Dog Names that Start with L

Introduction

You've got a lovely home, you found a comfortable couch, and you finally got the puppy of your dreams. The cuddles are all that you ever wanted and wished for. There's only one thing missing: the dog's name. It's not like you hadn't thought about it, you had so many ideas! But none of them feel... right. Don't be surprised, this is a common story. A dog's name is hard to pick, because everyone wants a really good one. A name that really makes sense and reflects who the dog is. Here are some dog names that start with the letter "L" to get you started.

Dog Names That Start With L in Pop Culture

Featured Famous Dog With a Name that Starts with L

Lassie

There are many famous dogs with names that start with the letter "L." Dogs including Lady from Lady and the Tramp, Lucky from Dr. Doolittle, and Louie from Overboard. However, no dog on the planet, regardless of their name is as well-known or loved as this one dog in particular. If there's any dog in the world that everyone knows, it's Lassie, the famous Rough Collie. She was the star of the long-running U.S. TV show in which she was the ultimate family dog, always helping children and providing hope in times of economic turmoil. The thing that made Lassie last as long as she did – fifty years – was being able to adapt to different stories.

The original story by Eric Knight was created based on an 1859 short story by Elizabeth Gaskell, called The Half Brothers. In it, Lassie is only loved by her young master, and saves two boys in a snowstorm. The story got expanded into a novel, Lassie Come Home. It was such a success, it got made into a film in 1943, which eventually led to six more MGM films. That was when the Lassie name and trademark was acquired for rodeos, fairs, and the 1954-1973 TV show that everyone knows and loves.

In it, Lassie lived in a small farming community with her beloved 11-year-old Jeff Miller and the rest of the family. It's not until the fourth season that 7-year-old Timmy Martin and his adoptive parents take over. By the eleventh season, the story had changed once again, with Lassie joining the United States Forest Service Rangers. She even roams around on her own for a year before finally finding a home at a children's orphanage for two seasons.

Lassie's ability to change with the times, in various mediums and story lines, is what kept her alive and warm in the hearts of every American family for so many years. It's why she is still remembered today as the most famous, most iconic TV and movie dog, ever. She won critical favor, won two Emmy Awards, and sold so much merchandise it makes every dog afterward look like an average unknown actor. Things like books and clothes, toys and even a ring and wallet through the lifelong sponsor, Campbell's Soup.

Lassie is and always will be the most iconic American dog known around the world. She knew how to take average families and animal love and elevate it to a point of not just making it relatable, but memorable.

Dog Names that Start with L Considerations

When you're selecting a dog's name, you have to keep a few things in mind. In doing so, you're maximizing your chances of selecting the best name you possibly can. For one thing, it's a good idea to remember that not all dogs are the same. Every dog carries himself differently, whether he's spunky, excitable, calm and serious, or even aggressive. A fluffy name for a very territorial dog may come off ironic, which is great, but may not be what you're going for. Another thing to keep in mind is your dog's favorite things. Maybe he really enjoys toys that make quirky sounds. Sure, the tug-o-war rope is just fine, but it doesn't ever beat the squeaky bone, the jingling teddy bear, or the burping snowman. Even his favorite food can be an influence. Maybe be can't get enough of food in general, much like a vacuum. But when you pull out those specific dog treats from the local organic shop, they get him going like nothing else you've ever seen! In other words, consider the dog's favorite things. They directly give you a sense for who your dog is, and what he enjoys the most. If that's not inspiration, then nothing is!

Male Dog Names that Start With L

Votes	Name	Vote
9	Loki The Norse god of mischief
7	Lucas A religious name
7	Lazaro Of Spanish origin, this name means "help of God"
6	Lucky If he has only brought you luck
6	Leonard For the serious dog
5	Lex Like Lex Luther
4	Liko A name that means "Bud"
3	Luke A religious name
3	Larry This is great for a dog, so unexpected
3	Lewis A name that works no matter the size, appearance, or personality of the dog
3	Lamont Of Scottish and Northern Irish origin
3	Leen Arabic for "tender"
2	Lancelot A French name, and one found in the tales of King Arthur
2	Ledger After Heath Ledger
2	Ladd An old 13th century name that has a modern meaning of "young man"
2	Lloyd Meaning "gray", is perfect if your dog is that color
2	Lencho Of African origin, it means "lion"
1	Landin Of Swedish and Latin origin
1	Lennon After John Lennon
1	Lazar Serbian, Bulgarian and Macedonian in origin
0	Legend Good if your dog helps with special needs, or does something else particularly heroic
0	Lemuel Hebrew for "devoted to God"
0	Lenny Of German origin
0	Leizer Or Greek and Hebrew origin
-1	Lagoon Funny if your dog looks like the creature of the black lagoon
-1	Lennart A Swedish name for "Lion"
-2	Leto Of Greek origin, the meaning is disputed
-2	Lael Of Hebrew origin
-4	Lanford Perfect for an old soul
-4	Lamberto Hails all the way from Scandinavia, and means "land brilliant"

Female Dog Names that Start With L

Votes	Name	Vote
9	Lexi A nickname for Alexandra or Alexandria
8	Layla It means "night" in Arabic
7	Lenna The female version of Leonard
7	Lauren Such a common California name, this is a Latin moniker
6	Lenora Of English origin, it means "shining light"
6	Lara Of Greek origin, it means "cheerful"
6	Lakota Perfect if you don't want something common, like Dakota
5	Lauri Of Latin origin, it means "Laurel tree or sweet bay tree"
5	Lakenn It also means lake, which seems to be a common theme with "L" names
5	Lassie After the famous dog
4	Lacie For the girly girl
4	Laiken Of English origin, meaning "lake," or "pool"
4	Lisa Short form of Elizabeth
3	Lia A variation of Leah
3	Lashae A rare first name for females
3	Lala Hawaiian for "famous," or "cheerful"
3	Landy Of French origin
2	Luann Hawaiian for "enjoyment"
2	Lizzette Of English origin
2	Lana Derived from the Irish Gaelic word for "child"
1	Laren If Lauren is too common
1	Lake Especially good if it's her favorite place
1	Love Good if you feel like your dog is love, or showing you the value of such a thing
1	Lily Like the flower
1	Lemon Especially good if the dog is grouchy and sour all the time
1	Laia An alternative spelling to Leia
0	Lisa-Marie For a more common human name
0	Liddy Of Greek origin
0	Li Li Of Hebrew origin, meaning "God is satisfaction"
-2	Libby It means "God's promise"