
Choosing a name for your adopted dog is a great way to give them a fresh start. Many rescue dogs have a history of being named after their previous owners or living situations, but it's perfectly fine to give them a new identity.
Consider your dog's personality and appearance when selecting a name. For example, a dog with a patchy coat may be suited to a name like "Smokey" or "Patch."
Choosing Names
Choosing a name for your rescue dog is a special moment. It's a chance to give your new furry friend a identity that reflects their journey and the love you're giving them.
Consider honoring search and rescue animals that came before, like Gandalf, who found boy scout Michael Auberry, or Appollo, Ana, or Trackr, dogs that helped locate and rescue people after the tragedy at the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001.
You can choose a name that fits the type of search and rescue work your dog will be doing, such as Ranger or Sahara for a wilderness search dog, or Tuhin or Haimati for an avalanche rescue dog.
For a male rescue dog, you might consider names like Alpha, Altan, or Aroon, which represent a new beginning or dawn.
Some names that mean life, new, saved, or rescued include Phoenix, Salvata, and Naveen, which are perfect for a dog you've rescued.
Here are some more names that fit this theme:
- Genesis – represents a new beginning
- Mika – Japanese name meaning “new beginning.”
- Naji – Arabic name for a best friend.
- Novak – Czech name representing a new beginning.
- Phoenix – after the mythical bird, reborn from its own ashes.
- Salvata– means “rescue” in Corsican
- Zoran – Slavic name for a new dawn.
These names are just a few ideas to get you started. Ultimately, the right name for your rescue dog is one that you and your dog will love and cherish.
Male and Female Dogs
Choosing a name for your rescue dog can be a challenging but exciting task. You want a name that reflects your dog's personality and heritage.
For a female rescue dog, consider names like Abby, which means "the first daughter" in Hebrew, or Alba, which is Latin for "dawn." You could also choose a name that reflects your dog's appearance, like Fiona, which is Gaelic for "white."
Some popular names for female rescue dogs include Alice, Amaryllis, Andromeda, and Aurora. These names are inspired by mythology and nature, and they're sure to make your dog stand out.
Here are some popular female rescue dog names:
- Abby (Hebrew name for "the first daughter")
- Alba (Latin name for "dawn")
- Fiona (Gaelic name for "white")
- Alice (name for a pup of noble kind)
Male rescue dogs deserve just as much thought and consideration when it comes to naming. Consider names like Arata, which means "fresh" in Japanese, or Aruna, which is Hindi for "dawn."
Male
Male dogs make wonderful companions, and their names can reflect their noble and adventurous nature. One name that stands out is Tuhin, which means snow, perfect for a search and rescue dog that specializes in avalanches.
Male search and rescue dog names often have a strong and meaningful theme. Take Lucky, for example - no matter how skilled your dog is, a little luck goes a long way during a rescue.
Some male names have a direct connection to rescue and survival. Nimshi, an Israeli name, means rescued from danger, while Naji, an African name, means saved or rescued.

Here are some popular male search and rescue dog names:
Male names like Homer and Ranger evoke a sense of adventure and exploration. Homer refers to the idea of bringing people and animals home, while Ranger often refers to park and forest rangers, particularly appropriate for wilderness search dogs.
These names are not only meaningful but also memorable and easy to pronounce. They can help your dog stand out and make a great impression in any situation.
Female
Female dogs have some amazing name options, and I'm excited to share some of my favorites with you. One name that stood out to me is Treasure, which is perfect for a search and rescue dog that's a real treasure to their owner.
Some female dog names have special meanings that make them even more unique and meaningful. For example, Nadia is a Slovakian name that means hopeful, which is a great choice for a dog that brings hope and joy to their owner's life.

If you're looking for a name that reflects your dog's skills and abilities, you might consider names like Scout, which is perfect for a dog that's always on the lookout for new things, or Laser, which is great for a dog that needs to focus and stay on task.
Here are some other female dog name options that you might consider:
Overall, there are so many amazing female dog name options out there, and the right one for you will depend on your dog's personality, skills, and abilities.
Dog
Dogs are amazing companions, and whether you have a male or female dog, there are many fun and unique names to choose from. For instance, if your pup was once a stray, you might consider names like Hobo, Jersey, or Gypsy, which are perfect for those with a good sense of humor.
Some male dog names that might suit your furry friend include names like Reggie, Bronte, and Hamley, which have a strong and rugged feel to them. On the other hand, if you have a female dog, you might like names like Juno, Opal, or Jezebelle, which have a playful and elegant touch.
If you're looking for a name that reflects your dog's adventurous spirit, you might consider names like Cruise, Riot, or Ruckus, which convey a sense of excitement and energy. Alternatively, if your dog is a bit of a handful, you might like names like Pest, Nuisance, or Snafu, which poke fun at their mischievous behavior.
Here are some popular male and female dog names that might inspire you:
- Male: Hobo, Reggie, Bronte, Hamley, Cruise, Ruckus
- Female: Juno, Opal, Jezebelle, Gypsy, Jersey, Riot
Ultimately, the right name for your dog is one that reflects their unique personality and character. Take your time, have fun, and don't be afraid to get creative and come up with a name that's all your own!
Toronto Animal Shelter Launches Adoption Campaign
The Toronto Animal Shelter has launched a unique adoption campaign to find homes for their dogs. They're calling it the "Good Dogs, Bad Names" campaign.
The campaign involves giving the dogs silly and self-described "unhinged" names to make them more appealing to potential adopters. The names range from "Mothball" to "CYB3RSPACE".
The shelter is trying to clear its crowded kennels and make space for other dogs. They've lowered the adoption fees to just $50 for the duration of the campaign.
So far, eight dogs have been adopted, including Mothball, Wedgie, and Garlic Bread. The shelter staff came up with the silly names as they got to know the dogs' personalities.
The shelter hopes that people will adopt these dogs and then rename them to avoid any embarrassment. They're encouraging people to share their favorite names on social media.
The campaign has been a success, with hundreds of likes, shares, and comments across social media. One user even joked about keeping the pet's silly name and the shelter said they'd let that slide.
Elderly
If you're adopting an elderly rescue dog, you'll want a name that suits their age and personality. Elderly names are often classic and timeless.
For example, names like Ethel and Betty are perfect for a sweet and gentle senior dog. They're easy to pronounce and remember, making them ideal for a dog that's a bit older.

Some other great options for elderly rescue dogs include Myrtle, Loretta, and Gladys. These names have a warm and nostalgic feel to them.
If you're adopting a male elderly rescue dog, names like Seymour and Earl might be a good fit. They're strong and dignified, just like your new furry friend.
Here are some more elderly name options for your rescue dog:
- Ethel
- Betty
- Myrtle
- Loretta
- Gladys
- Seymour
- Earl
- Herbert
- Bernie
- Harold
- Vern
- Alfred
- Pearl
- Marvin
- Donald
- Howard
- Eugene
Remember, the most important thing is to choose a name that you and your dog will love and enjoy using.
Frequently Asked Questions
What name means survivor for dogs?
For dogs, popular names that mean survivor or fighter include Bellatrix, Koa, and Memphis, offering a range of options for pet owners. Explore more unique international dog names that convey strength and resilience.
Sources
- https://wagwalking.com/name/search-and-rescue-dog-names
- https://www.hepper.com/rescue-dog-names/
- https://www.dogvills.com/dog-rescue-name-ideas/
- https://www.rescuedogs101.com/top-250-best-dog-names-dog/
- https://www.inquirer.com/health/pets/toronto-animal-services-good-dogs-bad-names-adoptions-20240430.html
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