Introduction
The Australian Kelpie is a fairly new breed of dog; it was only recognized by the American Kennel Club as a member of the herding group in 2017. It was originally used as a guard dog and herding dog in Australia, and its ancestry is thought to come from the famous Dingo, a wild dog that lives in the Australian outback. If the newest addition to your family is a cute Kelpie, then you need to give him or her a deserving name – maybe an Australian inspired name would be just the right fit. Choosing a forever name for your new companion is never easy, but good news, this guide includes a list of the top 60 names for your Kelpie, so read on for inspiration!
Australian Kelpie Dog Names in Pop Culture
We’ve gathered that the Australian Kelpie originates from Australia. Although it was brought to America in the early 1900s, the American Kennel Club only recently recognized this dog breed in 2017. With ancestry linking to the Dingo and the Collie, the Kelpie is an energetic breed that likes to have a job to do – so make sure you keep your pooch busy to avoid any destructive behaviors.
The Australian Kelpie has made several TV and movie appearances. The spotlight name for this guide is the famous Kelpie Bossy, who appears in the Australian TV sitcom, Neighbours. Bossy first appeared in the show when she was only 9 weeks old, and is brought into the show when Toadie rescues her from an animal shelter. Sources suggest that Bossy is very well socialized and is often picked up and cuddled by cast members. Bossy is the Kelpie’s name on and off screen and in 2014, poor Bossy was attacked by a snake – she also has a story line in the show later on that involves her being bit by a snake.
Bossy’s funniest story line must be when her owner, Kyle, finds her stealing underwear from neighbours’ washing lines. There is also a serious story line, in which Bossy’s behavior becomes aggressive and it is discovered that she has a brain tumor. She requires surgery and luckily, recovers. Bossy certainly deserves to be the spotlight name for the Kelpie breed!
Other Kelpies have appeared in TV and film. Ollie the Kelpie appears in the 1950s movie, The Sundowners and the 2008 comedy drama, Red Dog, is based around an Australian Kelpie named, (yes, you’ve guessed it), Red Dog. The movie was actually based on a Louis de Bernieres novel.
Sources suggest that the Kelpie is a very intelligent breed of dog that has endless energy. A simple walk will not be sufficient for this breed; agility, flyball, and herding games will be required to keep your canine busy, both mentally and physically. Make sure you socialize your Kelpie and give him or her plenty of cuddles so she is friendly, yet fearless, just like Bossy!
This breed can certainly make a very affectionate family member but it’s always best to supervise around children and other dog breeds. They are very alert but also eager to please, so show your Kelpie who is boss, as well as giving lots of love and affection.
Australian Kelpie Dog Name Considerations
Naming your Australian Kelpie might seem like a daunting task, but it doesn't have to be! Luckily, there is much inspiration to be taken from this guide as a list has been provided with our 30 top male and top 30 female names for your new Kelpie.
You might want to consider your Kelpie's origins, for example an
Australian inspired name could be great – like Boomerang, or Roo if you love
the Australian furry bouncer. You could even
consider names inspired by Australian places like Dundee, Sydney, or Victoria. Sienna means a brownish-red color such as the earthy shade often seen in the region, so color consideration is also another thing to think about.
Remember, your Kelpie stands proud so you
could ponder a name that reflects this trait, like Rex (meaning king) or
Angus (meaning strength). Aboriginal names are also a possible consideration,
like Orana.
The main thing to think about is, whatever name you choose will be your four-legged friend’s name for life. Make sure you do your research and come up with a deserving name for your beloved pet. Check out the list below and write down any that you think might suit your furry friend, and then you can go back to the list later and see if there are any that fit your dog. Choose your forever-name carefully!
Male Australian Kelpie Dog Names
| Votes | Name | Vote |
|---|---|---|
| 10 |
Dingo
Inspired by the native Australian wild dog
|
|
| 5 |
Dusty
Inspired by the dusty Australian outback
|
|
| 4 |
Rusty
A reddish-brown color
|
|
| 4 |
Bear
Name of American origin meaning bear-like
|
|
| 4 |
Boomerang
A curved stick used as a weapon by Australian natives
|
|
| 4 |
Darwin
Means dear friend; from English origin
|
|
| 3 |
Rex
Of Latin origin meaning king
|
|
| 2 |
Aussie
Referring to someone native to Australia
|
|
| 2 |
Roo
Inspired by the Kangaroo
|
|
| 1 |
Archie
From the name Archibald and of Germanic origin
|
|
| -1 |
Eli
Of Hebrew origin meaning height
|
|
| -1 |
Jaxon
Means son of Jack; of American origin
|
|
| -1 |
Levi
Hebrew meaning joined in Harmony
|
|
| -2 |
Baz
Shortened form of the name Barry
|
|
| -2 |
Hudson
Inspired by the New York river
|
|
| -3 |
Boomer
A large male Kangeroo
|
|
| -3 |
Lucas
The name Lucas is from Greek origin
|
|
| -4 |
Reef
Inspired by the Great Barrier Reef
|
|
| -5 |
Clip
A clip holds things together
|
|
| -5 |
Xavier
Of Latin origin meaning The New House
|
|
| -6 |
Angus
Scottish origin meaning one strength
|
|
| -6 |
Buckley
A name of English origin and typically a surname
|
|
| -6 |
Carson
Of American origin, meaning son of Carr or son who lives in the swamp
|
|
| -6 |
Heeler
If your dog is obedient and good at heeling
|
|
| -7 |
Brisbane
The capital of Queensland
|
|
| -7 |
Clayton
Means from the town of clay land
|
|
| -7 |
Granite
Plutonic igneous rocks that contain dark minerals
|
|
| -7 |
Howe
Of English origin meaning from the hill
|
|
| -7 |
Lachlan
From Scottish Gaelic meaning from the land of lakes
|
|
| -7 |
Melbourne
The capital of Victoria state and second largest city
|
Female Australian Kelpie Dog Names
| Votes | Name | Vote |
|---|---|---|
| 7 |
Amber
A precious jewel; in Gaelic Amber means fierce
|
|
| 7 |
Summer
A season; often used as a name for someone who is born in summer
|
|
| 6 |
Milla
Form of Emilia in German; meaning industrious
|
|
| 5 |
Sydney
Sydney is the largest Australian city
|
|
| 3 |
Bundy
The word bundy means free
|
|
| 3 |
Pippa
Means lover of horses; of English origin
|
|
| 1 |
Kiwi
A flightless bird originating from New Zealand
|
|
| 1 |
Mia
Hebrew name meaning uncertain or possibly bitter
|
|
| 1 |
Sienna
Means reddish-brown color in Italian
|
|
| 0 |
Adelaide
Germanic name meaning noble and kind
|
|
| 0 |
Aria
In Italian Aria means song or melody
|
|
| 0 |
Harper
Can simply mean harp player
|
|
| 0 |
Isla
In Spanish Isla is a variant of Isabel and means devoted to God
|
|
| -1 |
Darling
An Australian river or it can be used to refer to a special loved one
|
|
| -3 |
Ava
In Latin-America Ava means like a bird
|
|
| -3 |
Mallee
Scrubland with low-growing eucalyptus
|
|
| -3 |
Matilda
From the Germanic name Mahthildis meaning strength in battle
|
|
| -3 |
Orana
Of Aboriginal origin meaning welcome
|
|
| -4 |
Dundee
A town in Northern Territory Australia
|
|
| -5 |
Bossy
Inspired by the Kelpie that appeared on the TV show, Neighbours
|
|
| -5 |
Kylie
Inspired by Australian actress and singer Kylie Minogue
|
|
| -5 |
Victoria
A name of Latin origin meaning conqueror; also an Australian state
|
|
| -5 |
Zoe-Belle
A mix of two girls names Zoe and Isabelle
|
|
| -6 |
Sunraysia
An Australian district known for its sunshine
|
|
| -9 |
Omaha
Inspired by the native American Omaha tribe
|
|
| -9 |
Karleen
Of German origin meaning womanly strength
|
|
| -9 |
Hestia
From ancient Greek mythology; goddess of hearth and fire
|
|
| -10 |
Barossa
A German dialect spoken mainly in Barossa Valley; South Australia
|
|
| -10 |
Belladonna
Poisonous plant with shiny black berries and reddish bell-shaped flowers
|
|
| -10 |
Blythe
Of English origin meaning happy
|
Written by a Jack-Chi lover Janet Cooper
Published: 02/13/2018, edited: 06/20/2022
More articles by Janet Cooper
Community Dogs With Australian Kelpie Names
There’s not much of a story, other than me accidentally saying the breed name wrong, 😆. Instead of saying Kelpie, I said Kipley. I thought, wow that’s an adorable mix up, but since my newborn pupper is a boy I’ll shorten it to Kipp. He is so cute!
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