Introduction
Bulldog Dog Names in Pop Culture
Although Mississippi A & M College was known as the "Bulldogs" from 1905 on, it wasn't until 1935 that football coach Ralph Sasse brought an actual English Bulldog on the practice field in an effort to motivate the team. This Bulldog's real name was Ptolemy. The players nicknamed him "Toi," and that year the football team defeated two of its most formidable opponents - Army and Alabama. After completing a winning season, alumni Joe Rice Dockery bought a litter mate of Ptolemy's and gifted the dog to the school. This dog was given the name "Bully." Each mascot since has maintained the Bully nickname, and each is named in succession (Bully I, Bully II, etc.) However, each mascot has its own individual name, for instance, Bully's successor was named "Beau Legg". Most of the Bully's are related; however this tradition of choosing a new Bully from the progeny of the present mascot did not begin until 1974, when a mother and son were purchased from a breeder in Mississippi's capital city. The mother, Sissy, is the only female Bully in the history of the school. Sissy's grandson, Champ, took over in 1977, and he fathered the next Bully, nicknamed "Little Bully."
There have been twenty-one Bully mascots over the life of the University. Some have been borrowed by the school from their owners. Others have been purchased by alumni or student organizations and donated to the school. Over the years, Bully has been "dognapped" by rival schools prior to a big game; however, he is often returned safe. One Bully was taken and covered in red and blue lead paint (the colors of the rival team). That time, Bully became very ill due to the paint, but he survived.
The current line of Bully mascots is cared for by a school employee who is devoted to raising and caring for the dog and his progeny. The current Bully is nicknamed "Jak" - which is a nod to current Dallas Cowboys quarterback, Dak Prescott and beloved sports announcer Jack Cristil, who died in 2014. Jak replaced his father, Champ, who was retired in 2015. Champ passed away in 2016.
Bulldog Name Considerations
Even dogs with a reputation for being vicious, such as the American Pit Bull, have proven to have the ability to listen to their owners and respond to their commands. Over time, many variations of the Bulldog are known to have an extraordinary patience with children. The English Bulldog in particular is known to be relatively calm and enduring with children.
Although the Bulldog came from tough beginnings, those who favor the breed tout their fun-loving and kind personalities. The Bulldog's tenacity makes him a great mascot; in fact, universities such as Georgetown, Georgia, Mississippi State, Gonzaga, and even Yale University sport a Bulldog as their school mascot. This is a nod to the tough, never-give-up attitude of the Bulldog.
Male Bulldog Dog Names
Votes | Name | Vote |
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8 |
Chief
Can refer to "Big Chief" on the TV series Street Outlaws, may also refer to the territorial attitude of the Bulldog
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5 |
Winston
As in Winston Churchill, this name is fitting of the tenacious attitude of a Bulldog
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4 |
Samson
A Biblical character known for his strength; strength is a characteristic of all Bulldogs
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4 |
Bullet
A great name for a Bulldog owner who loves firearms
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4 |
Hank
A variation of Henry that means "chief ruler"
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4 |
Bruno
Can refer to singer Bruno Mars
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3 |
Max
The English Bulldog from TV's Jake and the Fatman
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3 |
Spike
Tom & Jerry featured a Bulldog named Spike
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3 |
Tonka
The name of Mississippi State's Bully XIX
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3 |
Ace
This Latin name means "unity;" it can also refer to someone who is talented in a certain area
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3 |
Bruiser
A great name for a tenacious dog
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3 |
Caesar
The ruling family of Rome for many years
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2 |
Brutus
May refer to the Shakespearean character, Brutus is a name usually given to a strong dog
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2 |
Chester
A character on the Looney Toons series
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2 |
Sarge
Refers to military rank; Sarge is a great name for a dog belonging to a soldier
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1 |
Jake
A variation of Jacob, one who supplies
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1 |
Rascal
Petey the Bulldog was a member of the Little Rascals
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1 |
Rex
This name means "king;" it is perfect for the ruler, your Bulldog
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1 |
Rambo
Portrayed by Sylvester Stallone, Rambo was a vigilante solider
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1 |
Thor
Ruling Norse god
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0 |
Gizmo
Many give this name to smaller dogs, but it is perfect for the quizzical looks your Bulldog may give you
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0 |
Zeus
The ruler of all gods in Greek mythology; a Bulldog named Zeus is ruler of his territory
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-1 |
Otis
A German name meaning "wealthy;" investing in a Bulldog can be costly
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-1 |
Rocky
Rocky Balboa is a fictional boxer known for his tenacity in the ring.
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-1 |
Tank
Currently one of the most popular Bulldog names
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-1 |
Axel
A variation of Greek hero Alexander the Great
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-1 |
Wally
Meaning "ruler of the army;" fitting for the in-charge Bulldog
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-3 |
Shorty
The English Bulldog is often twelve inches in height at the shoulder
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-4 |
Chewbacca
A perfect fit for the Star Wars fan with a dog that enjoys chewing
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-5 |
Buster Brown
Once a popular shoe brand, Buster Brown is fitting of a tough, tenacious pup
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Female Bulldog Dog Names
Votes | Name | Vote |
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7 |
Athena
Chief Greek goddess of the hunt
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7 |
Bella
Meaning "beautiful;" this name is perfect for your pretty Bully
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7 |
Cleo
A variation of Cleopatra, the queen of Egypt
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6 |
Harley Quinn
A Marvel comics character known for her cunning
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6 |
Sugar
Refers to the sweet personality of the Bulldog
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6 |
Cierra
Meaning "beautiful mountain range;" this name is a commentary on the beauty of the Bulldog
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5 |
Lily
Meaning "water flower;" Lily is a great name for a pretty Bulldog
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5 |
Princess
A royal name for a royal dog
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4 |
Sweet Pea
A great name for your affectionate Bulldog
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4 |
Mabel
This name means "lovable"
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4 |
Molly
A variation of "Mary," meaning bitter
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4 |
Luna Belle
Literally, "pretty moon;" this name is fitting of a pretty Bulldog who is also a night owl
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4 |
Amber
Can refer to the amber color of the coat of a Bulldog
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3 |
Xena
The Warrior Princess is a perfect name for your tough little girl
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2 |
Lucy
The name meaning "light" is perfect for the light of your life, your pup
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2 |
Ayla
A Star Wars character; Ayla is brave and loyal
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2 |
Jasmine
A Disney princess
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2 |
Phoebe
A Greek word meaning "shining one;" a Bulldog's sweet personality shines constantly
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1 |
Mimi
A character on The Drew Carey Show; she wore outlandish make-up and loved to bully Drew
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1 |
Queenie
A perfect name for the female ruling Bully of your home
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1 |
Lola
Lola is the "princess of all things"
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1 |
Chloe
A term describing a blooming flower
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1 |
Candy
May refer to the sweet disposition of the Bulldog
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1 |
Sassy
Many Bulldogs can have a sassy attitude at times
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1 |
Bailey
This name refers to one who guards property, which was one of the Bulldog's top purposes
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1 |
Juliet
The heroine of a Shakespearean play
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0 |
Ginger
May refer to the coat color of some Bulldogs
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-1 |
Fergie
May refer to the Princess Sarah Ferguson or Fergie, the singer
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-2 |
Leia
A great Bulldog name for the Star Wars fan; Leia was a princess but she was undoubtedly tough as nails
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-2 |
Fiona
Shrek's beloved princess
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