240+ Shih Tzu Dog Names
Names chosen to suit the Shih Tzu's tiny size and famous temperament.
Little lion of Chinese palaces, now a sofa aristocrat. A great Shih Tzu name echoes the breed's heritage and personality — here are picks in that spirit.
MoFemaleThree-letter legend; best friend to allAriUnisexDogLion-hearted eagle eye on every squirrelGusMaleDogShort for Augustus — grumpy-cute grandpa energyIanMaleDogScottish simplicity, kind and unhurriedLeoMaleLion — for the little king of the houseMacMaleDogSon of — friendly big-Mac energyPipMaleSmall seed — Dickensian little gentlemanRooMaleKangaroo joey — bounces everywhereUmaFemaleSplendor, Sanskrit — serene and striking
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UnoFemaleDogThe first and the favorite, always and foreverAbbyFemaleDogFather\'s joy, Hebrew origin — warm and friendlyAlbaFemaleDogDawn in Italian and Spanish — a fresh morning spiritAnjaFemaleSlavic grace, gentle and quietly nobleAnyaFemaleGrace, Russian form of Anna — sleek and lovelyAriaUnisexAiry solo melody — graceful and songlikeArloMaleDogFortified hill, Old English — folksy and warmBeauMaleDogHandsome, French — a true Southern gentlemanBrioMaleDogItalian for vivacity, pure bouncing enthusiasmSponsored
ChipMaleDogSmall wood chip — tiny guy with big barkCocoFemaleChic French flair — designer dog energyCoraFemaleDogMaiden, Greek — vintage graceDashMaleDogFast mover — full-speed zoomiesDoveFemaleGentle bird of peace — soft and calmDukeMaleDogNoble rank — for the dignified gentlemanEarlMaleDogNobleman — grey-muzzle dignityElbaFemaleDogMediterranean isle of exile and daring escapeElmoMaleDogNoble protector — beloved red fuzzballSponsored
ElsaFemaleNoble, Germanic — ice queen with a warm heartEmmyFemaleUniversal, Germanic — award-winning sweetnessEvieFemaleDogLife, Hebrew — sparkling little spriteFifiFemaleFancy French poodle — haute couture fluffFigsFemaleSweet autumn fruit; a wrinkly heart of goldFoxyFemaleSly and stunning — red-hot charmFujiMaleDogSacred mountain, snow-capped and sereneGigiFemaleFrench double-glam — tiny fashionistaGwenFemaleDogWhite and blessed, Welsh — fair and pureGyroMaleDogSpinning Greek street joy, tzatziki includedHeroMaleDogSaves the day — cape optionalIggyMaleFire, Latin — punk-rock little fireballIrisUnisexRainbow flower — eye of the skyIslaFemaleIsland, Scottish — calm coastal charmIzzyFemaleGod is my oath — zippy and brightJadeFemalePrecious green stone; calm, cool and smoothJinxFemalePlayful bad luck — sneezes mischiefJunoFemaleRoman queen of the gods — imperious and lovingKaliFemaleDogDark-eyed and dazzling, a spark of the divineKikiFemaleDouble-kick energy — petite performerKingMaleDogNo middle names needed — he rulesKiraFemaleBeam of light, Russian — sharp and shiningKodaMaleFriend, Sioux origin — native warmthLadyFemaleDogAnd the Tramp — refined with a adventurous streakLolaFemaleSorrows in Spanish, sass in practiceLucaUnisexDogBringer of light, sea-monster sweetLucyFemaleLight — bright and cheerfulLuluFemaleFamous warrior — pearl of the partyLushFemaleDogGreen and glorious, garden dwellerMikaUnisexDogRaccoon-faced cleverness, new-moon playMilaFemaleDear one, Slavic — sweet and gracefulMiloMaleSoldier or merciful — bouncy and sweetMimiFemaleDogA purr of a name, soft and sweet on the tongueMoseFemaleDogOld-soul simplicity, steady as morning lightNemoMaleDogNobody, Latin — little swimmer who finds his wayNewtMaleSmall salamander — magizoologist charmNinaFemaleDogLittle girl, Spanish — petite and livelyOdieMaleDogSweet simple pup — loyal to his grumpy palOpalFemaleIridescent gemstone — shimmering treasureOreoUnisexBlack-and-white cookie — the tuxedo classicOttoMaleDogWealthy, Germanic — boxy little tank of joyOzmaFemaleDogPrincess of Oz — lost-and-found royaltyPicoMaleZesty salsa — little bite, big flavorRajaMaleTiger friend from the palace — loyal guardianRemyMaleTiny gourmet chef — dreams big from little pawsRheaUnisexFlowing stream — Titan-mother graceRomyFemaleDogA rosemary sprig of sweetness, fresh and brightRoryMaleDogRed king, Irish — fiery little monarchRoxyFemaleDogDawn, Persian — rockstar little sisterRubyFemaleThe red gemstone — precious and boldSukiFemaleBeloved, Japanese — affectionate little shadowTacoMaleDogSmall, spicy and full of surprisesTofuMaleSoft and pale — protein of peaceTotoMaleDogWe're not in Kansas anymore — brave little travelerUdonFemaleDogChewy noodle warmth, a true broth-huggerUllaFemaleDogSwedish siren of the stage, unforgettableUllrMaleDogNorse god of snow and skiingUrsaFemaleGreat she-bear — constellation strengthVeraFemaleDogTruth, Russian — poised and sincereVitoMaleDogLife, Italian — godfather gravitasWrenUnisexTiny songbird — small voice, big songYaraFemaleWater lady, Brazilian — brave and flowingYukiUnisexSnow, Japanese — serene winter purityYvesMaleDogYew tree, French — suave designer charmAcornUnisexSmall seed of a mighty oakAddieFemaleDogNoble kind, Germanic origin — small and sweetAdeleFemaleDogNoble, from German — soft, elegant, and warmAggieFemaleGarden-hearted and sweetly old-fashionedAlfieMaleDogWise counsel, Old English — cheerful companionAlohaFemaleLove and greeting — island spirit, always welcomingAmaraFemaleDogGrace in Igbo — calm, kind, and quietly lovelyAmityFemaleDogFriendship personified, warm greetings for allAngelMaleDogSweet-tempered and halo-bright, a little cherubAnnieFemaleDogGrace, Hebrew origin — sunny and devotedArielMaleLion of God, Hebrew — spirited and brightAugieMaleDogMajestic one, Latin diminutive — goofy and golden-heartedBagelUnisexRound and dependable — everything nameBanjoMaleTwangy folk strings — foot-stomping funBaronMaleDogNobleman — rules the household estatesBellaFemaleBeautiful in Italian — the most loved pet name of the decadeBialyMaleDogOnion-topped deli roll with a chewy heartBijouFemaleJewel, French — small and preciousBingoMaleDogThere was a farmer had a dog — classic song pupBlissUnisexPure happiness — calm and radiantBuddyMaleDogExactly what he is — your best friendCaratFemaleDogTwenty-four carats of pure golden valueChicoMaleDogSmall boy, Spanish — lively little fellowChiefMaleDogThe one in charge — head of the householdChipsMaleSalty and crunchy — snack-time sidekickCiaraFemaleDogDark-haired one, Irish — raven beautyClaraFemaleBright and clear, from Latin — calm and luminousCocoaFemaleRich and comforting — made for cozy daysColbyMaleSmall, soft, and absolutely adorableCoralUnisexOcean reef treasure — pink and preciousCupidMaleDogArrow-straight affection, heart on sleeveCyrusMaleDogSun, Persian origin — regal and radiantDaisyFemaleDay's eye — the flower that follows the sunDandyUnisexImpeccably dressed strutter of the boulevardDarioMaleDogPersian king name, one who possesses goodnessDarlaFemaleDogDarling one — pint-sized sweetheartDinahFemaleDogWonderland kitten, proper little purrerDittoMaleCopycat — mirrors whatever you doDobbyMaleFree elf — loyal house-elf energyDollyFemaleDogSweet doll — retro country darlingDozerMaleDogBulldozer — plows straight through nap timeEagleMaleDogSoars over the backyard like it owns the skyEdwinMaleDogOld English for rich friend, generous of spiritEffieFemaleDogFair speech, Greek — chatty and charmingElgarMaleDogEnglish composer of solemn, noble marchesEmberUnisexGlowing coal — small but fieryErnieMaleDogEarnest one — cheerful bath-time buddyFionaFemaleFair, Gaelic — Scottish princess vibesFloraFemaleRoman flower goddess — blooming garden soulFreyaFemaleNorse goddess of love — driven by cats, fittinglyFudgeMaleRich and chocolatey — melts your heartGaiusMaleDogRoman praenomen of plain-spoken power and old marbleGemmaFemaleDogGem, Italian — precious little jewelGizmoMaleAdorable little mogwai — handle with rulesGooseMaleWingman flying high — feels the need for speedGordaFemaleDogChubby-cheeked darling, loved every inchGretaFemaleDogPearl, Germanic — no-nonsense eleganceHarryMaleDogEstate ruler, Germanic — the boy who livedHeidiFemaleAlpine girl; rosy-cheeked, sunny and cheerfulHoneyFemaleGolden syrup sweetness — hive-hearted angelHoochMaleSlobbery movie star dog — messy and good-heartedIndieUnisexIndependent spirit — indie-film coolJamieUnisexDogHeel-nipping scamp who replaces sorrowJellyUnisexWobbly and sweet — jiggles when happyJiffyFemaleDogDone in a jiffy, fastest snacker aliveJollyMaleDogMerry and bright — a ho-ho-ho of a houndJudgeMaleDogHonorable hound — courtroom gravitasJulepUnisexMint-fresh southern sipping sweetnessJunieFemaleDogYoung June — bright-eyed and breezyKalebMaleDogWhole-hearted loyalty, crown-worthy devotionKaratUnisexTwenty-four measures of precious worthKashaFemaleToasted buckwheat; a warm bowl of comfortKazooMaleDogHumming buzzbox, music wherever he goesKebabMaleDogSkewered perfection, always at the cookoutKevinMaleDogHome-alone trap-setter — chaotic but lovableKhakiFemaleDogSafari-ready neutral in a standard adventure uniformKlausMaleDogVictory of the people — jolly German saintKnishFemaleDogDeli comfort, stuffed with loveKylieFemaleBoomerang, Aboriginal — always comes backLaceyFemaleDogDelicate lace — fancy and feminineLatteFemaleMilky coffee swirl — cozy cafe companionLemonMaleZesty and bright — puckers you upLennyMaleBrave lion heart; gentle giant of a lap catLeroyMaleDogFrench for the king, wearing his crown with a grinLhasaFemaleDogTibetan holy city, lion-hearted smallnessLinusMaleDogBlanket-toting philosopher — security firstLouieMaleDogFamous warrior, French — laid-back royaltyLuciaFemaleDogLight, Italian — saintly and radiantLuigiMaleGreen-capped brother — number two, number one heartMabelFemaleDogLovable, Latin — grandma-core sweetheartMajorMaleDogMilitary rank — commands every roomMamboFemaleDogCuban rhythm, hips do not lieMasonMaleDogBuilds forts of pillows and quiet trustMilanMaleDogCity of style — sleek European coolMitziFemaleDogSparkling retro fluff — schnauzer divaMochiUnisexSoft Japanese rice cake — squishy and sweetMollyFemaleOf the sea — warm and familiarMortyMaleDogNervous everyman — endearingly anxiousNadiaFemaleHope, Slavic — graceful and determinedNaomiFemaleDogPleasantness, Hebrew — gentle strengthNashiFemaleDogAsian pear, crisp and honeyedNessaFemaleHeadland, Irish — coastal breezeNickyUnisexDogVictory mascot of every backyard gameNiftyMaleDogSlick and handy — always the right trickNolanFemaleA little champion, sunny and well-manneredOllieMaleDogPeaceful olive tree — skateboard tricksterOscarMaleDogDivine spear, Irish — grouch or gentryOtterMaleRiver swimmer — playful water spriteOzzieMaleDogDivine power — metalhead peace signPadmaFemaleDogLotus blossom, serene and lovely to beholdPankoFemaleDogCrispy Japanese breadcrumbs, golden crunchParisUnisexDogCafe-terrace elegance, city of lightPatsyFemaleDogPatrician, Latin — retro sidekick with heartPearlUnisexOcean treasure — timeless elegancePenneFemaleDogQuilled pasta tubes that hug the saucePennyFemaleDogPennies from heaven — bright copper coinPercyMaleDogAristocratic air — polished and persnicketyPetraFemaleDogCarved like the rose city, timeless and strongPippaFemaleDogLover of horses, Greek — sprightly and poshPlutoMaleFaithful cartoon pup — dwarf planet tooPoppyFemaleBright red flower — bouncy and cheerfulQuesoFemaleDogMelted cheese dip, party essentialQuinnUnisexWise counsel, Irish — sharp and stylishRigbyUnisexRidge island; Beatles-loving beatnik charmRingoMaleDogPeace-sign drummer, slightly off-beat and belovedRiojaFemaleDogSpanish red, oak and tempranilloRizzoFemaleTough Pink Lady — sassy exterior, loyal heartRoaryFemaleTiny lion roars; big voice, small bodyRosieFemaleLike a rose — sweet and classicRougeFemaleA brush of bold red, chic and unforgettableRumbaFemaleSways through the house with Latin rhythmSableUnisexDark luxurious fur — sleek and mysteriousSabreFemaleDogSharp profile and a swashbuckling spiritSalsaUnisexSpicy dip — lively dance partnerSambaFemaleDogBrazilian beat with carnival hipsSammyMaleDogSun child, Hebrew — friendly old standbySashaUnisexDogDefending helper with snowbound softnessSassyFemaleDogConfident attitude — the boss of bedtimeSconeFemaleDogClotted cream companion, tea-time stapleScrubFemaleDogTidies every heart with one wag of the tailShebaFemaleDogQueenly grace, regal and wise beyond her yearsSienaFemaleDogTuscan terracotta, palio horse raceSonnyMaleDogLittle sun — cheerful golden boySunnyUnisexAlways brightening the roomSyrupMaleSlow-pour sweet — sticky and sleepyTangoFemaleDogTwo left feet, all of the passionTaterFemaleGolden spud; couch potato royaltyTeddyMaleTeddy bear — made to be huggedTessaFemaleDogHarvester, Greek — graceful and kindShowing 240 of 650 matching names.
How to choose the right name
Keep it shortOne or two syllables carry best across the park — dogs respond faster to crisp sounds like Max or Zoe than to long, soft names.
Hard consonants winNames with a clear K, T or B sound (Coco, Toby, Pixel) cut through background noise far better than whispery ones.
Avoid household collisionsIf it sounds like a command — sit, stay, no, down — or another family member's name, pick again. Confusion slows training.
Say it out loud, ten timesYou will call this name hundreds of times. If it still feels good at call ten in your own voice, it's the one.
FAQ
What are good names for a Shih Tzu?Names like Mo, Ari, Gus, Ian, Leo fit the breed's temperament and build — strong enough to grow with them, easy enough to call daily.
Should a Shih Tzu's name reflect its origin?It is a lovely touch, not a rule. Many owners pick names echoing the breed's home country; others simply choose a sound that fits the dog in front of them.
Big name for a big dog — or ironic tiny name?Both traditions exist. A giant dog named Muffin gets laughs; a dignified name suits their presence. Pick the one you will enjoy saying for years.