100+ Christmas Dog Names for Your Festive Furry Friend

Celebrate your furry friend year-round with a name inspired by seasonal magic.

By Anjali Sayee
Created on

Bringing a new pup home during the holidays is a magical experience. If your newest family member is arriving just in time for Christmas, you might be searching for the perfect, meaningful name that captures the warmth, joy, and cheer of the season. From classic and whimsical to clever and creative, here’s a guide to over 100 Christmas dog names that will keep the spirit of the holidays alive all year long.

Why Choose a Christmas Dog Name?

Christmas dog names aren’t just fun—they help commemorate a very special time in your life and can add some cheerful magic to your days. Holiday names also make your pet stand out at the dog park and usually come with plenty of adorable nickname options for year-round cuteness.

Female Christmas Dog Names

Looking for a merry moniker for your girl dog? Consider these festive, sweet picks inspired by beloved Christmas characters, wintry treats, and sparkling holiday traditions:

  • Angel
  • Belle
  • Candy Cane
  • Carol
  • Cindy Lou (as in Cindy Lou Who from Dr. Seuss)
  • Cocoa
  • Eve
  • Holly
  • Mariah (as in Mariah Carey)
  • Marshmallow
  • Mistletoe
  • Myrrh
  • Noel
  • Scarlett
  • Snowball
  • Sugar Plum
  • Tinsel
  • Twinkle

Each of these names is perfect for a sweet-natured dog who brings a bit of holiday magic into your home every day.

Male Christmas Dog Names

Boys deserve their own festive flair! These holiday-inspired names are perfect for your new male pup, capturing all the joy, tradition, and sparkle of the season:

  • Balthazar
  • Blizzard
  • Buddy (Buddy the Elf)
  • Caleb
  • Charlie Brown
  • Chestnut
  • Clark (Clark Griswold of “Christmas Vacation”)
  • Cullen
  • Dasher
  • Dickens
  • Drummer
  • Emmanuel
  • Eggnog
  • Feliz
  • Kringle
  • Randy
  • Rudolph
  • Santa Paws
  • Scut Farkus

Whether your dog is silly and playful or regal and calm, one of these names is sure to fit his personality.

More Christmas Boy Names for Dogs

If you’re looking for even more options, here are additional Christmas-themed boy dog names that evoke festive stories, delicious treats, and winter wonders:

  • Bailey
  • Bob Cratchit
  • Claus
  • Gabriel
  • Hollis
  • Isaac
  • Jack Frost
  • Jangle
  • Jingle
  • Jolly
  • Krampus
  • Kris
  • Marley
  • North
  • Ralphie (from “A Christmas Story”)
  • Snow
  • Winter
  • Yule

12 Dogs of Christmas Names

Bring the classic carol “The Twelve Days of Christmas” to life with these names for your furry companion:

  • Birdie
  • Dancer
  • Goldie
  • Leaper
  • Lord
  • Maiden
  • Partridge
  • Pear
  • Swansy
  • Turtledove

You might even choose a pair of siblings named “Partridge” and “Pear,” or “Swansy” for a swanlike, graceful pup!

Classic Christmas Character Dog Names

Some of the best Christmas dog names come from the familiar stories and movies we all watch together as a family. Try these on for size:

  • Frosty (The Snowman)
  • Clarice (from “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer”)
  • Grinch (or Max, his loyal pup)
  • Ebenezer (Scrooge, from “A Christmas Carol”)
  • Olaf (the snowman from “Frozen”)
  • Hermey (the elf aspiring to be a dentist)
  • Bumble (abominable snow monster)
  • Ralphie (hero of “A Christmas Story”)

These character names are not only festive—they’re also sure to start fun conversations with fellow dog lovers.

Winter Wonderland Names

Some names just evoke the beauty and coziness of a winter night. Consider these chic, wintry picks for your dog, regardless of whether you live in a snowy place:

  • Crystal
  • Ivy
  • Lumi (means “snow” in Finnish)
  • Pepper
  • Shivers
  • Snowflake
  • Glacier
  • Polar
  • Chilly

Holiday Treat and Dessert Names

Food is a huge part of holiday festivities! Give your pup a deliciously sweet name inspired by holiday sweets and bakes:

  • Gingerbread
  • Sugar Cookie
  • Peppermint
  • Cinnamon
  • Cocoa
  • Marshmallow
  • Fudge
  • Chestnut

These sweet names are ideal for pups who look (or act) good enough to eat.

Tips for Choosing the Best Christmas Dog Name

  • Keep it simple: Short, two-syllable names are easiest for dogs to recognize and respond to.
  • Avoid soundalikes: Pick names that don’t sound like common commands (avoid mistaking “Kit” for “sit”).
  • Try it out loud: Say the name in different tones and see if it rolls off the tongue. If you smile every time, you’re onto something.
  • Think about nicknames: If a name is a little long, make sure it has a catchy, cute short form.
  • Consider your dog’s personality: Shy dogs might suit soft names (like “Angel”), while playful pups can pull off silly names (like “Candy Cane”).

Table: Unique Christmas Dog Names and Their Meanings

NameInspirationPerfect For
KringleSanta Claus’ last namePlayful, jolly pups
ClariceRudolph’s reindeer friendSweet, gentle dogs
BlizzardWinter stormsEnergetic, white-furred dogs
BalthazarOne of the Three Wise MenMajestic, regal pups
TinselChristmas tree decorationShiny, glamorous pets

Frequently Asked Questions about Christmas Dog Names

Q: Are Christmas dog names only good for dogs adopted during the holidays?

A: Not at all! Christmas dog names work year-round—whether your pup’s adopted in December or July, a festive name can celebrate your love for the season at any time.

Q: Is it hard to train a dog with a longer Christmas name?

A: Sometimes, extra-long names can be confusing for dogs. Opt for names with one or two clear syllables, or at least give your dog a snappy nickname as a training cue.

Q: Can I give my dog a holiday name if I have kids?

A: Absolutely! Sharing the story behind the name can help kids feel more connected to their new friend and even teach them about holiday traditions or classic Christmas tales.

Q: What if my dog doesn’t seem to respond to its Christmas name?

A: Dogs often take a few days to learn their new names. Consistency, positive reinforcement, and patience go a long way. Try saying the name cheerfully and associating it with treats and attention.

Q: What are some tips for picking a dog name that suits their personality?

A: Observe your new pup for a few days—is their energy level high (try “Dash” or “Jingle”), or are they peaceful and snuggly (how about “Angel” or “Marshmallow”)? Personality names last a lifetime.

Celebrate Joyfully: The Gift of a Festive Name

Choosing the right name for your holiday hound is an exciting part of welcoming them into your family. Whether you prefer classic Christmas characters, delicious winter treats, or simply want a name that captures the joy and love of the season, there are festive dog naming options for every personality. May your days—and your daily walks—be merry and bright!

Anjali is an Associate Editor at StyleCraze with 7 years of experience specializing in hairstyles, hair care, and skin care. She has authored over 300 articles and offers expert advice on hair styling techniques, effective skin care routines, and tips for maintaining healthy hair and skin.

Read full bio of Anjali Sayee