Yippee-ki-yay! You just got a young and youthful pup from the animal shelter. You must be eager to learn all about your new dog and make it feel at home. First though, what will you name it?
Did you know that dogs have personalities similar to people? In that sense, it’s important to choose a name that fits your canine’s character. For example, if your puppy has a big appetite, it might be befitting to use a yummy food name for it.
Likewise, you could use your dog’s appearance to inspire a suitable name. This can refer to their size, color, or any other distinguishing feature. For instance, you can name a black and white Border Collie Oreo, or a long-haired female Afghan Hound Rapunzel. You get the point.
I’ve compiled a list of 290 dog names that start with Y. For the sake of convenience, I’ve divided them into categories. Just scroll through to the section that most reflects your pooch.
100 Girl Dog Names That Start With Y
Let’s say the most precious little dog princess who ever lived just joined your family. Maybe she looks like her name should start with a Y.
Whether you want her name to be short, exotic-sounding, or feminine-like, there’s a name here for all types of female dogs.
25 Feminine Dog Names That Start With Y
The girliest Y names we could find are listed below:
- Yasmin
- Yalette
- Yvonne
- Yara
- Yohanna
- Yulie
- Yolanda
- Yosemite
- Yannie
- Yvette
- Yamelia
- Yarra
- Yuliana
- Yamana
- Yadette
- Yilma
- Yudith
- Ysabellita
- Yrisette
- Ypsilona
- Yarelle
- Yessica
- Yliana
- Yollina
- Yerina
25 Short Girl Dog Names That Start With Y
These are some short dog names with one to two syllables only:
- Yve
- Yva
- Yaz
- Yenna
- Yannis
- Yena
- Yanni
- Yanna
- Yakie
- Yosie
- Yuxi
- Yutta
- Yumi
- Yudy
- Ysa
- Yrla
- Yolli
- Yoko
- Yiz
- Yawa
- Yave
- Yps
- Yna
- Yeza
- Yofi
25 Exotic Sounding Names That Start With Y
These are some exotic names for your bougie doggie:
- Yana
- Yakima
- Yanita
- Yanika
- Yalie
- Yelena
- Yolande
- Yamine
- Yalena
- Yamara
- Yenny
- Yeila
- Yemina
- Yasemine
- Yasmina
- Yushka
- Ywanka
- Yolitha
- Ylma
- Ywanka
- Yondra
- Yinka
- Yingera
- Yamaica
- Yilge
25 More Girl Dog Names That Start With Y
Because we all like to have more to choose from, these are some extra 25 names:
- Yollina
- Yulka
- Yoola
- Yemine
- Yoice
- Yodel
- Yika
- Yike
- Yipsi
- Yinte
- Yaxeni
- Yerba
- Yelphi
- Yataka
- Yashra
- Yarwa
- Yasada
- Yankie
- Yanin
- Yammi
- Yambie
- Yalta
- Yakitah
- Yuma
- Yola
100 Boy Dog Names That Start With Y
On the other hand, you may have a boy dog who’s as noble as a knight. If so, it might be better to choose a name such as St. George or Mr. White. Yet, a name that starts with Y may be more suitable.
This section breaks down 100 male dog names into different categories so it’s easier to choose one that suits your pup.
25 Masculin Dog Names That Start With Y
Check these out, they may be suitable for your macho boy dog.
- Young
- Yunus
- Yussuf
- Yoshi
- Yiannis
- Youffie
- Yackson
- Ysarex
- Yohan
- Yoey
- Yoshi
- Yannick
- Yassim
- Yason
- Yestin
- Yaris
- Yarwen
- Yastor
- Yaldo
- Yordan
- Yanush
- Yoker
- Youmen
- Yoster
- Yimmy
25 Short Dog Names That Start With Y
These short names will be easy to remember and pronounce, especially if you have children.
- Yacko
- Yuri
- Yves
- Yan
- Yaro
- Yaar
- Yora
- York
- Yaya
- Yogi
- Yawa
- Ytor
- Yado
- Yama
- Ymo
- Yalu
- Yaffo
- Yet
- Yill
- Yowo
- Yax
- Ybo
- Yasi
- Yatu
- Yoschi
25 Exotic Boy Dog Names That Start With Y
Is your dog from an exotic breed? Or does he seem to simply enjoy the finer things in life? Check out these exotic-sounding dog names:
- Yahgan
- Ypres
- Yildeen
- Yambo
- Yango
- Yang
- Yanosch
- Yarrow
- Yermak
- Yasir
- Yandro
- Yasmir
- Yatakan
- Ymir
- Ylon
- Yair
- Yerus
- Ygor
- Yndus
- Yovan
- Yubel
- Ybs
- Yvado
- Yvetto
- Yxus
25 Extra Boy Dog Names That Start With Y
Here are some more names, in case the ones above were too mainstream for you:
- Yukon
- Yancy
- Yasco
- Yakasin
- Yasper
- Yafro
- Yajou
- Yavis
- Yentl
- Ylko
- Yankor
- Yaboo
- Yagow
- Yann
- Yearly
- Ycon
- Ycaros
- Yellow
- Yeal
- Yafro
- Yenor
- Yillo
- Yilko
- Yorg
- Yulch
20 Big Dog Names That Start With Y
If you have a big dog like a Mastiff or a Great Dane, it might be befitting to choose a mighty name for him.
Even if your dog is small in size, it may have a big personality and leave a lasting impression on everyone who meets it. Your pup may be quite loud and assertive as well.
The following dog names that start with Y are unisex:
- Yamaha
- Yeller
- Yogi
- Yeti
- Yale
- Ygor
- Yell
- Yogi bear
- Yorker
- Yona
- Yutu
- Yael
- Yardan
- Yoshi
- Yemon
- Yak
- Yaguar
- Yunus
- Yukatan
- Yari
20 Cute Dog Names That Start With Y
Have you ever met a cute small dog that looks like a puppy forever? It’s like it drank from the fountain of youth to keep that fur fresh and those eyes sparkling.
These are some names for such cute puppies. Whether your precious little pup is male or female, these names will fit just fine.
- Yellow
- Yippie
- Yappy
- Yoda
- Yankee
- Yahoo
- Yoyo
- Yorkie
- Yodel
- Yelpy
- Yoga
- Yukiko
- Young
- Yabo
- Yafar
- Yaeck
- Yenn
- Youngster
- Yax
- Yenny
20 Dog Names That Start With Y Based on Fictional Characters
Does your dog love cuddling and watching TV with you? I know mine does. In the same fashion, if you’re a gamer, you might have noticed your dog’s excitement when you’re about to win.
Typically, you’ll notice your dog barking or howling with joy to join in the victory celebration. Why not choose a name for your pooch from your favorite show, game, or movie!
This is a list of a few dog names based on fictional characters that start with Y.
- Yoshi (Super Mario game)
- Yennefer (The Witcher)
- Yoda (Star Wars)
- Yugi (Yu-Gi-Oh)
- Yelena (Avengers)
- Yin (Yin Yang Yo!)
- Yang (Yin Yang Yo!)
- Yanchen (Avatar)
- Yara (Game of Thrones)
- Yeti (Marvel)
- Yamato (Naruto)
- Yagami (Death Note)
- Yuri (Call of Duty)
- Yuna (Final Fantasy)
- Yuno (Future Diary)
- Yakiteru (Future Diary)
- Yashamaru (Naruto)
- Yasutora (aka Chad from Bleach)
- Yao (Mulan)
- Yaskier (The Witcher)
15 Yummy Dog Names That Start With Y
Let’s think, what do your dog and food have in common? Do they both bring joy and make your day a little better? Then, why not name it a food-inspired name?
It’s widely believed already that dogs and their owners have a lot in common. For us, it’s that we both love food way too much.
Here are a few foods that start with Y that can double as dog names. They’re all unisex, if you’re wondering.
- Yam
- Yelly (rhymes with Jelly)
- Yogurt
- Yukon gold
- Yarb
- Yodel
- Yiro
- Yali
- Yacon
- Yuzu
- Yucca
- Yakisoba/Yaki
- Yakitori/Yaki
- Yummy
- Yabrak
15 Funny Dog Names That Start With Y
Some dogs spread laughter wherever they go. They may have the biggest smiles or do the goofiest things. In this instance, you may choose a funny name for your dog. Just keep in mind not to pick a name that could embarrass you when calling your dog in public.
Here are some silly dog names that start with Y:
- Yolo
- Yo
- Yap
- Yard
- Yarn
- Yabber
- Yabba
- Yaff
- Yakow
- Yaffingale
- Yuke
- Yauld
- Yurt
- Yowza
- Yawn
Tips for Choosing a Good Dog Name
This could be your first time, or your twentieth, to name a dog. Either way, you know it’s a big deal so you should choose the name carefully.
This can be a fun event too since the whole family can come together and each person can suggest names.
Here are some tips to keep in mind when selecting a dog name:
1. Don’t Rush it
You may think that you need to find a name as soon as you bring your puppy home, but that’s not the case. You can wait for a few days to get to know your pet first. This way, your dog will reveal for itself all its traits that stand out.
For example, you may notice that your dog is pretty calm and collected, so you can choose to name it Yoga. This way, it will be as if the dog chose the name for itself.
2. Stick with Short Names
When naming dogs, always go for short names that are easy to pronounce. Ideally, they should have vowels because that’s what dogs can hear the most. As such, names like Yuna or Yaffo are perfect since they contain only two syllables and two vowels.
In the same vein, avoid long and complex names that are difficult to get your tongue around. Although a name like Cassiopeia may have a beautiful meaning, it’s only going to be difficult for everyone to remember, let alone pronounce it correctly.
3. Don’t Choose a Friend’s Name
Another thing to avoid is choosing a name that belongs to a friend or family member. The first problem this could cause is confusing both parties. The second issue that could arise is that the human may be offended by your choice.
If you really love your friend’s name that much and you don’t mind causing confusion, it’s a good idea to talk to them first.
4. Avoid Common Words
When naming your pooch, choose a unique word that you don’t use in your daily speech. For example, don’t name her Coffee, as much as you may love the beverage. That’s because whenever you mention the name of your favorite drink, your dog may think you’re referring to it.
Eventually, the dog may learn that you’re not always calling it. This may lead to your pup becoming unresponsive when you do call it. That’s the opposite of what you want though, right?
5. Be Consistent
In the world of dogs, names are just names. So, you don’t have to give your dog a full name and later shorten it into a “pet name” as a form of endearment. It’s better to just stick to one name and be consistent with it.
Wouldn’t it be weird if you named your dog King Richard the Lionheart and ended up calling him King on most days? If King is what you were going for, then let it be just King from day one and every day that follows.
6. Stay Clear from Command-like Names
Finally, avoid giving your dog a name that resembles a command in your language. In English, you’d typically give a firm “No” if you find your dog doing something unacceptable. So, naming your dog “Po”, for example, can be a bad idea because it sounds rather similar to “No”.
Similarly, teaching dogs the command “Sit” is basic in most dog-training curricula. Therefore, naming your dog “Sid” will only leave him confused.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can dog names be changed?
Yes, you can change your dog’s name. Once you choose a new name, stick with it and always call your dog that one. Being consistent will help your dog learn its new name.
What dog names go well together?
It’s a great idea to name your dog couple together. Some cute names are Mickey and Minnie, Lily and Marshall, Marge and Homer, or Luke and Lorelai.
The clue is to borrow the names of couples from your favorite shows, movies, or books.
Are dog names capitalized?
Following the style of the American Kennel Club (AKC), the first letter in every word in the name of a dog breed is capitalized.
As for the name you choose for your dog, there’s really no need to capitalize unless you want to—after all, it’s your pet!
What dog names mean gentle?
Gentleness is a sweet quality in many dogs. You’ll find that a gentle dog will act like an older sibling to a baby, steering them away from danger or rocking them to sleep.
Some names that mean gentle are Damario, Curio, and Adiv.
What dog names mean brave?
Dogs, truly, are a blessing because they’re loyal and brave. Some names that mean brave are Courage, Hart, Kuno, and Bernard.
What can I name my smart dog?
Sometimes, I think my dog is a human in an animal’s body. Finding a name to match its intelligence can be a challenge. With origins from different languages, Zaki, Higgins, Malatino, and Haziq are all names that mean clever.
