Dogs hold a very special place in our heart. We have been together for thousands of years—fighting battle after battle for each other’s survival. For a bond this profound, you want everything to be special. When a new four-legged friend is about to enter your home, understandably, you would prefer to give the best and the most meaningful moniker to them; Indian names for dogs promise both.
India is a culturally-rich territory; the country’s language is full of diversity, and it is very widespread. According to estimation, about 400 million people speak this language. Now, even if you don’t technically speak the language, we believe that you will still find Indian dog names interesting and suitable for your dog—especially if your dog belongs to one of those rare Indian dog breeds that are little-known and yet all the more exotic for it, such as the Kumaon Mastiff or the Indian Spitz. You deserve to be proud of your dog’s unique lineage.
Having said that, finding a suitable Indian name for your pup isn’t easy if you’re unfamiliar with the language—since most Indian words have several syllables and are difficult to pronounce for those sporting a US tongue. But you are in luck as we are here to save the day. In this article, we have canvassed a bevy of epigrammatic names from the Indian culture for your pooch.
Indian Names for Male Dogs
Make sure you pick a name for your male dog that would complement his personality and overall appearance. Choosing human names for dogs is the latest trend, but you can use other unique words as well.
The list we have created for you below contains many different types of Indian names for boy dogs. We hope that you would find the best fit for your dog here.
Adil: it is used to describe someone as ‘sincere’; a great term of endearment for a straightforward doggy
Ajit: a Sanskrit word that states someone as ‘invincible.’ Perfect for a champion dog
Ajitabh: conqueror of the sky
Akash: sky
Alagan: is your dog ‘good looking?’ If yes, this is the name for him
Alok: a cry indicating triumph
Amla: perfect for a ‘pure’ pup
Amrit: of Sanskrit origin, this word means ‘immortal.’ Because we all want our canine companion to live forever
Anant: eternal or everlasting
Anish: the ultimate
Apurva: unique
Arav: peaceful and calm
Arjun: the best name for a ‘white’ dog
Ashok: for cheerful dogs that are always ‘full of joy’
Bari: for dogs destined for ‘greatness’
Batuk: it literally means ‘boy’
Beta: son
Buland: elevated
Chottu: short (use it for a mini-sized dog)
Dakshi: glorious
Doga: a famous super dog from an Indian comic
Drisana: for dogs that are so cheery it almost seems like they are ‘sun’s child’
Falgun: for dogs that were born in ‘spring’
Gaman: journey
Gayan: intelligence
Hardik: from the core of the heart or sincere
Jani: loved one
Jaysukh: the pleasure of triumph
Kalia: the word means ‘black.’ Try it for a black pup.
Kalu: someone with dark complexion (use it for your black or brown canine)
Kanak: of gold (use it for a pup with golden fur)
Kaushal: resourceful
Kirit: if you think your dog deserved a ‘crown’ all of his own
Kumar: someone with a princely status
Kuta: this Indian word means ‘dog’; quite meaningful!
Laghun: a Marathi word that means ‘quick’
Laksh: this Indian word stands for ‘target or aim.’ Perfect for a hunting dog
Lalit: handsome
Lamba: very long/tall (a perfect name for dachshunds)
Lasaak: it is a Marathi word that stands for ‘dancer’; pick it for a playful dog
Layaak: a Marathi word that means ‘clever’
Loha: for dogs that are tough as ‘iron’
Mahavira: a great hero
Mani: precious jewel
Mitesh: someone with a desire to fulfill. Don’t you think this applies to all dogs?
Mohan: attractive or handsome
Nalin: lotus flower
Nikunj: for dogs that love nothing more than to frolic in the ‘garden’
Nimai: rich with light
Niraj: a precious gem
Nirav: calm or still
Nirvana
Paras: a wise man’s jewel
Parth: warrior
Praful: flourishing
Prasoon: a cute name for a cute dog that means ‘flower’
Pratyush: sunrise
Praveen: skilled
Preetish: the king of love. Where else would you find a name that seems to have been tailor-made for your dog?
Prithu: humane
Puranjay: victor
Purujit: the winner of love. Our canine companion became this the moment they set foot in our lives
Raftaar: speed
Rahul: ‘efficient’ hunting dog
Rohit: red
Ronak: for pups brimming with ‘radiance’
Safaid: white
Sagar: ruler of the water or the ocean. Perfect for dogs that like to swim
Sanat: everlasting
Sanjiv: for dogs that come from an ’ancient’ lineage
Sanjog: our dogs never lose their ‘faith’ in us
Santosh: satisfied or contented
Shera: for dogs that are brave and appear ‘lion-like’
Shera: use this name for a canine who is ‘brave and courageous at heart’
Shvetank: excellent
Siddharth: someone who has achieved all his wishes
Sikander: the Indian version of ‘Alexander the Great’
Subodh: a perfect choice for ‘intelligent’ dogs
Sukumar: even male dogs can be ‘delicate’
Sumantu: the word stands for ‘consultant.’ We all confide in our dogs, don’t we?
Sumit: best buddy
Taran: because ‘heaven’ is by our dog’s side
Tej: for dogs that symbolize ‘excellence’
Teja: the illuminated
Tosh: for dogs that inspire ‘a feeling of satisfaction or contentment’ in us
Tushar: for dogs that were born in the middle of ‘winter’
Uday: to rise
Umeed: hope
Vasuman: a heart full of longing
Vidvan: resourceful
Vishal: it literally means ‘huge,’ so don’t hesitate to use it for your Great Dane or other large breeds
Waghya: in Marathi, this word means ‘tiger.’ Waghya is also the name of a legendary mixed breed hound who acted as a guide dog for the sightless Chhatrapati Shivaji; the dog ended his life after his owner’s demise
Yashpal: preserver of reputation
Yasti: slim
Yogi: master of one’s own self
Zanjeer: a heroic Indian dog—known for his great services for saving many lives
Indian Names for Female Dogs
The Indian names for dogs female you have been in search of for your furry sidekick is probably on the list given below.
We have collected a passel of Indian words that is suitable for female pooches of all breeds.
Aaba: for bright and cheerful dogs that always seem to be ‘glowing’
Abha: lustrous beauty
Abhati: splendor or light
Abhilasa: desire
Acira: is your canine companion ‘fast or swift’?
Adhira: or is she ‘restless and impatient’?
Adhiti: abundance or freedom
Adrika: celestial
Advika: it literally means ‘unique.’ Because we all know that no two dogs are the same
Adya: for ‘unparalleled’ dogs—be it in certain fields of study, or in your heart
Agrata: for alpha dogs that exhibit great ‘leadership’
Ahilya: maiden
Ajanta: a sacred Buddhist cave
Alisha: in God’s protection
Amisha: for dogs that never fail to be ‘truthful and righteous’
Amiya: for dogs that bring ‘delight or joy’ into our lives
Amrita: if we were granted ‘immortality,’ we would want to spend it with our canine companion
Anamika: ‘ring finger.’ It symbolizes a lifetime’s worth of devotion
Anandi: for ‘jovial’ dogs
Anju: someone who is close to heart
Anya: unique or different
Apsara: maiden with celestial beauty
Archana: worship
Arshia: heavenly
Arunima: the glow of dawn. A beautiful name for a beautiful dog
Arushi: red sky in early morning or dawn
Asgari: devotee
Asha: hope
Ashna: ‘friend.’ Truer words have never been spoken
Aslesha: a star
Atasi: a blue flower
Avani: earth
Bala: young lady
Bhagya: an Indian equivalent of ‘lucky’
Bhavna: for quiet dogs that don’t mind keeping you company while you’re in deep ‘meditation’
Bhoomi: earth
Bijli: lightning
Binal: princess
Champak: flower
Chandra: bright moon
Devi: goddess
Haddi: this short word stands for ‘bone.’ It’s a good pick if bones are your dog’s favorite food
Hetal: warm-hearted
Indra: rainbow
Jhilmil: shining
Jihan: cosmos
Jyoti: light
Kaali: for canines that are ‘black’ in color
Kahkashan: stars
Kerana: bells
Kirtana: a song to glorify
Komal: ‘something smooth and soft.’ Doesn’t this describe our dog perfectly?
Komala: ‘someone that pleases the senses.’ Because our dog is the prettiest in the whole wide world!
Krupali: ‘a person who forgives others.’ Because no dog will ever be angry with her master
Ladki: literally means ‘a girl’
Laksha: white rose
Lalasa: lovable
Lavanya: beauty
Maanikya: jewel
Magan: thoughtful
Manjula: amiable
Nandita: ‘someone who comforts others.’ Need I say more?
Neeta: ‘someone loyal or sincere.’ No better name out there for your best bud
Neha: beautiful or cherished
Nimmi: ‘someone with sparkling eyes.’ You might want to skip this one, though, because those puppy dog eyes are powerful enough as they are! Give her a name like this, and she will wipe the floor with you!
Niral: marvelous
Nitara: something with deep roots
Nivedita: in god’s dedication
Niyati: fate or chance
Phoollen: a name derived from ‘Phoolen Devi,’ a notorious bandit woman from India. Does your dog have one foot in the dark side?
Prama: ‘someone with great knowledge.’ She knows more than you think
Preyasi: darling
Pritika: loved one
Pulkita: happy
Rani: queen
Rasna: joy
Ridhi: well-being or wealthy
Riya: singer
Roshni: light
Rubaina: clarifying
Sagara: for dogs who love the ‘ocean’
Saheli: there is no better ‘friend or companion’ than our dog
Sahila: a great name for a ‘guide’ dog
Sajni: darling
Sakari: lovely
Sakti: power
Saloni: good looking
Sampriti: true love
Sanam: affectionate
Sanjula: wonderful
Sapna: a dream or fantasy
Sarika: this word has two meanings: ‘bird’ and ‘vocalist’
Seema: ‘boundary or restriction.’ For dogs that understand when to pull back
Sevati: for a ‘white’ pup
Sevita: beloved
Shaila: for dogs that like to climb up ‘a hill’
Shaili: for dogs that respect ‘traditions or manners’
Shanata: for dogs that symbolize a ‘sanctuary’ for you
Shandra: for dogs that are beautiful like ‘the moon’
Sheetal: for dogs that are like a breath of ‘fresh’ air
Shikha: for competitive dogs that always aim for the ‘top spot’
Smita: isn’t it nice when we come home after a long day of work to be greeted by ‘a face reflecting happiness’?
Sneha: affection or companionship
Snigdha: because our dog is always ‘gentle and nice’
Sona: use this term for your ‘golden’ girl
Sonakshi: someone with eyes of gold
Suchi: this word defines something as holy, truthful, or enlightened
Suchitra: eye-catching portrayal
Sudha: this word has several meanings: wealthy, pure, superb, and nectar
Sujata: for dogs that are ‘a well-mannered and decent woman’
Sukanya: attractive young woman
Sundara: beautiful
Sunila: for dogs with beautiful eyes that are a striking ‘dark blue’
Suprabha: dazzling or glittering
Supriti: true love
Surabhi: perfumed or fragrant
Surupa: amazing or wonderful
Sushanti: calm or peaceful
Sushma: sparkling or attractive beauty
Suvrata: a respectable lover
Swati: for dogs that shine like ‘a star’
Tanvi: young woman
Tarala: for dogs that are always ‘dynamic’
Tejal: for dogs that seem to have a certain ‘glow’ to them
Toril: for dogs with a nice ‘temperament’
Triveni: a location where several sacred rivers cross. It’s a great name that symbolizes a sacred meeting point
Trusha: this word is used to define a craving to drink something. Perfect if you always crack open a cold one with your best bud in the evening
Ushma: for dogs born in spring
Vida: wisdom or intelligence
Vilina: well-disposed
Yamini: night
Wrap up
Finding the best name for your pet requires you to follow certain rules. The name must flow easily off the tongue, it should be concise (no more than two syllables), and crisp; lastly it should not match with the sound of a command or some other pet or person in the house. Following the above-mentioned rules is the best way to protect your pup’s individuality.
In the massive list of dog names above, we have tried to add the most practical terms from India. As far as pronunciation is concerned, you do not need to focus on the exact sound; simply utter it the way you feel easy or right. The name should come naturally to you; if it doesn’t skip it. After all, you will be uttering the word every day, so what’s the point of going for one that doesn’t speak to you?
Have you ever given an Indian name to your canine companion? Please share your dog’s naming story with us in the comments section below! Plus, how helpful was this article? Did it help in finding a suitable name for your cuddly companion? If your answer is yes, what name did you pick?
