Introduction
If you just adopted a new dog, then you're currently looking for the right name. And surprisingly, that's a lot harder to do than you might think at first. You can easily just select a random, simple name, like "Tinkerbell," but does that really hold any meaning? And is it really unique? No, if you want a more valuable name, then you need to think a little more outside the box. Consider more than just a name on a surface level. It's more than a sound, there's a meaning behind it. And the goal is to have it align with who your dog is.
Dog Names That Start with W in Pop Culture
That's right, Wishbone, from the 1995-2001 TV show! This PBS children's show was known for the adorable, talking Jack Russel Terrier – Wishbone. And aside from talking, Wishbone was special because he dressed up for every episode, and told stories from literature. In every 30-minute episode, he'd act out the Odyssey, or Joan of Arc, and teach children the great stories of literature they were bound to study in high school and college.
Of course, casting for the show was a major process. Over 100 dogs auditioned for the role, but Soccer was chosen due to his expressive face. He belonged to an animal trainer by the name of Jackie Martin Kaptan, who once explained that the show demanded Soccer be in almost every scene of the show. To keep him from being exhausted and overworked, they hired extras to fill in the scenes where facial expressions weren't required.
Another dog with a famous name that starts with a "w" is Winn-Dixie, from the novel written by Kate DiCamillo. In it, a girl and her father move to a new city in Florida and find themselves with a new dog. He is rather unsightly, but funny, and quickly wins them over. It is through the dog that the girl finds out more about her absent mother, and her new neighbors. It led to a movie in 2005, directed by Wayne Wang.
Finally, there's Wonder Dog, the iconic and heroic canine that hung out with the likes of the Super Friends – Wonder Woman, Superman, Batman, Robin, and Aquaman, all based after the Justice League. Despite not having any powers, Wonder Dog was still smart and aware of us surroundings, quickly catching onto things and deducing the best courses of action. If that isn't heroic, then nothing is!
He first appeared in the animated TV show (1973) and comic book (1976), but it wasn't until 2008 that he was properly incorporated into the DC Universe. He was the pet sidekick of the whole crew, really, but mainly Wendy Harris and Marvin White, the two teenage sidekicks of the Super Friends. Of course, Wendy and Marvin were vehicles, a means for the audience to relate to the show and feel like they were included. Wonder Dog was an extension of that – most people have or want a dog. Especially a sidekick in a cape! But, clearly that wasn't enough for DC Comics. Their portrayal of him in Teen Titans left much to be desired, portraying him as a villain.
Dog Name that Starts with W Considerations
When you're weighing name options, something that helps is to discard anything that's too bland, easy or simple. It may be tempting to settle on a name like "Fluffy," and call it a day. But this is a name you'll hopefully be saying out loud on a daily basis for the next decade or two. It needs to ring true even fifteen years from now, without regrets! Your dog deserves more than just a basic name anyway.
So, here's a starting point: after discarding any basic names, focus on getting to know your dog. What does your dog like to do? What does your dog hate doing? Maybe he enjoys chew toys more than anything. Maybe it's napping, much like a cat.
A dog is like a human, full of their own emotions, wants, needs, and motives. And like any human, dogs all have their own way of conveying who they are. They may not wear earrings or graphic t-shirts, but they are definitely in charge of when and how they play, and much of how they spend their time, especially when you're not around. So, take some time. Learn the dog's mannerisms, reactions to things, and routine. You may be surprised at how easy it becomes to find a name afterward.
Male Dog Names that Start With W
Votes | Name | Vote |
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6 |
Wendall
Native American; meaning "brother" in Algonquin
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6 |
Wartun
English; meaning "from the farm by the weir"
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6 |
Wayne
English; meaning "wagon-wright, or driver" and is featured in Scandinavian mythology
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6 |
Wesley
Teutonic; meaning "protecting army"
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5 |
Wyatt
English; meaning "world guardian"
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5 |
Wagner
English; meaning "from the true man's manor"
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4 |
Wapi
English; meaning "pale, fair-faced"
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4 |
Walmond
German; meaning "Welshman"
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4 |
Walfred
German; meaning "peaceful ruler"
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3 |
Wamblee
German; meaning "powerful warrior"
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3 |
Wallace
Scottish surname derived from the Old English "wylisc," meaning "foreigner"
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3 |
Waldmunt
Polish; meaning "mighty or famous"
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3 |
Walbridge
English; meaning "from the damp field"
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3 |
Waerheall
English; meaning "from Wade's meadow, from the ford meadow"
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2 |
Washington
English; meaning "from the intelligent one's farm"
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2 |
Wishburne
English; from the Old English for "stream"
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2 |
Warrick
From Latin for "true"
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2 |
Warley
German; meaning "defending warrior"
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1 |
Warner
English; meaning "from the field by the weir (fish trap)"
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1 |
Warford
English; meaning "from the guardian's meadow"
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1 |
Walden
English; meaning "from the Welshman's dwellings"
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1 |
Wainwright
German; meaning "wagon maker"
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0 |
Willis
German; meaning "resolute protector"
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0 |
William
Germanic; derived from words meaning "will" and "helmet"
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0 |
Wren
English; meaning "from the farm"
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0 |
Wakeley
From the Old English Waca, meaning "watchful"
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-1 |
Wade
It means "dancing soul" in Sioux
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-2 |
Waldon
English; meaning "from the wooded valley," and is often associated with Walden, by Henry David Thoreau
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-3 |
Wiley
German; meaning "resolute, brilliant"
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-3 |
Waldo
German; meaning "powerful ruler"
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Female Dog Names that Start With W
Votes | Name | Vote |
---|---|---|
7 |
Willow
English; meaning "graceful"
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6 |
Wiebke
English; meaning "from the village meadow"
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5 |
Whitley
English; meaning "from the white valley"
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5 |
Wande
Native American; meaning "white eagle" (Sioux)
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5 |
Winter
English; meaning "friend's hill/place"
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4 |
Wicahpi
English; meaning "from the white moor"
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4 |
Westlyn
English; meaning "from the western cottage"
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4 |
Wilma
German; meaning "resolute or famous"
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4 |
Waki
English; meaning "guard, watchman"
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3 |
Walda
German; meaning "ruler"
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3 |
Wihakayda
English; meaning "from the spring farm"
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3 |
Waynoka
Native American; meaning "graceful" (Shawnee)
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3 |
Wynifred
English; meaning "from the windy village, hamlet"
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3 |
Wandari
German; meaning "wanderer"
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3 |
Wanda
Native American; meaning "eagle" (Sioux)
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2 |
Wendelin
Slavic; meaning "great glory"
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2 |
Winnie
English; meaning "from the winding gate"
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2 |
Wilhelmina
English; meaning "desires peace"
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2 |
Wednesday
Derived from an Old English word for the Germanic god Woden
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2 |
Westley
English; meaning "from the western farm"
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1 |
Wallis
Egyptian; meaning "newly born"
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1 |
Winona
Anglicized version of the Dakota Sioux term for "firstborn daughter"
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0 |
Waldhurga
English; meaning "cottage by the wall"
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0 |
Waverly
English; meaning "from the quaking aspen tree meadow"
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0 |
Winona
German; meaning "peaceful friend"
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-1 |
Whitney
English; meaning "from the white meadow"
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-2 |
Wynfreda
Scottish; meaning "from the narrow passage"
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-2 |
Wynne
English; meaning "friend's field"
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-2 |
Wikolia
English; meaning "famous in battle"
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-3 |
Wendy
English; meaning "literary"
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Community Dogs with Names that Start with W
Got her from a friend.