dog names starting with d

If you've got here, it's most likely because you've adopted a new furry child. We want to congratulate you on that!

While we're positive you're working hard to acclimate your new four-legged companion to its new home, we want to borrow 10 minutes of your time.

All other efforts will be in vain if your pup remains unnamed.

Naming your pooch is extremely important and deserves careful consideration. But don't worry because we're here to help you!

We looked into not only the most popular choices but also a plethora of other name categories for your beloved pet.  

JUMP TO SECTION

Male Dog Names 

Female Dog Names

Cute Dog Names

Badass Dog Names

Unique Dog Names

Funny Names

German Dog Names

Check out these dog names starting with D that we've compiled, and feel free to pick the best fit for your beautiful pooch!

Male Dog Names that Start with D

Over and over, names for male dogs consistently top the list. 

Here are some of the best male D dog names for your handsome pawed buddy.

  • Dylan
  • Diego
  • David
  • Damian
  • Divon
  • Dai
  • Dwaine
  • Davi
  • Day
  • Dusty
  • Dustin
  • Davi
  • Darcey
  • Deo
  • Deshi
  • Digby
  • Daido
  • Dale
  • Dallon
  • Dale
  • Dal
  • Dakarri
  • Dack
  • Daevid

Female Dog Names that Start with D

To help you find the ideal designation for your pretty pooch, here’s our list of female dog names that start with D!

  • Dahlia
  • Demi
  • Diana
  • Destiny
  • Dixie
  • Dolly
  • Deja
  • Dorothy
  • Dua
  • Daksha
  • Dace
  • Dacey
  • Damia
  • Dana
  • Dara
  • Dayla
  • Dasha
  • Dawn
  • Dia
  • Diva
  • Dielle
  • Dea
  • Delta
  • Desiree
  • Dextra
  • Donita

Cute Dog Names that Start with D

Perhaps you just got a Maltipoo or a Poodle, and you want to give it a name that is equally as cute as its furry face and Teddy bear features. 

Why not give your cuddly dog one of these D dog names to make it even cuter? 

Dog Names Starting with D: Disney & Cartoon Characters

For most of us (Millennials and Gen Zers), Disney cartoons were our childhood best friends.  

The fact that most children have a favorite Disney hero as a role model while growing up isn't even an exaggeration.

Personally, I love the character of Mulan because she marks a shift in Disney's portrayal of princesses…

From being defenseless to becoming strong, independent women who don’t need a prince to defend them.

I also love the fact that she’s a warrior!

In addition to their entertaining qualities and vibrant, beautiful visuals, these films have many things to teach us.

Each character is unique and has a compelling backstory to share, and at some point, we were able to identify with one of them.

If you feel the same way and understand how meaningful this can be, it would be wonderful to honor your favorite childhood figure by giving your cherished puppy their name.

  • Dinky (The Fox and the Hound)
  • Dodo (Alice in Wonderland)
  • Dumbo (Dumbo)
  • Dory (Finding Nemo)
  • Doris (Meet the Robinsons)
  • Daniela (Luca)
  • Danny (101 Dalmatians)
  • Dante (Coco)
  • Darby Steel (Lightyear)
  • Darla (Finding Nemo)
  • Darling (Lady and the Tramp)
  • Dash (The Incredibles)
  • Dave (Inside Out)
  • Dawson (The Great Mouse Detective)
  • Deanna (Wreck-it Ralph)
  • Deb (Finding Nemo)
  • Demetrius (Hercules)
  • Destiny (Finding Dory)
  • Dewdrop (Onward)
  • Diaz (Lightyear)
  • Diazo (Strange World)
  • Dim (A Bug's Life)
  • Dinah (Alice in Wonderland)
  • Don (Monsters University)

Badass Dog Names that Start with D

You undoubtedly wanted to add a tough dog with a dash of badassness to your family. And for that reason, you brought home a certain breed.

If you have a Doberman or a Bulldog and want to give your fearless-appearing dog the world's baddest dog name, we compiled the perfect ideas you’re looking for.

Dog Names Starting with D: Characters from Kismet’s DnD

Are you familiar with or a fan of Dungeons and Dragons?

It's likely that you've heard it from one of the seasons of the popular Netflix series Stranger Things. Or, perhaps, you were playing it or knew it before you watched the show.

DnD is mostly an interactive game. It's a board game that you and your pals can play however you like.

This fantasy role-playing game can help you improve many skills, such as linguistics, teamwork, solving problems, and imaginative thinking.

By leading characters on dangerous missions to find treasure, fight strong enemies, and even perform heroic rescues, the players help construct a larger narrative.

Naturally, there are also bad guys, monsters, and dragons!

If you’re a fan of all these concepts (especially the monsters), you might want to choose a badass D dog name inspired by the DnD’s awesomeness.

  • Dace
  • Dabir
  • Daeron
  • Dagan
  • Dafna
  • Daetra
  • Dagos
  • Daksha
  • Dalicia
  • Dalis
  • Dalren
  • Damia
  • Danae
  • Danax
  • Dancan
  • Dalene
  • Danvia
  • Datha
  • Deegie
  • Deetra
  • Delio
  • Deira
  • Delora
  • Delmas
  • Derex
  • Desba
  • Detho
  • Devora

badass dog names starting with d

Dog Names Starting with D: Greek Gods, Spirits, Monsters

We’re not yet done with the badass dog names starting with D. 

As an added bonus, we also gathered D dog names inspired by your favorite Greek gods, spirits, and more monsters!

  • Damia (The springtime Hora of earth’s fertility)
  • Danais (A nymph of Elis loved by King Pelops of Pisa)
  • Deimus (The god of terror, a companion of the war-god Ares)
  • Dike (The goddess of justice, one of the three Horae)
  • Dione (A daughter of the Titan Atlas)
  • Doris (The Oceanid-goddess of the fresh water mingles with the brine)
  • Dysnomia (The female personification of lawlessness)
  • Dysis (The eleventh of the twelve Horae)
  • Dryope (A Dryopian princess transformed into a Hamadryad by the nymphs)
  • Dolus (The male personification of trickery and deceit)
  • Dodona (The Oceanid-nymph eponym of the town and shrine of Dodona)
  • Dirce (The Naiad-nymph of a fountain sacred to Dionysus on Mount Cithaeron)
  • Deino (The Naiad-nymph wife of the river Spercheius)
  • Damasen (A giant who slew a fearsome dragon terrorizing Lydia)
  • Daeira (A goddess-nymph of the Eleusinian mysteries)

Unique Dog Names that Start with D

We understand how difficult it can be to choose a name for your new dog

If you were unable to choose from our previous options, you might want a unique yet cool D dog name.

To help you with narrowing the options, we've gathered these unique dog names starting with D on a list.

Dog Names Starting with D: Geography

There are compelling reasons to think about drawing inspiration from it, whether it's a city or state where your family lives or a location you frequently visit and take pictures of.

Geographical names manage to be both unique and familiar. You've probably heard some names before, although perhaps not on anyone.

Although you probably don't know many dogs with location names, they just sound suitable when you hear them.

You can give your beautiful dog a name that honors where you were born, where you met the important people in your life, or simply a place where you'd always want to visit.

These dog names starting with D inspired by your favorite places are perfect to steal a dog name from!

  • Dallas
  • Denver
  • Detroit
  • Doha
  • Derby
  • Dali
  • Dodoma
  • Dadu
  • Dakota
  • Daphne
  • Darby
  • Daxton
  • Dacey
  • Dacia
  • Dania
  • Danna
  • Darra
  • Daruka
  • Daryan
  • Davis
  • Davan 
  • Delano
  • Daytona
  • Delia
  • Dessa
  • Destin

dog names starting with d

Funny Names that Start with D

Funny names are the perfect fit for goofy dogs. 

If it especially cracks you up because of its adorable reactions to things or just with its humorous quirks, then say no more.

These D dog names inspired by food are the way to go for your dog’s wackiest name!

Dog Names Starting with D: Food

Cupcake and Choco have long been popular among fur parents, so why not pick something new with these dog names starting with D taken from foods?

At the very least, this collection of food-inspired D dog names can come in handy when deciding what to take for something to eat.

  • Donut
  • Durian
  • Daikon
  • Dill
  • Dates
  • Dewberry
  • Dip
  • Dumpling
  • Dasheen
  • Dashi
  • Dasheen
  • Dolmas
  • Dosa
  • Divinity
  • Dowdy
  • Dulce
  • Dolichos
  • Dangleberry
  • Dekopon
  • Duku
  • Delicata
  • Dulse
  • Demerara
  • Dolmas
  • Dashi
  • Dijon

German Dog Names that Start with D

You've probably just gotten a new German Shepherd or a Dachshund and are looking for the perfect German name for it.

These D dog names may also be appealing to fur parents who want to honor their own ethnic background in the naming of their fur baby.

Whether your new puppy has German ancestry or you simply enjoy the culture, choosing a German D dog name is a great way to show off your affinity for all things German.

In this list, we got everything that your pup would be proud to bear!

Choose from these German dog names starting with D for dogs of all kinds and sizes.

  • Dagi (Ceremonial grain)
  • Dafne (Laurel tree)
  • Dagna (As beautiful as the day)
  • Daisi (Eye of the Day)
  • Devrim (Revolutionary)
  • Devaa (Deity)
  • Detlev (The People’s Descendant)
  • Derya (From the ocean)
  • Derwin (Friend of the deer)
  • Derry (Red-haired)
  • Derk (The People’s Ruler)
  • Dirk (Dagger)
  • Dino (Little sword)
  • Dimitri (From the Mother of Land)
  • Diler (Brave)
  • Dame (Lady)
  • Dana (Judge)
  • Dayan (Divine)
  • Daytona (Sunny town)
  • Debbi (A bee; the form of Deborah)
  • Dee (Fear)

d dog names german shepherd

Dog Breeds that Start with D

And if you ever wonder what D dog breeds are there besides the famous Dalmatian, we listed them here for you.

From the purebreds like the Dachshund and Dutch Shepherd to mixed breed dogs like the Dachsador and Dach Griffon.

  • Dachshund
  • Dalmatian
  • Dachsador
  • Dachsweiler 
  • Doberman Pinscher
  • Dutch Shepherd
  • Dogo Argentino
  • Dunket
  • Dandie Dinmont Terrier
  • Denmark Feist
  • Dingo
  • Dach Griffon
  • Dogo Argentino
  • Dogo Guatemalteco
  • Dogo Sardesco
  • Dogue Brasileiro
  • Dogue de Bordeaux
  • Drever
  • Dinker
  • Dutch Shepherd
  • Dutch Smoushond
  • Danish Broholmer
  • Danish Swedish Farmdog
  • Deerhound
  • Deutscher Boxer
  • Dhoki Apso
  • Do-Ken
  • Do-Khyi
  • Dogo Canario
  • Drentse Patrijshond

dalmatian puppy

Top Tips For Naming Your Dog

When you actually think about it, naming a dog can be difficult. Not every name is suitable.

Additionally, the name you choose can influence how you interact with Fido. When you learn the important guidelines (the science of naming your dog), you'll understand why.

Be unique

The most popular and simple names can confuse your dog in crowded places.

If you're in a public place, such as a dog park, you don’t want to upset Fido when it hears several people calling its name.

I lost count of the number of times I heard dog parents refer to their dog as Choco or Brownie. 

Imagine if they all happen to be in the same area with their dogs and have to call them in for a snack. Chaos, I bet!

Lean into nicknames

Some dog parents tend to give their dog pets several names.

Finding nicknames that are shorter versions of your dog's name will help to emphasize the original.

For instance, break down Dangleberry to Dabi or Dango.

Consider your dog’s personality

Spend some time getting to know your dog. Besides, choosing a name that is a perfect fit for Fido will be more enjoyable and rewarding.

You should ask yourself, “Is my dog goofy? Does it have unique characteristics that I think are cute and have never seen with other dogs?”

These behavioral signs are all helpful for picking original names.

Also, when someone asks about your inspiration, these anecdotes make the best responses.

Vowel sounds work best

Those dog ears perk up when the last letter of your dog's name is a vowel.

Therefore, picking names like Dali, Dania, Dodo, and Delia guarantees that your dog will react when you call.

Dog Names Starting with D: FAQs

Is Dolce a good dog name?

Dolce is a wonderful name for your affectionate dog. It implies that your four-legged companion has a kind and devoted nature.

Dolce means “sweet.” This feminine name is also linked to beauty and companionship.

Is Dior a female dog name?

Dior is a feminine name of French origin that means “golden.”

It is also the name of a French luxury goods brand that bears the name of renowned fashion designer Christian Dior.

This elegant dog name is ideal for a pampered pooch and shows your great sense of taste.

Dog Names Starting with D: Parting Thoughts

How did you come up with the name for your furry pal? 

Picking a dog's name is a work of art. Everyone, including your friends and family, will use the name every day.

We can't claim to be some sort of dog-naming geniuses or to have come up with all of these D dog names on our own.

But! We spent a lot of effort finding the best ones out there.

Whether you like giant dog breeds or small cuddly buddies, these lists of dog names starting with D hopefully contain the perfect options for you.

If you’re searching for even more dog name ideas, be sure to check out our other lists.

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How Aubrey describes love is a wet nose and a happy tail. She now has over a year of experience writing about canines with a particular emphasis on health and behavior. She enjoys sharing dog tips, fun facts, and pet med topics, among other things. Her passion for both writing and dogs inspired her to share her knowledge and experience with other dog parents so they could provide the greatest care for their pets. She also stands against alpha, leader, and dominance theories. She believes there’s no need to do extra things like eating prior to your dogs.