Black Dog Names: Unique, Male & Female Names for Black Dogs

Written by Krista Watson

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A black dog is seen sitting on grass holding its precious toy in its mouth, one could only wonder what could be its unique name. Is this a black female dog or a black male dog? And if it is a female dog, then what could be its unique name befitting for a beautifully magestic-looking black female dog.

Does your new pup have a beautiful coat of thick black fur? If so, you might be trying to find a name that calls attention to those luscious locks! You’ve got a lot of puppy names to choose from but finding that perfect match can help you create a special bond with your canine friend.

To give you some inspiration, we’ve created a list of names for black dogs that includes all the classics but also provides quirky and unique black dog names, too! Let’s get your creativity flowing by looking at some of our favorite options for your black-furred beauty.

Black Female Dog Names

If your pampered pooch is a girl, consider these black female dog names. One of these names might fit your little princess or warrior, depending on her personality. A smart, observant pup could be called Raven since they mirror the bird’s intelligence, while a name like Coffee would better suit a rambunctious girl always on the go!

Here are some more ideas:

  • Ebony

  • Morticia

  • Sabrina

  • Midnight

  • Elvira

  • Ember

  • Luna

  • Eve

  • Stormy

  • Obsidian

  • Eclipse

  • Inky

  • Stella

  • Sable

  • Misty

  • Glossy

  • Sheena

Black Male Dog Names

Are you bringing a boy pup into your home? We’ve also got some ideas for black dog names for males. Just like with girl dog names, many of these are creative spins on our favorite “dark” themes, like nighttime and Halloween.

  • Slate

  • Reaper

  • Pepper

  • Espresso

  • Bear

  • Shadow

  • Coal

  • Vulcan

  • Smokey

  • Coke

  • Ash

  • Hades

  • Phantom

  • Thunder

  • Wolf

  • Twilight

  • Jet

  • Tux

  • Rook

  • Cinder

  • Salem

  • Rocky

  • Ghost

a cute black puppy sitting on a sofa beside a laptop, probably searching for a unique black name fit for her playful personality.

Unique Black Dog Names for Your Puppy

Want your dog to stand out from others at the dog park? Give them a unique black dog name, one that no other pup in the neighborhood has. You can draw inspiration for unique black dog names from pop culture, the outdoors, and even your dinner plate!

Black Dog Names Inspired by Pop Culture

Don’t forget that you can always look to other sources that are right under your nose. A favorite book, movie, or song may mention a little black dog that reminds you of your own!

  • Sirius (Harry Potter)

  • Snuffles (Harry Potter)

  • Dementor (Harry Potter)

  • Toto (Wizard of Oz)

  • Cerberus (Greek mythology)

  • Wick (John Wick)

  • Cooper (Angel Dog)

  • Charger (Paw Patrol)

  • Galaxy (Paw Patrol)

  • Angus (Coraline)

  • Kyle (Despicable Me)

  • Thanator (Avatar)

  • El Diablo (Beverly Hills Chihuahua)

  • Jock (Lady and the Tramp)

  • Alpha (Up)

  • Chief (Isle of Dogs)

  • Buddy (Secret Life of Pets)

  • Dante (Coco)

  • Tinkles (Hotel Transylvania)

Black Dog Names Inspired by Nature

The world around us is filled with inspiration for your pup’s name. From the evening sunset to far-off galaxies, nature provides a fount of ideas for black-inspired names. Take your dog for a stroll and see what plants and other objects catch your eye! A quick glance in the stream at the park might call attention to the pretty dark moss under a bridge or the beautiful black rocks sparkling in the sunlight.

  • Nebula

  • Charcoal

  • Soot

  • Oil

  • Tracks

  • Dusty

  • Pitch

  • Tornado

  • Pebble

  • River

  • Nimbus

  • Milky Way

  • Sandy

  • Mossy

  • Den

  • Forest

  • Sky

  • Andromeda

  • Eclipse

  • Shade

  • Fog

Curious black dog loves nature. This is probably where its owner took idea for its black-inspired nature-like name. A plant might have caught its eye in its humans' home and from then on was named after it.

Black Dog Names Inspired by Food

Of course, food is always a fun source of inspiration! Chances are your sweet pup is going to be just as curious when it comes to exploring the culinary world. If your dog won’t stop sampling the blackberries from the vine in your backyard, you might have just found your name for them! And while dogs can’t eat chocolate, there’s no reason you can’t name your little friend Cocoa or Tootsie!

  • Cake

  • Hershey

  • Kiss

  • Guinness

  • Chocolate

  • Licorice

  • Olive

  • Cocoa

  • Beans

  • Cadbury

  • Jelly Bean

  • Raisin

  • Walnut

  • Truffle

  • Taffy

  • Godiva

  • Root Beer

  • Juniper

  • Nestle

  • Mars

Names for Black Dogs Inspired by Animals

We all know a dog that must have been a sloth in a past life or who is much better suited among a litter of snoozing kittens than a pack of wolves. Does your pup seem sneaky as a snake or clever as a crow? Sometimes, fantastic dog names for black dogs come from completely different animals! An afternoon trip to the local zoo could help you snag that perfect name.

  • Jag

  • Panther

  • Moose

  • Seal

  • Starling

  • Lobo

  • Canis

  • Batty

  • Ant

  • Cobra

  • Viper

  • Squid

  • Beetle

  • Crow

  • Oso

A happy black-and-white dog walking on the greeny fields of grass. Domino would be such a cute name of this black-and-white dalmatian, but really with this variation of color, there are lots of unique choices for a black-and-white dog name out there.

Black-and-White Dog Name

There are many variations of black and white coats. Some dogs, like Dalmatians, are white with black spots, while others, such as Landseers, have large black patches. Siberian Huskies have blanket-like black fur that stops at their chest and legs, and Japanese Chins have coats that can sometimes appear almost striped. Use your pup’s individual look to find their name!

  • Oreo

  • Panda

  • Cruella

  • Domino

  • Speckle

  • Dottie

  • Patches

  • Tux

  • Penguin

  • Spot

  • Sparkles

  • Stripes

  • Zebra

  • Mixer

  • Orca

  • Skunk

  • Magpie

Dog Names That Mean Black in Other Languages

If you’re not finding the right name in English, why not look to other languages for inspiration? Whether you (or your dog) have a special connection to German, Spanish, or Latin, another language might hold the perfect name for your pup!

Here are some names that mean “black” in languages from around the world.

  • Kuro (Japanese)

  • Schwarz (German)

  • Preta (Portuguese)

  • Svart (Swedish)

  • Chernyy (Russian)

  • Aswad (Arabic)

  • Nera (Italian)

  • Musta (Finnish)

  • Sida (Thai)

  • ‘Ele’Ele (Hawaiian)

  • Itom (Cebuano)

  • Du (Welsh)

  • Czarny (Polish)

  • Noir (French)

  • Mavros (Greek)

Dog Names That Mean Night in Other Languages

Does your dog’s coat remind you of the night sky? Each language has its own word for “night,” and you might find that one of these suits your pup to a tee.

  • Gabi (Tagalog)

  • Yoru (Japanese)

  • Nacht (German)

  • Nuit (French)

  • Nox (Latin)

  • Layla (Arabic)

  • Neechta (Greek)

  • Noche (Spanish)

  • Noite (Portuguese)

  • Ebusuku (Zulu)

  • Usiku (Swahili)

  • Yewan (Mandarin)

Popular Black Dog Breeds

Dog lovers who have their hearts set on owning a black breed have a lot of options. Some dogs are solid black while others are mostly black with hints of other colors like brown or tan.

  • Doberman Pinschers: These mighty guard dogs are known for their black coats with rust-colored markings.

  • Rottweilers: Heavyweights that can clock in at nearly 200 pounds, Rottweilers are known for their loyalty and intelligence. Their smarts are wrapped up in short, black and tan coats.

  • Giant Schnauzers: Few canines are as stubborn but lovable as the Giant Schnauzer, a breed also known for its all-black fur coat.

  • Affenpinschers: Cute and curious, the Affenpinscher is a tiny black breed that’s ideal for families.

  • Scottish Terriers: This breed’s black physique is immortalized in licorice candies around the world.

  • Black Russian Terriers: These dogs have ancestors that include Giant Schnauzers and Rottweilers resulting in brilliant black coats that need regular brushing.

  • Portuguese Water Dogs: Some Portuguese Water Dogs are solid black, but they do come in other colors like brown and white.

  • Schipperkes: Before you adopt a pup from this all-black breed, be sure you’re up for consistent training and energy.

  • Cane Corsos: Most dogs of this massive breed are completely black, but fawn- or brown-colored Cane Corsos are not uncommon.

  • Flat-Coated Retrievers: This breed has a gorgeous black (or liver) coat that sheds constantly and is typically sopping wet from their fascination with water.

  • Poodles: Black poodles don’t shed but they do need to be groomed every four to six weeks.

Before adopting, make sure you find a reputable breeder or visit your local animal shelter. Puppy mills are all too common, and you want your dog to be healthy and well-adjusted.

Give Your Black Dog a Name Everyone Will Love

Narrowing down the list of names for a black dog can be hard, but it can help to take into consideration your dog’s temperament and interests. Whether you’re considering male or female black dog names, you’ll want to make sure you give your dog an appropriate name that you’re going to be happy with for a decade or more.

Beyond endless belly rubs and delicious treats, providing your furry friend with quality veterinary care is essential for their happy and healthy life. Pet medical insurance. can offer peace of mind – knowing you're prepared for unexpected vet bills allows you to focus on what truly matters: showering your precious pup with love, every step of the way.

With a name that reflects their spirit and a plan to keep them healthy and happy, you and your ebony wonder can embark on countless adventures, creating a lifetime of unforgettable memories together.