120 Brilliant Literary Dog Names for Your Bookish Canine

When it comes to naming your dog, literature provides a treasure trove of unique and meaningful options. Literary dog names not only celebrate your love for books but also give your pup a name that’s rich in character and story. Whether you’re inspired by classic novels, modern bestsellers, children’s tales, or famous authors, there’s a perfect literary name out there for your furry friend. Below is a list of 120 literary dog names divided into categories, along with the origin of each name to help you find the ideal match.

Classic Literary Names

These names are inspired by timeless characters from classic literature. Perfect for dogs with a noble and enduring spirit.

• Male:
  • Atticus (To Kill a Mockingbird): A name that symbolizes integrity and justice.
  • Gatsby (The Great Gatsby): Ideal for a charming and charismatic dog.
  • Ishmael (Moby Dick): Perfect for a contemplative and adventurous pup.
  • Holden (The Catcher in the Rye): A great name for a dog with a protective nature.
  • Sherlock (Sherlock Holmes): For the observant and intelligent canine.

• Female:
  • Elizabeth (Pride and Prejudice): A strong and classic name for a regal dog.
  • Scarlett (Gone with the Wind): Ideal for a bold and independent spirit.
  • Ophelia (Hamlet): A name with depth, perfect for a gentle and thoughtful dog.
  • Jane (Jane Eyre): A name that embodies strength and resilience.
  • Daisy (The Great Gatsby): Perfect for a dog with a delicate and sweet personality.

Names from Modern Literature

These names come from contemporary fiction, reflecting characters that resonate with today’s readers.

• Male:
  • Frodo (The Lord of the Rings): A name that represents bravery and loyalty.
  • Pilgrim (Slaughterhouse-Five): Ideal for a dog that has a journeying spirit.
  • Jude (A Little Life): A name for a loyal and devoted companion.
  • Santiago (The Old Man and the Sea): Perfect for a dog that’s determined and strong-willed.
  • Eragon (The Inheritance Cycle): Great for an adventurous and heroic dog.

• Female:
  • Katniss (The Hunger Games): For the brave and resilient dog.
  • Lisbeth (The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo): A name for a clever and resourceful pup.
  • Luna (Harry Potter): Ideal for a dog that’s a bit quirky and magical.
  • Hazel (The Fault in Our Stars): Perfect for a dog with a loving and gentle nature.
  • Kya (Where the Crawdads Sing): Great for a dog that loves nature and is resilient.

Children’s Literature Names

Names inspired by beloved children’s books, perfect for playful, innocent, and curious dogs.

• Male:
  • Milo (The Phantom Tollbooth): For a clever and adventurous pup.
  • Toto (The Wizard of Oz): Ideal for a brave and loyal dog.
  • Max (Where the Wild Things Are): Perfect for a wild and playful spirit.
  • Peter (Peter Pan): A name for a dog that’s youthful and full of energy.
  • Winnie (Winnie the Pooh): A sweet name for a gentle and loving dog.

• Female:
  • Matilda (Matilda): A name for a smart and mischievous dog.
  • Alice (Alice in Wonderland): Perfect for a curious and adventurous dog.
  • Fern (Charlotte’s Web): Ideal for a caring and protective dog.
  • Coraline (Coraline): For an independent and daring pup.
  • Pippi (Pippi Longstocking): A name for a spirited and unique dog.

Fantasy and Sci-Fi Names

These names are drawn from the vast realms of fantasy and science fiction, ideal for dogs with a sense of adventure.

• Male:
  • Gandalf (The Lord of the Rings): For a wise and protective dog.
  • Neo (The Matrix): Perfect for a dog that defies the ordinary.
  • Kirk (Star Trek): Ideal for a dog with leadership qualities.
  • Merlin (Arthurian Legend): A magical name for a clever and enigmatic dog.
  • Thor (Marvel Comics): Perfect for a strong and powerful dog.

• Female:
  • Leia (Star Wars): A noble and commanding name for a strong-willed dog.
  • Daenerys (Game of Thrones): For a regal and determined dog.
  • Arya (Game of Thrones): Ideal for an independent and spirited canine.
  • Galadriel (The Lord of the Rings): A name that’s perfect for a graceful and wise dog.
  • Ripley (Alien): Great for a dog that’s brave and resilient.

Names from Famous Authors

Celebrate the literary greats by naming your dog after an iconic author, perfect for a pup with a classic or intellectual vibe.

• Male:
  • Hemingway (Ernest Hemingway): A strong and classic name.
  • Poe (Edgar Allan Poe): Perfect for a mysterious and darkly charming dog.
  • Twain (Mark Twain): Ideal for a witty and adventurous pup.
  • Orwell (George Orwell): A name for a dog with a sharp mind.
  • Tolkien (J.R.R. Tolkien): Perfect for a dog that’s imaginative and wise.

• Female:
  • Austen (Jane Austen): Perfect for a dog with a graceful and refined demeanor.
  • Maya (Maya Angelou): A strong name for an inspirational and wise dog.
  • Harper (Harper Lee): Ideal for a courageous and steadfast companion.
  • Agatha (Agatha Christie): A name for a clever and observant pup.
  • Shelley (Mary Shelley): Great for a dog with a creative and unique personality.

Poetic Names

For dogs that inspire a more lyrical and thoughtful approach, these names are drawn from famous poets and their works, embodying beauty and depth.

• Male:
  • Whitman (Walt Whitman): Ideal for a free-spirited and nature-loving dog.
  • Byron (Lord Byron): A name for a dog with a romantic and adventurous spirit.
  • Dante (Dante Alighieri): Perfect for a dog with a deep and thoughtful personality.
  • Keats (John Keats): Great for a sensitive and poetic soul.
  • Eliot (T.S. Eliot): A name for a dog that’s both clever and enigmatic.

• Female:
  • Sylvia (Sylvia Plath): Ideal for a dog with a profound and introspective nature.
  • Emily (Emily Dickinson): A gentle and timeless name for a thoughtful dog.
  • Sonnet: Perfect for a dog that inspires creativity and love.
  • Lyric: A name for a dog with a musical and expressive personality.
  • Maya (Maya Angelou): For a dog that exudes wisdom and grace.

Naming your dog after a literary figure or author not only honors your love for books but also gives your dog a name filled with character and history. Whether your pup is a modern hero, a classic beauty, or a poetic soul, this list of 120 literary dog names covers a wide range of options that are as unique and meaningful as your dog. Choose a name that reflects your dog’s personality and your literary passions, and you’ll have a name that both you and your furry friend will cherish.