Mythological Names for Dogs

Nordic or Scandinavian mythology is what we relate to the ancient Vikings. These Germanic peoples were known for their seafaring ability and spirit of adventure. Viking culture is a mixture of religion, belief and legend. Unlike some cultural mythologies, Norse mythology was a completely oral tradition. There were no sacred books or truths to pass on until much later. There were some runes written on stone tablets which referenced mythology, but most was spread orally in the form of poetry. Similar to Greek myths, the stories of Norse mythology involve interaction between the gods and humans.

If you want to choose a name for male or female dogs from Norse mythology, first think of your dog's personality. For example, if your dog is clumsy or always knocking things over with their tail, maybe you could call them Loki who was a god of chaos.

• Nidhogg: dragon that lives in the roots of the World Tree, Yggdrasil, and gnaws at its roots.
• Asgard: high heaven, where the gods reside, a realm of power and mystery.
• Hela: guardian of the dead, ruling over Helheim, the realm of the deceased.
• Dagr & Nótt: day and night, representing the endless cycle of time.
• Máni & Hati: the moon and the wolf that chases it, a symbol of cosmic pursuit.
• Odin: the most noble and important god, known for wisdom and war.
• Thor: thunder god with iron gloves, protector of mankind.
• Bragi: god of wisdom and eloquence, patron of poets.
• Heimdall: son of nine damsels, guards the gods and hardly sleeps, ever watchful.
• Höor: mysterious blind god, associated with winter and darkness.
• Vidar: melancholic and sad, this god solves any conflict with quiet strength.
• Váli: god of archer soldiers, embodying precision and focus.
• Ull: god of close combat, known for his skiing and hunting skills.
• Loki: unpredictable god, creates chaos and weaves fate.
• Vanir: gods of sea, nature, and woods, symbolizing harmony with the environment.
• Jotuns: giants, wise and dangerous beings, representing primal forces.
• Surt & Hrym: giants that led the forces of destruction during Ragnarok.
• Valkyrie: beautiful, strong warrior women who brought heroes fallen in battle to Valhalla.
• Valhalla: Asgard's hall, governed by Odin, where the brave find eternal rest.
• Fenrir: giant wolf, prophesied to devour Odin during Ragnarok.

Greek mythology has many myths and legends dedicated to their gods and heroes. They were used by Ancient Greeks to explain the world's nature and origins. It was the religion of Ancient Greece, but philosophers also used the stories and characters to provide guidance on how we mere humans should lead our lives. Within Greek mythology, we find many figures that were dedicated stories in the oral tradition of Ancient Greece.

Some of the stories and characters from Greek mythology can inspire great names for your dog. A good mythological name for male dogs might be Narcissus. He was so obsessed with his own image that when looking at his reflection in some water, he fell in and drowned. If your dog is fond of drinking out of the toilet or any puddle they come across, this would be a funny Greek name for them. The most obvious inspiration for Greek god names for dogs are the 12 Olympians - the ruling gods in Greek mythology, around whom most of the stories revolve.

The twelve Olympians are:

• Zeus: king of gods, ruler of heaven and lightning.
• Hera: goddess of marriage and family.
• Poseidon: lord of the sea, earthquakes, and horses.
• Dionysus: god of wine, celebrations, and ecstasy.
• Apollo: god of light, the sun, poetry, and archery.
• Artemis: virgin goddess of hunting, childbirth, and animals.
• Hermes: messenger of the gods, god of commerce and thieves.
• Athena: virgin goddess of wisdom and strategy.
• Ares: god of violence, war, and bloodshed.
• Aphrodite: goddess of love and desire.
• Hephaestus: god of fire and craftsmanship.
• Demeter: goddess of fertility and agriculture.

Other Greek names for dogs based on mythology and ancient Greek history are:

• Troy: famous ancient city, site of the renowned war between the Trojans and Greeks.
• Athens: the most important "Poli" or city in Greece, symbolizing wisdom and power.
• Achilles: Greek hero of the Trojan war, known for his strength and valor.
• Magnus: in honor of Alexander the Great, conqueror of Persia, a name denoting greatness.
• Plato: renowned philosopher, symbolizing deep thought and reflection.
• Echo: nymph who was banished by Zeus, known for her repeating voice.
• Argos: Odysseus' loyal dog, a symbol of faithfulness.
• Seirios (Sirius): the brightest star, also known as the ‘dog star’.
• Narcissus: a hunter obsessed with his own image, reflecting vanity.
• Cassandra: cursed priestess, gifted with the power of prophecy.
• Aloades: giants that challenged the gods, embodying audacity.
• Moirai: owners of life and destiny of men, representing fate.
• Galatea: a heart-stealer, symbolizing beauty and allure.
• Hercules: strong and powerful demi-god, known for his heroic feats.
• Cyclops: name given to one-eyed mythological giants, known for their strength.
• Nike: goddess of victory, a perfect name for a spirited dog.
• Cerberus: three-headed dog that guards the gates of Hades, a name for a protective pet.
• Morpheus: Greek god of dreams, symbolizing imagination.
• Selene: goddess of the moon, perfect for a silver-coated dog.
• Homer: legendary poet, author of the epic poems the Odyssey and the Iliad.
• Gaia: the Earth goddess, representing life and nurturing.

Egyptian mythology refers to the beliefs of Ancient Egypt from the pre-dynastic era to the arrival of Christianity. More than 3,000 years of development gave birth to deities depicted as animals and dozens of gods later on. In fact, although many of us think of cats and their relation to Egyptian mythology, dogs also feature heavily in their tales and imagery. In fact, many people think the modern day greyhound strongly resembles the dogs seen in Ancient Egyptian imagery.

Not only do mythological characters provide inspiration for Egyptian dog names, but so can real historical figures from Egyptian history. For example, Cleopatra, who was queen of Egypt before it became part of the Roman Empire. She was well known for her striking beauty, so if you have an equally beautiful dog as a companion, Cleopatra would be a good female mythological name for your dog.

Here are different names inspired by Egyptian myth and history.

Main deities in Egyptian mythology:

• Ra, Amun, Isis, Osiris, Horus, Seth, Maat, Ptah, Thot.

Temple names:

• Deir El-Bahari, Karnak, Luxor, Abu Simbel, Abidos,
• Ramesseum, Medinet Habu, Edfu, Dendera, Kom Ombo.

Some of the most important Pharaohs:

• Narmer, Zoser, Keops, Kefren, Amosis, Tutmosis, Hatshepsut,
• Akenathonn, Tutankamun, Seti, Ramses, Ptolomeus, Cleopatra.

Other interesting names:

• Horus: the falcon-headed god of the sky, embodying protection and power.
• Sobek: the Nile crocodile, symbolizing strength and fertility.
• Nun: heaven, dwelling of the gods, representing the primordial waters.
• Nefertiti: queen of Ancient Egypt, a symbol of grace and beauty.
• Geb: god of the Earth, representing stability and support.
• Duat: kingdom of the dead where Osiris reigns, symbolizing the afterlife.
• Opeth: an Ancient Egyptian festival, celebrating life and renewal.
• Thebes: capital of Ancient Egypt, representing cultural heritage.
• Athyr/Hathor: sky goddess, symbolic mother of the pharaohs, representing love and joy.
• Tyet: the knot of Isis, a symbol of protection.
• Neith: early Egyptian goddess of war and wisdom, symbolizing foresight.
• Nile: river that gives Egypt life, representing sustenance and flow.
• Scarab: a beetle, popular religious and cultural symbol of transformation.
• Anubis: protector of and guide to the underworld, depicted with a dog's head, symbolizing guidance and protection.

Roman mythology contains tales which were greatly influenced by the myths and cults of Greek mythology. This is why many refer to Greco-Roman mythology as a catch-all for both. However, the Romans were keen to ensure they had their own versions of these tales and took them to be as historical as any other factual elements of their culture. These myths are still present in Italian culture as they have been preserved in Roman sites and historical art.

Many of the Roman gods and goddesses provide great inspiration for both male and female mythological dog names. For example, Victoria can be used for a female rescue dog to show that they have achieved ‘victory’ over their past lives.

The main Roman gods are:

• Aurora: goddess of Dawn, representing new beginnings.
• Baccus: god of wine, celebrations, symbolizing joy and revelry.
• Belona: minor goddess of war, embodying courage and strength.
• Diana: goddess of hunting and witchcraft, representing independence.
• Minerva: goddess of wisdom, symbolizing intelligence and strategy.
• Flora: goddess of flowers, representing growth and renewal.
• Janus: god of the beginning, symbolizing transitions and gateways.
• Jupiter: main god, ruler of the skies, representing authority.
• Juno: queen of the gods, embodying protection and marriage.
• Mars: god of war, symbolizing aggression and valor.
• Neptune: god of the seas, symbolizing power and mystery.
• Pax: goddess of peace, representing harmony and tranquility.
• Pluto: god of hell and wealth, symbolizing power and the afterlife.
• Saturn: god of Time, representing change and cycles.
• Vulcan: god of fire and metals, symbolizing craftsmanship.
• Victoria: goddess of triumph, embodying success.
• Venus: goddess of love, beauty, and fertility, representing attraction and desire.

Names of Roman emperors suited to dogs:

• Augustus, Tiber, Caligula, Claudius, Nero, Caesar.
  
• Galba, Otho, Vitellius, Titus, Pius, Marcus Aurelius, Commodus, Severus.

Other names related to Roman mythology, language, and history:

• Liber & Libera: minor gods of agriculture that give us the words Insitor (sowing) and Mesor (harvest)
• Romulus & Remus: the founders of Rome, raised by a she-wolf, embodying resilience.
• Lupa: the she-wolf that raised Romulus and Remus, symbolizing nurturing.
• Crete: cradle of the Roman empire, representing origins and beginnings.
• Curia: oldest Roman assembly, symbolizing leadership.
• Luna: goddess of the moon, symbolizing mystery and intuition.
• Magna patriam: great homeland, representing pride.
• Sidera: luminous, symbolizing brilliance.
• Bellaque: meaning war, embodying conflict.
• Ferox: meaning ferocious, symbolizing courage.
• Brutus: famous Roman politician, representing intensity.
• Fortuna: luck or fortune, symbolizing destiny.

We have tried to give you some examples of Greek, Roman, Egyptian, and Norse mythological names for dogs, but the best choice will be a name that suits your individual dog the best. Think about your dog's personality, what they like and what they don't. Don't be afraid of choosing ironic mythological names for your dog too. For example, you can give a Chihuahua the name Zeus as they are known for not being particularly powerful.

Think about things that have happened in your history together or from the stories you heard about them. Their breed type might also give you some help. For example, husky dogs might be more suited to a Norse mythology name than one from Roman lore. Also, what do they like or enjoy? Take your inspiration from there. While we hope these mythological names for dogs have been a great help, there are many others from different myths that you can find, so read up on your history and get inspired.

If you still haven't found the right name for your dog, why not take a look at these articles on dog names?

• Guanche names for dogs
• Chinese names for dogs
• Basque names for dogs
• Afrikaans names for dogs

If you want to read similar articles to Mythological Names for Dogs, we recommend you visit our Names category.