Introduction
Regal Dog Names in Pop Culture
Often, when one gives their pup the name "Duchess," it is a nod to the importance of the dog. It may denote the regal way that the pup carries themselves. The name might also imply just how valued the pup is. Such is the case of Duchess, a fictional pup featured on the television series Archer.
The Archer series is a dysfunctional comedy based loosely on James Bond films. The cast is made up of ne'er-do-well secret agents. Their story is played out weekly as the group attempts to fight crime. One character on the series is Malory Archer, mother of Agent Sterling Archer. Malory owns an Afghan Hound she has titled Duchess, and it is evident just by looking in her office why Malory Archer chose that name for her dog.
Throughout Malory's office, pictures of Duchess and of Malory with Duchess are commonplace. Malory constantly brags on the intelligence of her dog. She has many pictures throughout her apartment of herself and her Duchess as well. The irony of the relationship Malory has with Duchess is the fact that Malory seems to value the dog above all other people, including her son. There is also an implication that Duchess did not like Sterling when the audience learns that Duchess growled at Sterling when he was a young boy (and Malory did nothing to discipline the pup). In fact, one episode shows Duchess growling at Sterling as he complains about his mother's obsession with the dog as he cleans the apartment. Ironically, Sterling's codename is "Duchess," although he claims to despise the dog his mother seems to smother with affection.
Another Dutchess (yes, her name is spelled with a "T") worth mentioning has crossed the rainbow bridge, but during her time on earth, she worked as a therapy dog. Dutchess herself was blind during the last few years of her life due to a hereditary condition, but, this did not stop her from working with autistic children, which she did until she passed away. Dutchess made a great impact on those around her, and her owner wrote a children's book about her accomplishments. All funds from her book go to promoting animal adoption.
Regal Dog Name Considerations
While the following is not an extensive list of all dogs who have been part of royal families, the focus will be on a few distinct breeds that we know for a fact were kept by emperors, kings, and other rulers. First, the breed that we know today as the Shih Tzu was gifted to the Chinese emperors by the Dalai Lama himself. Prior to this, the Shih Tzu had lived a pampered life under the care of Tibetan monks who referred to the breed as "little lions." The Empress Tzu incorporated a breeding program during the late nineteenth century, and was said to have given puppies to both English and Dutch aristocrats.
Henry VIII and his daughters were proud owners of English Toy Spaniels, which would later be renamed the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Additionally, the Poodle was a favorite of French royals, including King Louis XIV. Currently, the Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a favorite of Elizabeth II of England.
Male Regal Dog Names
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Rex
As in the Tyrannosaurus Rex, this name means "king"
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Albert
As in Prince Albert Edward of England
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Franz
Franz Ferdinand was the archduke of Austria
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Richie
King Richard III was the subject of a Shakespearean play
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Augustus
As in Caesar Augustus, this name means the exalted one
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Edgar
This regal sounding name actually denotes a spear carrier
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Felipe
This Spanish name refers to one who loves horses
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Henry
Many kings have been named Henry, particularly the paranoid Henry VIII
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Nicholas
Nicholas has been the name of many princes; it means victory
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Enzo
Meaning "ruler of the home," the dog that played "Eddie" on Frasier was named Enzo
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Fredrich
This German name can be found in history back to the 11th century
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McQuaid
This family name is Gaelic for "ruler of the army"
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Alfred
Alfred Ernest Albert was known as Alfie to his family
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Theo
Theodore refers to one who is God's gift
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Nestor
A Greek mythological ruler known for his wisdom
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Arthur
This is a nod to none other than King Arthur, the king of the round table
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Artie
A variation of King Arthur's name, this name fits a Chihuahua
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Roark
This name means "illustrious ruler;" it is fitting of an Irish Springer Spaniel
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King
This regal name fits a Mastiff-type dog
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George
King George was a great adversary of the colonial Americans
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Conrad
This German name means a ruler who is bold
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Duncan
Shakespeare speaks of a King Duncan of Scotland
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Stephen
This name refers to a garland worn by a regal individual
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Philip
Prince Philip is Queen Elizabeth II's husband
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Geoffrey
This name means divinely peaceful
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Ivan
This Russian royal name means God is gracious
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Andy
Prince Andrew is Charles' younger brother and Fergie's former husband
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James
King James became ruler after the Tudor line died out
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Willie
Prince William is Diana's older son; he is the direct heir to the British throne
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Edward
Edward is the husband of Princess Anne, Elizabeth II's daughter
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Female Regal Dog Names
Votes | Name | Vote |
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Piper
As in the Pied Piper, who had leadership qualities
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Libby
A variation of Elizabeth I's name and a nod to the "Fairy Queen"
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Adelaide
This German name literally means noble; it is perfect for a German Shepherd
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Elizabeth
As in the current Queen of England, Elizabeth II
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Wilhelmina
This German royal name means "protector"
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Cecilia
This German name refers to the sixth daughter
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Jane
As in Jane Seymour, Henry VIII's third wife
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Mary
Princess Mary was Henry VIII's oldest daughter
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Kendra
A variation of a male name meaning wise ruler
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Olga
This traditional Russian name means "holy one"
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Elena
One of the newest Disney princesses is Elena
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Arabella
This name literally means "beautiful altar"
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Adele
This name means noble and serious
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Alexandra
A female version of Alexander, who was a Greek hero
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Ericka
This name means "eternal ruler"
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Beatrice
Prince Andrew and Fergie's daughter
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Guinevere
Arthur's disloyal wife
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Hattie
This name means "little ruler of the home" and is perfect for any pampered pup
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Helen
Helen of Troy was the daughter of Zeus, which explains her great beauty
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Caroline
This name denotes regal strength
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Henrietta
The feminine version of Henry, which means ruler
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Alice
Alice did not necessarily rule Wonderland, but she gave the Queen of Hearts a run for her money
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Anastasia
One of the royal Russian family deposed by their own people
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Charlotte
As in Charlotte's Web, she treated Wilbur like royalty
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Emma
One of Jane Austen's most regal characters
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Katherine
As in Katherine of Aragon, Henry VIII's first wife
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Anne
Henry VIII boasted two wives named Anne
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Natalia
This name is indicative of one born around Christmas
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Matilda
This name means "mighty battle maiden" and is perfect for a French Bulldog
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Nimue
Merlin's romantic interest in the King Arthur legends
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