Black Maltipoo Names

Breed

The moment you bring a black Maltipoo into your home, you realize you haven’t just adopted a dog; you have welcomed a living shadow with a heartbeat. These dogs are unlike their white counterparts. A black Maltipoo disappears into the dark corners of the bedroom at night, only to be found by the wet touch of a nose or the glint of intelligent eyes seeking yours in the dim light. Finding names for black Maltipoos is a quiet, thoughtful process. It is not about shouting a label across a park; it is about finding a sound that matches that velvety, ink-dark coat and the warm, surprising soul hidden beneath it. You want a name that holds weight but feels light enough for a small, spirited creature. This guide explores the deep, rich world of names: from the silence of the night sky to the comfort of morning coffee – helping you find the one word that will define your shared life for the next fifteen years.
All names for Maltipoo

The Feeling of a Name: Vibe & Meaning Table

Name CategoryThe Vibe & PersonalityBest For…
CelestialInfinite, quiet, sparklingDogs with bright eyes
GothicMysterious, literary, deepCalm, observant pups
CoffeeWarm, energetic, daily comfortPlayful, bouncy dogs
TexturalSoft, luxurious, tactileExtremely fluffy coats
JapaneseSharp, meaningful, preciseSmart, focused dogs
MineralHard, shiny, enduringStrong, small guardians

Top Female Black Maltipoo Names

There is a specific elegance to a female dog with a coat as dark as a moonless night. She is often not just a pet, but a confidante, a small presence that moves with a grace that defies her size. When you look for black female Maltipoo names, you are looking for something that speaks to this duality of softness and mystery. The best names often come from things that are beautiful exactly because they are dark: the night flowers that only bloom when the sun is gone, the ancient goddesses who watched over the stars, or the simple, quiet things in nature that comfort us. A name like “Luna” is popular, yes, but think deeper. Think of the silence of a “Nova” or the deep, resonant feeling of “Ebony.” The name should feel like a secret whispered between the two of you, a sound that she recognizes not just as a command, but as an acknowledgment of who she is. It is a word you will say softly when she curls up on your lap, blending into your dark jeans, invisible except for the warmth of her breathing.

  1. Luna (Latin origin, meaning “moon,” often associated with the night sky)
  2. Raven (English origin, referring to the large, intelligent black bird)
  3. Nova (Latin origin, a star that suddenly releases a burst of energy)
  4. Ebony (English origin, a deep black wood historically prized for beauty)
  5. Pepper (English origin, a spice name for a spirited, energetic dog)
  6. Stella (Latin origin, meaning “star,” a point of light in the darkness)
  7. Shadow (English origin, a constant companion that follows you)
  8. Coco (French/Spanish origin, short for cocoa or coconut, sweet and dark)
  9. Olive (English origin, referring to the black olive, small and distinct)
  10. Nyx (Greek origin, the primordial goddess of the night)
  11. Layla (Arabic origin, meaning “night” or “dark beauty”)
  12. Minnie (English origin, meaning “rebellion” or “beloved,” classic and cute)
  13. Vogue (French origin, meaning “style,” for a fashionable, elegant dog)
  14. Zelda (German origin, meaning “gray fighting maid,” implying strength)
  15. Bean (English origin, short for vanilla or coffee bean, small and sweet)
  16. Dahlia (English origin, specifically the Black Dahlia flower)
  17. Cleo (Greek origin, short for Cleopatra, implying dark-haired royalty)
  18. Poppy (English origin, specifically the dark or black poppy variety)
  19. Darcy (Irish/French origin, meaning “dark one”)
  20. Roxy (Persian origin, meaning “dawn” or “star,” full of sass and light)

Top Male Black Maltipoo Names

A male Maltipoo with a black coat often possesses a surprising gravity. He might be small, barely ten pounds of fluff, but he carries himself with the seriousness of a much larger animal. He is the watcher at the window, the silent guardian of the hallway. When choosing male black dog names, you often want to capture this unexpected dignity. You might look for names that sound strong but fit a small frame; names drawn from the earth, from heavy stones, or from the dark hours of the early morning. A name like “Bear” is perfect because it captures that teddy-bear look while lending him a touch of the wild forest. Or perhaps “Jett,” distinct and sharp, reflecting the speed with which he races across the yard. The name should command respect but also invite a smile. It is the name you will use when he stands bravely barking at a leaf, convinced he is protecting his pack. It honors the brave heart beating inside that small, dark chest.

  1. Bear (English origin, for a dog that looks like a small teddy bear)
  2. Onyx (Greek origin, a black gemstone known for protection and strength)
  3. Jet (English origin, a hard, black semiprecious stone, or speed)
  4. Coal (English origin, a warm, burning rock, vital and dark)
  5. Diesel (German origin, implying energy, fuel, and power)
  6. Bruno (German origin, meaning “brown” or “dark skinned”)
  7. Ace (Latin origin, meaning “one” or “expert,” often the ace of spades)
  8. Oscar (Irish origin, meaning “deer lover” or “champion warrior”)
  9. Teddy (English origin, meaning “wealthy guardian,” perfect for his look)
  10. Loki (Norse origin, the trickster god, for a mischievous black pup)
  11. Jasper (Persian origin, usually red but also a dark, speckled stone)
  12. Finn (Irish origin, meaning “fair,” used ironically or for contrast)
  13. Ash (English origin, the powdery, gray-black residue of fire)
  14. Zorro (Spanish origin, meaning “fox,” the masked hero in black)
  15. Smokey (English origin, for a dog with a gray-black or fading coat)
  16. Tank (English origin, ironic name for a small but sturdy dog)
  17. Gizmo (English origin, for a gadget or the creature from Gremlins)
  18. Rocky (English origin, implying toughness and stability)
  19. Dexter (Latin origin, meaning “right-handed” or “fortunate”)
  20. Batman (English culture, the dark knight, for a dog with pointed ears)

The Night Sky & Celestial Names

There is nothing quite as profound as looking up into a clear sky miles away from the city lights. The vastness of space is not empty; it is filled with ancient stories, burning stars, and the quiet movement of galaxies. Naming your puppy after the cosmos connects them to something eternal. When we talk about night sky dog names, we are talking about the infinite black canvas that makes the stars possible. Your black Maltipoo is that canvas. Without the dark, you cannot see the light. A name from this category suggests a dog that is a little bit magic, perhaps a little distant at times, but always guiding you home. It fits the dog that sits outside and sniffs the cold air, sensing things you cannot see. It elevates a small animal into a creature of the universe​

  1. Eclipse (Greek, when one celestial body obscures another)
  2. Galaxy (Greek, a massive system of stars, dust, and dark matter)
  3. Orion (Greek, the hunter constellation, a guardian of the sky)
  4. Cosmo (Greek, meaning “order” or “universe”)
  5. Astro (Greek, meaning “of the stars”)
  6. Comet (Greek, a celestial object with a tail of light)
  7. Twilight (English, the soft light before nightfall)
  8. Vortex (Latin, a whirling mass, for a high-energy dog)
  9. Apollo (Greek, god of light, associated with space missions)
  10. Sirius (Greek, the Dog Star, the brightest star in the night sky)
  11. Nebula (Latin, a cloud of gas and dust in outer space)
  12. Estelle (Latin, meaning “star”)
  13. Pluto (Latin, the dwarf planet at the edge of the system)
  14. Mars (Latin, the planet, but often associated with the black of space)
  15. Rigel (Arabic, a bright star in the Orion constellation)
  16. Solar (Latin, relating to the sun, the center of the system)
  17. Vega (Arabic, meaning “swooping eagle,” a bright star)
  18. Moon (English, the earth’s natural satellite)
  19. Sky (Norse, the atmosphere and outer space)
  20. Star (English, a luminous point in the night sky)

Gemstones & Minerals

The earth hides its most beautiful treasures deep underground, wrapped in rock and darkness. A black Maltipoo often has a coat that shines like polished stone, reflecting the light in a way that reminds you of geology and time. Mineral dog names are solid. They feel heavy and permanent on the tongue. They are perfect for the dog that grounds you, the one that is steady when your life feels chaotic. We aren’t just talking about diamonds; we are talking about the volcanic glass of Obsidian, the matte finish of Slate, or the deep, organic history of Amber. Calling your dog by a stone’s name implies they are precious to you, a rare find that you were lucky to dig up. It suggests a coat that glimmers like a cut gem and a personality that is unbreakable.​

  1. Onyx (Greek, a banded variety of chalcedony, usually black)
  2. Obsidian (Latin, volcanic glass formed from cooling lava)
  3. Flint (English, a hard gray rock used to start fires)
  4. Slate (French, a fine-grained gray or black rock)
  5. Carbon (Latin, the basic element of life and coal)
  6. Mica (Latin, a shiny silicate mineral found in rocks)
  7. Granite (Italian, a very hard, granular, crystalline rock)
  8. Basalt (Latin, a dark volcanic rock)
  9. Gem (English, a precious or semi-precious stone)
  10. Jewel (French, an ornament of precious metal or stone)
  11. Stone (English, hard solid non-metallic mineral matter)
  12. Pebble (English, a small, smooth stone)
  13. Jade (Spanish, usually green, but black jade exists and is rare)
  14. Agate (Greek, a rock formation, often with dark bands)
  15. Beryl (Greek, a mineral that can be dark/deep in tone)
  16. Crystal (Greek, distinct mineral structure, ironic for black dogs)
  17. Topaz (Greek, usually yellow, but black topaz is a unique concept)
  18. Pearl (Latin, specifically the rare Black Pearl)
  19. Ruby (Latin, for the deep red that looks black in low light)
  20. Smoky (English, referring to Smoky Quartz)

Food & Sweetness

There is a reason we call the things we love “sweetie” or “honey.” The connection between food and affection is primal. For a black dog, the pantry offers a treasure trove of inspiration, specifically the dark, rich flavors that comfort us. Food inspired names for black dogs are usually playful, unpretentious, and instantly endearing. They remind us of the simple pleasures: a square of dark chocolate, a piece of licorice, or the crumbling crust of a cookie. A Maltipoo, with their scrappy, sweet nature, fits these names perfectly. You look at them and you just want to eat them up. Naming a dog “Oreo” or “Truffle” acknowledges their delightful nature. It says that this dog is a treat in your life, something that makes the bitter days a little more palatable.​

  1. Licorice (Greek, a sweet, dark confection from a root)
  2. Oreo (Brand name, the famous black and white cookie)
  3. Truffle (French, a rare, dark, subterranean fungus/delicacy)
  4. Hershey (Brand name, famous American chocolate bar)
  5. Cocoa (Spanish, the powder used to make chocolate)
  6. Fudge (English, a soft, rich chocolate candy)
  7. Brownie (English, a dense chocolate baked treat)
  8. Pepper (Latin, the black spice corn)
  9. Olive (Latin, the savory black fruit)
  10. Berry (English, specifically dark blackberries)
  11. Raisin (French, a dried dark grape)
  12. Plum (English, a dark purple fruit)
  13. Fig (French, a fruit with dark skin and sweet flesh)
  14. Cola (Brand/Ingredient, the dark soda beverage)
  15. Pepsi (Brand name, a popular dark soda)
  16. Guinness (Irish, a very dark stout beer)
  17. Whiskey (Gaelic, a dark amber spirit)
  18. Caviar (Persian, luxury salted fish roe, usually black)
  19. Toast (Latin, burnt or browned bread)
  20. Nori (Japanese, dark edible seaweed)

Nature & Earth

If you walk into a dense forest, the light changes. The ground is dark with rich soil; the shadows between the trees are deep and cool. Nature is not just green; it is the black of a bear’s fur, the dark wing of a crow, the silhouette of a mountain at dusk. Nature names for black dogs connect your indoor pet to the outdoor world they love to smell and explore. Even a Maltipoo living in a high-rise apartment carries the DNA of the wolf. Naming them after a “Bramble” or a “Storm” honors that wild ancestor. It grounds them. It tells the story of the earth under our feet, the mud on their paws, and the wind in their fur. These names are timeless because nature never goes out of style.​

  1. Bramble (English, a prickly scrambling vine or shrub)
  2. Thistle (English, a prickly plant, often dark in tone)
  3. Storm (English, a violent disturbance of the atmosphere)
  4. Thunder (English, the sound following a flash of lightning)
  5. River (English, specifically deep, dark waters)
  6. Forest (French, a large area covered chiefly with trees)
  7. Willow (English, a tree that creates deep shade)
  8. Cedar (Latin, a tree with dark bark and wood)
  9. Hawthorn (English, a thorny shrub)
  10. Crow (English, a large black bird)
  11. Magpie (English, a black and white bird)
  12. Falcon (Latin, a bird of prey)
  13. Badger (English, a nocturnal mammal with black stripes)
  14. Panda (Nepali, a black and white bear-like mammal)
  15. Otter (English, a semi-aquatic mammal with dark fur)
  16. Spider (English, an eight-legged arachnid, often black)
  17. Cricket (French, a chirping insect, often dark)
  18. Beetle (English, a hard-shelled dark insect)
  19. Ivy (English, a climbing plant that grows in shade)
  20. Canyon (Spanish, a deep gorge with shadows)
black puppy maltipoo on a beach

The “Shadow” Concept

Sometimes, the best name is the most literal one, but elevated. The play of light and dark is fascinating. A “shadow” is not just an absence of light; it is a copy, a partner, a shape that moves. Names based on the concept of shade and darkness are classics for a reason. They describe exactly what the dog looks like. But beyond the visual, these names speak to loyalty. A shadow never leaves you. It is attached to your heels. A “Shade” or a “Silhouette” describes that faithful presence of a Maltipoo that follows you from the kitchen to the couch. These names are soft. They don’t have hard edges. They are perfect for the quiet dog, the observer, the one who is content just to be in the same room as you.​

  1. Shade (English, comparative darkness)
  2. Silhouette (French, the dark shape and outline of someone)
  3. Ghost (English, usually white, but implies a spirit presence)
  4. Phantom (Greek, a figment of the imagination)
  5. Specter (Latin, a visible spirit)
  6. Wraith (Scottish, a ghost or ghostlike image)
  7. Spirit (Latin, the non-physical part of a person)
  8. Echo (Greek, a sound or reflection that repeats)
  9. Mirage (French, an optical illusion)
  10. Image (Latin, a representation of the external form)
  11. Gloom (English, partial or total darkness)
  12. Dusk (English, the darker stage of twilight)
  13. Murk (English, darkness or thick mist)
  14. Blur (English, a thing that cannot be seen clearly)
  15. Smudge (English, a blurred or smeared mark)
  16. Ink (French, colored fluid used for writing)
  17. Spot (English, a particular place or mark)
  18. Dot (English, a small round mark)
  19. Patch (English, a piece of cloth or color)
  20. Trace (French, a mark or line left by something)

Sophisticated & Elegant

The Maltipoo is, by definition, a “designer” dog. They are bred for companionship, beauty, and charm. They often have a prance in their step and a way of holding their heads high that suggests they know they are special. Sophisticated dog names fit this attitude. We are looking for names that sound expensive, names that you might see on a bottle of perfume or the label of a high-end coat. A name like “Chanel” or “Armani” fits a black dog perfectly because black is the color of formal wear. It is the color of the tuxedo and the little black dress. These names are a nod to the fact that your dog is a luxury: not in price, but in the richness they add to your life. They are small, living pieces of art.​

  1. Chanel (French, after Coco Chanel, symbol of the LBD)
  2. Armani (Italian, a luxury fashion house known for suits)
  3. Dior (French, a luxury fashion house)
  4. Gucci (Italian, a luxury brand)
  5. Prada (Italian, a luxury fashion house)
  6. Versace (Italian, a luxury fashion company)
  7. Fendi (Italian, a luxury fashion house)
  8. Boss (German, a fashion brand, implies leadership)
  9. Vogue (French, the prevailing fashion or style)
  10. Chic (French, elegantly and stylishly fashionable)
  11. Posh (English, elegant or stylishly luxurious)
  12. Lux (Latin, meaning “light,” but used for luxury)
  13. Ritzy (English, expensively stylish)
  14. Fancy (English, elaborate or decorative)
  15. Prince (Latin, a male royal ruler)
  16. Duke (Latin, a male holding the highest hereditary title)
  17. Baron (French, a member of the lowest order of nobility)
  18. Lady (English, a woman of superior social position)
  19. Duchess (French, the wife or widow of a duke)
  20. Paris (French, the capital city known for fashion)

Japanese “Kuro” & Culture

Japanese culture has a profound relationship with nature and the aesthetic of darkness. In the West, black can be spooky; in Japan, it is often cool, modern, or deeply spiritual. Using Japanese dog names for your black Maltipoo allows you to access a layer of meaning that English often lacks. The word “Kuro” simply means black, but names like “Yami” (darkness) or “Hoshi” (star) sound melodic and soft to the Western ear. They are short, two-syllable sounds that dogs respond to quickly. This category is perfect for the owner who wants something unique but not bizarre. It honors the precision and intelligence of the Poodle side of your mix, wrapping it in a name that feels like a small poem. It is a nod to a culture that finds beauty in the shadows.​

  1. Kuro (Black)
  2. Yami (Darkness)
  3. Sumi (Black Ink)
  4. Hoshi (Star)
  5. Yoru (Night)
  6. Kage (Shadow)
  7. Kuma (Bear)
  8. Choco (Chocolate)
  9. Miki (Beautiful Tree)
  10. Nori (Seaweed – dark green/black)
  11. Tetsu (Iron)
  12. Yuki (Snow – ironic/contrast name)
  13. Akira (Bright/Clear – contrast to the dark coat)
  14. Kenji (Strong/Healthy)
  15. Sora (Sky)
  16. Ryu (Dragon)
  17. Momo (Peach – cute sound)
  18. Hana (Flower)
  19. Koko (Stork – or just a cute sound)
  20. Maru (Round/Circle – often used for pets)

The Coffee House

For many of us, the day does not start until the coffee is poured. It is a ritual of warmth, aroma, and comfort. A black Maltipoo offers a similar kind of daily comfort. Coffee dog names are incredibly fitting because coffee ranges from deep brown to pitch black, just like the coats of these dogs. But don’t just stop at “Bean.” Dive into the specific vocabulary of the roast. A name like “Espresso” captures the high energy of a small puppy. “Kona” speaks to an exotic, smooth temperament. “Java” is fun and old-school. These names are social; they remind us of meeting friends, of quiet mornings, of the energy we need to get through the day. Your dog is your caffeine; they wake you up and make you feel ready to face the world.​

  1. Espresso (Italian, strong black coffee brewed under pressure)
  2. Java (Indonesian, a slang term for coffee)
  3. Mocha (Arabic, chocolate-flavored coffee)
  4. Kona (Hawaiian, a famous market variety of coffee)
  5. Bean (English, the seed of the coffee plant)
  6. Latte (Italian, coffee with milk, for lighter black dogs)
  7. Brew (English, the process of making coffee)
  8. Roast (English, the process of cooking the beans)
  9. Cortado (Spanish, espresso cut with a small amount of milk)
  10. Ristretto (Italian, a short shot of highly concentrated espresso)
  11. Barista (Italian, one who serves coffee)
  12. Starbuck (Literary/Brand, famous coffee chain)
  13. Peaberry (English, a specific type of round coffee bean)
  14. Arabica (Latin, the most popular species of coffee)
  15. Robusta (Latin, a strong, hardy species of coffee)
  16. Dunkin (Brand, famous donut and coffee chain)
  17. Maxwell (Brand, Maxwell House coffee)
  18. Folger (Brand, Folgers coffee)
  19. Pike (Place, Pike Place Roast)
  20. Crema (Italian, the brownish foam on top of espresso)

Jazz & The Blues

There is a mood to black dogs that matches the late-night atmosphere of a jazz club. It is cool, soulful, and improvised. Jazz and Blues names are rare but deeply evocative. They suit a dog that has a bit of “old soul” in their eyes. Maybe your Maltipoo is calm, moving with a slow rhythm. Maybe they have a voice that they like to use. Naming a dog “Miles” or “Ella” or “Basie” pays tribute to American history and art. It suggests that your home is a place of music and feeling. These names flow off the tongue like a saxophone solo. They are cool without trying too hard. They fit the black coat because jazz is the music of the night, of the smoky room, of the deep emotions that come out when the sun goes down​

  1. Jazz (American, a genre of music based on improvisation)
  2. Miles (Latin, after Miles Davis, the trumpeter)
  3. Ella (German/English, after Ella Fitzgerald, the singer)
  4. Duke (Latin, after Duke Ellington, the bandleader)
  5. Basie (English, after Count Basie, the pianist)
  6. Blue (English, the genre of music, the Blues)
  7. Soul (English, emotional music genre)
  8. Bessie (Hebrew, after Bessie Smith, the Empress of the Blues)
  9. Billie (English, after Billie Holiday, the singer)
  10. Louis (French, after Louis Armstrong, the trumpeter)
  11. Dizzy (English, after Dizzy Gillespie, the trumpeter)
  12. Monk (English, after Thelonious Monk, the pianist)
  13. Coltrane (English, after John Coltrane, the saxophonist)
  14. Tempo (Italian, the speed of the music)
  15. Rhythm (Greek, a strong, regular, repeated pattern of sound)
  16. Melody (Greek, a sequence of single notes)
  17. Harmony (Greek, the combination of simultaneous musical notes)
  18. Viola (Italian, a string instrument)
  19. Cello (Italian, a large string instrument)
  20. Lyric (Greek, the words of a song)
black maltipoo on a sand

Gothic & Literary

For the owner who loves books, old libraries, and the smell of rain, a Gothic literary name is a beautiful choice. A black dog has always been a symbol in literature -sometimes of danger, but often of mystery and loyalty. We aren’t looking for scary names; we are looking for romantic names in the classical sense. Names that evoke the foggy moors of Wuthering Heights or the dark birds of Edgar Allan Poe. A Maltipoo named “Poe” or “Bronte” carries a certain intellectual weight. It implies that this dog has a story. It fits the dog that sits quietly by your feet while you read, the one with the dark, expressive eyes that seem to understand more than they should. It turns your pet into a character in your own life’s novel.​

  1. Poe (English, after Edgar Allan Poe)
  2. Raven (English, the bird from Poe’s famous poem)
  3. Bronte (Greek, after the Bronte sisters, authors)
  4. Heathcliff (English, the dark antihero of Wuthering Heights)
  5. Grim (English, distinct from ‘grim reaper’, referencing folklore guardians)
  6. Dracula (Romanian, the famous vampire count)
  7. Stoker (English, after Bram Stoker, author of Dracula)
  8. Shelley (English, after Mary Shelley, author of Frankenstein)
  9. Byron (English, after Lord Byron, the moody poet)
  10. Dante (Italian, author of the Divine Comedy)
  11. Ophelia (Greek, character from Hamlet)
  12. Desdemona (Greek, character from Othello)
  13. Hamlet (Germanic, the Prince of Denmark)
  14. Wednesday (English, from the Addams Family)
  15. Morticia (English, from the Addams Family)
  16. Gomez (Spanish, from the Addams Family)
  17. Lestat (French, the vampire from Anne Rice’s novels)
  18. Twilight (English, the time of day, or the book series)
  19. Bella (Italian, character from Twilight)
  20. Edward (English, character from Twilight)

Textiles & Touch

The defining trait of a Maltipoo is the coat. It is not just hair; it is wool, it is silk, it is velvet. It is a texture that you want to run your hands through. Naming your dog after a fabric or a texture is a rare and sensory approach. It honors the feeling of holding them. When you name a dog “Velvet,” you are describing the softness of their ears. “Cashmere” speaks to the luxury of their fluff. “Suede” evokes a soft, matte finish. These names are cozy. They are about the sense of touch, which is how we mostly communicate with our dogs- through petting, scratching behind the ears, and snuggling. It is a warm, domestic category for the dog that was bred to be a lap warmer.​

  1. Velvet (English, a closely woven fabric of silk or cotton)
  2. Silk (English, a fine, strong, soft fiber)
  3. Suede (French, leather with the flesh side rubbed to make a velvety nap)
  4. Satin (French, a smooth, glossy fabric)
  5. Wooly (English, made of wool)
  6. Cotton (Arabic, soft white fibrous substance, ironic for black)
  7. Fleece (English, the woolly covering of a sheep)
  8. Fluff (English, soft fibers accumulated in small light clumps)
  9. Fuzzy (English, having a frizzy, fluffy, or frayed texture)
  10. Cashmere (English, fine soft wool)
  11. Tweed (Scottish, a rough-surfaced woolen cloth)
  12. Denim (French, a sturdy cotton twill fabric, usually blue/black)
  13. Lace (English, a fine open fabric)
  14. Chenille (French, a tufted velvety cord or yarn)
  15. Mohair (Arabic, a fabric or yarn made from the hair of the Angora goat)
  16. Felt (English, cloth made by rolling and pressing wool)
  17. Corduroy (English, a thick cotton fabric with velvety ribs)
  18. Nylon (English, a tough, lightweight, elastic synthetic polymer)
  19. Linen (Latin, cloth woven from flax)
  20. Thread (English, a long, thin strand of cotton)

Friendly Spirits & Folklore

Finally, we must look at the myths. In folklore, black dogs were often seen as omens, but not all of them were scary. Many were guardians. The “Church Grim” was a spirit dog that protected the churchyard from evil. The “Selkie” is a seal that sheds its skin to walk on land, often dark-eyed and soulful. Naming your dog after a friendly spirit or a magical creature acknowledges the uncanny empathy that dogs possess. They seem to know when we are sad. They guard our houses from invisible threats. A name like “Puck” (the mischievous sprite) fits the playful Maltipoo perfectly. “Merlin” fits the wise one. These names add a layer of story and magic to your daily life, reminding you that your dog is a small miracle.​

  1. Puck (English folklore, a mischievous nature sprite)
  2. Selkie (Scottish folklore, a seal-folk shapeshifter)
  3. Grim (English folklore, a guardian spirit dog)
  4. Merlin (Welsh folklore, the famous wizard)
  5. Pixie (English folklore, a supernatural being)
  6. Sprite (Latin, an elf or fairy)
  7. Fae (French, fairy)
  8. Elf (Germanic, a supernatural creature)
  9. Goblin (French, a mischievous, ugly creature, cute for a dog)
  10. Hobbit (Literary, small, hairy-footed creature)
  11. Genie (Arabic, a spirit imprisoned in a bottle)
  12. Magic (Greek, the power of influencing the course of events)
  13. Voodoo (African, a religious cult characterized by sorcery)
  14. Hex (German, a magic spell)
  15. Charm (English, the power or quality of giving delight)
  16. Lucky (English, having good things happen by chance)
  17. Jinx (Latin, a person or thing that brings bad luck, ironic)
  18. Rune (Norse, a letter of an ancient alphabet, magic mark)
  19. Tarot (French, playing cards used for fortune-telling)
  20. Mystic (Greek, inspiring a sense of spiritual mystery)

As someone who has spent years watching dogs and humans interact, I can tell you this: the name you choose will eventually change shape. “Midnight” will become “Middy,” “Shadow” will become “Shads.” But the core of the name remains. It is the first gift you give them. It is the word that tells them they belong to a pack, to a home, to you. Take your time. Watch your puppy for a few days. See if they are a “Bear” or a “Puck,” a “Velvet” or a “Vogue.” The right name for Maltipoo is already there, hidden in their behavior, waiting for you to spot it. When you find it, say it softly. If their ears perk up and that tail starts to wag, you’ll know. You have found it.