Introduction
Portugal is a beautiful southern European country with many charms. This country is well known for its one-of-a-kind Porto wine, its tremendous football players, its delicious pasteis de nata, and for its awe-inspiring landscapes and beaches. Portuguese people are very charming, outgoing, expressive, and warm, and their culture is highly influenced by its location on the Atlantic Ocean. You can notice it in their national dishes, like the salted cod and grilled sardines, and in its incredible architecture, which mostly dates to the time when Portugal was a potent maritime territory. Another allure this nation has is the language; many people find Portuguese very beguiling. So, there are many reasons why Portugal is a great inspiration for finding a name for your pup.
Portuguese Dog Names in Pop Culture
There are eleven dog breeds that have been developed and originated in Portugal. The Barbado da Terceira, Cao Fila de Sao Miguel, Cao da Serra de Aires, Cao de Castro Laboreiro, Cao de Gado Transmontano, Estrela Mountain Dog, Rafeiro do Alentejo, Portuguese Podengo, Portuguese Pointer, Terceira Mastiff, and the well-known Portuguese Water Dog. This last breed became highly popular after the former US president, Obama, brought two Portuguese Water Dogs (Bo and Sunny) to live in the White House.
Portugal is a rather dog-friendly country with plenty of places that you and your pooch can visit. Portuguese people are also very respectful towards dogs, and many Portuguese celebrities are dog-lovers, like Cristiano Ronaldo, the world-famous football player. Cristiano has always loved dogs and is a proud dog owner, and he recently became news for helping dogs in need. After hearing a dog shelter in Portugal was having issues gathering money to provide veterinary treatment for the 80 dogs they were sheltering, Cristiano decided to send them a signed jersey for them to sell in an effort to help them raise the money needed.
There’s also a now-celebrity dog with a Portuguese name (and a beautiful story), Figo, a service Golden Retriever who became world-news after jumping in front of a mini bus to save his blind owner, Audrey Stone. Figo came from the Smithtown-based Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind, and at 8 years of age he showed complete loyalty when he risked his life to save his beloved owner. Both dog and master ended up with injuries. Audrey broke an ankle, ribs, and an elbow, and Figo suffered leg injuries that required surgery. The dog, despite being terribly hurt, made his best effort to get to his owner and take care of her. Thankfully, both received the attention they required and they were able to reunited when fully recovered.
Figo and Audrey had been together for six and a half years when the bus accident happened, and thanks to the dog’s strength they continue to be together. Figo didn’t show any signs of trauma, even when taken to the place where the accident took place, and therefore was able to continue his job as a wonderful companion and caregiver. Figo’s story shows us that human-dog bonds are incredibly powerful, and that a dog’s love and loyalty have no limits.
Portuguese Dog Name Considerations
As we know, Portugal is a beautiful picturesque country located on the Atlantic Ocean, and this location has had a big effect on this nation’s culture and custom. Portuguese people are outgoing, warm, and enjoy their beautiful beaches. Dogs that love going to the beach and that are also quite affectionate, like the Labrador Retriever, the Golden Retriever, and the Newfoundland, are great candidates for a Portuguese name.
Since this country is well-known for being the home nation of excellent football players, dogs that love sports and playing with balls could be named after one of Portugal's greater football players. English Springer Spaniels, West Highland White Terriers, and Beagles are dogs that love to play and you will often see them fetching their balls. A dog like this would make a great ‘Cristiano’ or ‘Figo’. Other dogs that could suit a Portuguese name are dogs that love to eat like the Pug, the Welsh Corgi, and the Bull Terrier, since Portuguese people enjoy their food and their delicious pastries are acclaimed world-wide.
There are also several dog breeds that have Portuguese origins, like the Portuguese Water Dog, Portuguese Podengo, Estrela Mountain Dog, and the Portuguese Pointer; a name with this theme would be very fitting.
Male Portuguese Dog Names
Votes | Name | Vote |
---|---|---|
8 |
Carlito
Means 'little man'
|
|
7 |
Fofo
Means 'cute' or 'soft'
|
|
7 |
Valentim
Means 'strong'
|
|
5 |
Donato
Means 'given by god'
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|
4 |
Edmundo
Means 'protector of prosperity'
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|
4 |
Fado
Means 'destiny'
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|
4 |
Frederico
Means 'peaceful ruler'
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|
4 |
Marcos
Means 'defender'
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|
4 |
Placido
Means 'calm'
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|
4 |
Porto
A coastal city known for its wine
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|
3 |
Adao
Means 'earth'
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|
3 |
Aleixo
Means 'defender'
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|
3 |
Cristiano
Cristiano Ronaldo is the famous soccer player
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|
3 |
Luiz
Means 'famous warrior'
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|
2 |
Faro
Capital city of Algarve region, known for its cathedral
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|
2 |
Zorian
Means 'happy'
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|
1 |
Brento
Means 'king'
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|
1 |
Feijoada
A traditional Portuguese dish; a stew of beans with beef
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|
1 |
Funchal
The capital of Madeira archipelago
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|
0 |
Davi
Means 'beloved'
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|
0 |
Gregorio
Means 'watchful'
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|
-1 |
Anxo
Means 'angel'
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|
-1 |
Figo
Luis Figo is a famous retired soccer player
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|
-1 |
Horacio
Means 'has good eyesight'
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|
-1 |
Lisbon
Capital of Portugal
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|
-2 |
Beijinho
Means 'little kiss'
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|
-2 |
Fausto
Means 'ever-ruler'
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|
-2 |
Maximiano
Means 'the greatest'
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|
-2 |
Rufino
Means 'red haired'
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|
-3 |
Bento
Means 'blessed'
|
Female Portuguese Dog Names
Votes | Name | Vote |
---|---|---|
7 |
Sofia
Means 'wisdom'
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|
6 |
Lucia
Means 'light'
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|
6 |
Sintra
A mountain town near Lisbon
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|
5 |
Balei
It symbolizes being inquisitive and intelligent
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|
5 |
Cascais
A Portuguese beach resort
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|
5 |
Catina
Means 'pure'
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|
5 |
Gloria
Means 'glory'
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|
5 |
Luisa
Means 'famous warrior'
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|
5 |
Marcia
Means 'defender'
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|
4 |
Estrela
Means 'star'
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|
4 |
Leticia
Means 'happiness'
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|
4 |
Xoana
Means 'God is gracious'
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|
3 |
Amada
Means 'beloved'
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|
3 |
Doroteia
Means 'gift from God'
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|
3 |
Madeira
An archipielago comprising 4 islands; it's known for its wine and volcanic landscapes
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|
2 |
Edite
Means 'rich battle'
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|
1 |
Fatima
Fatima is a central town, home of the Sanctuary of Fatima
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|
1 |
Graca
Means 'graceful'
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|
1 |
Lindeza
An adjective that means 'prettiness'; beauty beyond the physical aspect
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|
1 |
Lua
Means 'moon'
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|
1 |
Matilde
Means 'mighty in battle'
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|
1 |
Nata
Pastéis de Nata are the famous Portuguese custard tarts
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|
1 |
Praia
Means 'beach'
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|
1 |
Renata
Means 'reborn'
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|
1 |
Suzana
Means 'lily'
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|
0 |
Beleza
Means 'beauty'
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|
0 |
Branca
Means 'white'
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|
0 |
Celia
Means 'heaven'
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|
0 |
Frederica
Means 'peaceful ruler'
|
|
-1 |
Antia
Means 'priceless'
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