Introduction
You are to become a proud owner of an adorable pooch, but you’re completely out of your depth when it comes to naming your new furry friend. Here’s an idea – how about giving it a name that traces its origins to Croatia, a beautiful, coastal country in the Mediterranean region. Why, you ask? Because, as the popular opinion goes, Croatian language, culture, beaches and women are among the most beautiful and exotic in the world. If this heritage isn’t something you want to bestow on your dog, then we rest our case.
Croatian Dog Names in Pop Culture
Apart from the splendid beauty and friendly vibe that your doggo exudes, his uncompromising loyalty and pride are also characteristics that showcase what being from Croatia is all about. And the most beloved dog of Croatian cinematography is an emblem of loyalty and pride – a German Shepherd named Hund, a best (and only) friend of a small boy Ranko, who lives in a village in the mountains. The movie’s name ‘Lone Wolf’ summarizes both Hund’s and Ranko’s destiny, as they provide each other with what they are both lacking – someone to be there for them. Life was hard for Hund until Ranko found him all alone, almost starved to death in the forest, but Ranko’s life was far from blissful as well – he lives in a village in an underdeveloped region, in post-Second World War Croatia, in a community that is still insecure and deeply traumatized by the war.
Hund is a true rescue for this little child that tries to escape the harsh realities of the world. Hund is loving, patient and a true friend, an opposite from what Ranko is used to. His life makes a 180 degrees turn as now he finally has a companion that follows him in his antics and adventures. They wander and roam the Croatian highlands, play in the village and explore every nook and cranny. But their kingdom of happiness is about to be violated by the untrusting villagers that feel threatened by what seems to them to be a vicious beast, a wolf, here to slaughter their precious livestock, their only source of income. Out of pure ignorance, the troubled citizens become the beasts as they hunt the innocent dog. Ranko makes a sacrifice and runs away with the dog, hopefully to a better future devoid of barbarism, strife and hate.
The movie’s heroes are a reminder of what having a dog is all about – unrelenting affection, companionship and love, but it also teaches as an even more valuable lesson – that having a dog with a Croatian spirit is the best thing that can happen to you! This boy-dog bond is celebrated in Croatian culture as the epitome of pastoral escapism and a gold standard of true friendship. Also, a German Shepherd is revered in the country, as they are synonymous with infinite loyalty. So if you ask the Croats, get a dog and you’ll be loved and cherished without reserve!
Croatian Dog Name Considerations
When you think of Croatia, think of sand, beaches, uninhabited tropical islands and loads of fun. So, naturally, your dog could be given a name that incorporates all that – More, which means the Sea in Croatian. As your new companion is surely a lively, active dog with a restless spirit, perhaps a Jack Russell Terrier or, a Croatian favorite, German Shepherd, it deserves a beautiful Croatian name.
Also, if you happen to have a Golden Retriever, a yellow Lab, or a sable Poodle, once again you might want to consider naming him Sand or Summer, or, in Croatian, Leto or Pesak. What’s sandier and more exotic that that? And if you wish to be loved in Croatia, then you should name your pooch Croatia or Split, a city in Croatia. It’s that simple! Also, if you love all things related to nature, like rivers, mountains and islands, just look at the map, because there are numerous resonant, attractive names suitable for your dog like Tara, Una, Adria… There’s no better source for a tropical, exotic name, especially if your dog is lively, friendly, charming and exciting like the mesmerizing country of Croatia.
Male Croatian Dog Names
Votes | Name | Vote |
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4 |
Luka
Another Croatian favorite
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4 |
Shuma
If your dog likes forests, this is the perfect name; meaning "forest" in Croatian
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3 |
Staza
"Path" in Croatian
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2 |
Jak
Meaning ‘strong" or "powerful’
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2 |
Vuk
A great name for a German Shepherd, as it means ‘Wolf’
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2 |
Adrian
Derived from the Adriatic Sea
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2 |
Ivan
Another typical Slavic name
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2 |
Nebo
Means "sky"
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2 |
Med
And if your dog is sweet like honey, this is the name
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2 |
Darko
A perfect name for a black or brown dog
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1 |
Marco
A common name in Croatia
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1 |
Lav
If your dog reminds you of a lion, consider this name
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1 |
Corcula
A huge tropical island in Croatia
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0 |
Tito
The famous communist ruler of Yugoslavia
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0 |
Pas
Means ‘a dog’ in Croatian; a dog is a dog
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0 |
Plav
Means "blue" in Croatian; the blue sea
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0 |
Beo
Means "white"; it’s a part of the Croatian flag
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0 |
Kornaty
89 islands make the reef of Kornati
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0 |
Zadar
A beautiful town in Croatia
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0 |
Ime
Means ‘name’, suitable enough; pronounced ee-meh
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0 |
Giorgio
Italian yes, but popular in Croatia as well
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0 |
Mostar
Also an important city in Croatia
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0 |
Mir
Means "peace"
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0 |
Talas
Another summer name; means "wave"
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0 |
Isus
Meaning "Jesus", for devoted Christians
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0 |
Bok
That’s how you say hello in Croatian; Bok!
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-2 |
Slav
Croats are of Slavic origin
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-2 |
Yugo
If you’re fascinated by the 80’s and recall Yugoslavia – pick this
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-2 |
Zagreb
The capital city of Croatia
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-4 |
Drum
Not an instrument, but a road
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Female Croatian Dog Names
Votes | Name | Vote |
---|---|---|
3 |
Mila
A popular Slavic name
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3 |
Kisha
For those who like the rain, this is a Croatian word for it
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3 |
Liya
Short for "fox" in Croatian
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2 |
Mala
Means "little girl" in Croatian
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2 |
Daria
A good Croatian name for any pooch
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2 |
Vesna
For those who like spring; means "spring"
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2 |
Severina
A famous Croatian singer
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1 |
Dalia
A common Croatian girl name
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1 |
San
Meaning "dream"
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1 |
Bianca
An Italian name, but a favorite in Croatia
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1 |
Zenica
A city in Croatia
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1 |
Sava
A beautiful river in Croatia
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1 |
Lepa
Reserved for beautiful dogs; meaning "beautiful"
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1 |
Adria
Adriatic sea as an inspiration
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1 |
Vis
Plenty of islands, plenty of names; famous island in Croatia
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0 |
Pula
A capital of film in Croatia
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0 |
Alma
Means "delightful"
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0 |
Mirna
If you want a calm, peaceful dog; meaning "calm"
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0 |
Renata
If you believe in reincarnation; "the one who is reborn"
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0 |
Stasha
Short for Anastasia, Slavic version
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0 |
Drava
A river in Croatia
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0 |
Mlada
Means "young" in Croatian
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-1 |
Bela
Doesn’t mean pretty, it means "white"
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-1 |
Masha
Short for Maria, Slavic as well
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-1 |
Croatia
Why not?
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-1 |
Zhuta
If your dog is yellow, this will suit her
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-1 |
Reka
If your dog likes water, then ‘river’ suits her well
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-1 |
Cura
Means ‘a girl’ in Croatian; pronounced Surah
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-2 |
Lorde
Famous singer, Croatian descent
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-3 |
Pobeda
Means ‘victory’ in Croatian
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