Introduction
Known as the “Land of Enchantment”, New Mexico is located in the southwestern United States. The fifth largest state when it comes to land mass (121,590 square miles), it is the fifth least densely populated in the US with around two million people. The state offers beautiful sunsets, a moderate climate, mountain vistas and a myriad of outdoor opportunities. For those who live in the state or who feel an attachment to it, a New Mexico inspired dog name may be appealing. Each time you call you pup’s name, you will be reminded of this special place and what it means to you.
New Mexico Dog Names in Pop Culture
New Mexico is the home of some dogs we have met in the media. One such dog is named Buddy. A resident of New Mexico decided that he was interested in proving that the voter registration system is flawed. To do this he tried (and was successful), to register his dog, Buddy, to vote. Apparently, he used fake information (made up birthdate and social security number) and registered his dog at a voter registration booth. He received a voter registration card for Buddy two weeks later.
Another dog well-known in New Mexico is Blue, an Australian Cattle Dog who wound up the focus of a debate on leash laws. Blue is from Elephant Butte, a town in New Mexico, who was abandoned as a puppy at a restaurant called Casa Taco. The restaurant’s owner cared for Blue until he passed away, after which Blue chose to spend his time at the Butte General Store and Marine. Adoption attempts were made, however Blue had gotten used to roaming on his own and did not do well in the homes. The owners of the Butte General Store and Marine took over his guardianship unofficially and the town has been very giving toward the canine, even building him a heated and air-conditioned dog house.
Unfortunately, in 2010 a complaint was made about Blue, by a local woman who stated that he threatened her when she walked her dogs. The town has leash laws and Blue’s guardians were told that if they had the dog neutered there would be no further issues. Eighteen months later, however, the town developed stricter requirements for dogs considered vicious in response to a mauling in a town nearby. Blue’s guardian then received a fine for not keeping Blue on a leash. His guardian contested the fine and seven months were given to develop a resolution. The guardian applied for a variance to the leash law, which led to a City Council meeting. Many who live in the town (population 1431) came to the meeting to advocate for Blue and the meeting was broadcast to the parking lot by loud speaker. After an hour of testimony and suggestions for solutions, a compromise was announced by the Mayor. Blue’s guardians would install an electric fence around their property so that Blue could continue living leash-free within the space.
New Mexico Dog Name Considerations
A New Mexico Inspired dog name may be just what you are looking for when bringing a new friend home for numerous reasons. Your new canine pal may have similarities to a dog like Blue (whether in breed, personality, or the lifestyle he is accustomed to), making a moniker that reminds you of the state appropriate. Perhaps you live, or have lived in New Mexico and have positive feelings about the unique features the state offers, like its unique red and green chile, varied landscape, seemingly endless blue skies or its opportunity for outdoor adventure. You may be attracted to flora and fauna common to the area, or relate to the state’s history. It may be that your dog himself appears to have an affinity for the state, enjoying romps through the desert or wilderness areas. Whatever the reason, when bringing a new canine pal home, if you are a fan of the state of New Mexico, a name that evokes thoughts of the “Land of Enchantment” can be ideal.
Male New Mexico Dog Names
Votes | Name | Vote |
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8 |
Chaco
A National Historical Park that has the most closely compacted pueblos in the Southwestern United States
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8 |
Lobo
A wolf and the mascot of the University of New Mexico, which is located in Albuquerque
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8 |
Pinon
For the state tree, the two-needle pinon pine
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6 |
Biscochito
The state cookie
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6 |
Pinto
For the bean that is grown in the state
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6 |
Walter
For Mount Walter and the perfect name for a smart little canine
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5 |
Bosque
A gallery forest seen along the riparian flood plains of stream and river banks in the southwest, Spanish word for “woodlands”
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5 |
Cactus
A type of plant that requires minimal water, often seen in the state of New Mexico
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5 |
Ernie
Ernie Pyle was a war correspondent from New Mexico who earned the Pulitzer Prize in 1944
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5 |
Jemez
A Native American Pueblo located in Sandoval County
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5 |
Roswell
For the New Mexican city, best known for being attached to the Roswell UFO incident
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5 |
Thistle
A type of plant frequently seen in the state
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4 |
Carl
For Carlsbad Caverns, a National Park in southern New Mexico offering the opportunity to explore various caves
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4 |
Cottonwood
One of the largest of the North American Hardwood trees, seen in New Mexico
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3 |
Billy
Billy the Kid, an old west gunfighter, was involved in the Lincoln County War in New Mexico and died in the state
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3 |
Chile
The state is known for its red and green chile often made as a sauce or stew
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3 |
Cristo
For the Sangre de Cristo mountains
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2 |
Clovis
For the city in the eastern part of New Mexico
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1 |
Cody
Cody Ross is a Major League Baseball player from New Mexico
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1 |
Coyote
An animal seen in the state
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1 |
Roadrunner
The state bird of New Mexico, this names suits a zippy dog
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1 |
Zia
The name of a Native American tribe in New Mexico, the Zia sun is also the New Mexico state symbol, featured on the state flag
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0 |
Doogie
For a character played by Neil Patrick Harris who was born in New Mexico
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0 |
Ortiz
The Ortiz Mountains are in North Central New Mexico
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0 |
Rio
Means “river” in Spanish, the Rio Grande is a river that flows through the state
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-1 |
Pecos
A village in New Mexico, also the name of a river and a National Historic Park
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-1 |
Rudolfo
Rudolfo Anaya is a novelist from New Mexico
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-2 |
Posole
Means “hominy” and is a traditional soup or stew in New Mexico
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-3 |
Notah
Notah Begay, a professional golfer born in New Mexico
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-3 |
Pear
As in the prickly pear cactus seen in New Mexico
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Female New Mexico Dog Names
Votes | Name | Vote |
---|---|---|
8 |
Frijole
Spanish for “bean”, a common food in the State of New Mexico
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8 |
Luz
Means “light” in Spanish, the name of a popular hiking trail in Albuquerque’s Sandia Mountains
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8 |
Socorro
A town next to the Rio Grande that is located 75 miles south of Albuquerque
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7 |
Aggie
For the New Mexico State University (NMSU) mascot
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7 |
Ponderosa
For the Ponderosa Pine Tree, commonly seen in the state
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7 |
Zia
The state symbol as well as a Native American Pueblo in the state, a cute name for a Yorkie
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6 |
Verde
Spanish for “green”, one of the two types of chile popular in the state
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6 |
Yucca
A type of plant commonly seen in New Mexico
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5 |
Agave
A type of succulent with thick fleshy leaves that is native to Mexico and the Southwestern United States
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5 |
Albuquerque
The most populated city in the state of New Mexico, for a classy canine
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5 |
Chama
A small village in the state of New Mexico, maybe a name for a pint sized Chihuahua
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5 |
Enchilada
A popular dish in New Mexico made of corn tortillas, cheese and chile
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5 |
Sandia
A mountain range in Bernalillo and Sandoval counties; means “watermelon” in Spanish, the name is believed to be from the reddish color of the mountains at sunset
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4 |
Santa
For Santa Fe, the state’s capital
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3 |
Abbey
A novelist who graduated from the University of New Mexico
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3 |
Cochiti
A Native American Pueblo south of Santa Fe, also a lake used for recreation activities in the area
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3 |
Laguna
A Native American Pueblo located in the west-central portion of the state
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2 |
Dolores
For Dolores Huerta, a civil rights leader born in New Mexico
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2 |
Elizabeth
Elizabeth Garrett wrote the New Mexico state song
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2 |
Georgia
For Georgia O’Keeffe, an artist who lived and painted in New Mexico
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2 |
Gila
The name of a river as well as the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument, an elegant dog name
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2 |
Holly
A mixed martial artist, Holly Holm was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico
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2 |
Tijeras
The name of a town in the mountains near Albuquerque; also means “scissors”
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0 |
Bisti
Formerly a coastal swamp of an inland sea, now boasts unique scenery in the Four Corners region
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0 |
Cholla
A type of cactus with needle-like spines that are somewhat enclosed in a sheath
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0 |
Demi
For actress Demi Lovato, who was born in New Mexico
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0 |
Sopapilla
A type of fried pastry popular in New Mexico
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-1 |
Juniper
A coniferous plant commonly seen in New Mexico, sounds like a name for a curious dog
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-1 |
Millicent
The Millicent Rogers Museum in Taos offers more than a dozen galleries
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-1 |
Zuni
A Native American Pueblo located in the Zuni river valley
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