Introduction
Best 3-Letter Dog Names in Pop Culture
First making an appearance in the Pixar movie Up, Dug is a large, lovable Golden Retriever. What makes him so unlike any other Lab, let alone any other dog around, is his special collar, which translates his thoughts into English. As if that wasn't enough, Dug is very much a puppy. He's joyful and clingy, loving and silly – all the things that make puppies so enjoyable. Perhaps this is why Dug couldn't possibly be contained in one movie. He also appeared in Dug's Special Mission, and George & A.J., two Pixar short films based around the movie Up, and its characters.
Another famous dog with a 3-letter name is a classic – Ace! This German Shepherd was actually the third member of the Batman and Robin dynamic, after his former master was kidnapped, of course. In order to save his beloved John Wilker, he raced around in the Batmobile, took on thugs head-on, and eventually helped Batman and Robin save the man. He even wore a batmask and emblem, courtesy of Robin, so that the dog would not be recognized and taken prisoner. By the end of the journey, Ace the Bathound had returned home with John Wilker, but not before being told that the position of Bathound is always open, something that clearly stuck. In 1955, Ace returned to help Batman and Robin with another case: a trained dog that committed diamond robberies. And for the next three years, Ace kept helping the duo, courtesy of John. He helped with explosives, tracking, pursuit, and just about anything else you can think of. Of course, that was Golden Age Batman. Eventually, Ace was revamped as a former Joker guard dog, rehabilitated and made into Batman's own pet. He starred in several movies, including Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker, and Batman Beyond: The Movie.
Finally, there's Gus, the Siberian Husky from Iron Will. This 1994 Walt Disney production was set in 1917, and showed head sled dog Gus, and all of his canine friends, bracing the cold, racing to save the family farm. They have to deal with potential sabotages from competitors, the press coverage, steep mountains, the 522-mile-long race, and the knowledge that if they fail, everything will be lost. It is only because of Gus that there is enough hope to finally win and save the farm. The film certainly left a legacy behind in real life too. There is a Husky named Slovak's Ice in Cheboygan, Michigan that is Gus's granddaughter.
Best 3-Letter Dog Name Considerations
Choosing a pet name is a lot more difficult than it may appear at first glance. This is another life form that you're having to name! Someone whom you will be caring for, hopefully for a long time to come – at least another decade. Choosing the wrong name can lead to some discomfort, or even regret. That being said, if you simply take your time and really analyze your new pet's behaviors, finding the perfect name becomes inevitable. For instance, if you find that your pet is very hyperactive, and enjoys running, jumping, and getting into mischief, you may find that a shorter, spunkier name is the perfect route to take. If your new pet is funny, and is always making you laugh, then a longer name may be ideal. Something else to consider, besides personality, is your willingness to say a long vs short name. This is a name you will be using for years to call your dog to you, to stop bad behavior, to reward them, and make them feel loved. So again, take your time. There's no rush – the right name will come to you. In the meantime, just look around for potential ideas. You never know what you might find!
Male Best 3-Letter Dog Names
Votes | Name | Vote |
---|---|---|
3 |
Ace
John Wilker's dog
|
|
3 |
Max
It's a classic and means greatest
|
|
2 |
Leo
If he's always being admired by the ladies
|
|
1 |
Eli
A Hebrew name meaning high or elevated
|
|
1 |
Geo
If he likes rocks
|
|
0 |
Pip
Short for Pippin and fitting for a perky canine
|
|
0 |
Jax
In case you like Sons of Anarchy
|
|
-1 |
Axl
For that huge, muscular dog
|
|
-1 |
Cap
Short for captain, for a dog who likes to take charge
|
|
-1 |
Lou
Short for Louie, or Louis
|
|
-1 |
Moe
Sounds old school
|
|
-2 |
Gus
The perfect name for a Husky
|
|
-2 |
Rex
For the big, serious, protective dog
|
|
-2 |
Bud
After Air Bud, or even Budlight
|
|
-2 |
Hal
Sounds so... outdoorsman
|
|
-2 |
Lex
After Lex Luthor
|
|
-3 |
Dug
The lovable pup from Up
|
|
-3 |
Roy
For the outdoorsman dog
|
|
-3 |
Dax
Sounds like Drax a little, doesn't it?
|
|
-3 |
Ike
It should remind you of the candy
|
|
-3 |
Ken
Works if you already have a dog named Barbie
|
|
-3 |
Tom
For the older, no funny business dog
|
|
-4 |
Ben
For those who want their dog to have a more human name
|
|
-5 |
Abe
Means father of a multitude
|
|
-5 |
Cas
If you love the show Supernatural
|
|
-5 |
Con
If he's always up to shady business
|
|
-6 |
Jon
A shorter spelling of John
|
|
-6 |
Ian
Another name that sounds more human, may be cute for a Dachshund
|
|
-6 |
Ham
If he's unashamed about how needy he is
|
|
-7 |
Ren
After Ren and Stimpy
|
Female Best 3-Letter Dog Names
Votes | Name | Vote |
---|---|---|
3 |
Kai
The perfect name, with many meanings including sea
|
|
2 |
Mia
Such a pretty name for such a pretty girl
|
|
1 |
Ava
A variation of Eva, for the princess in your life
|
|
1 |
Emi
A variation of Emmy
|
|
1 |
Gia
For the fashionable dog, it is an Italian name
|
|
1 |
Dot
If she's spotted
|
|
1 |
Icy
If she has a white coat, like snow
|
|
1 |
Ivy
If she loves plants
|
|
1 |
Kia
If she likes car rides
|
|
0 |
Sam
Short for Samantha, a name with several meanings including flower
|
|
0 |
Rey
After Star Wars
|
|
-1 |
Luz
Means light in Spanish
|
|
-1 |
Nia
For the calm, laid-back girl
|
|
-1 |
Ida
Perfect for an older dog
|
|
-1 |
Tia
It means aunt in Spanish
|
|
-1 |
Dee
If you're a fan of It's Always Funny in Philadelphia
|
|
-1 |
Fay
If she's a laid back gal
|
|
-1 |
Tai
If she's always into islands, exotic places, and the beach
|
|
-1 |
Iza
If you're a fan of the Roaring Twenties
|
|
-1 |
May
If she was born in May
|
|
-2 |
Eva
Again, a variation of Ava
|
|
-2 |
Liv
For the sassy girl
|
|
-2 |
Noa
A feminine spin on Noah
|
|
-2 |
Ari
For a cute, small dog
|
|
-2 |
Ann
It's a classic and means grace
|
|
-2 |
Kim
For the girly gal
|
|
-2 |
Ina
Meaning pure, for the slightly older girl
|
|
-2 |
Pam
May remind you of the cooking spray
|
|
-2 |
Meg
The perfect nerdy name
|
|
-2 |
Sue
For the introverted pup
|
Community Dogs With Best 3-Letter Names
Just a cool name really has no meaning