Black Dog Names: Unique Ideas for Male & Female Pups

Man sitting in the grass petting his black dog

Getting a new dog is always an exciting adventure—especially when that dog has a stunning black coat. Whether you’ve just adopted a sleek black Labrador or a tiny jet-colored Chihuahua, finding the right name can feel like a big decision. Your dog’s name is a reflection of their personality and appearance, and for black dogs, the options are endlessly cool.

Black dogs are often associated with elegance, mystery, and strength. Their dark coats can evoke everything from the quiet beauty of a moonless night to the bold contrast of a tuxedo. A name that matches your pup’s striking look not only highlights their uniqueness but also strengthens the bond you’re building with your new pet. From powerful mythological references to playful food-themed names, there’s a perfect match waiting to be discovered.

Sadly, black dogs are usually overlooked in shelters and can spend about four times longer waiting to be rescued than their peers. We call this the Black Dog Syndrome making the choice to adopt a black dog all the more important. Your adoption not only gives a deserving dog a second chance, but it also helps raise awareness and challenge the outdated stereotypes that have kept too many black-coated pups waiting for homes.

If you recently adopted a black dog and are wanting to rename your new pup, this guide to changing your dog’s name might come in handy. It offers tips to make the transition smooth and stress-free—for both you and your buddy.

Black Female Dog Names

You might be wondering, “What is a good name for a black dog?” If you’ve got (or are getting) a female dog with a beautiful black coat, these names could be a perfect fit. Whether you prefer something elegant, clever, mysterious, or cute, there’s a name on this list that will highlight your pup’s charm:

Nyx – Greek goddess of the night, ideal for your midnight queen.
Ebony – Classic and elegant, just like your dog. This is one of the best names for female black dogs to highlight their beautiful, dark features.
Luna – Dreamy and mysterious with celestial flair.
Dahlia – A dark-petaled flower with dramatic beauty.
Sable – Refined and rare, like the luxurious animal.
Licorice – Sweet with a bit of a bite, perfect for quirky girls.
Velvet – Soft, dark, and luxurious.
Lilith – Mysterious and powerful, with mythological roots.
Stella – Meaning “star,” a shining contrast to a black coat.
Lily – A genius, tongue-in-cheek name, playing on contrast between white lilies and black coats.

Black Male Dog Names

For a male black dog, these names combine cool, clever, and classic. Whether he’s regal and strong, quirky and cute, or stylish and sleek, one of these black dog names could be the perfect match:

Ash – Strong and subtle, like the smoldering aftermath of fire.
Diesel – Rugged and energetic, perfect for an adventurous pup.
Jett – Streamlined and fast, a slight twist on “Jet.”
Hades – The Greek god of the underworld, ideal for dark and regal dogs.
Inky – Playful and cute, especially for smaller breeds.
Knox – Sharp and modern.
Tarmac – Industrial and tough.
Soot – A gritty, cool name for dogs with dark fur and big personality.
Jet – Sleek and fast, just like your black pup.
Onyx – An oldie but goodie, named after the precious black stone. This is one of the best black lab male names or for any male dog with a slick, black coat that glistens like onyx.

Additional Black Dog Names

Looking for something a bit more unique or off the beaten path? If you want a name that stands out, themed black dog names are a great way to show off your pup’s personality and your own creative flair. Whether you’re inspired by the beauty of nature, today’s pop culture, your favorite treats, or magical myths, these categories offer distinctive and meaningful options.

Explore themed name ideas below and see what fits your black-coated friend best—you might just stumble on the perfect match that feels like it was meant to be.

Pop Culture Names for Black Dogs

These popular black dog names are inspired by unforgettable characters from books, movies, TV shows, and comics—making them ideal for dogs with a flair for drama or a spark of mischief. Whether your pup reminds you of a brooding superhero, a whimsical witch, or a legendary creature, these names carry a bit of star power. They’re perfect for dog lovers who want to give their pet a name that’s fun, meaningful, and just a little iconic:

Neo – From “The Matrix”, great for dogs who are mysterious, strong, and destined for greatness.
Binx – The magical black cat from “Hocus Pocus”; spooky, sweet, and full of charm.
Toothless – The lovable dragon from “How to Train Your Dragon”, ideal for playful and loyal pups.
Wednesday – For fans of the “Addams Family”; perfect for a clever and slightly spooky dog.
Kylo – Inspired by Kylo Ren from “Star Wars”, for a dog with intensity and heart.
Venom – A Marvel antihero name, great for bold, energetic dogs.
Marceline – The vampire queen from “Adventure Time”; cool, artistic, and a little mysterious.
Bellatrix – From “Harry Potter”, for dogs with a wild side and a commanding presence.
Batman – Because your pup is your dark knight protector.
Chaplin – For puppies showing off their comedic genius.
Bagheera – The sleek and wise black panther from The Jungle Book.
Coraline – From the eerie yet whimsical film of the same name; ideal for curious pups.
Morbius – For fans of dark comic lore, suited to mysterious, striking dogs.
Morticia – Elegant and dark, just like the “Addams Family” matriarch. This is a great dark dog name for a refined and beautiful lady dog.
Sirius – A magical name for “Potterheads”, linked to the loyal and mysterious dog animagus.

Nature-Inspired Names for Black Dogs

Drawn from natural elements, weather, and celestial bodies, these names are perfect for pups who feel like a force of nature. Whether your dog reminds you of a stormy sky, a gracious flower, or a glowing ember, these earthy names will bring out their raw, natural charm:

Nebula – A galactic name for a dog who’s out of this world.
Fog – Soft and elusive, ideal for quiet, gentle pups.
Pitch – As dark as night, with a strong and simple sound.
Tornado – For whirlwind pups full of energy.
Sky – A breezy, open name for dreamers.
Forest – Earthy and natural, great for outdoorsy dogs.
Den – Cozy and strong, like a safe haven.
Dusty – Rustic and charming, perfect for scruffy black pups.
Smoke – Smooth and mysterious, with a subtle edge.
Carbon – Scientific and sleek.
Midnight – The ethereal black dog name that suits a mysterious, nocturnal pup.
Poppy – Affectionate and sweet, inspired by both red and black poppies.
Thunder – Powerful and bold.

Food-Related Names for Black Dogs

For the sweet, savory, or just plain fun, food-inspired names are great for dogs with big personalities and even bigger appetites. From rich desserts to bold drinks, these tasty names are sure to suit your spicy pup:

Cocoa – Rich, warm, and sweet.
Truffle – Gourmet and refined.
Licorice – For sweet pups with a bold streak.
Hershey – A sweet choice for chocolate lovers.
Oreo – Great for black-and-white pups.
Raisin – Cute and quirky for smaller dogs.
Olive – Briny and adorable, also great for tuxedo markings.
Beans – Playful and casual.
Guinness – A clever name, inspired by the darkest of drinks.
Root Beer – Fizzy and fun.
Tootsie – Sweet and nostalgic.
Godiva – For chocolate-loving elegance.
Chocolate – Classic and delicious.
Cake – Sweet and joyful.
Walnut – A nutty twist for smart dogs.
Coke – For bubbly personalities and a nod to the iconic dark soda. Another great dark dog name for more energetic pups.

Animal Names for Black Dogs

Inspired by other creatures—fierce or adorable—these names borrow from the animal kingdom to give your dog a name with a wild twist. Whether your pup is stealthy like a panther or slick like a seal, these names capture their inner animal spirit:

Panther – Sleek, stealthy, and powerful.
Crow – Intelligent and symbolic.
Batty – Quirky and playful.
Moose – Big, strong, and a little goofy.
Cobra – Striking and sly.
Viper – Edgy and cool.
Seal – Round, soft, and adorable.
Starling – Small and shiny.
Ant – Tiny and mighty.
Lobo – Spanish for “wolf,” a wild-hearted name.
Beetle – Small and shiny.
Squid – Quirky and aquatic.
Jag – Short for jaguar, sleek and fierce.

Cool Names for Black Dogs

Looking for something with a bit of edge or style? These cool names for black dogs draw inspiration from nature, mythology, and modern trends. Whether your dog is mysterious, sleek, bold, or just plain adorable, one of these names might be the perfect fit:

Shadow – For a quiet, stealthy dog who follows you everywhere.
Eclipse – Ideal for a dog with a powerful presence, like the moon covering the sun.
Storm – Great for dogs with bold energy and a dramatic flair.
Nova – For a dog that lights up your life, even with their dark coat.
Vanta – Inspired by Vantablack, one of the darkest substances known to science. Perfect for a black lab dog name or another dog who has fur darker than the midnight skies.
Knight – For a noble and loyal protector.
Salem – Mysterious and magical, with a hint of Halloween spirit.
Ember – A name that evokes smoldering charm beneath a dark surface.
Zorro – The masked hero with a flair for the dramatic.
Morpheus – Mythological and cool, for dreamers and adventurers.
Phantom – Enigmatic and suave, perfect for an aloof yet affectionate dog.
Vega – A bright star name that contrasts beautifully with a dark coat.

Black-and-White Dog Names

Ideal for dogs with dual-colored coats, these names highlight the contrast in your pup’s fur. Whether it’s a patch of white on a black body or vice versa, these names embrace the tuxedo look with clever and cute flair:

Domino – Classic and playful.
Cruella – As above, dramatic and bold.
Zebra – Wild and striped.
Panda – If they got a touch of white, this name is full of cuteness overload.
Mixer – A fun reference to blending colors.
Penguin – Cute and waddly.
Spot – A classic for spotted coats.
Magpie – Shiny and mischievous.
Patches – Ideal for uniquely marked dogs.
Speckle – Lightly dotted and fun.
Dottie – Dainty and playful.
Orca – Like the striking sea creature.
Skunk – Silly and distinctive.
Stripes – For patterned pups.
Tux – The stylish name for a fashionable puppy.

Names That Mean “Black” (in Other Languages)

Try something multicultural and meaningful with names that translate to “black” in various languages. These names are elegant, worldly, and offer a unique way to honor your dog’s striking coat color with a global twist:

Noir (French) – Mysterious and elegant.
Kuro (Japanese) – Short, bold, and cool.
Preta (Portuguese) – Feminine and sleek.
Musta (Finnish) – Strong and unique.
Aswad (Arabic) – Meaning deep black.
Schwarz (German) – Dark and authoritative.
Nera (Italian) – Feminine and stylish.
Czarny (Polish) – Strong Eastern European flair.
Chernyy (Russian) – Deep, cold, and bold.
Itom (Cebuano) – Short and regional.
Sida (Thai) – Short and melodic.
‘Ele‘Ele (Hawaiian) – Soft and beautiful.
Du (Welsh) – Minimalist and cool.
Svart (Swedish) – Nordic and chic.
Mavros (Greek) – Ancient and noble.

Names That Mean “Night”

Evoking the calm, beauty, or mystery of the night, these names are perfect for dogs with a serene or enigmatic personality. From mythological figures to poetic translations, these night-themed names capture the essence of darkness in the most beautiful way:

Nox (Latin) – Goddess of night, short and powerful.
Nacht (German) – Bold and guttural.
Nuit (French) – Soft and mysterious.
Gabi (Tagalog) – Gentle and local.
Yoru (Japanese) – Exotic and lyrical.
Layla (Arabic) – Romantic and popular.
Noche (Spanish) – Bold and smooth.
Usiku (Swahili) – Rhythmic and unique.
Neechta (Greek) – Poetic and deep.
Ebusuku (Zulu) – Cultural and vibrant.
Yewan (Mandarin) – Balanced and elegant.
Noite (Portuguese) – Simple and moody.

How to Choose the Best Black Dog Name

Still unsure what to name your black puppy? Don’t worry—it’s all part of the fun. The best black dog names are personal, memorable, and suited to your dog’s appearance and character. Start by observing your new pup’s behavior: Are they bold and energetic, or quiet and cuddly? Do they have any adorable quirks or standout traits? Sometimes, a name will come to you naturally just by spending time together.

It also helps to think about your own style and interests. Are you into mythology, movies, or nature? You might want a name that reflects something you love. Remember to keep the name short and easy to pronounce—two syllables often work best for dogs to recognize and respond quickly.

Say the name out loud a few times to see how it feels. Does it roll off the tongue? Will it be easy to call out at the park or during training? And most importantly, does it make you smile?

Need more tips? Check out this complete guide to choosing a dog name. It offers helpful strategies to make your decision easier and more meaningful.

Bringing home a new dog comes with a lot of responsibility—but also a lot of joy. Here are a few helpful resources to get started on the right paw:

From picking the perfect name to your first vet visit, you’re now well on your way to giving your black dog the happiest life possible!

For more articles with information about names for your new dog, explore our other dog and puppy name articles.