100 Short Dog Names

Sometimes, when choosing a name for your furry best friend, less is more.

Short dog names have a unique appeal.

They’re easy to say, easy to call across the park, and are ideal for communicating commands and such.

No matter if you fancy something cute, tough, or cool, short names are effective as they can pack a real punch in only a few letters.

Short names can easily hint at your pup’s spirit while maintaining a simplified and easily-remembered touch.

In the list ahead, we’ve gathered a collection of short dog names that are entertaining, functional, and easy to find the right name for your dog.

short dog names

Max – A short, strong name that symbolizes greatness and power, often given to confident dogs.

Leo – Inspired by the lion, it represents courage, pride, and leadership in a small but mighty name.

Ben – A classic name meaning “son” or “blessed,” perfect for a loyal and affectionate companion.

Sam – Short for Samuel, meaning “heard by God,” ideal for a dog who is always attentive.

Ace – A name symbolizing excellence, high achievement, and a winning spirit for energetic dogs.

Mia – A sweet name meaning “mine,” reflecting the bond between you and your pet.

Lily – Inspired by the flower, symbolizing purity, innocence, and beauty in a gentle dog.

Toby – Meaning “God is good,” often given to playful and friendly pups.

Ivy – A nature-inspired name representing resilience, growth, and faithfulness.

Zoe – Derived from Greek, meaning “life,” perfect for a lively, spirited dog.

Rex – Latin for “king,” suited for a bold and dominant canine.

Luna – Meaning “moon,” ideal for a dog with a calm or mystical presence.

Ollie – A cheerful, lighthearted name that reflects friendliness and joy.

Jax – A modern, cool name symbolizing strength and independence.

Ella – Meaning “light” or “beautiful fairy,” a graceful name for a gentle dog.

Finn – Of Irish origin, meaning “fair” or “white,” often linked with adventure.

Nala – Known from The Lion King, symbolizing loyalty, beauty, and strength.

Bea – A short form of Beatrice, meaning “she who brings happiness.”

Kai – A nature-inspired name meaning “sea” in Hawaiian, symbolizing calmness and freedom.

Pip – A playful name meaning “lover of horses” or “seed,” perfect for a small dog.

Skye – Inspired by the sky, symbolizing vastness, freedom, and serenity.

Dex – Short for Dexter, meaning “skillful” and “right-handed,” reflecting cleverness.

Moe – A simple, affectionate name with roots in Moses, meaning “drawn out.”

Izzy – A lively nickname form of Isabel or Isaac, symbolizing playfulness.

Kit – Short for Christopher, meaning “bearer of Christ,” but also playful and cute.

Lou – A sweet, vintage name often symbolizing a gentle and loving soul.

Ray – Meaning “beam of light,” perfect for a dog who brightens your life.

Neo – Meaning “new,” great for a fresh start with a beloved pet.

Gus – A short, strong name meaning “majestic” or “great.”

Ada – A vintage name meaning “noble,” suited for an elegant and dignified dog.

Ash – Inspired by the ash tree, symbolizing strength and resilience.

Eli – Of Hebrew origin, meaning “ascended” or “my God,” symbolizing guidance.

Bea – Meaning “blessed,” a charming name for a gentle companion.

Lux – Latin for “light,” perfect for a dog with a radiant personality.

Rio – Meaning “river,” symbolizing flow, freedom, and vitality.

Noa – A soft name meaning “rest” and “comfort,” perfect for a calm dog.

Zed – A cool, edgy name symbolizing uniqueness and individuality.

Kip – Meaning “pointed hill,” but often associated with rest and coziness.

Remi – Meaning “oarsman,” a symbol of guidance and companionship.

Aya – A short, elegant name meaning “miracle” or “bird.”

Dax – A unique, modern name symbolizing boldness and charm.

Una – Meaning “one” or “unity,” symbolizing loyalty and oneness with family.

Bo – A simple yet powerful name meaning “to live” or “precious.”

Liv – Meaning “life” or “protection,” a name that radiates positivity.

Zia – Meaning “light” or “splendor,” suited for a bright and loving dog.

Hal – Short for Harold, meaning “army ruler,” symbolizing strength and leadership.

Cal – A short form of Calvin, meaning “little bald one,” often used with affection.

Eve – Meaning “life” or “living,” symbolizing renewal and beginnings.

Taz – Inspired by the Tasmanian devil, perfect for a wild and energetic pup.

Lux – A radiant name symbolizing brightness, hope, and positivity.

Ari – A short and strong name meaning “lion” in Hebrew, symbolizing bravery and leadership.

Moe – A friendly, down-to-earth name that reflects playfulness and loyalty.

Tia – A sweet name meaning “aunt” in Spanish, often symbolizing affection and warmth.

Zoe – From Greek, meaning “life,” perfect for a lively and spirited dog.

Lea – Meaning “meadow” or “delicate,” suited for a gentle and calm dog.

Kai – A nature-inspired name meaning “sea,” symbolizing freedom and peace.

Nox – Latin for “night,” great for a mysterious or dark-coated pup.

Mik – A short form of Michael, meaning “who is like God,” symbolizing protection.

Aya – A delicate name meaning “miracle” or “design,” suited for a special dog.

Lux – A radiant name meaning “light,” reflecting brightness and joy.

Bo – A simple and timeless name meaning “precious” or “to live.”

Eli – Meaning “ascended” or “my God,” symbolizing devotion and guidance.

Ona – A rare name meaning “grace” or “wave,” symbolizing beauty and flow.

Pax – Latin for “peace,” ideal for a calm and comforting dog.

Rio – Meaning “river,” representing movement, energy, and life.

Una – Meaning “one” or “unity,” symbolizing loyalty and wholeness.

Ned – A vintage name meaning “wealthy guardian,” perfect for a protective dog.

Jax – A modern, edgy name representing boldness and strength.

Taz – Inspired by the Tasmanian devil, perfect for a wild and energetic pup.

Eve – Meaning “life” or “living,” symbolizing beginnings and joy.

Ash – Inspired by the ash tree, symbolizing resilience and strength.

Bea – Short for Beatrice, meaning “bringer of happiness.”

Cal – A friendly, vintage name meaning “little bald one,” often used with affection.

Hal – Meaning “army ruler,” symbolizing strength and loyalty.

Ivy – A nature-inspired name representing resilience, growth, and faithfulness.

Neo – Meaning “new,” symbolizing fresh beginnings.

Zed – A unique and edgy name representing individuality.

Liv – Meaning “life,” symbolizing joy and positivity.

Nia – A short name meaning “purpose,” reflecting meaning and direction.

Remi – Meaning “oarsman,” symbolizing companionship and guidance.

Skye – Inspired by the sky, symbolizing vastness and freedom.

Dex – A cool name meaning “skillful” or “right-handed.”

Ollie – A playful name reflecting friendliness and joy.

Nala – A loyal and strong name from The Lion King, symbolizing love and courage.

Finn – Meaning “fair” or “white,” associated with adventure.

Ella – Meaning “light” or “beautiful fairy,” symbolizing grace.

Ray – Meaning “beam of light,” perfect for a cheerful pup.

Ben – Meaning “son” or “blessed,” symbolizing warmth.

Sam – Meaning “heard by God,” suited for a loyal dog.

Max – A classic strong name meaning “greatest.”

Leo – Meaning “lion,” representing courage and pride.

Toby – Meaning “God is good,” suited for a playful companion.

Mia – Meaning “mine,” symbolizing belonging and love.

Lily – Symbolizing purity and innocence, inspired by the flower.

Izzy – A lively nickname form, symbolizing playfulness.

Pip – A sweet name meaning “seed,” suited for small dogs.

Kit – A charming short name meaning “bearer of Christ.”

Lou – A gentle, vintage name symbolizing affection.

Gus – Meaning “majestic” or “great,” perfect for a sturdy pup.

Dax – A bold and modern name, symbolizing uniqueness.