Golden Retriever Dog Names

Introduction

The Golden Retriever is one of the most popular dog breeds in America today. Although he was developed to retrieve downed prey, he is now first and foremost a family dog. His early development as a dog who would remain close to the hunter has made him crave human companionship. He enjoys nothing more than spending time with his adoring family. He loves children, and he is highly protective of them. He is an active dog who is also sweet-natured. The Golden Retriever is often utilized as a service dog and therapy dog. He often gets along well with other animals, even cats and rabbits. Choosing a name for your wonderful Golden Retriever will not be difficult based on his special traits and personality.

Golden Retriever Dog Names in Pop Culture

Featured Famous Dog with a Golden Retriever Name

Max

According to several sources, including the American Kennel Club, the name Max is the most popular name for a dog of any breed. First, Max is a simple name. It is Latin in origin, and it means, literally, "the greatest." Max fits scientifically proven factors that denote a good name - for instance, Max is a one-syllable name, it does not mimic the sound of a common command such as "sit" or "stay," and it is not confusing to a dog. Often, Max can be combined with other adjectives that make it even more pleasing - "Mighty Max" is an example. With all these factors at play, it is no wonder that Max is the top name for a dog.

The name Max has appeared in many television series and films. First, Dr. Seuss gave his Grinch a sweet companion in the dog Max. Poor Max - he is dressed as a reindeer to assist the Grinch as he steals presents from the citizens of Whoville. He must repeatedly listen to the rants of the Grinch. Max is not any specific type of dog, but he does exhibit traits observed in many breeds. He has brown, floppy ears. His fur is brown. He is portrayed in two different Grinch showings - the aforementioned How the Grinch Stole Christmas and The Care and Feeding of a Grinch. Some aficionados might notice that Max's appearance varies slightly in each of these cartoons - that is because he is drawn by two different artists. Max is also special in that he is allowed a bit speaking part in each of his television appearances. In How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Max yells "Yipe!" as he is hit with the Grinch's whip, and he also says "Raaaaahhh!" in response to discipline from the Grinch. However loathsome the Grinch might be, he has a fine friend in Max.

Another sweet and adorable Max co-starred in the television series Jake and the Fat Man. This long-running series featured a bulldog named Max as an assistant to the detective J.L. McCabe, also known as the "Fat Man." Max stole the show with his wrinkly face and adorable under-bite. A third Max starred in the move Eight Below. Max was a Siberian Husky in the depiction of a (fictional) ill-fated expedition to the Antarctic of a Japanese group.

Golden Retriever Dog Name Considerations

The Golden Retriever is a highly adaptable, friendly, affectionate, and all-around loyal companion. He is highly intelligent, courageous, and protective without being an overly aggressive dog. While he is a large dog, he is never intimidating unless he perceives danger to his family. He is happiest with his family, and he should live inside with his people. He is sweet, and he is generally laid-back. He usually wants nothing more than to please his family.

Names for a Golden Retriever should be chosen carefully. Of course, there are obvious names such as Goldie or Honey that reflect the coat color of the Golden Retriever. Some may name the dog after a character on a television show. Brinkley (You've Got Mail) or Comet (Full House) are some popular Golden Retriever names inspired by television and movies. You may also want to give your Golden Retriever a name based on his personality. Of course, the Golden is generally a happy dog, so you might choose the name Happy. He or she might have a propensity for chewing, and he is a dog with long, sometimes reddish, hair. In this case, you might decide to name him Chewy. Whatever you name your Golden, keep in mind the wonderful qualities present in the breed.

Male Golden Retriever Dog Names

Votes	Name	Vote
8	Abel Can refer to a Biblical character; one who suffers innocently
6	Billy This name means "protector"
5	Toby An English name; this is a highly popular dog name
5	Samson This Biblical character was extremely strong; he also had long hair
5	Thor The Norse god of thunder
4	Odie Refers to the sweet, highly affectionate Odie of the Garfield comic strip
4	Buddy Refers to the friendship potential of the Golden
4	Copper May refer to the color of the Golden's coat
3	Sully A cartoon character featured on Disney's Monsters, Inc.
3	Andre This name means "manly", some owners may like the exotic-sounding name
3	Jin This name translates to "golden" in Chinese
3	Goldie Refers to the most common color Golden Retriever
2	Teddy The Golden Retriever is reminiscent of a teddy bear
2	Sparky This lively name is one of the most popular dog names
2	Shaggy Can refer to the long hair of the Golden
2	Barney Meaning "son of comfort", this is a great name for a therapy dog
1	Tucker This was an English occupational name; the Golden is often a service dog
1	Brando May refer to Marlon Brando, a highly popular actor in the 1960's and 1970's
0	Woody May refer to the lovable Toy Story protagonist; he is the best friend of Andy
0	Dougie Gaelic name meaning "dark stream", this is just a cute name for a laid-back Golden
0	Casper Can be given to a Golden who is very light-colored
-1	Max The most popular name for any breed of dog
-1	Bandit An English word meaning "thief"
-2	Brady A traditional Irish name meaning "one who dwells on an island"
-2	Boz May refer to former NFL standout Brian Bosworth
-3	Rusty Can refer to the Golden's tan coat
-3	Asa This name means "healer", befitting a service or therapy dog
-3	Shakespeare Refers to William Shakespeare; might fit a Golden belonging to a writer or language arts teacher
-4	Alpo Alpo Dog Food's company mascot is a Golden Retriever named Big Mo
-4	Harry Can refer to Harry Connick, Jr. or Prince Harry

Female Golden Retriever Dog Names

Votes	Name	Vote
6	Kricket Kricket is a rare name; it can be used to describe an active Golden girl
6	Talulah A small town in Louisiana, also may refer to actress Talulah Riley
6	Malia Malia is the name of one of Barack Obama's daughters; this name means "bitter"
6	Uma Can refer to actress Uma Thurman; this unique name fits a unique Golden girl
4	Layla "Layla" is the name of a classic Eric Clapton rock song; it is also the name of a Golden girl who stole your heart
4	Maisie A PBS cartoon character; Maisie means "pearl"
4	Sasha A fitting name for any Golden girl; Sasha means "defender"
4	Marti Marti is an Aramaic name; it is often a variation of Martha
3	Aphrodite The Greek goddess of beauty
3	Honey A great name for a Golden girl
3	Jasmine A type of flower; also, one of the Disney princesses
2	Nakita Russian origin meaning "victory of the people;" also the title of an Elton John song
1	Cleo Cleopatra was the historic queen of Egypt; Cleo is a variation of her name
1	Tandy Tandy is of Greek origin; it means "flower"
1	Princess The perfect name for a Golden girl that you treat like royalty
0	Dinah This Hebrew name means "God will judge;" it is a ladylike name for a classy Goldie
0	Dory Inspired by Dory of Finding Nemo fame; this name is perfect for a sweet, but often goofy Golden
0	Pippa Pippa is the sister of (Princess) Kate Middleton
0	Verena This Latin name means "integrity;" if anything the Golden is a loyal dog
0	Sophia This is a Green name meaning "wisdom"
-1	Jem A variation of the word gem; also a cartoon character from the 1980s
-1	Kaya This name has roots in a multitude of cultures; it means "wise child"
-1	Blondie This name is a reflection of the coat color of the Golden Retriever
-1	Mariah Might refer to singer Mariah Carey; this name means "teacher"
-4	Beauty This name is inspired by the Disney princess
-4	Peaches Peaches can refer to a reddish-blonde coat on a Goldie
-5	Goldie Can refer to the golden color of the dog, or Goldie Hawn, famous actress
-5	Bonnie This Gaelic name means "pretty," and is a perfect name for any Goldie
-5	Jackie This name could honor former First Lady Jackie Kennedy Onassis
-5	Minerva Minerva is a small town in Ohio; it is also the name of the Roman goddess of wisdom