Introduction
Dog Names That Start With N in Pop Culture
If there's any memorable dog with a name that starts with "N," it's certainly a loving one from an iconic Disney movie. You may know her as Nana, the family dog that moonlights as a children's nanny in Peter Pan. And much like the human nannies of the world, Nana would clean up, worry about the children, and freak out when Peter Pan came around to take her loved ones to Neverland.
Nana was unlike any other dog. She looked like a "nana," with her little old lady hat and huge expressive eyes that conveyed how jaded and used to the children's antics she was. She clearly adored the children and worried about them. She tried her hardest to keep them out of trouble. So, when their parents failed to understand them, and reduced her down to just being another family dog, Nana took it personally, as she should have. We're talking about a dog with a sense of danger, a dog that makes beds and cleans up messes created by the human adults!
Then there's Napoleon from The 1970 Disney film The Aristocats. Napoleon is a stray Bloodhound that hangs out with a Basset Hound by the name of Lafayette. Aside from their old school names, they also happen to live in an abandoned windmill in the French countryside, so you know they're not your average strays. In fact, Napoleon and Lafayette are an iconic duo, with Napoleon being the brains, and Lafayette being the dope. Lafayette adds cuteness as he speaks with a heavy Southern accent.
Together, they guard their territory and protect their farm. They only trust each other, chase enemies, and bite intruders on their bottoms. However, everything changes when some cats end up getting dumped off by a jealous butler who doesn't want them inheriting a fortune. Somehow, in a movie that's all about cats, and is even named after them, the dogs are the ones who shine the most. Especially Napoleon.
If there's anything to learn about both Nana and Napoleon, it's that dogs are smarter than some people give them credit for. They're capable of great love and compassion, of wit and planning, and even of cleaning up messes. They may not all be able to make a bed, but they can all certainly recognize when something is wrong. And you might be surprised, but more often than not, they're all willing to help however they can. Even if it means just being present.
Dog Names that Start with N Considerations
When selecting a dog name, there are a few things to keep in mind. In doing so, you have a much easier time finding the right name. It's all about considering all your major sources of inspiration, and thinking outside of the box. But first, let's look in the box: appearance, personality, favorite toys and treats. Think about what you already know about your dog. Maybe he's a very small dog with a black furry coat and a love for chew toys. Maybe he can't get enough of beef jerky. Using this information can lead to some pretty good name ideas.
But think about what would happen if you started comparing your dog to actors or fictional characters. Maybe your dog really, really gives off Liam Neeson vibes, or could be Vincent (John Travolta) from Pulp Fiction. There are entire websites out there that are specifically dedicated to comparing dogs to well-known people. If there's a comparison to be found, it will be found! Selecting the letter N and going with that can be a fun path to follow. Whatever you consider when selecting a dog's name, whether you think outside the box or not, remember that there's no wrong or right way to go about it. And there's no need to rush either. What's important is that you don't settle.
Male Dog Names that Start With N
Votes | Name | Vote |
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7 |
Nestor
Derived from the Greek for "one who returns from travels"
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5 |
Neal
Of Gaelic origin, it essentially means "cloud," "passionate," or "champion"
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5 |
Ned
It's actually a Scottish term for hooligans, or petty criminals, which is great if your dog is a bad, but good boy
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5 |
Night
We all know what it means, but it's perfect if you're very much into celestial bodies and astrology
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5 |
Norbert
Germanic for "bright"
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4 |
Napoleon
After the famous Bloodhound from The Aristocats
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4 |
Nacho
It's a tasty food, come on now, but it's also short for the name Ignacio
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4 |
Nello
Italian short for Antonello
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4 |
Noe
German, Dutch, French , Spanish
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3 |
Nico
Of Greek origin, meaning "victory of the people" since it is derived from Nicolas/Nikodemos
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3 |
Naveen
Mainly found in Hindi speaking countries, this name means "beautiful, pleasant, always new"
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3 |
Norris
From the Old French for "northerner"
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2 |
Nero
The last Roman emperor of the Julio-Claudian era
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2 |
Norio
Originally from Japan, it means "man of principles"
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2 |
Nikolas
Greek for "people's victory," this name led to many, many derivations
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1 |
Nelson
An Irish baby name meaning "son of the champion"
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1 |
Nolan
Gaelic for "famous" or "noble"
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0 |
Nathan
If you're a fan of Nathan Drake from the Uncharted video games
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0 |
Nash
Middle English for "At the ash tree"
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0 |
Nick
If he's your typical blonde California dog
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0 |
Neptune
God of the sea in Roman mythology
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0 |
Nuno
Of Portuguese origin, this name can either mean "grandfather" or "squire," depending on which word you think it's derived from
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0 |
Nondas
Greek for "seeking the best"
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0 |
Nori
In Japan, Nori is what you call "seaweed"
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-1 |
Nayden
It means "found" in Bulgarian
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-1 |
Noel
Perfect if you got him around Christmas, because it is another name for Santa Claus
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-2 |
Naboo
It's a planet from the Star Wars universe
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-3 |
Nadir
Derives from the Arabic word for "opposite"
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-3 |
Normand
Of French origin, means "from the north"
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-4 |
Nunzio
Latin for "messenger"
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Female Dog Names that Start With N
Votes | Name | Vote |
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6 |
Natalie
Late Latin for "Christmas Day"
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6 |
Natoya
Of American origin, this name was popular during the 1970's, then dropped off
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5 |
Navi
The little light fairy from the Legend of Zelda
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5 |
Nuts
Short for the more formal "tree nuts" these are anything from a peanut, to a walnut, to a dog that's simply crazy
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5 |
Nova
A star that suddenly gets super bright, then returns to normal after a few months
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4 |
Nice
Pronounced "knee-suh," this is a city in France
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3 |
Naana
A name for royalty in the Ashanti Kingdom of Ghana
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3 |
Nalla
Arabic for "successful one"
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3 |
Neverwinter
After Neverwinter Nights, the BioWare videogame
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3 |
Nyx
If you're a fan of the makeup brand, this was the Greek goddess of night
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2 |
Nadeen
Arabic for "hope"
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2 |
Natasha
A variant of Natalia, or Natalie, it also means "Christmas Day"
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2 |
Netta
Latin, derived from the name Antoinette, but Netta or Nettie is the English/American pet name version
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1 |
Nahla
Arabic for "first drink of water"
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1 |
Nebula
The evil woman from Guardians of the Galaxy (Gamora's sister)
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1 |
Neeru
Astrological significance; meaning "light"
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1 |
Neila
Gaelic for "champion"
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0 |
Naami
Of Hebrew origin, it means "beautiful"
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0 |
Natavia
Other names are Tavi, Tavia and Taa-Taa
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0 |
Niema
Of Germanic origin, other variations are Nemma, or Nemmie
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0 |
Nyia
Irish, English, Basque, Arabic, Welsh
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0 |
Nuria
Of Basque (Spanish and French) origin, this means "place between valleys" sounds peaceful
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-1 |
Nikki
An English name derived from Nicholas
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-1 |
Nautica
Latin for "of the sea"
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-1 |
Nidia
Spanish and Greek in origin, this name means "gracious"
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-1 |
Nicole
Derived from Nicholas, it also means "victory of the people"
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-1 |
Nylah
Also the name of an Egyptian Princess
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-1 |
Nyssa
Hebrew for "friendly elf or fairy"
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-2 |
Nike
If you're a fan of the brand, this was the name of the Greek goddess of victory
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-3 |
Naiya
I means "water nymph" in Ancient Greek
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