Regal Dog Names

Introduction

By definition in the Webster's Dictionary, the term regal means "fit for a monarch, especially in being magnificent or dignified." Certainly, the implication of being regal has to do with appearing royal. Many dog breeds imply an air of dignity simply in their actions and the way they carry themselves. However, the word regal often indicates that something or someone is fit for a king or queen. There are no shortages of dog breeds who have been the prize possession of royalty. Queen Victoria herself was known for her breeding program, specifically with Pomeranians. Other royals across the world have been proud dog owners. Often, that pride extended to the personality of the pups involved.

Regal Dog Names in Pop Culture

Featured Famous Dog with a Regal Name

Duchess

In royal circles, the Duchess is the wife of a Duke; however, some women are given the title in their own right without a marriage necessitating the title. Those who follow England's royals will note that both Prince William and Prince Harry's wives are given the title "duchess" rather than princess. As the royal family changes, so will their rank. However, a duchess is a very high-ranking royal, to say the least.

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

Dogs are as old as mankind; their companionship has warmed the heart of the most destitute individual; their presence has graced the royal palace of many kings and queens. From the ancient Orient to modern day England, dogs are often a part of the royal family. Of course, most Americans recognize that one tradition of presidential families is to not only obtain, but to introduce their canine companions to the general public. Some presidential families have even been gifted pups should they not already own a four-legged friend. Dogs are as much a part of regal households as they are the average home.

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

Votes	Name	Vote
0	Rex As in the Tyrannosaurus Rex, this name means "king"
0	Albert As in Prince Albert Edward of England
0	Franz Franz Ferdinand was the archduke of Austria
0	Richie King Richard III was the subject of a Shakespearean play
0	Augustus As in Caesar Augustus, this name means the exalted one
0	Edgar This regal sounding name actually denotes a spear carrier
0	Felipe This Spanish name refers to one who loves horses
0	Henry Many kings have been named Henry, particularly the paranoid Henry VIII
0	Nicholas Nicholas has been the name of many princes; it means victory
0	Enzo Meaning "ruler of the home," the dog that played "Eddie" on Frasier was named Enzo
0	Fredrich This German name can be found in history back to the 11th century
0	McQuaid This family name is Gaelic for "ruler of the army"
0	Alfred Alfred Ernest Albert was known as Alfie to his family
0	Theo Theodore refers to one who is God's gift
0	Nestor A Greek mythological ruler known for his wisdom
0	Arthur This is a nod to none other than King Arthur, the king of the round table
0	Artie A variation of King Arthur's name, this name fits a Chihuahua
0	Roark This name means "illustrious ruler;" it is fitting of an Irish Springer Spaniel
0	King This regal name fits a Mastiff-type dog
0	George King George was a great adversary of the colonial Americans
0	Conrad This German name means a ruler who is bold
0	Duncan Shakespeare speaks of a King Duncan of Scotland
0	Stephen This name refers to a garland worn by a regal individual
0	Philip Prince Philip is Queen Elizabeth II's husband
0	Geoffrey This name means divinely peaceful
0	Ivan This Russian royal name means God is gracious
0	Andy Prince Andrew is Charles' younger brother and Fergie's former husband
0	James King James became ruler after the Tudor line died out
0	Willie Prince William is Diana's older son; he is the direct heir to the British throne
0	Edward Edward is the husband of Princess Anne, Elizabeth II's daughter

Female Regal Dog Names

Votes	Name	Vote
1	Piper As in the Pied Piper, who had leadership qualities
1	Libby A variation of Elizabeth I's name and a nod to the "Fairy Queen"
1	Adelaide This German name literally means noble; it is perfect for a German Shepherd
0	Elizabeth As in the current Queen of England, Elizabeth II
0	Wilhelmina This German royal name means "protector"
0	Cecilia This German name refers to the sixth daughter
0	Jane As in Jane Seymour, Henry VIII's third wife
0	Mary Princess Mary was Henry VIII's oldest daughter
0	Kendra A variation of a male name meaning wise ruler
0	Olga This traditional Russian name means "holy one"
0	Elena One of the newest Disney princesses is Elena
0	Arabella This name literally means "beautiful altar"
0	Adele This name means noble and serious
0	Alexandra A female version of Alexander, who was a Greek hero
0	Ericka This name means "eternal ruler"
0	Beatrice Prince Andrew and Fergie's daughter
0	Guinevere Arthur's disloyal wife
0	Hattie This name means "little ruler of the home" and is perfect for any pampered pup
0	Helen Helen of Troy was the daughter of Zeus, which explains her great beauty
0	Caroline This name denotes regal strength
0	Henrietta The feminine version of Henry, which means ruler
0	Alice Alice did not necessarily rule Wonderland, but she gave the Queen of Hearts a run for her money
0	Anastasia One of the royal Russian family deposed by their own people
0	Charlotte As in Charlotte's Web, she treated Wilbur like royalty
0	Emma One of Jane Austen's most regal characters
0	Katherine As in Katherine of Aragon, Henry VIII's first wife
0	Anne Henry VIII boasted two wives named Anne
0	Natalia This name is indicative of one born around Christmas
0	Matilda This name means "mighty battle maiden" and is perfect for a French Bulldog
0	Nimue Merlin's romantic interest in the King Arthur legends