Introduction
When it comes to British television programs, there is probably no show more popular and enduring than Doctor Who. Produced by BBC since 1963, Doctor Who is a science-fiction show that is centered on the adventures of a Time Lord known only as “The Doctor”. Hailing from the planet of Gallifrey, the Doctor uses a time-traveling spacecraft, known as the TARDIS (Time and Relative Dimension in Space), to explore the universe. Since its inception until today, Doctor Who has become a major part of British popular culture. Furthermore, it has received a cult following in other parts of the world.
Doctor Who Dog Names in Pop Culture
Doctor Who is one of the most popular television programs in the United Kingdom. It has also achieved a cult status in other parts of the world. The show’s plot revolves around an extraterrestrial being called “The Doctor”, a Time Lord who travels around the universe through a spaceship known as the TARDIS. Throughout the different episodes and storylines, The Doctor is usually accompanied by various “companions” as they work together to face different foes and help those in need.
Among the different companions of The Doctor featured in the show, perhaps the most memorable is K9. A pun on the word “canine”, K9 is the name of multiple robotic dogs in the show, with the first one appearing in 1977. The K9 persona was created by Dave Martin and Bob Baker, both of whom still own the rights to the character. While not originally meant to become a recurring character in the program, K9 eventually became a regular after his first feature because the creators thought that he would be a hit with the younger audiences. During the series’ run, there have been at least four distinct K9 units.
First acquired by the Doctor in 1977, K9 eventually incarnated and explored alongside the Fourth Doctor until 1981. In these narratives, K9 became a useful ally to the doctor, thanks in large part to his laser weapon (hidden in his nose), wide computer and encyclopedic knowledge. Personality-wise, K9 is formal and good-mannered, although he can be too literal (and condescending) at times. While he has stated that he was programmed to not show any feelings or emotions, there are certain instances when he displayed egotism and grief. K9 also has a penchant for sharing different random facts, which leads to him boring other characters.
Because of K9’s popularity in the Doctor Who franchise, he eventually became a major character in several television spin-offs of the show, namely K-9 and Company, The Sarah Jane Adventures and K9. Aside from television shows, K9 also inspired several other forms of works. Dave Martin, the co-creator of the K9 character, also wrote a children’s book series called The Adventures of K9, which was published in 1980 by Sparrow Books. Severn House also published a game book series in 1985 featuring K9 and the Sixth Doctor, entitled Make your own adventure with Doctor Who. In the United States, this series was called Find Your Fate – Doctor Who.
Doctor Who Dog Name Considerations
When choosing a name for your new dog, you might get swamped by the different options that you have. Dog owners name their beloved furbabies after just about anything – from descriptive names to pop culture references. For fans of the British program Doctor Who, choosing a name related to the show may seem like a good idea. Luckily, the show offers a lot of name options to pick from.
The most straightforward way to choose a Doctor Who-related name is through the characters in the show. Since the show has been running since 1963, there are literally loads of characters that can be used as inspiration for a name for your dog. You may even name your pooch after the actors or actresses who portrayed the show’s characters. You can also use the name of different objects that are central to the show. For instance, you can pick the name “Gallifrey”, which refers to the planet where The Doctor hails from, for your dog.
One thing that you have to remember, however, is that dog names should be kept short and easy to learn and recall. Generally, dogs are only capable of remembering words and names with one to two syllables. Thus, it is in your dog’s best interest if the name you eventually pick is easy enough for them to remember.
Male Doctor Who Dog Names
Votes | Name | Vote |
---|---|---|
7 |
Rory
After Rory Williams, one of the show’s characters
|
|
5 |
Jack
After Jack Harkness, one of the show’s characters
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4 |
The Doctor
The main protagonist of the series, a Time Lord
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4 |
Gallifrey
The name of the planet where The Doctor is from
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4 |
Matt
After actor Matt Smith, who played The Eleventh Doctor
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3 |
Tardis
The time-traveling space ship used by The Doctor
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3 |
Dalek
An extraterrestrial race of mutants in the show
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3 |
Mickey
After Mickey Smith, one of the show’s characters
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3 |
Sylvester
After actor Sylvester McCoy, who played The Seventh Doctor
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3 |
David
After actor David Tennant, who played The Tenth Doctor
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3 |
Peter
After actor Peter Capaldi, who played The Twelfth Doctor
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2 |
K9
The robotic canine that served as The Doctor’s companion
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2 |
Webber
After C.E. Webber, one of the creators of the Doctor Who series
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2 |
Christopher
After actor Christopher Eccleston, who played The Ninth Doctor
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1 |
Alistair
After Brigadier Alistair Gordon Lethbridge-Stewart, one of the show’s characters
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1 |
Yates
After Captain Mike Yates, one of the show’s characters
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1 |
Benton
After Corporal Benton, one of the show’s characters
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1 |
Harris
After Private Carl Harris, one of the show’s characters
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|
1 |
Borusa
One of the Time Lords from Gallifrey and The Doctor’s former teacher
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1 |
Luke
After Luke Smith, one of the show’s characters
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|
1 |
Silurian
A specie in the show known as Earth reptiles
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1 |
Jon
After actor Jon Pertwee, who played The Third Doctor
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1 |
Tom
After actor Tom Baker, who played The Fourth Doctor
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-1 |
William
After actor William Hartnell, who played The First Doctor
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-1 |
Patrick
After actor Patrick Troughton, who played The Second Doctor
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-1 |
Davison
After actor Peter Davison, who played The Fifth Doctor
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-1 |
Colin
After actor Colin Baker, who played The Sixth Doctor
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-1 |
Paul
After actor Paul McGann, who played The Eight Doctor
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-2 |
Sydney
After Sydney Newman, one of the creators of the Doctor Who series
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-2 |
Donald
After Donald Wilson, one of the creators of the Doctor Who series
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Female Doctor Who Dog Names
Votes | Name | Vote |
---|---|---|
11 |
River
After River Song, the wife of The Doctor and one of the characters in the show
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8 |
Rose
After Rose Tyler, one of the characters in the show
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5 |
Yaz
After Yasmin “Yaz” Khan, one of the characters in the show
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5 |
Amy
After Amy Pond, one of the characters in the show
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5 |
Astrid
After Astrid Peth, one of the characters in the show
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4 |
Donna
After Donna Noble, one of the characters in the show
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3 |
Osgood
A brilliant scientist and one of the characters in the show
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3 |
Jenny
After Jenny Flint, one of the characters in the show
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3 |
Martha
After Martha Jones, one of the characters in the show
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3 |
Sarah
After Sarah Jane Smith, one of the characters in the show
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3 |
Winifred
After Brigadier Winifred Bambera, the commanding officer of UNIT
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2 |
Jodie
After actress Jodie Whittaker, who plays the Thirteenth Doctor
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2 |
Clara
After Clara Oswald, one of the characters in the show
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2 |
Vastra
After Madame Vastra, one of the characters in the show
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2 |
Leela
After Leela of the Sevateem, one of the characters in the show
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2 |
Ace
One of the characters in the show
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2 |
Missy
One of the characters in the show
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|
1 |
Jackie
After Jackie Tyler, one of the characters in the show
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|
1 |
Idris
One of the characters in the show
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|
1 |
Bell
After Corporal Bell, one of the characters in the show
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|
0 |
Romana
One of the characters in the show; another Time Lord from Gallifrey
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0 |
Tegan
After Tegan Jovanka, one of the characters in the show
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|
-1 |
Kate
After Kate Stewart, one of the characters in the show
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|
-1 |
Ashildr
One of the characters in the show
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|
-1 |
Christina
After Lady Christina, one of the characters in the show
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-1 |
Harriet
After Harriet Jones, the Prime Minister of Great Britain in the show
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-1 |
Susan
After Susan Foreman, one of the characters in the show
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|
-1 |
Erisa
After Captain Erisa Magambo, one of the characters in the show
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|
-1 |
Petronella
After Petronella Osgood, one of the characters in the show
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|
-3 |
Bill
After Bill Potts, one of the characters in the show
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Community Dogs With Doctor Who Names
As a puppy, my husband took one look at him, said Apollo, and that was it. The name was perfect for him;absolutely no other name would fit him.