250 Literary Dog Names Inspired by Classics, Fantasy, and Modern Stories

Discover imaginative monikers that capture beloved characters’ spirit and personality.

By Sneha Tete, Integrated MA, Certified Relationship Coach
Created on

For avid readers and book lovers, choosing a literary dog name is a fun way to honor your favorite characters, authors, and stories. Whether you adore epic fantasy, classic novels, Regency tales, or contemporary hits, there’s a perfect name waiting to be discovered for every pup. Dive into over 250 creative and meaningful dog names inspired by literature—from beloved children’s classics to today’s blockbusters.

Why Choose a Literary Dog Name?

Dog names inspired by books are more than just unique; they often come with sentimental value and a story behind them. Naming your dog after a fictional hero, anti-hero, or memorable author can make conversations at the dog park fun (and subtly mark you as a bookworm to fellow fans!).

  • Personal meaning: Names remind you of favorite stories or characters.
  • Unique flair: Stand out from popular dog names with a distinctive literary reference.
  • Conversation starter: Fellow readers and fans will instantly recognize and connect over your dog’s name.

Top 50 Literary Dog Names

Here are the 50 most distinctive and charming dog names inspired by great works of literature, spanning fantasy, classics, and modern series:

  • Atticus (To Kill a Mockingbird)
  • Scout (To Kill a Mockingbird)
  • Gatsby (The Great Gatsby)
  • Daisy (The Great Gatsby)
  • Hobbes (Calvin and Hobbes)
  • Holden (The Catcher in the Rye)
  • Huckleberry (The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn)
  • Juno (Juno and the Paycock)
  • Luna (Harry Potter series)
  • Sherlock (Sherlock Holmes)
  • Lolita (Lolita)
  • Watson (Sherlock Holmes)
  • Hermione (Harry Potter series)
  • Hagrid (Harry Potter series)
  • Frodo (The Lord of the Rings)
  • Gandalf (The Lord of the Rings)
  • Bilbo (The Hobbit)
  • Samwise (The Lord of the Rings)
  • Arwen (The Lord of the Rings)
  • Lyra (His Dark Materials)
  • Darcy (Pride and Prejudice)
  • Emma (Emma by Jane Austen)
  • Charlotte (Charlotte’s Web)
  • Pip (Great Expectations)
  • Portia (The Merchant of Venice)
  • Brontë (Brontë sisters)
  • Percy (Percy Jackson series)
  • Austen (Jane Austen)
  • Dorian (The Picture of Dorian Gray)
  • Rhett (Gone with the Wind)
  • Scarlett (Gone with the Wind)
  • Jeeves (Jeeves and Wooster)
  • Dobby (Harry Potter series)
  • Akira (Akira)
  • Cujo (Cujo by Stephen King)
  • Aslan (The Chronicles of Narnia)
  • Heathcliff (Wuthering Heights)
  • Hamlet (Hamlet by Shakespeare)
  • Lolita (Lolita)
  • Matilda (Matilda by Roald Dahl)
  • Odysseus (The Odyssey)
  • Phoebe (The Catcher in the Rye)
  • Raskolnikov (Crime and Punishment)
  • Rumi (Persian poet and writer)
  • Esme (For Esmé—with Love and Squalor)
  • Winnie (Winnie-the-Pooh)
  • Wilbur (Charlotte’s Web)
  • Sula (Sula by Toni Morrison)
  • Beowulf (Beowulf)
  • Heath (Wuthering Heights)

Game of Thrones Dog Names

If you’re a fan of George R.R. Martin’s epic fantasy series and its iconic HBO adaptation, these Game of Thrones names let your pup channel the power, wit, or loyalty of your favorite Westerosi:

  • Arya
  • Sansa
  • Bran
  • Jon
  • Robb
  • Daenerys
  • Tyrion
  • Cersei
  • Jaime
  • Petyr
  • Brienne
  • Jorah
  • Theon
  • Yara
  • Doran
  • Oberyn
  • Melisandre
  • Davos
  • Gendry
  • Tormund
  • Margaery
  • Catelyn
  • Eddard (Ned)
  • Lyanna
  • Sandor

Lord of the Rings Dog Names

Channel high fantasy and Middle-earth magic with Lord of the Rings dog names that evoke epic journeys and unforgettable characters:

  • Frodo
  • Sam
  • Gandalf
  • Arwen
  • Legolas
  • Gimli
  • Boromir
  • Sauron
  • Gollum
  • Merry
  • Pippin
  • Galadriel
  • Éowyn
  • Aragorn
  • Faramir
  • Bilbo
  • Isildur
  • Galdor
  • Elrond
  • Arathorn
  • Haldir
  • Bofur
  • Thorin
  • Dwalin
  • Balin

Harry Potter Dog Names

Wizards, witches, and magical creatures offer plenty of possibility for spellbinding dog names:

  • Harry
  • Dobby
  • Fluffy
  • Ginny
  • Sirius
  • Ron
  • Albus
  • Lupin
  • Myrtle
  • Hagrid
  • Fang
  • Weasley
  • Severus
  • Hedwig
  • Snape
  • Hermione
  • Voldemort
  • Dumbledore
  • Minerva
  • McGonagall
  • Draco
  • Lily
  • Neville

Star Wars Dog Names

Taking your naming inspiration to a galaxy far, far away? These Star Wars names are a perfect fit for sci-fi-loving families and furry companions alike:

  • Nala
  • Leia
  • Princess
  • Luke
  • Obi
  • Sully
  • Yoda
  • Boba
  • Cara
  • Anakin
  • Tala
  • Kenobi
  • Jones
  • Bolo
  • Grogu
  • Omega
  • Jabba
  • Nari
  • Skywalker
  • Fennec
  • Bix
  • Darth
  • Reva

Marvel Movie Dog Names

Calling all comic book aficionados and movie buffs: Marvel’s iconic heroes and villains serve up strong, fun dog name possibilities:

  • Loki
  • Pepper
  • Thor
  • Bruce
  • Storm
  • Rocket
  • Logan
  • Bucky
  • Tony
  • Olaf
  • Carter
  • Groot
  • Rooster
  • Peter
  • Thanos
  • Stark
  • Drax
  • Wanda
  • Jarvis
  • Ronan
  • Gambit
  • Deedee
  • Hogan

Regency & Classic Literature Dog Names

Elegance, wit, and charm abound in Regency novels and classic literature. Whether you’re a Jane Austen devotee or a fan of period dramas, these names capture the spirit of a literary age:

  • Austen (Sense and Sensibility)
  • Byron (Pride and Prejudice, also Lord Byron the poet)
  • Dickens (Victoria, referencing Charles Dickens)
  • Emma (Sense and Sensibility)
  • Cravat (Bridgerton)
  • Tiara (Downton Abbey, Bridgerton fashion)
  • Pemberley (Pride and Prejudice)
  • Kilt (Outlander)
  • Modiste (Bridgerton)
  • Petticoat (Bridgerton)
  • Ruffles
  • Sporran (Outlander)
  • Tails (Downton Abbey attire)
  • Tartan (Outlander)

Dog Names Inspired by Famous Authors

Let your dog carry the spirit of your most revered writers. These names, echoing novelists, poets, and playwrights, are a tribute to literary legacy:

  • Bronte (Brontë sisters)
  • Poe (Edgar Allan Poe)
  • Twain (Mark Twain)
  • Woolf (Virginia Woolf)
  • Homer (The Iliad, The Odyssey)
  • Rowling (J.K. Rowling)
  • Shakespeare (William Shakespeare)
  • Orwell (George Orwell)
  • Austen (Jane Austen)
  • Tolkien (J.R.R. Tolkien)

Children’s Books and YA Favorites

For the young-at-heart, literary dog names inspired by children’s classics and YA stories are both adorable and nostalgia-rich:

  • Matilda (Matilda by Roald Dahl)
  • Wilbur (Charlotte’s Web)
  • Charlotte (Charlotte’s Web)
  • Max (Where the Wild Things Are)
  • Coraline (Coraline by Neil Gaiman)
  • Aslan (The Chronicles of Narnia)
  • Winnie (Winnie-the-Pooh)
  • Lyra (His Dark Materials)
  • Percy (Percy Jackson)
  • Klaus (A Series of Unfortunate Events)

Tips for Picking the Perfect Literary Dog Name

  • Say it out loud: Make sure the name rolls off the tongue and suits your dog’s personality and look.
  • Keep it short: Especially if you want easy recall and a responsive pup.
  • Consider the character: Some names are playful, noble, or fierce; pick one that matches your dog’s vibe.
  • Check popularity: Want a truly unique choice? Steer clear of the trendiest names at the moment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How do I know if a literary dog name is right for my pet?

A: Choose a name that resonates with your favorite stories or characters, but also feels natural to say every day. Make sure your dog responds well to the name and it fits their personality.

Q: Are literary dog names a good conversation starter?

A: Absolutely. Literary dog names spark conversations among book lovers and often make your pet’s introduction memorable at parks, daycares, and groomers.

Q: Can I combine names from different literary works?

A: Yes. Mixing and matching characters or author names from various genres can give your dog a truly one-of-a-kind identity—like Darcy Potter or Bilbo Poe!

Q: Are there any names that fit both cats and dogs?

A: Many literary-inspired names are great for any pet. Names like Luna, Gatsby, Scout, or Loki are as fitting for cats as for dogs.

Conclusion

Literary dog names are as diverse and creative as the stories that inspire them. Whether you’re seeking a name with historical grandeur, magical whimsy, or classic elegance, you’ll find plenty of inspiration here. Happy reading—and happy naming!

Sneha Tete
Sneha TeteBeauty & Lifestyle Writer
Sneha is a relationships and lifestyle writer with a strong foundation in applied linguistics and certified training in relationship coaching. She brings over five years of writing experience to thebridalbox, crafting thoughtful, research-driven content that empowers readers to build healthier relationships, boost emotional well-being, and embrace holistic living.

Read full bio of Sneha Tete