Divine
- Dina – Avenged
- Dionne – Divine
- Dixie – Tenth
- Docia – Good thought
- Dollie – Gift of God
- Dolly – Gift of God
- Dolores – Sorrows
- Dona – Lady
- Donna – Lady
- Donnie – World ruler
- Dora – Gift
- Doreen – Gift
- Doris – Gift
- Dorothea – Gift of God
- Dorothy – Gift of God
- Dorris – Gift
- Dortha – Gift
- Dorthy – Gift of God
- Dottie – Gift of God
- Dovie – Gentle spirit
E
Emily was the #1 US name for girls in the 2000s–replaced by Emma a decade later.
- Earlene – Noble woman
- Earline – Noble woman
- Earnestine – Serious
- Easter – Resurrection
- Eda – Wealthy
- Eddie – Wealthy
- Edith – Prosperous in war
- Edna – Delight
- Edwina – Prosperous friend
- Edythe – Prosperous in war
- Effie – Well-spoken
- Eileen – Bright
- Elaine – Shining light
- Elda – Wise counselor
- Eleanor – Bright and shining one
- Eleanore – Bright and shining one
- Elena – Bright shining light
- Elinor – Bright one
- Elisa – God is my oath
- Elisabeth – God is my oath
- Elise – God is my oath
- Eliza – God is my oath
- Elizabeth – God is my oath
- Elizebeth – God is my oath
- Ella – Beautiful fairy woman
- Ellen – Bright and shining one
- Ellie – Light
- Elma – Will
- Elmira – Noble
- Elnora – Light
- Eloise – Famous in war
- Elouise – Famous in war
- Elsa – God is my oath
- Elsie – God is my oath
- Elva – Elf
- Elvera – True friend
- Elvira – True friend
- Emelia – Industrious
- Emilie – Rival
- Emily – Rival
- Emma – Universal
- Emmaline – Work
- Emmie – Universal
- Emogene – Beloved child
- Enid – Soul
- Era – Earth
- Erica – Ruler
- Ericka – Ruler
- Erika – Ruler
- Erin – Ireland
- Erma – Universal
- Erna – Eagle
- Ernestine – Serious
- Essie – Star
- Esta – Star
- Estell – Star
- Estella – Star
- Estelle – Star
- Ester – Star
- Esther – Star
- Ethel – Noble
- Ethelyn – Noble
- Etta – Ruler of the household
- Ettie – Ruler of the household
- Eugenia – Noble
- Eula – Sweet-spoken
- Eunice – Good victory
- Eva – Life
- Evangeline – Good news bearer
- Evelyn – Desired
- Evie – Life
F
- Faith – Trust
- Fannie – Free
- Fanny – Free
- Fay – Fairy
- Faye – Fairy
- Felicia – Lucky
- Fern – Plant
- Ferne – Plant
- Flora – Flower
- Florence – Flourishing
- Florida – Flowery
- Florine – Flower
- Flossie – Flower-like
- Floy – Gray-haired
- Frances – Free
- Francine – Free
- Francis – Free
- Frank – Free
- Frankie – Free
- Freda – Peaceful ruler
- Freddie – Peaceful ruler
- Freida – Peaceful ruler
G
- Gail – Lively
- Gale – Pleasant wind
- Garnet – Red gemstone
- Gay – Happy
- Gayla – Lively
- Gayle – Joyful
- Gena – Well-born
- Gene – Well-born
- Geneva – Juniper tree
- Genevieve – White wave
- George – Farmer
- Georgia – Farmer
- Georgiana – Farmer
- Georgianna – Farmer
- Georgie – Farmer
- Geraldine – Ruler with a spear
- Gertie – Spear
- Gertrude – Spear of strength
- Gilda – Golden
- Gina – Queen
- Ginger – Pep
- Gladys – Princess
- Glenda – Fair and good
- Glenna – Glen
- Gloria – Glory
- Golda – Gold
- Goldie – Gold
- Grace – Graceful
- Gracie – Graceful
- Greta – Pearl
- Gretchen – Pearl
- Guadalupe – River of black stones
- Gussie – Great
- Gwen – Blessed
- Gwendolyn – Fair and blessed
H
- Hallie – Dweller at the hall meadow
- Hanna – Gracious
- Hannah – Gracious
- Harriet – Ruler of the home
- Harriette – Ruler of the home
- Hattie – Ruler of the home
- Hazel – Hazelnut tree
- Heather – Heather plant
- Hedwig – Battle, strife
- Heidi – Noble one
- Helen – Bright, shining light
- Helena – Bright, shining light
- Helene – Light, torch
- Henrietta – Ruler of the household
- Hester – Star
- Hettie – Star
- Hilda – Battle woman
- Hilma – Helmet of protection
- Holly – Holly tree
- Hope – Hope
- Hortense – Gardener
- Hulda – Beloved, sweet one
I
- Ida – Hardworking
- Idella – Noble
- Ila – Island
- Ilene – Torch of light
- Ima – Resolute protector
- Imogene – Image
- Ina – Pure
- Inez – Pure
- Inga – Ing’s protection
- Ingrid – Ing’s beauty
- Iola – Violet-colored dawn
- Iona – Violet
- Ione – Violet flower
- Ira – Watchful
- Irene – Peace
- Iris – Rainbow
- Irma – Universal
- Isabel – God is my oath
- Isabella – God is my oath
- Isabelle – God is my oath
- Iva – Yew wood
- Ivy – Climbing plant
Female Dog Names that start with J
Jennifer was the #1 girl name in the US during the 1960s.
- Jackie – Diminutive of Jacqueline or Jackson
- Jacqueline – Supplanter
- Jacquelyn – Supplanter
- James – Supplanter
- Jami – Supplanter
- Jamie – Supplanter
- Jan – God is gracious
- Jana – God is gracious
- Jane – God is gracious
- Janelle – God is gracious
- Janet – God is gracious
- Janette – God is gracious
- Janice – God is gracious
- Janie – God is gracious
- Janine – God is gracious
- Janis – God is gracious
- Jannie – God is gracious
- Jaunita – God is gracious
- Jayne – God is gracious
- Jean – God is gracious
- Jeanette – God is gracious
- Jeanie – God is gracious
- Jeanine – God is gracious
- Jeanne – God is gracious
- Jeannette – God is gracious
- Jeannie – God is gracious
- Jeannine – God is gracious
- Jenifer – White wave
- Jennie – Diminutive of Jennifer or Virginia
- Jennifer – White wave
- Jenny – Diminutive of Jennifer or Virginia
- Jeri – Mighty spearwoman
- Jerri – Mighty spearwoman
- Jerry – Mighty spearman
- Jessica – God beholds
- Jessie – Diminutive of Jessica or Jesse
- Jewel – Precious gem
- Jewell – Precious gem
- Jill – Youthful
- Jimmie – Diminutive of James or Jim
- Jo – God is gracious
- Joan – God is gracious
- Joann – God is gracious
- Joanna – God is gracious
- Joanne – God is gracious
- Jocelyn – Joyous
- Jodi – Praise
- Jodie – Praise
- Jody – Praise
- Johanna – God is gracious
- Johnnie – Diminutive of John or Joan
- Jolene – Combination of Jo and Eileen
- Joni – God is gracious
- Josefina – God will increase
- Josephine – God will increase
- Josie – Diminutive of Josephine or Joseph
- Joy – Joy
- Joyce – Joy
- Juana – God is gracious
- Juanita – God is gracious
- Judi – Praise
- Judie – Praise
- Judith – Woman from Judea
- Judy – Praise
- Julia – Youthful
- Julianne – Youthful
- Julie – Youthful
- June – Month of June
- Justine – Just, fair
Find more classic names in our Boy Dog Names post!
K
- Kara – Beloved
- Karen – Pure
- Kari – Pure
- Karin – Pure
- Karla – Strong
- Karyn – Pure
- Kate – Pure
- Katharine – Pure
- Katherine – Pure
- Katheryn – Pure
- Kathi – Pure
- Kathie – Pure
- Kathleen – Pure
- Kathrine – Pure
- Kathryn – Pure
- Kathy – Pure
- Katie – Pure
- Katrina – Pure
- Kay – Rejoice
- Kaye – Rejoice
- Keisha – Alive
- Kelley – Bright-headed
- Kelli – Brave warrior
- Kellie – Brave warrior
- Kelly – Bright-headed
- Kendra – Wisdom
- Keri – Pure
- Kerri – Dark and mysterious
- Kerry – Dark and mysterious
- Kim – Brave
- Kimberlee – Meadow of the royal fortress
- Kimberley – Meadow of the royal fortress
- Kimberly – Meadow of the royal fortress
- Kirsten – Follower of Christ
- Kittie – Pure
- Kizzie – Consecrated to God
- Kris – Follower of Christ
- Krista – Follower of Christ
- Kristen – Follower of Christ
- Kristi – Follower of Christ
- Kristie – Follower of Christ
- Kristin – Follower of Christ
- Kristina – Follower of Christ
- Kristine – Follower of Christ
- Kristy – Follower of Christ
L
- Ladonna – Lady
- Lana – Light
- Lara – Cheerful
- Lashawn – God’s grace
- Latanya – Fairy queen
- Latonya – Fairy queen
- Laura – Laurel
- Laurel – Victory
- Lauren – Laurel
- Lauretta – Little laurel
- Lauri – Laurel
- Laurie – Laurel
- Laverne – Alder tree
- Lavina – Pure
- Lavinia – Pure
- Lavonne – Yew wood
- Lea – Weary
- Leah – Weary
- Leann – Combination of Lee and Ann
- Leanne – Combination of Lee and Anne
- Leatha – Woman
- Leatrice – Combination of Lee and Beatrice
- Lee – Meadow
- Leigh – Meadow
- Leila – Dark beauty
- Lela – Black beauty
- Lelah – Weary
- Lelia – Weary
- Lena – Woman
- Lenna – Little laurel
- Lennie – Little angel
- Lenora – Light
- Lenore – Light
- Leola – Lioness
- Leona – Lioness
- Leone – Lioness
- Leonora – Light
- Leora – Light
- Leota – Of the people
- Lesa – God’s promise
- Lesley – Meadow
- Leslie – Meadow
- Lessie – Little
- Leta – Gladly
- Letha – Forgetful
- Leticia – Joyful
- Letitia – Joyful
- Lettie – Joyful
- Libbie – Pledged to God
- Lida – Weary
- Lila – Lilac
- Lilian – Lily
- Lilla – Lily
- Lillian – Lily
- Lillie – Lily
- Lilly – Lily
- Lily – Lily
- Lina – Tender
- Linda – Pretty
- Linnie – Little
- Lisa – God is my oath
- Liz – God is my oath
- Liza – God is my oath
- Lizzie – God is my oath
- Lois – Better
- Lola – Sorrowful
- Lona – Solitary
- Lonnie – Ready for battle
- Lora – Laurel
- Loraine – From Lorraine
- Lorena – Laurel
- Lorene – Laurel
- Loretta – Laurel
- Lori – Laurel
- Lorie – Laurel
- Lorine – Laurel
- Lorna – Laurel
- Lorraine – From Lorraine
- Lorri – Laurel
- Lorrie – Laurel
- Lottie – Little
- Lou – Famous warrior
- Louella – Famous warrior
- Louie – Famous warrior
- Louisa – Famous warrior
- Louise – Famous warrior
- Loula – Famous warrior
- Louvenia – Little warrior
- Lovie – Dove
- Luann – Combination of Lou and Ann
- Luanne – Combination of Lou and Anne
- Lucia – Light
- Lucie – Light
- Lucile – Light
- Lucille – Light
- Lucinda – Light
- Lucretia – Profit
- Lucy – Light
- Ludie – Famous warrior
- Lue – Famous warrior
- Luella – Famous warrior
- Lula – Famous warrior
- Lulu – Famous warrior
- Luna – Moon
- Lupe – Wolf
- Lura – Laurel
- Lutie – Light
- Luvenia – Little beloved one
- Luz – Light
- Lyda – Noble kind
- Lydia – Noble kind
- Lynda – Pretty
- Lynette – Little lion
- Lynn – Lake
- Lynne – Lake
- Lynnette – Little lion
M
Mary was the #1 female name all the way from the 1880s to the 1950s.
- Mabel – Loveable
- Mabelle – Beautiful
- Mable – Loveable
- Madeleine – High Tower
- Madeline – High Tower
- Madelyn – High tower
- Madge – Pearl
- Mae – Month of May
- Magdalena – Woman from Magdala
- Magdalene – Woman from Magdala
- Maggie – Pearl
- Malinda – Gentle
- Malissa – Honey bee
- Mamie – Sea of bitterness
- Mandy – Worthy of love
- Manuela – God is with us
- Marcella – Little warrior
- Marci – Warlike
- Marcia – Warlike
- Marcie – Warlike
- Marcy – Warlike
- Margaret – Pearl
- Margarita – Pearl
- Margery – Pearl
- Margie – Pearl
- Margo – Pearl
- Margret – Pearl
- Marguerite – Pearl
- Maria – Bitter
- Mariah – Bitter
- Marian – Bitter
- Marianne – Bitter
- Maribel – Beautiful sea
- Marie – Bitter
- Marietta – Bitter
- Marilyn – Bitter
- Marilynn – Bitter
- Marion – Bitter
- Marisa – Of the sea
- Marisol – Sunny sea
- Marjorie – Pearl
- Marjory – Pearl
- Marla – Famous
- Marlene – Little warrior
- Marlo – Little hawk
- Marlys – Of the sea
- Marnie – Rejoice
- Marsha – Of the sea
- Marta – Lady
- Martha – Lady
- Marva – Lady
- Mary – Bitter
- Maryann – Bitter
- Maryanne – Bitter
- Marybeth – Bitter
- Maryellen – Bitter
- Marylou – Bitter
- Mathilda – Mighty in battle
- Matie – Lady
- Matilda – Mighty in battle
- Mattie – Lady
- Maud – Battle-mighty
- Maude – Battle-mighty
- Maudie – Battle-mighty
- Maureen – Little Mary
- Maurine – Dark-skinned
- Mavis – Song thrush
- Maxine – Greatest
- May – Month of May
- Maybelle – Beautiful
- Mayme – Pearl
- Mazie – Pearl
- Meda – Prophetess
- Megan – Pearl
- Melanie – Dark
- Melba – Soft
- Melinda – Gentle
- Melisa – Honey bee
- Melissa – Honey bee
- Mellie – Honey bee
- Melody – Song
- Melva – Mill worker
- Melvina – Mill worker
- Mercedes – Mercy
- Meredith – Protector of the sea
- Merle – Blackbird
- Merry – Cheerful
- Mertie – Pearl
- Meta – Pearl
- Metta – Friend
- Mettie – Pearl
- Mia – Bitter
- Michael – Who is like God
- Michele – Who is like God
- Michelle – Who is like God
- Mildred – Gentle strength
- Millie – Industrious
- Mina – Love
- Mindy – Sweet
- Minerva – Goddess of wisdom
- Minna – Love
- Minnie – Will
- Minta – Mint
- Mintie – Mint
- Miriam – Wished-for child
- Missouri – River with a big mouth
- Misty – Misty
- Mittie – Rival
- Mitzi – Bitter
- Mollie – Bitter
- Molly – Bitter
- Mona – Noble one
- Monica – Advisor
- Monique – Alone
- Mozelle – Graceful
- Muriel – Bright sea
- Myra – Myrrh
- Myrna – Beloved
- Myrta – Myrtle tree
- Myrtie – Myrtle tree
- Myrtle – Myrtle tree
N
- Nadine – Hopeful
- Nan – Grace
- Nancy – Grace
- Nanette – Grace
- Nannie – Grace
- Naomi – Pleasant
- Natalie – Christmas Day
- Natasha – Born on Christmas Day
- Nelda – From the Alder Trees
- Nell – Bright, shining one
- Nelle – Bright, shining one
- Nellie – Bright, shining one
- Nettie – Grace
- Neva – Snow
- Nichole – Victory of the people
- Nicole – Victory of the people
- Nikki – Victory of the people
- Nina – Grace
- Noelle – Christmas
- Nola – Fair-shouldered
- Nona – Ninth
- Nora – Honor
- Noreen – Light
- Norma – Rule, pattern
O
- Ocie – Eye
- Octavia – Eighth
- Odessa – Wrathful
- Ola – Ancestor
- Oleta – Winged
- Olga – Holy
- Olive – Olive tree
- Olivia – Olive tree
- Ollie – Olive tree
- Oma – Commanding
- Ona – Grace
- Opal – Precious gem
- Ophelia – Help
- Ora – Gold
- Orpha – Dark-haired
P
- Paige – Page
- Pam – Honeyed sweet
- Pamela – Honeyed sweet
- Pansy – Flower
- Pat – Noble
- Patrice – Noble
- Patricia – Noble
- Patsy – Noble
- Patti – Noble
- Pattie – Noble
- Patty – Noble
- Paula – Small
- Paulette – Small
- Pauline – Small
- Pearl – Precious gem
- Pearle – Precious gem
- Pearlie – Precious gem
- Peggie – Pearl
- Peggy – Pearl
- Penelope – Weaver
- Penny – Weaver
- Phebe – Bright, pure
- Philomena – Beloved
- Phoebe – Bright, pure
- Phyllis – Greenery
- Pinkie – Pink
- Polly – Diminutive of Mary
- Priscilla – Ancient
- Prudence – Caution, foresight
Q
- Queen – a royal choice for a dog name
R
What’s in a name? That which we call a rose,
Shakespeare
By any other word would smell as sweet.
- Rachael – Ewe
- Rachel – Ewe
- Rachelle – Little ewe
- Rae – Doe, ewe
- Ramona – Wise protector
- Randi – Admirable, shield
- Raquel – Ewe
- Reba – Fourth born
- Rebecca – Captivating
- Regina – Queen
- Rena – Joyous song
- Rene – Reborn
- Renee – Reborn
- Retha – Pearl
- Retta – Pearl
- Reva – Rain
- Rhea – Flowing, ease
- Rhoda – Rose
- Rhonda – Grand, powerful
- Rilla – Small brook
- Rita – Pearl
- Robbie – Bright fame
- Robbin – Bright fame
- Robert – Bright fame
- Roberta – Bright fame
- Robin – Bright fame
- Robyn – Bright fame
- Rochelle – Little rock
- Ronda – Grand, powerful
- Rosa – Rose
- Rosalee – Rose and lee
- Rosalie – Rose
- Rosalind – Pretty rose
- Rosalinda – Beautiful rose
- Rosalyn – Beautiful rose
- Rosanne – Gracious rose
- Rose – Rose flower
- Roseann – Gracious rose
- Roseanna – Gracious rose
- Rosella – Little rose
- Rosemarie – Bitter rose
- Rosemary – Dew of the sea
- Rosetta – Little rose
- Rosie – Rose
- Rosina – Rose
- Roslyn – Pretty rose
- Rowena – Fame and joy
- Roxanne – Dawn
- Roxie – Dawn
- Ruby – Red gemstone
- Rubye – Red gemstone
- Ruth – Compassionate friend
- Ruthann – Compassionate friend
- Ruthie – Compassionate friend
S
- Sabrina – From the river Severn
- Sadie – Princess
- Sallie – Princess
- Sally – Princess
- Samantha – Listener
- Sandra – Defender of mankind
- Sandy – Defender of mankind
- Sara – Princess
- Sarah – Princess
- Saundra – Defender of mankind
- Savannah – Treeless plain
- Selma – Helmet of God
- Sena – Graceful
- Serena – Tranquil
- Shana – Beautiful
- Shanna – God is gracious
- Shannon – Wise river
- Shari – Darling
- Sharon – A plain
- Sharron – A plain
- Shauna – God is gracious
- Shawn – God is gracious
- Shawna – God is gracious
- Sheila – Blind
- Shelby – Sheltered town
- Shelia – Blind
- Shelley – Clearing on a bank
- Shellie – A seashell
- Shelly – A seashell
- Sheri – Darling
- Sherri – Darling
- Sherrie – Darling
- Sherrill – Little bright one
- Sherry – Darling
- Sheryl – Dear one
- Shirley – Bright meadow
- Shonda – God is gracious
- Sidney – Wide island
- Sondra – Defender of mankind
- Sonia – Wisdom
- Sonja – Wisdom
- Sonya – Wisdom
- Sophia – Wisdom
- Sophie – Wisdom
- Sophronia – Sensible
- Stacey – Resurrection
- Staci – Resurrection
- Stacie – Resurrection
- Stacy – Resurrection
- Stefanie – Crowned in victory
- Stella – Star
- Stephanie – Crowned in victory
- Sudie – Lily
- Sue – Lily
- Susan – Lily
- Susanna – Lily
- Susanne – Lily
- Susie – Lily
- Suzanne – Lily
- Suzette – Lily
- Sybil – Prophetess
- Syble – Prophetess
- Sylvia – Forest or woods
T
- Tabitha – Gazelle
- Tamara – Palm tree
- Tamela – Palm tree
- Tamera – Palm tree
- Tami – Twin
- Tammi – Twin
- Tammie – Twin
- Tammy – Twin
- Tamra – Palm tree
- Tania – Fairy queen
- Tanya – Fairy queen
- Tara – Hill or tower
- Tasha – Short for Natasha (born on Christmas Day)
- Tena – Short for Christina (follower of Christ)
- Tennie – Short for Christina (follower of Christ)
- Teresa – Harvester
- Teri – Harvester
- Terri – Harvester
- Terrie – Harvester
- Terry – Harvester
- Tessie – Harvester
- Theda – Divine gift
- Thelma – Will, volition
- Theresa – Harvester
- Therese – Harvester
- Tiffany – Appearance of God
- Tillie – Mighty in battle
- Tina – Short for Christina (follower of Christ)
- Tisha – Short for Letitia (joy, gladness)
- Tommie – Twin
- Toni – Short for Antonia (priceless one)
- Tonia – Short for Antonia (priceless one)
- Tonja – Short for Antonia (priceless one)
- Tonya – Priceless one
- Tracey – From Tracy, France
- Traci – From Tracy, France
- Tracie – From Tracy, France
- Tracy – From Tracy, France
- Tressie – Harvester
- Tricia – Noble
- Trina – Short for Katrina (pure)
- Trisha – Noble
- Trudy – Spear of strength
U
- Una – One
V
- Vada – Famous ruler
- Valarie – Strength, valor
- Valeria – Strength, valor
- Valerie – Strength, valor
- Vanessa – Butterfly
- Veda – Knowledge, wisdom
- Velma – Protective helmet
- Vera – Truth
- Verda – Truth
- Verna – Spring-like, youthful
- Vernie – Alder tree
- Veronica – True image
- Vesta – Goddess of the hearth
- Vicki – Victory
- Vickie – Victory
- Vicky – Victory
- Victoria – Victory
- Vida – Life
- Vina – Vineyard
- Vinnie – Diminutive of Vincent (conquering)
- Viola – Violet flower
- Violet – Purple flower
- Virgie – Diminutive of Virginia (maiden)
- Virginia – Maiden
- Vivian – Alive
W
- Wanda – Wanderer
- Wendi – Short for Wendy (friend)
- Wendy – Friend
- Wilda – Untamed
- Wilhelmina – Helmet of will
- Willa – Resolute protector
- William – Will, desire + helmet, protection
- Willie – Diminutive of William (resolute protector)
- Wilma – Resolute protector
- Winifred – Peaceful friend
- Winnie – Diminutive of Winifred (peaceful friend)
- Winona – Firstborn daughter
Y
- Yolanda – Violet flower
- Yvette – Yew tree
- Yvonne – Yew tree
Z
- Zada – Prosperous
- Zelda – Gray fighting maid
- Zella – Little battle
- Zelma – Helmet of protection
- Zoe – Life
- Zola – Earth
- Zora – Dawn
- Zula – Brilliant
How to pick from so many dog names!
In naming each of our dogs, we struggled to pick female dog names that both matched their personalities and held special significance for us. Irie, named for a Jamaican patois word that means “all’s good,” and Tiki were both adopted after we completed numerous Caribbean guidebooks so they were named accordingly.
Being selective in a name choice might not just be because of personal preference but also because of something the ancient Romans called Nomen est omen or the name is a sign.
Today often termed “Nominative determinism,” the idea is that people–or maybe dogs?–grow up and evolve a particular way because of their name, often selecting professions that “match” their name. (Hmm…did my first name of Paris steer me into a career as a travel writer?)
Similarly, some names are termed Aptronyms–a name that’s, as you might guess, apt. Take, for example, British and American meteorologists Sara Blizzard and Amy Freeze–or the fastest man in the world, Usain Bolt.
What name will be apt for your new girl dog?
More Ideas for Names for Female Dogs
Pin it to remember these Girl Dog Names!
