Black Labrador Retriver Names

Black Labrador names are more than mere labels; they are stories wrapped in sound, waiting to be spoken into the cool morning air or whispered in the quiet of a late evening.

I have observed black dogs for many years: their presence is distinct, absorbing light rather than reflecting it, a silhouette against the green of a field or the gray of a winter sky. Naming such a creature is an act of recognition, a way of saying, “I see who you are.” It is not about trends or cleverness, but about finding a word that resonates with the soul of the animal beside you. When you choose a name, you are not just picking a sound; you are choosing a history, a feeling, and a future.

The right name honors the dog’s dignity. It acknowledges the deep, soulful gaze of a Labrador, that specific blend of loyalty and joyous goofiness that defines the breed. In my time on the farm, watching dogs work and play, I’ve learned that a name settles into a dog like a comfortable coat. It might take a week, or a month, but eventually, the name and the dog become inseparable. This article is an invitation to explore names that carry weight, beauty, and a touch of the profound, just like the black dog at your side.

Popular Themes for Black Lab Names by Region

Female Black Labrador Names

Names for female black Labradors often need to balance strength with grace, much like the dogs themselves – capable of charging through brush yet gentle enough to rest a head on your knee. We look for names that sing, that have a lyrical quality but aren’t fragile. Think of the ancient goddesses who ruled the night, or the simple, stark beauty of the natural world when the sun goes down. A female Lab is often the heart of the household, a steady, loving presence that deserves a name reflecting her quiet power and enduring affection. It isn’t about “girly” names; it is about feminine dignity.

• Nyx (Greek Goddess of the Night; a figure of power and beauty)
• Raven (A bird of intelligence and mystery; symbolizes deep black)
• Morrigan (Celtic Phantom Queen; associated with fate and sovereignty)
• Hecate (Greek Goddess of magic and crossroads; guardian of the night)
• Midnight (The peak of darkness; classic and evocative)
• Eclipse (A celestial event; powerful and rare beauty)
• Luna (The moon; light in the darkness, very popular)
• Sable (A heraldic term for black; elegant and soft)
• Onyx (A black gemstone; implies strength and protection)
• Darcy (Irish origin meaning “dark one”; literary and classic)
• Bellatrix (Latin for “female warrior”; a star in Orion)
• Ebony (A deep, dark wood; strong and enduring)
• Kali (Hindu Goddess; associated with time and change)
• Shadow (Inseparable companion; a classic descriptor)
• Mystic (Spiritual and unknown; for a dog with a soulful gaze)
• Velvet (Soft texture; describes the feel of Lab ears perfectly)
• Stella (Latin for “star”; light in the night sky)
• Nova (A star that suddenly becomes brighter; energy and light)
• Layla (Arabic for “night”; musical and beautiful)
• Selene (Greek Moon Goddess; radiant and calm)

Male Black Labrador Names

When naming a male black Labrador, we often search for something that captures their robust, sometimes boisterous, spirit: names that sound good when shouted across a park or field. These dogs are often big-hearted clowns with the souls of noble guardians. The best names for them have a solid, grounded feel, perhaps drawing from the legends of heroes who ventured into the underworld or jazz musicians who found beauty in the blue notes of the night. A male Lab’s name should be a handshake, a firm acknowledgment of his loyalty and his strength.

• Hades (Greek God of the Underworld; powerful and misunderstood)
• Sirius (The Dog Star; brightest star in the night sky)
• Duke (Noble title; tribute to Duke Ellington)
• Titan (Pre-Olympian gods; implies immense size and strength)
• Orion (The Hunter constellation; faithful companion in the sky)
• Bear (Animal totem; implies size, fuzziness, and strength)
• Cole (Sound-alike for coal; dark, simple, and strong)
• Ash (Residue of fire; grey-black and elemental)
• Flint (Hard gray stone; sparks fire, tough and enduring)
• Angus (Scottish/Irish; implies strength and unique character)
• Bruno (German for “brown/dark”; solid and classic)
• Jasper (A type of stone; earthy and grounded)
• Thor (Norse God of Thunder; booming and powerful)
• Kobe (Japanese city/basketball legend; modern and strong)
• Django (Romani guitarist; cool, artistic, and free)
• Rocco (Italian for “rest”; tough but lovable sound)
• Zorro (The Fox; masked hero, clever and black-clad)
• Vader (Dark father; iconic villain with a redemption arc)
• Smokey (Like smoke; grey-black and elusive)
• Nero (Italian for “black”; strong historical resonance)

Another selection of names for black dogs.

Black Labradors Named After Nordic Night

The North has a special relationship with darkness- long winters where the sun barely rises, and the night is a canvas for the aurora. Naming a black Lab with a Nordic touch connects them to this ancient, primal world of cold beauty and survival. These names, drawn from sagas and folklore, carry the scent of pine forests and the chill of fjords. They are perfect for dogs who love the snow, who seem to thrive when the temperature drops, possessing a hardy, wolf-like spirit that feels older than civilization itself.

• Sámr (Famous dog from Njal’s Saga; loyal unto death)
• Fenrir (Wolf of Norse myth; bound but destined for greatness)
• Hel (Ruler of the underworld; powerful female figure)
• Nott (Personification of Night; mother of Day)
• Garmr (Guardian hound of Hel; fierce protector)
• Odin (Allfather; associated with ravens and wolves)
• Loki (Trickster god; for the mischievous, clever Lab)
• Runa (Secret lore; mysterious and ancient sounding)
• Grim (One of Odin’s names; implies a masked traveler)
• Valkyrie (Chooser of the slain; strong female warrior)
• Bjorn (Bear; classic Scandinavian name for a big dog)
• Ulf (Wolf; short, sharp, and wild)
• Freya (Goddess of love/war; possessed a chariot drawn by cats)
• Munin (Odin’s raven; “Memory,” intelligent and dark)
• Hugin (Odin’s raven; “Thought,” watchful and wise)
• Skoll (Wolf that chases the sun; relentless energy)
• Hati (Wolf that chases the moon; night hunter)
• Ymir (Primal giant; the foundation of the world)
• Surt (Fire giant; associated with black, charred land)
• Vidar (God of vengeance; silent and strong)

Whisky & Spirits Names for Black Labradors

There is a warmth to whisky that mirrors the warmth of a Labrador’s companionship -an amber glow in the dark, a comfort after a long day in the rain. Names drawn from the world of spirits and dark liquors evoke a sense of maturity, tradition, and perhaps a bit of rugged countryside living. These are names for dogs that are rich in character, perhaps a bit mellow as they age, like a fine single malt. It celebrates the deep, brown-black hues of the coat and the spirited nature of the dog itself.

• Guinness (Dark Irish stout; iconic black and cream)
• Jameson (Irish whiskey; smooth and classic)
• Porter (Dark style of beer; working-class roots)
• Stout (Strong dark beer; also means sturdy/brave)
• Bourbon (American whiskey; sweet and strong)
• Bailey (Irish cream; sweet, popular, and friendly)
• Jack (Daniel’s; ubiquitous, American, and reliable)
• Walker (Johnnie Walker; for the dog who loves to roam)
• Beam (Jim Beam; ray of light or structural support)
• Kahlua (Coffee liqueur; dark, sweet, and Mexican)
• Hendrick (Gin; botanical, quirky, and distinct)
• Macallan (Scotch; premium, prestigious, and smooth)
• Talisker (Scotch; peaty, smoky, and island-born)
• Oban (Scotch; coastal, small town, and distinct)
• Rye (Type of whiskey; grain, earthy, and spicy)
• Barley (Ingredient; fundamental, earthy, and wholesome)
• Malt (Ingredient; sweet, toasted, and essential)
• Hops (Ingredient; energetic, bitter, and green)
• Vino (Wine; simple, classic Italian/Spanish)
• Merlot (Red wine; dark grape, soft and approachable)

Jazz & Blues Legends Names

Black Labradors possess a soulful quality, a depth of emotion that is often best expressed through music, particularly the blues and jazz. These genres, born from the African American experience, turn sorrow and hardship into something profoundly beautiful and life-affirming. Naming a dog after a jazz legend is a tribute to creativity, improvisation, and the ability to find joy in the shadows. It suits a dog with a rhythmic gait, a deep bark, or a personality that is just a little bit cool and syncopated.

• Duke (Ellington; elegant, leader of the band)
• Louis (Armstrong; joyous, raspy-voiced, and iconic)
• Ella (Fitzgerald; the First Lady of Song, pure voice)
• Billie (Holiday; emotive, tragic, and deeply soulful)
• Miles (Davis; cool, innovative, and moody)
• Coltrane (John; spiritual, intense, and complex)
• Basie (Count; rhythmic, swinging, and cheerful)
• Dizzy (Gillespie; energetic, funny, and virtuosic)
• Monk (Thelonious; eccentric, brilliant, and unique)
• Mingus (Charles; volatile, passionate, and genius)
• Bessie (Smith; Empress of the Blues, powerful)
• Muddy (Waters; father of modern Chicago blues)
• B.B. (King; legendary guitarist, Lucille’s owner)
• Etta (James; powerful voice, “At Last”)
• Aretha (Franklin; Queen of Soul, demanding respect)
• Ray (Charles; genius, soul, and rhythm)
• Nina (Simone; High Priestess of Soul, intense)
• Cab (Calloway; showman, scat singer, and lively)
• Quincy (Jones; producer, smooth, and influential)
• Satchmo (Armstrong’s nickname; affectionate and fun)

Celestial & Cosmic Black Lab Names

We look up at the night sky and see the infinite; we look into the eyes of a black dog and often feel the same sense of wonder. Cosmic names connect our earthly companions to the vast, mysterious universe above. These names are perfect for dogs that seem to have an otherworldly calm or, conversely, the explosive energy of a supernova. It frames their black coat not as an absence of light, but as the canvas upon which the stars are scattered – a reminder that they are our own personal piece of the galaxy.

• Sirius (Dog Star; brightest star, faithful watcher)
• Cosmos (The universe; orderly and beautiful system)
• Galaxy (Vast system of stars; large and encompassing)
• Nebula (Cloud of dust/gas; birthing place of stars)
• Orion (The Hunter; prominent winter constellation)
• Vega (Bright star in Lyra; “falling eagle” in Arabic)
• Draco (The Dragon; constellation winding around North)
• Rigel (Blue supergiant; bright star in Orion’s foot)
• Altair (Flying eagle; bright star in Aquila)
• Astro (Star; classic dog name, “The Jetsons”)
• Comet (Fast moving celestial body; tails and speed)
• Pluto (Dwarf planet; distant, dark, and cold)
• Jupiter (Gas giant; largest planet, king of gods)
• Mars (Red planet; energy and drive)
• Venus (Morning star; beauty and brightness)
• Solar (Sun related; powerful energy source)
• Lunar (Moon related; gentle, reflective light)
• Zenith (Highest point; peak of the sky)
• Nadir (Lowest point; deep and opposite zenith)
• Star (Simple celestial body; light in darkness)

Literary Shadows Names

Literature is filled with shadows that are not frightening, but rather comforting or complex – characters who dwell in the dark or possess a dark allure. Naming a Lab after a literary figure suggests a dog with a story, a creature of depth and intelligence. It is a nod to the quiet hours spent reading with a dog at your feet, the shared silence of a library or a study. These names are for the thinkers, the observers, the dogs who seem to understand more human speech than they let on.

• Poe (Edgar Allan; master of macabre and mystery)
• Dorian (Gray; beautiful, eternal, and dark)
• Heathcliff (Wuthering Heights; brooding, wild, passionate)
• Sherlock (Holmes; observant, brilliant, often dark)
• Gatsby (The Great; mysterious, romantic, tragic)
• Huck (Finn; adventurous, outsider, and loyal)
• Atticus (Finch; noble, moral, and strong)
• Scout (To Kill a Mockingbird; curious, brave, tomboy)
• Frodo (Lord of the Rings; small hero, big burden)
• Gandalf (Wizard; wise, wanders, sometimes grey)
• Aragorn (Ranger; noble king in disguise)
• Bagheera (Jungle Book; wise black panther, protector)
• Baloo (Jungle Book; laid back bear, teacher)
• Mowgli (Jungle Book; wild child, wolf-raised)
• Fang (Harry Potter; Hagrid’s boarhound, cowardly but sweet)
• Padfoot (Harry Potter; Sirius Black’s dog form)
• Grimm (Brothers Grimm; fairy tales, often dark)
• Orwell (George; dystopian writer, visionary)
• Kafka (Franz; surreal, complex, existential)
• Dante (Inferno; traveler through hell, poetic)

Nature-Inspired Black Lab Names

The natural world provides the most immediate and honest palette for naming a black dog. We see the charcoal of a burnt log, the slick wetness of a slate stone, the impenetrable depth of a deep forest. These names are grounded and real; they don’t pretend to be anything other than what they are. A nature name fits a Labrador perfectly because they are dogs of the earth: mud-loving, water-splashing creatures who are happiest when immersed in the elements.

• Coal (Fossil fuel; classic, simple, warm)
• Ash (Tree or residue; grey, resilient, common)
• Slate (Rock; grey-black, smooth, roofing)
• River (Water flow; dark depths, movement)
• Storm (Weather; turbulent, grey clouds, power)
• Thunder (Sound of storm; loud, booming voice)
• Rain (Precipitation; cleansing, grey, essential)
• Cliff (Rock face; sharp, high, dangerous)
• Forest (Trees; dark, deep, full of life)
• Bear (Animal; big, black, cuddly but fierce)
• Wolf (Animal; wild ancestor, pack leader)
• Hawk (Bird; sharp-eyed, hunter, dark silhouette)
• Crow (Bird; intelligent, black, loud)
• Mole (Animal; dark dweller, earthy, velvety)
• Otter (Animal; water lover, playful, dark fur)
• Seal (Animal; slick, black, water dog)
• Pebble (Stone; small, smooth, unassuming)
• Ridge (Landform; high point, spine of hill)
• Willow (Tree; graceful, weeping, flexible)
• Sage (Plant/Wise; grey-green, healing, calm)

Mythological Names for Black Labradors

Myths are the stories we tell to explain the world, and dogs have always played a central role in these legends – as guardians, guides, and companions to the gods. A mythological name grants a dog a sense of timelessness and grandeur. It suits a Labrador with a noble bearing, one who sits with their chest out and head high. These names connect the modern pet to a lineage of divine beasts, reminding us that the bond between human and dog is ancient and sacred.

• Zeus (King of Gods; thunder, power, authority)
• Hera (Queen of Gods; marriage, jealous, regal)
• Apollo (Sun God; music, healing, light/dark)
• Artemis (Huntress; wild animals, moon, protector)
• Ares (War God; fierce, battle, conflict)
• Athena (Wisdom; strategy, owl, intelligent)
• Hermes (Messenger; fast, trickster, traveler)
• Pluto (Roman Hades; wealth, underworld)
• Neptune (Sea God; water, storms, horses)
• Jupiter (Roman Zeus; sky, thunder, state)
• Mars (Roman Ares; war, agriculture, father)
• Venus (Roman Aphrodite; love, beauty, gardens)
• Diana (Roman Artemis; hunt, moon, nature)
• Vulcan (Fire God; forge, craftsmanship, volcanoes)
• Vesta (Hearth; home, family, fire)
• Juno (Roman Hera; protector, women, state)
• Ceres (Agriculture; grain, mother, earth)
• Bacchus (Wine; party, madness, grapes)
• Hercules (Hero; strength, trials, demi-god)
• Achilles (Hero; warrior, vulnerable heel, swift)

Food & Drink Names for Black Labs

There is an undeniable sweetness to a Labrador, a richness that brings to mind dark chocolates, robust coffees, and comforting treats. Food names are affectionate, unpretentious, and often make people smile. They suit the dog who is a joyful glutton, the one who eyes your dinner plate with hopeful devotion. Naming a black dog after a favorite dark treat is a way of celebrating the simple, daily pleasure of their company – they are the sugar (or the caffeine) in our lives.

• Oreo (Cookie; black and white, sweet center)
• Mocha (Coffee/Chocolate; warm, sweet blend)
• Cocoa (Drink/Powder; warm, chocolatey, comfort)
• Pepper (Spice; black, spicy, energetic)
• Bean (Legume/Coffee; small, essential, cute)
• Berry (Fruit; dark, sweet/tart, small)
• Fudge (Candy; dense, chocolate, rich)
• Brownie (Cake; chocolate, square, dense)
• Cookie (Treat; sweet, baked, crumbly)
• Muffin (Pastry; breakfast, soft, sweet)
• Waffles (Breakfast; grid pattern, syrup, warm)
• Pancake (Breakfast; flat, stackable, comfort)
• Biscuit (Treat/Bread; dry, crunchy, reward)
• Taco (Food; spicy, shell, fun)
• Nacho (Chip; cheese, snack, party)
• Sushi (Fish; roll, fresh, delicate)
• Sashimi (Fish; raw, slice, pure)
• Wasabi (Paste; spicy, green, kick)
• Ginger (Root; spicy, cleanser, snappy)
• Basil (Herb; green, fragrant, Italian)

Pop Culture Black Lab Names

We live in a world of screens and stories, and the characters we love often feel like friends. Naming a dog after a pop culture icon is a way of sharing our fandoms and finding a common language with others. Whether it’s a superhero who dresses in black or a cartoon character with a dark coat, these names are fun, recognizable, and often spark conversations at the dog park. It’s a way of saying that this dog is the star of your personal movie.

• Batman (Hero; dark knight, cowl, justice)
• Joker (Villain; clown, chaos, purple/green)
• Robin (Sidekick; boy wonder, bird, partner)
• Hulk (Hero; smash, green/dark, strong)
• Thor (Hero; hammer, thunder, blonde/dark)
• Loki (Villain/Hero; mischief, horns, green)
• Stark (Tony; iron man, rich, snarky)
• Cap (Captain America; shield, leader, brave)
• Widow (Black Widow; spy, spider, red/black)
• Hawkeye (Archer; aim, purple, arrow)
• Yoda (Jedi; small, green, wise)
• Luke (Skywalker; jedi, hero, farmboy)
• Leia (Princess; general, buns, brave)
• Han (Solo; smuggler, pilot, scoundrel)
• Chewy (Wookiee; big, hairy, loyal)
• Vader (Sith; helmet, breathing, father)
• Maul (Sith; red/black, horns, double-saber)
• Kylo (Ren; mask, unstable, grandson)
• Rey (Jedi; scavenger, yellow saber, hope)
• Finn (Trooper; traitor, brave, friend)

Elegant & Sophisticated Black Lab Names

Sometimes a Labrador carries themselves with a dignity that demands a more refined title. These are the dogs that seem to pose for photographs, who cross their paws when they lie down, who have a certain aristocratic air despite their muddy boots. Elegant names draw from European languages and history, offering sounds that are crisp, polished, and timeless. They turn a simple “dog” into a distinguished gentleman or lady of the manor.

• Noir (French for “black”; stylish, film style)
• Hugo (German/French; intellect, mind, classic)
• Alfie (English; counselor, elf, friendly)
• Monty (English; mountain, classic, cheerful)
• Chester (English; fortress, old-fashioned, cozy)
• Jasper (Persian; treasurer, spotted stone)
• Felix (Latin; lucky, successful, happy)
• Oscar (Irish; deer lover, champion warrior)
• Milo (German; soldier, merciful, popular)
• Otis (German; wealthy, keen hearer, soul)
• Theo (Greek; gift of god, short for Theodore)
• Archie (German; truly brave, royal baby)
• Gus (Latin; great, majestic, short for August)
• Barney (English; strong as a bear, comfort)
• Rupert (German; bright fame, bear character)
• Sebastian (Latin; venerable, revered, crab)
• Arthur (Celtic; bear man, king, legend)
• Louis (French; renowned warrior, kingly)
• Henry (German; home ruler, classic, royal)
• George (Greek; farmer, earth worker, curious)

As someone who has spent years working with dogs, I can tell you that the “perfect” name is rarely the one you planned. It’s the one you find yourself using at 2 a.m. when they need to go out, or the one that makes their tail thump the hardest when you whisper it. Take your time with this choice. Say the names out loud, taste them, see how they feel in your mouth and how they sound in the air. Your black Lab will be with you for a long time, and this word will be the primary bridge between your two species. Choose something that makes you smile every single time you say it. If you found this list helpful, consider sharing it with a fellow dog lover or saving it for the day your new puppy finally comes home.

Elena Maltipoo

Elena Maltipoo is a dog name researcher and pet content creator with a specialized focus on puppy naming, dog breeds, and companion dog care. She studies naming trends, breed history, and the emotional connection between people and their dogs to help owners choose meaningful, fitting names for their pets.