If you’re a new dog owner, you likely have a lot on your mind as you go out and buy all the essentials before your pup comes home, such as brushes, dog food, and toys. From there, you’re going to be so focused on caring for their every need that you won’t have much of a break until things settle down and you find a routine that works for you both. However, in the excitement of it all, it can be hard to come to a decision on a name.

Well, you’ve come to the right place because we’ve compiled an extensive list of D dog names based on people, characters, and places so that you don’t have to go rummaging through stacks of different sites during the little time you have. Find all the inspiration you need right here with these adorable, strong, cute, unique, and popular names.

Tips for Naming Your New Dog

When it comes to your dog, you’re allowed to call them whatever you want. You can choose a bold name, one you’ve never heard be used before, or the most common name on your street—it’s up to you. However, there are a few tips to consider that will help your dog adapt to their new name and respond well to it, as well as help you stick to the name long-term without changing it later on because you’ve realized it’s too much of a mouthful.

Keep It Respectful

As much as your dog’s name is for you to use, consider how it may make others feel. You’re likely going to be taking your dog to the park or trails for runs, and you don’t want to feel embarrassed when you call out to them.

Keep It Short

We have plenty of longer names on our list because they’re such great names. However, if you choose a longer name, consider nicknaming your dog with a shorter variation of it when talking to them. You can still refer to your dog by their full name and introduce them to others using their full name. However, shorter names are easier for dogs to learn, and you won’t get tired of saying it over and over again during training.

Look for a name that has one to two syllables, as they are easiest to use, as well as names that can be shortened.

Avoid Similarities

When naming your dog, consider all the words you’ll be using as commands, such as stop, sit, down, etc. We recommend choosing a name that doesn’t sound like any of the command words you intend on using, as it can confuse your dog and hinder training. Your dog is an intelligent creature, but if one word sounds too similar to another, they’re going to struggle to differentiate between the two.

The same goes for naming different pets. Avoid giving your new dog a name that is very similar to your cat’s name, for example, as they may get confused. When calling out for a particular pet, you want to make sure the right pet responds.

Don’t Rush It

Remember that there is no time limit when giving your dog a name, so don’t rush it. It is better to take a few days to decide on a name than giving them a name and changing it in a few months. Dogs get attached to their names, so suddenly changing them can be very confusing, and it will take them time to adapt to a new one.

Take time to go through these lists of names, pick out the ones you like most, and then practice saying them out loud until you’re able to narrow down your options to your favorite one.

Male Names Starting with D

If you’ve got a male dog and are looking for something strong and masculine, we’ve got plenty of options below. However, if your boy is gentle and sweet, we’ve also got several names below to match their personality. Feel free to mix and match; these names are here to inspire you.

Female Names Starting with D

Some of these female names are soft and delicate, just like your little princess. But stay true to your dog’s personality and appearance and find a name that matches it well. Many of the names below are inspired by human names, as human names are becoming increasingly popular options for pets.

Fun D Names

If you’re lighthearted and your dog is a big goofball, consider one of these fun D names. If your dog loves snoozing all day long, a name like Dreamer or Dreamy will match their temperament well. However, if your dog tends to slobber all over your clothes and furniture, names such as Droolius or Dribbles may suit them best.

D Names for Little Dogs

Small breeds tend to be full of energy but have big personalities and plenty of love to share. If you have a small dog breed, such as a Dachshund, Chihuahua, or Pug, these cute names will match their little structure.

D Names for Big Dogs

These names have been inspired by big dogs that give off a “don’t mess with me” appearance. However, we know that most big dogs are little puppies at heart. Don’t let that stop you from playing around with these big and tough names that are both hilarious and unique.

D Names Based on Food

If you’re a big foodie, this is the section for you! Get your taste buds tingling whenever you call out to your pup with these tasty names. Savory or sweet, soft or crunchy, we’ve got a platter of your favorite “D” foods listed below.

D Names Based on Places

If travel is your passion, you’ve likely been to many of these “D” destinations listed below. When naming your dog, you could name them after a place you’ve traveled to, or you could name them after a place that is still on your bucket list. Every time you call out to them, you’ll be reminded of a future trip that you’ll both experience together.

D Names Based on Movie Characters

If you think back to your favorite fictional film, think about which character stands out to you most when you look at your dog. Is it because of their coat color, big ears, droopy eyes, or personality? Whatever the reason, you get to share your love for that character with your dog.

D Names Based on Famous People

There is no faster conversation starter than calling your dog by a famous name in the park. If you don’t walk away with a new friend, you’re guaranteed to have given a few people a giggle or two.

Conclusion

Remind yourself to enjoy every moment with your new pup, even the naming process. You’ve established a great starting place by narrowing down your options to only names that start with D, so take it slow from here. Narrow down your list by picking a few favorites from each list and spend time saying them out loud.

Make sure they’re easy to say, not confusing for your dog to learn, and a perfect mix of your and your dog’s personalities.

See Also: 

• 100+ Old Fashioned Dog Names: Vintage Options for Your Pup
• Dog Names by Breed: A Complete List from A to Z

---

Featured Image Credit: Stock-Holm, Shutterstock