66 Big Dog Names for Larger-Than-Life Pups

We love dogs of all shapes and sizes, of course. But there’s something super special about super-sized pups—after all, the bigger the dog, the bigger the snuggles! 

Naming larger-than-life pups is also extra fun. From mythological mutts to historical heavyweights to Hollywood hounds, there’s plenty of inspiration for bonus-sized best buds. Read on for some of our favorite big dog names. 

Best Big Dog Names

For big-boned breeds, consider the following mega monikers. 

• Beethoven
• Bubba
• Cleopatra
• Clifford
• Goliath
• Harley
• Marmaduke
• Maximus
• Tank
• Xena

Beethoven: Thanks to the memorable ‘90s family movie, the classical composer is a natural namesake for oversized pups. The film’s star was a Saint Bernard, but Beethoven is befitting of any burly breed. 

Bubba: Have you ever met a Bubba who wasn’t a big, slobbery sweetheart? We rest our case. 

Cleopatra: Looking for a feminine name that looms large with historical strength? The original #girlboss Cleopatra was a formidable stateswoman and military leader.

Clifford: Who can forget Clifford?! The beloved Big Red Dog has been enchanting little imaginations since his literary debut in 1963. 

Goliath: According to the Book of Samuel, Goliath was defeated by the much smaller David. However, the giant’s name is forever associated with bulk and brawn. 

Harley: With a nod to the iconic motorcycle, Harley is a great unisex name for similarly powerful dogs. 

Marmaduke: Since the debut of the “Marmaduke” comic strip in the 1950s, this traditional Irish name has been almost exclusively reserved for Great Danes and similarly sized dogs. (One notable exception? Marmaduke Grylls, the son of British adventurer and TV star Bear Grylls.)

Maximus: A Latin name meaning “greatest,” Maximus was originally a title of honor given to military commanders. For everyday use, “Max” is a short and sweet option at the dog park.  

Tank: For big dogs with short-and-stout builds, Tank is a timeless choice. Equal parts silly and sizable, it has a playful nature. 

Xena: Famously strong and just as loyal, the Warrior Princess is a fitting namesake for big pups with big hearts.  

Male Big Dog Names

Good boys, these names are for you. 

Grizzly: In the market for something a little more stately than the usual Bear? Consider Grizzly. Male grizzly bears can weigh more than 1,000 pounds under all that fluff. 

Hagrid: The Harry Potter universe’s beloved groundskeeper is perfect for gentle giants with a wild side. Plus, no one loves pets more than Hagrid—Fang, Aragog, Buckbeat, Fluffy, and Norbert are just a few of his otherworldly companions. 

Hooch: The puppy-eyed star of “Turner & Hooch” was a Dogue de Bordeaux, a French breed known for their massive size and cuddly nature. 

Jupiter: Looking for a name that’s simply out of this world? The largest planet in the solar system was named after the king of the gods in Roman mythology. 

Samson: For shaggy supersize pups, consider Samson. The biblical figure was notable for both his flowing locks and impressive strength. 

More Manly Dog Names for Big Dogs

• Adonis
• Apollo
• Boomer
• Caesar
• General
• Mars
• Ranger
• Rocky
• Rufus
• Spike
• Titan
• Wolverine
• Yukon
• Zeus

Female Big Dog Names

These female big dog names have serious girl power. 

Brienne: In “Game of Thrones,” Brienne of Tarth is a warrior known for her unwavering loyalty and imposing stature. In the series she’s portrayed by actress Gwendoline Christie, who stands a statuesque 6’3”. 

Denali: For an outdoorsy namesake, consider mountains! With an elevation of 20,310 feet, Denali is the highest peak in North America. 

Diana: Named after the Roman hunting goddess, Diana is the first name of Wonder Woman in the DC Comics universe.  

Matilda: Meaning “mighty in battle,” Matilda is a feminine name with both sweetness and strength. As a bonus, the nickname “Tilda” carries the mighty swagger of actress Tilda Swinton. 

Philomena: A Greek name meaning “friend of strength,” Philomena is perfect for furry friends with more to love.  

More Big Dog Names for Females

• Acadia
• Adira
• Cersei
• Harlow
• Olympia
• Queen
• Victoria
• Venus

Black Big Dog Names

From Broadway to the big screen, these names are pawfect for dark-coated pups. 

Bear: You can’t go wrong with a classic! This ever-popular dog name is especially well suited for large pups with dark coats. 

Cerberus: In Greek mythology, Cerberus was a multi-headed black dog who guarded the gates to the underworld. 

Phantom: Looking for a spooky slant? This mysterious musical name is ideal for black dogs with white, mask-like facial markings. 

Zorro: With his signature head-to-toe black outfit and athleticism, Zorro (literally) makes the mark. 

Darth: The force is strong with this one! When donning his iconic black armor, Darth Vader is a hulking 6’8” in the “Star Wars” franchise. (For a less intimidating twist, you could always go with Darth’s birth name, Anakin.)  

White Big Dog Names

Calling all blondies! These big white dog names work best for snow-coated pups. 

Avalanche: If you’ve ever had a Great Pyrenees jump in your lap, you know Avalanche is the perfect name for polar bear-sized pups. 

Blizzard: Snowball is great for pint-sized Poodles. But when it comes to Samoyeds, Blizzard fits the bill a little better. 

Everest: For snow-white pups of towering heights, consider a nod to the world’s highest mountain. The Himalayan peak was named for Welsh explorer Sir George Everest, adding to its adventurous air. 

Ghost: In “Game of Thrones,” Ghost was the name of Jon Snow’s massive white direwolf. 

Mr. Stay-Puft: As “Ghostbusters” fans know, Mr. Stay Puft is the giant marshmallow monster who rampages through New York City in the original 1984 movie. 

Yeti: Also known as the Abominable Snowman, the mythological Yeti is usually depicted as being covered in white, fluffy hair. 

Funny Big Dog Names

We’re not laughing at you, pups – we’re laughing with you! 

Chewbacca: This one is a stellar choice for large furry sidekicks. For short, Chewie is just as cute. 

Chuck Norris: The Internet’s favorite macho man is a meme-worthy pup name. 

Fluffy: For a dose of irony, try this cutesy name on for size (especially if you have a big, fluffy breed!). In the Harry Potter series, Fluffy is the name of the gigantic three-headed dog who guards the Sorcerer’s Stone. 

King Kong: “Who’s a good boy? You are, King Kong!” Bet you can’t say it without smiling. 

Tarzan: Have an especially bouncy pup? Raised among apes in the jungle, Tarzan was known for his strength, agility, and wild ways. 

Unique Big Dog Names

Want an unusual name that stands out at the dog park? We have you covered. 

Baskerville: If Clifford is too cuddly, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle offers a more mysterious moniker from the literary world. In “The Hound of the Baskervilles,” Sherlock Holmes investigates a murder attributed to a gigantic, supernatural dog.  

Grendel: Heroic and wolf-like, the name Beowulf is perhaps an obvious choice for canine companions. But for an oversize option, consider Grendel, the epic tale’s monstrous giant.   

Pangea: This one’s for you, geography nerds. The world’s original supercontinent is a one-of-a-kind name for your one-of-a-kind pup. 

Bonus: Big Dog Names for Little Dogs

Because sometimes the smallest pups have the largest personalities. These big dog names for little dogs are something to yap about. 

Cujo: Thanks to the infamous Stephen King horror novel, the name Cujo will forever have creepy connotations. While too intimidating for most pets, it can be funny for Chihuahuas who think they’re Saint Bernards. 

Hercules: The hyperbolic name is perfect for Shih Tzus who are as confident (and entitled) as Greek gods. 

Hulk: The Marvel superhero goes from average to gigantic when things don’t go his way—just like some Pomeranians we know…  

Napoleon: The French military leader’s small stature stood in contrast to his far-reaching ambitions. Yorkies, step right up!