Choosing a name for your new dog or puppy is a big decision. After all, your new pet will be with you for the next 10 to 15 years or longer, so you want to pick a name you love. Lots of people are perfectly content with popular dog names like Max or Lucky, but if you’re looking for a unique name that’s a play on words, punny dog names are just the ticket. 

Tips for Choosing Punny Dog Names

When it comes to dog names, a pun is an often-humorous use of a name that either can have two or more meanings or alludes to another word similar in sound. You can come up with your own pun-based dog names by replacing part of a common name with canine-centric words like bark, arf, woof, pup, pooch, chew, paw—you get the idea. It’s best if the dog-themed replacement rhymes or starts with the same letter as the original. To really make your new dog’s name unique and personal to you, choose a theme that you love (for instance, Star Wars characters or musicians). 

There are hundreds of punny dog names out there, but here are 50 fun and creative pun-based dog names. Perhaps you’ll find your new dog’s name on one of the lists below, or maybe these inspired choices will get your own creative juices going. First, let’s highlight some of the top punny dog names from all categories.

Top Punny Dog Names

  • Andy WarhowlArfer Fonzarelli Arf VaderChewbarkaFuzz AldrinHairy Paw-terHelga HufflepupIndiana BonesJude PawKanye WestieLick JaggerMutt DamonSnarls BarkleyWinnie the Pooch

More Punny Dog Name Ideas

Sometimes looking at name themes can help you land on the perfect punny dog name. Consider some popular categories based on fiction and from real life:

Punny Dog Names Based on Star Wars 

A creative space world like nothing on our planet, the Star Wars franchise is filled with fun character names that are just waiting to be turned into hilarious dog names. Here are a few to start you out: 

  • Arf Maul Arftoo-D2Arf VaderBoba FetchChewbarkaC3 Pee-OJabba the MuttJames Earl BonesLuke SkybarkerObi Wag Kenobi

Punny Dog Names Based on Harry Potter 

Harry Potter is another fantasy franchise that’s as creative as they come. You don’t need a magic wand to turn many of the amusing names from this wizarding world into perfect punny dog names. 

  • DumbledogGodric GryffindogHairy Paw-terHelga HufflepupJK GrowlingRon FleaslyRowena RavenpawSalazar Snifferin

Punny Dog Names Based on Fictional People

Whether from a book, movie, television show or any other work, fictional people can make great punny dog names. Here are a few pun-based dog name ideas based on fictional people to get you started:

  • Arfer Fonzarelli BeowoofBilbo Waggins FurculesIndiana BonesMary PuppinsSanta PawsSherlock BonesWinnie the Pooch

Punny Dog Names Based on Actors 

Actors are great inspiration for punny dog names because their names are so recognizable. The possibilities are endless!

  • Bark WahlbergBenedict CumberbarkHowly MandelJude PawMutt DamonRyan FleacrestSarah Jessica BarkerWoofie Goldberg

Punny Dog Names Based on Famous People 

Whether a politician, fashion designer, artist, astronaut or athlete, any famous person with a familiar and fun-sounding name can be great fodder for pun-based dog names. Try some of these on for size:

  • Andy WarhowlBark ObamaBark TwainColin HowlDroolius CaesarFuzz AldrinHeel ArmstrongJimmy ChewKarl BarxRosa BarksSalvador DogiSnarls BarkleyVera FangWinston FurchillWoofgang PuckWoof Bader GinsburgWoof Blitzer

Punny Dog Names Based on Musicians 

Consider your favorite musicians, bands and musical groups when coming up with dog names that play on words. 

  • 50 ScentAlanis MorissetterBone Pugs-N-HarmonyChristina WaguileraHairy UnderwoodJon Bone JoviKanye WestieLick JaggerL.L. Drool JMuttley CrewNine Inch TailsThe Notorious D.O.G.Olivia Chewton JohnOzzy Pawsborne

Other Dog Names 

For more dog name ideas, check out:

  • 74 Celebrity Dog Names
  • 87 Funny Names for Dogs
  • 70 Cartoon Names for Dogs