What do Chinese emperors, Dutch royalty, and your couch potato pug have in common? A legacy of names as delightfully quirky as their wrinkly faces.
For centuries, pugs have charmed their way into palaces and homes with their comical expressions and larger-than-life personalities. These compact clowns, once lounging in the laps of monarchs, now reign over modern households—and their names often reflect their regal history, hilarious antics, or food-obsessed hearts. But with so much personality packed into a 14-pound package, how do you pick the perfect name that captures their essence?
In this guide, you’ll discover 215+ pug names —from vintage gems like “Winston” to laugh-out-loud picks like “Sir Pugs-A-Lot”—along with pro tips to choose a name that’s as unforgettable as their side-eye. Whether your pug is a dignified loaf or a chaos tornado in a tiny body, we’ve got the ultimate list to match their one-of-a-kind spark.
Ready to uncover the name that’ll make your neighbors grin and your pug strut like the tiny monarch they are? (Spoiler: “Chewbacca” and “Empress Noodle” are waiting…)
P.S. Stick around until the end for a bonus story about dog names that start with B—a tale of naming chaos involving a rogue taco, a couch-cratering “Biscuit,” and the pug who turned disaster into legend. Trust us, you’ll never look at the letter “B” the same way again…
Table of Contents
Popular Pug Names
Top 15 Female Pug Names
Celebrate femininity with enchanting, melodic choices that radiate grace and affection for your sweet-natured pug.
• Bella
• Daisy
• Lola
• Luna
• Sophie
• Mia
• Zoe
• Coco
• Lucy
• Lily
• Maggie
• Rosie
• Penny
• Stella
• Sadie
Top 15 Male Pug Names
Embrace strong, spirited monikers that embody charisma and loyalty, perfect for your playful, devoted companion.
• Max
• Rocky
• Zeus
• Duke
• Oliver
• Charlie
• Milo
• Leo
• Buddy
• Tucker
• Oscar
• Bruno
• Gus
• Hank
• Finn
Trending Pug Names for 2025
Stay ahead with fresh, modern picks inspired by current vibes, pop culture, and today’s most captivating trends.
• Nova
• Koda
• Loki
• Bear
• Kai
• Mocha
• Willow
• Theo
• Remy
• Axel
• Nova
• Koda
• Loki
• Bear
• Kai
Fun Fact 1: Pugs Were Named After Monkeys
The word “pug” might come from the Latin pugnus (fist), referencing their squashed face, but in 18th-century England, they were nicknamed “Dutch mastiffs” or “mopshond” (Dutch for “grumbling dog”). The term “pug” later stuck—and yes, some historians argue it was slang for playful monkeys, which pugs definitely resemble during zoomies. 🐒
Themed Pug Names
Food-Inspired Pug Names
Savor deliciously playful options drawn from sweet treats, savory bites, and culinary delights for a whimsical twist.
• Cookie
• Mocha
• Peanut
• Honey
• Cinnamon
• Ginger
• Olive
• Pepper
• Cashew
• Basil
• Pickles
• Maple
• Peaches
• Sugar
• Nutmeg
Celebrity & Famous Pug Names
Channel star power with bold, iconic names inspired by legends, influencers, and beloved fictional heroes.
• Elvis
• Oprah
• Picasso
• Hendrix
• Monroe
• Brando
• Jagger
• Adele
• Gatsby
• Sinatra
• Zsa-Zsa
• Chaplin
• Hepburn
• Dolly
• Bowie
Royal & Vintage Pug Names
Evoke timeless elegance with regal classics or antique gems that whisper of nobility and old-world charm.
• Winston
• Duke
• Duchess
• Baron
• King
• Queen
• Prince
• Earl
• Lady
• Regal
• Noble
• Majesty
• Sovereign
• Rex
• Empress
Personality & Trait-Based Pug Names
Names for Sleepy or Laid-Back Pugs
Celebrate their leisurely charm with soothing, mellow names as cozy as their favorite napping spot.
• Snuggles
• Snooze
• Dreamy
• Lazy
• Drowsy
• Comfy
• Napper
• Dozer
• Slumber
• Yawn
• Zen
• Chill
• Snoopy
• Blanket
• Pillow
Names for Mischievous or Playful Pugs
Capture their cheeky antics with lively, spirited picks as dynamic and fun-loving as their personality.
• Rascal
• Bandit
• Rebel
• Trouble
• Chaos
• Mischief
• Jinx
• Havoc
• Outlaw
• Scamp
• Zorro
• Zoom
• Dash
• Rocket
• Taz
Nerdy or Intelligent Pug Names
Highlight their cleverness with brainy, witty choices inspired by science, literature, or tech brilliance.
• Einstein
• Sherlock
• Newton
• Tesla
• Darwin
• Galileo
• Watson
• Sagan
• Hawking
• Edison
• Pixel
• Byte
• Quantum
• Nerd
• Gizmo
Pro Tips To Help You Choose An Unforgettable Name For Your Pug
Match Their Personality
Select a name that mirrors your pug’s distinct characteristics, whether they’re full of energy and mischief or prefer a calm, relaxed vibe. This ensures the name feels personal and special.
Keep It Simple (1-2 Syllables)
Go for names that are short, ideally one or two syllables. These are quick to say and easy for your pug to pick up on, making everyday interactions smoother.
Avoid Command-Like Names
Choose a name that doesn’t resemble typical training commands to avoid mix-ups when teaching your pug cues or correcting behavior.
Draw from Inspiration
Look to your favorite foods, beloved celebrities, or notable historical figures for creative ideas. This approach adds a fun, personalized flair to your pug’s name.
Test It Out Loud (Backdoor Test)
Practice saying the name aloud as if calling your pug from across the yard. This helps confirm it rolls off the tongue naturally and works well in real-life situations.
Pug Names Based on Appearance
Black Pug Names
Dive into dark, sleek, and mysterious options that mirror their glossy coat and enigmatic charm.
• Midnight
• Shadow
• Onyx
• Ebony
• Coal
• Jet
• Raven
• Ink
• Pepper
• Sable
• Panther
• Eclipse
• Licorice
• Obsidian
• Noir
Brown & Fawn Pug Names
Embrace earthy, warm hues with names reflecting caramel tones, golden sunlight, and cozy warmth.
• Cocoa
• Toffee
• Caramel
• Hazel
• Amber
• Cinnamon
• Tawny
• Maple
• Honey
• Nutmeg
• Biscuit
• Latte
• Mocha
• Fawn
• Ginger
Big-Sounding Names for Small Pugs
Play with contrast—mighty, bold monikers that humorously defy their petite, adorable stature.
• Tank
• Hercules
• Moose
• Bruiser
• Goliath
• Titan
• Thor
• Brutus
• Magnus
• Kong
• Juggernaut
• Boulder
• Colossus
• Hulk
• Diesel
Fun Fact 2:Their Snorts Inspired “Onomatopoeia Names”
Names like “Snorty”, “Wheezy”, and “Grunty” are shockingly common. One owner even dubbed their pug “Darth Vader” after his breathing echoed through the house. (Fun fact: Pugs’ flat faces make them sound like tiny harmonica soloists.) 🎶
Creative & Cultural Pug Name Sources
Names from Pop Culture
Tap into movies, TV, and music for names bursting with modern relevance and nostalgic flair.
• Simba
• Thor
• Zelda
• Loki
• Yoda
• Leia
• Gandalf
• Khaleesi
• Neo
• Arya
• Chewie
• Katniss
• Vader
• Neo
• Frodo
Historical & Mythological Pug Names
Evoke epic tales with legendary names from ancient myths, heroic figures, or historical icons.
• Apollo
• Athena
• Odin
• Cleopatra
• Caesar
• Freya
• Hercules
• Zeus
• Hera
• Venus
• Merlin
• Valkyrie
• Osiris
• Isis
• Anubis
Unisex & Culturally Significant Pug Names
Celebrate diversity with versatile, meaningful picks that bridge cultures and transcend gender.
• Charlie
• Bailey
• Riley
• Harley
• Dakota
• Phoenix
• Jordan
• Skyler
• Quinn
• Avery
• River
• Sage
• Rowan
• Aspen
• Indigo
Title: “The Great Pug Naming Debacle”
In the cozy, cluttered town of Snortville, where every streetlamp was adorned with a tiny doghouse ornament, lived a woman named Margo Fitzpatrick. Margo was a proud pug owner, but her pride came with a problem: her new pug, a squish-faced tornado of mischief, remained nameless after three weeks. Why? Because every name Margo brainstormed ended in chaos.
Day 1: The Food Group Fiasco
Margo started with “Taco,” because the pug’s ears flopped like tortillas. “Taco!” she called, clapping her hands. The pug tilted his head, then sprinted into the kitchen, leaped onto the counter, and devoured an actual taco from Margo’s plate. “Not what I meant!” she groaned, wiping salsa off his snout.
Next up: “Biscuit.” The pug immediately dug a crater in her couch, mistaking the cushions for dough. “Biscuit” became “Nope-uit” by noon.
Day 2: Superhero Shenanigans
Undeterred, Margo tried “Captain Woof.” The pug responded by yanking the “Captain” out of her favorite hat (a tricorn, naturally) and parading around like a pirate. “Sir Barksalot” led to a symphony of barks at 3 a.m., and “The Notorious P.U.G.” resulted in him rolling in a suspicious pond. “At least he’s memorable ,” Margo sighed to her disapproving cat.
Day 3: Historical Figures (Gone Wrong)
“Napoleon Bone-apart” was a disaster. The pug staged a coup by stealing Margo’s slippers and hiding them under the fridge. “Cleopatra” made him prance sideways like a crab, knocking over her prized cactus collection. “Shakespeare” inspired him to chew up her sonnet collection—literally. “To pee or not to pee?” Margo muttered, scrubbing the rug.
By Day 4, Margo was frazzled. The pug, sensing her despair, waddled to her laptop and plopped onto the keyboard, opening a document titled 1001 Pug Names . “Oh, you think you can do better?” she laughed. The pug responded by headbutting the “Enter” key, scrolling through names like “Sprocket,” “Pudding,” and “Chaos.”
Then it happened.
The pug’s tail hit the spacebar, highlighting “Squeakasaurus.” At the same moment, Margo’s phone buzzed—a text from her best friend: “Emergency! The pet store’s having a sale on squeaky toys. Get there before they’re gone!”
Margo’s eyes widened. “Squeakasaurus… Squeak … Squeak …” She glanced at the pug, who was now batting at a deflated rubber chicken. “You’re a menace with a squeaky obsession. Squeakasaurus? No… but Squeaks ?”
The pug paused, ears perked.
“Squeaks?” Margo tried again.
The pug let out a triumphant “SQUEAK!” (via a toy hidden in his mouth) and performed a victory lap around the coffee table, knocking over a lampshade.
“It’s perfect,” Margo declared. “You’re a tiny, squishy dinosaur of destruction. Squeaks it is!”
Epilogue: The Legend of Squeaks
Word spread quickly in Snortville. Squeaks became a local celebrity, famous for stealing squeaky toys from playgrounds and staging them in elaborate “art installations” outside the post office. Children giggled as he waddled by, barking the chorus to “Who Let the Dogs Out” using a harmonica-shaped squeaker.
Margo, now sporting a T-shirt that read “I Survived the Pug Naming Wars,” often pondered how close she’d come to naming him “Yogurt” (don’t ask). But as Squeaks dozed in her lap, snoring like a kazoo, she knew they’d both won.
And if you ever visit Snortville, stop by the town square. You’ll find a statue of Squeaks mid-squeak, clutching a rubber duck. The plaque reads: “Here lies the chaos. Long live the squeak.”
Conclusion:
Your pug’s name isn’t just a label—it’s a tribute to their wrinkled majesty, snack-driven missions, or talent for turning your couch into confetti. Whether you choose “Luna” for their moon-like eyes, “Bacon” for their crispy charm, or “Sir Socks” for their tuxedo paws, make it a name that makes you grin as wide as their wagging tail.
And remember: Behind every great pug name is a story waiting to unfold. Ready to start yours? Dive into the list, embrace the chaos, and don’t forget to read how one pug’s “B” name sparked a legend… (wink ).
Now go forth and name like a monarch—your tiny, snort-filled monarch deserves it.