40 Greek Dog Names

Inspired Greek Names for Dogs of All Shapes and Sizes

By

Christina Donnelly

Updated on 03/28/22

Reviewed by

Monica Tarantino

Fact checked by

Emily Estep

A dog looking at a Greek vista. — Santorines / iStock / Getty Images

Whether you're looking for a sweet way to honor your Greek heritage, throwing it back to fascinating Greek mythology, or paying homage to your favorite Greek food, Greek culture is jam-packed with awesome inspiration for dog names.

Not sure where to begin? We've rounded up 40 of the best dog names inspired by Greek culture and history. Opa!

Top Greek Names for Dogs

Unsurprisingly, many of the most popular Greek dog names come from Greek mythology. Your new dog is going to rule the household, so a powerful name makes sense, right?

Adonis: If you think your dog is the most handsome good boy on the block, name him after Adonis, a famously beautiful figure in Greek mythology.
Apollo: Your dog may not possess all of the skills of Apollo—including music, poetry, prophecy, and medicine—but this moniker is ideal for the smart boy who has nailed "sit," "down," and "shake."
Athena: This Greek goddess was one of the most important in Greek mythology; not only was she the goddess of wisdom but also handicraft and warfare. It makes sense for the most important lady in your life.
Hypnos: If your dog loves to snooze the day away, name him after Hypnos, the Greek god of sleep.
Iris: Not only is Iris a beautiful name, but it has a pretty meaning, too. Iris was the Greek goddess of rainbows.
Nike: There's no better name for a dog that loves to run and play! Yes, Nike is most often associated with sports, but it's also the name of the Greek goddess of victory.
Olympia: Olympia isn't the name of a Greek god or goddess—rather, it is derived from Olympus, the name given to the mountainous home of the Greek gods.

Persephone: The goddess of vegetation and co-ruler of the underworld, Persephone was worshipped throughout Greek culture. Plus, Persie makes an adorable nickname.
Titan: The perfect name for a big dog—or a hilariously ironic name for a tiny dog: Titans were strong, powerful deities that came before the Olympians.
Zeus: One of the best-known gods in Greek mythology, Zeus ruled the sky, lightning, and thunder. It's not uncommon for dogs to be afraid of lightning and thunder, but perhaps naming your pooch after this Greek god will alleviate some of the stress.

Tips for Naming Your Pet

When you bring a new dog home, your to-do list may feel never ending. Not only do you have to stock up on your dog's gear—like toys, a comfortable bed, and high-quality dog food and treats—but you have to choose the perfect name that everyone in the family has to love for years to come. The pressure's on!

Our advice? Be sure to choose a name that matches your dog's personality; consider names with only one or two syllables, which will be easier for your dog to hear and understand; and avoid names that may sound like commands, such as "sit" and "Kit."

If you're considering a name that's somewhat difficult to pronounce, remember that your family members, friends, and veterinarians will have to be able to say (and spell!) your dog's name for many, many years.

Dog Names from Greek History

Looking back in time is the perfect place to find a meaningful, creative, Greek dog name. Just don't be surprised if your dog starts howling Greek philosophy and epic poetry or dons a Greek tunic and sandals.

Aesop
Aristotle
Darius
Dogma
Homer
Iliad
Kyon (the ancient Greek word for "dog")
Plato
Socrates
Sparta

Greek Dog Names for Foodies

If you want to pay homage to your Greek family's delicious home cooking or simply consider yourself a Greek foodie, you'll find plenty of dog naming inspiration on your local Greek restaurant's menu. Bonus: You get to nom on some delicious Greek fare while conducting your naming research!

Arni
Baklava
Feta
Frappe
Gyro
Kalamata
Olive
Ouzo
Pita
Tarama
Tzatziki

Travel-Inspired Greek Dog Names

Greece's gorgeous landscapes, rocky vistas, and amazingly blue waters are admired around the globe. So, what better inspiration for naming the beautiful boy or girl dog in your life? Some of these locales are world-famous (like Santorini), while others are a bit more off the beaten path (like Oia).