The Poodle names list is loaded with names suitable for your pup. Some are associated with the breed’s look, like “Curly,” as well as other names you might often think of when you picture this adorable and popular dog.
Ever heard of John Steinbeck, author of the Pulitzer Prize-winning book, The Grapes of Wrath? He had a blue (black) standard named Charley.
Winston Churchill, the famous British leader, had two miniatures, but I could only add one name to the list. Why? Both of his dogs had the same name: Rufus.
This list includes dog names that sound stately or important, which is often how this well known breed is pictured. Names like Sophie, Penelope, Walter and Queen are on the list, as well as others I just like.
Something to keep in mind when naming your Poodle puppy is to match your dog’s personality and purpose with their name. Maybe you want to choose from a list of famous dog names or one syllable dog names.
Or maybe you want to name your pup for a very personal reason, such as to remember someone special.
To learn more about this dog breed, visit our Poodle dog breed information page. It’s always a good idea to learn about temperament, trainability, and even a little of the breed’s history before settling on a new dog. It’s also fun.
Below is a list of my favorite 101 Poodle names. Browse or study the list and have fun.
If you don’t find a name you like, return to our Dog Names by Breed page to see more categories, or expand your search to our list of more than 4,000 puppy names.
| Name | Meaning |
| Ace | Topnotch or first rate. Latin “unity.” |
| Ada | Prosperous and joyful. |
| Alice | Truth and Noble nobility. |
| Amore | Love |
| Anna | Equivalent of Anne – Full of grace. |
| Annabelle | Latin for “lovable” |
| Armani | Hgih-class, popular, fabulous, just like the brand |
| Astra | Star like. |
| Babette | Stranger |
| Bacardi | A strong and highly intoxicating spirit (drink) |
| Bambi | Baby, Little one. |
| Barker | A bark stripper. |
| Basilio | Means “king” in Spanish |
| Beebee | A rather cute term for “baby; childish |
| Bella | Beautiful |
| Bon Bon | An expensive candy which is a perfect description for a poodle |
| Bronson | The brown haired one’s son. |
| Bruno | Brown haired man. |
| Famous Name: Born on October 8, 1985, Peter Gene Hernandez or also known for his stage name: Bruno Mars, is an American singer-songwriter and record producer from Honolulu, Hawaii. Some of his hit songs are: “Nothin’ on You”, “Billionaire”, “Just the Way You Are”, and “When I Was Your Man”. | |
| Caeser | A charmer; funny and pleasant |
| Cale | Well-mannered; sweet yet shy around other people |
| Candence | Gliterry and pure; perfect for a pure white poodle |
| Carol | Song of joy. |
| Caviar | Salted fish roe. |
| Cedric | Battle leader. |
| Charley | Name of the blue (black) Poodle owned by author, John Steinbeck (The Grapes of Wrath) |
| Claire | Clear and illuminated |
| Cleo | From Cleopatra – Her father’s glory. |
| Coco | A drink. A favorite among Poodle names. |
| Curly | Having curls or wavy hair. |
| Daisy | The day’s eye. A flower with a yellow center and white petals. |
| Deb | Interestingly obnoxious and outlandish, referring to their fur style or color |
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| Digger | One that digs. |
| Domino | Lord and master. |
| Ellie | From Elizabeth – Consecrated to God. |
| Famous Name: Ellie Goulding or Elena Jane Goulding in real life, is a British singer, songwriter and musician from Lyonshall, Herefordshire, England. She released her debut album, Lights, which reached #1 on the UK charts. She also sang at Prince William and Kate Middleton’s London wedding on April 29, 2011. | |
| Espresso | Having a rich dark brown fur |
| Farrah | Beautiful, Pleasant. |
| Frankie | Short for “Franklin” which means free |
| Fred | From Frederick – Peaceful ruler. |
| Frederic | Means “peaceful and powerful ruler”. For a dog, maybe just peaceful and powerful |
| Gaston | Man from Gascony. |
| Goldie | Pure gold. |
| Gypsy | One inclined to a nomadic way of life. |
| Helena | Shining One. |
| Henry | Ruler of the estate. |
| Isabelle | French for “consecrated to God”. “Isa” would be a great nickname |
| Jackie | From Jacqueline – The supplanter. |
| Famous Name: Jackie Chan is one of the most famous Asian actor and also, was already the highest paid actor in Asia. Aside from being a successful actor, he is also director, producer, action choreographer, stuntman, etc. Some of his films are Half a Loaf of Kung-Fu (1980), Drunken Master (1978), The Cannonball Run (1981), Police Story (1985), Supercop (1992, with Michelle Yeoh), Rush Hour (1998), Shanghai Noon (2000, with Owen Wilson and Lucy Liu), The Tuxedo (2002, with Jennifer Love Hewitt), and Shanghai Knights (2003, again with Wilson). | |
| Jewel | A precious stone or gem. One that is treasured. |
| Josephine | He shall increase. |
| Juliette | With fine and soft hair, regardless of how it is styled |
| Kosmo | Unskilled yet very lucky in practically anything |
| Kyzer | Legendary, very unique |
| Lancelot | Land servant. |
| Latte | Expresso coffee mixed with steamed milk – a café latte. This is also popular among Poodle names. |
| Layla | Born at night or dark haired. |
| Loulou | Means “famous warrior” |
| Lucy | Light – one who brings the lamp of learning to the ignorant. |
| Famous Name: Lucy Liu is a 45-year-old TV and film actress from New York City. He studied at University of Michigan in which she auditioned for the University of Michigan’s production of Alice in Wonderland and got the lead role that leads to her interest in acting. She got her breakthrough role when she auditioned for the part of Nelle Porter, the icy new addition to the wacky law firm Cage and Fish on the hit comedy Ally McBeal, created by David E. Kelley. | |
| Margot | Means “pearl”; something that is very precious |
| Maurice | Moorish looking – dark complexion. |
| Miles | Male name that means “servant” in Irish |
| Mirabella | A female who is admirable and beautiful. Can refer to their fur styling |
| Mozart | Extremely smart. Does the most genius things |
| Famous Name: Born in Salzburg, Vienna, Johann Chrysostom Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart or also known as Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (January 27, 1756 – December 5, 1791) was one of the most influential of all composers of Western classical music. He wrote his first symphony when he was eight years of age and his first opera at 12. | |
| Napolean | Referring to Napoleon, the epitome of the cliché “small yet terrible” |
| Nat | Great nickname for Natalie or Natasha |
| Natalie | Born at Christmas time. |
| Famous Name: Natalie Hershlag or known as Natalie Portman as her screen name, is a jewish Hollywood actress from Jerusalem, Israel. At the age of 11, she was discovered by an agent in a pizza parlor. Her first debut film was: “The Professional (1994)”. | |
| Neo | “The One”. No more explanations necessary |
| Nicole | Victory of the people. Feminine form of Nicholas. |
| Niles | Creative, muscular, and popular. |
| Nina | Girl |
| Pamela | Honeysweet. |
| Paula | Means “petite”, perfect for a poodle’s small stature |
| Penelope | Greek meaning faithful and the weaver. |
| Famous Name: Penelope Cruz is an Academy Award-winner Spanish actress and model. She was born on April 28, 1974, in Alcobendas, Madrid, Spain. She made her film debut in 1992, in the dark film Jamón Jamón. She also made a cameo appearance in the film, ‘Sex and the City 2’ | |
| Philippe | French for “friend of horses”. Perfect if your dog is actually friends with horses. |
| Pooch | Slang for dog. |
| Poppy | Flower with four crumpled petals in red, orange or white colors. |
| Queen | A female sovereign. |
| Rasa | Full of flavor, sentiment, or emotion |
| Remi | French name for a boy but can also be named after a girl |
| Rosco | Means “heathland of the roe deer”, whatever this means. Great-sounding name, nonetheless |
| Rose | Beatiful and delicate, just like the flower. |
| Rufus | Name of Winston Churchill’s Poodle. |
| Sarah | Princess, one of royal status. |
| Serena | Tranquil or serene. |
| Shadow | A rough, dark image cast by an object blocking the sun’s rays. |
| Sonya | Bright and intelligent; means “wisdom” |
| Sophie | Wisdom |
| Starla | Star-like. Probably like a celebrity |
| Stella | From Estelle – bright star. |
| Tai | Talented. Can do all sorts of entertaining tricks and acts |
| Tanner | Leather maker. |
| Tara | Towering rock. The home of the ancient kings of Ireland. |
| Tau | The 19th letter of the Greek alphabet |
| Ted | Means “gift of God” or “God-given” |
| Terra | Earth |
| Tuscany | A perfect mix of beauty, peace, sharpness, and intelligence. |
| Uzi | Means “strength”; a war hero |
| Valentino | A romantic; enjoys showing you with kisses |
| Walter | Mighty warrior. This is one of my favorite Poodle names. |
| Whisky | An alcoholic liquor from fermented mash of grain |
| Zala | Very feminine name for a dog |
| Zaria | Sweet, shy, and behaved. Enjoys just quietly lying around |
| Zoe | Life |
Can’t find the name you like on the Poodle names list? Don’t give up. Return to our Dog Names by Breed page to do some more exploring. If you have a great name, tell us about it!
Share your favorite Dog Names!
Share your favorite dog names and a personal story if you have one. If you do have a story, tell us why you chose the name you did or let us know why the name is special to you.
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