A dog is a creature of beautiful contradictions. They are our steadfast companions, our furry confidants, the keepers of our routines and our hearts. But every dog also holds a wild spark, a touch of the untamed spirit of their wolf ancestors. It’s in the gleam in their eye right before they snatch a sock, the low growl during a game of tug-of-war, or the chaotic joy of a zoomie session that seems to defy physics. To give a dog a “demon” name is not to label them as evil, but to honor that mischievous, powerful, and wonderfully complex nature.
I once knew a little terrier mix, a scruffy thing named Goblin. He was a holy terror, digging up flowerbeds and barking at shadows, but he was also the most fiercely loyal and loving creature you could ever meet. His name was perfect. It captured both the mischief and the magic. Choosing a name from the world of mythic demons and spirits is for the dog owner who sees and loves the whole dog – the angel on the couch and the little devil who keeps life interesting. These unique dog names are for the rebels, the thinkers, and the dogs with an undeniable spark.
Names of Mesopotamian Underworld Spirits
These names connect your dog to some of the oldest stories ever told.
The myths of ancient Mesopotamia are filled with powerful, complex spirits that were not simply evil, but forces of nature and chaos. A name from this era carries a sense of ancient power and mystery. It is a perfect choice for a dog with an old soul and a commanding presence, like a German Shepherd or a Doberman. These are meaningful dog names that feel both timeless and unique.
- Pazuzu (A Mesopotamian wind demon, surprisingly a protector of pregnant women and children).
- Lamashtu (A divine demoness, often depicted with the head of a lioness).
- Rabisu (A vampiric demon that lurks in doorways, perfect for a dog who loves to greet visitors).
- Ereshkigal (The powerful queen of the Sumerian Underworld).
- Gallu (Underworld demons who were said to drag mortals to the land of the dead).
- Humbaba (The monstrous guardian of the Cedar Forest, a powerful and fearsome figure).
- Asakku (A demon of fever and plague, for a dog whose love is contagious).
- Namtar (The vizier of the Underworld, a bringer of fate).
- Irkalla (Another name for the Underworld itself, meaning “the great city”).
- Udug (A type of spirit that could be either good or evil, reflecting a dog’s dual nature).
Japanese Oni and Yōkai
These names are for dogs with a playful, mysterious, or powerful personality.
In Japanese folklore, Oni are powerful, ogre-like demons, while Yōkai are a vast category of supernatural monsters and spirits. These figures are often more mischievous or tragic than purely evil. A Yōkai or Oni name is a great fit for a Japanese breed like an Akita or Shiba Inu, or any dog with a quirky, unforgettable personality. They are unique dog name ideas for a pup with a story to tell.
- Oni (The classic Japanese ogre or demon, often depicted with horns and a club).
- Akuma (A malevolent fire spirit, sometimes used to mean “devil” or “demon”).
- Kitsune (A mythical fox spirit known for its intelligence and shapeshifting abilities).
- Tengu (A protective, but sometimes dangerous, bird-like spirit of the mountains).
- Kappa (A water spirit known for its mischievous, and sometimes troublesome, nature).
- Raiju (A beast made of lightning, often in the form of a wolf or dog; the companion of the Shinto god of thunder).
- Inugami (A dog spirit, created to carry out the will of its master, fiercely loyal).
- Yamauba (A mountain hag or sorceress, a name for a wild-spirited female dog).
- Gaki (Spirits of the hungry dead, a funny name for a dog who is always begging for treats).
- Shuten Doji (A legendary and powerful Oni king, for a dog who rules the household).
Trickster Spirits from Global Folklore
A perfect choice for a clever and mischievous dog that keeps you on your toes.
Nearly every culture has a trickster figure – a clever, chaotic being who breaks the rules, challenges authority, and often teaches an important lesson through their mischief. These names are not for evil dogs, but for the highly intelligent, playful, and sometimes frustratingly clever companions who outsmart us. I once saw a Border Collie who could open any door in the house; his name could easily have been Coyote.
- Coyote (A revered and cunning trickster spirit in many Native American traditions).
- Anansi (The spider trickster of West African folklore, a master storyteller).
- Puck (From Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, a mischievous nature sprite).
- Loki (The Norse god of mischief and chaos, a shapeshifter and a master of tricks).
- Kokopelli (A fertility deity and trickster from Southwestern Native American culture).
- Reynard (A famous trickster fox from European folklore).
- Eris (The Greek goddess of discord and strife, who famously started the Trojan War).
- Huehuecoyotl (The Aztec god of music, dance, and mischief, depicted as a coyote).
- Kuma (A trickster character from the lore of the Ainu people of Japan).
- Bricriu (An Irish trickster figure known for his love of inciting quarrels).
Gothic and Horror Movie Icons
Chihuahuas are true demons among dogs! Want the right name for your little devil? Choose a Chihuahua Names!
These names are for the dog with a flair for the dramatic and a love of the spotlight.
The worlds of gothic literature and horror cinema have given us some of the most memorable and fearsome characters. These names carry a sense of drama, darkness, and classic horror. They are a fun nod to pop culture and are perfect for a dog with a dramatic personality, whether it’s a tiny Chihuahua with a huge bark or a majestic Great Dane.
- Regan (The possessed girl from The Exorcist, a name for a dog with a wild side).
- Damien (The young Antichrist from The Omen).
- Pennywise (The terrifying clown from Stephen King’s It, for a dog that is deceptively playful).
- Chucky (The infamous killer doll, a humorous name for a small but feisty dog).
- Pinhead (The leader of the Cenobites from Hellraiser, for a dog with a striking look).
- Leatherface (A name for a big, intimidating-looking dog who is actually a sweetheart).
- Jekyll (As in Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, for a dog with a split personality).
- Dracula (The classic vampire, a name of nobility and darkness).
- Grendel (The monster from the epic poem Beowulf).
- Cujo (From the Stephen King novel, a name for a big, slobbery, and slightly intimidating dog).
- Nosferatu (A powerful and iconic vampire from silent film).
Deities of Mischief and Chaos
Celebrate your dog’s chaotic energy with a name from the gods.
These are not demons in the traditional sense, but gods and goddesses who preside over the wilder, more unpredictable aspects of life. They represent chaos, discord, and the disruption of order. A name from this list is a wonderful way to honor the happy chaos your dog brings into your home. It’s one of the best dog name ideas for a high-energy breed like a Jack Russell Terrier or a Husky.
- Set (The Egyptian god of deserts, storms, and chaos).
- Discordia (The Roman equivalent of the Greek goddess Eris, a lover of strife).
- Momus (The Greek god of satire, mockery, and criticism, for a dog who “talks back”).
- Dionysus (The Greek god of wine, revelry, and madness, for a party animal).
- Pan (The Greek god of the wild, shepherds, and rustic music, who had a dark side).
- Tezcatlipoca (An Aztec god of the night sky, temptation, and discord).
- Morrigan (An Irish goddess of war, fate, and death, often seen as a crow).
- Ate (The Greek goddess of mischief, delusion, and ruin).
- Mania (The Roman goddess of the dead and madness).
- Azazel (A figure from the Hebrew Bible, sometimes considered a fallen angel or desert demon).
Classic Demonic Figures
For a dog with a powerful presence, these names are legendary.
These are the names that come to mind when we think of “demons.” They are drawn from mythology, religion, and demonology, and they carry an undeniable weight. Choosing one of these names is a bold statement, perfect for a dog with an imposing stature and a powerful personality, like a Rottweiler or a Cane Corso. It’s a way of reclaiming these names and giving them a new, loving context.
- Lucifer (Meaning “light-bringer,” the name of a fallen angel known for pride and rebellion).
- Lilith (A powerful female demon from Jewish folklore, often considered the first woman).
- Asmodeus (A king of demons from the Book of Tobit, representing lust).
- Beelzebub (Another powerful demon, often called the “Lord of the Flies”).
- Mephistopheles (A demon from German folklore, famously featured in the story of Faust).
- Baphomet (An esoteric figure often associated with the Knights Templar and occultism).
- Abaddon (A Hebrew name for a place of destruction and an angel of the abyss).
- Belial (A Hebrew term meaning “worthless,” later personified as a demon of lawlessness).
- Mammon (A demon of greed and wealth).
- Samael (An archangel in Talmudic lore, often equated with Satan as an accuser and destroyer).
- Ahriman (The spirit of destruction and evil in Zoroastrianism).
Video Game Bosses and Villains
A fun and modern take on demon names for the gaming enthusiast.
Video games are a modern mythology, filled with epic heroes and terrifying villains. The bosses and demons from these games are often beautifully designed and have rich backstories. Naming your dog after one is a great way to share your passion and give your pup a name that sounds both cool and powerful. These male and female dog names are great for any pup who has defeated the boss level of your heart.
- Diablo (The Lord of Terror and the titular villain from the popular game series).
- Mephisto (Diablo’s brother, the Lord of Hatred).
- Illidan (A complex anti-hero from World of Warcraft, a demon hunter).
- Kefka (A nihilistic and chaotic villain from Final Fantasy VI).
- Sephiroth (The iconic and deadly antagonist of Final Fantasy VII).
- Ganondorf (The primary antagonist of The Legend of Zelda series, a wielder of dark power).
- Akuma (A powerful, demonic character from the Street Fighter series).
- Bowser (The king of the Koopas, a more lighthearted “demon” for a big, clumsy dog).
- Malthael (The Angel of Death from Diablo III, for a dog with a sleek, dark coat).
- Sargeras (The ultimate villain of the Warcraft universe, a fallen titan).
Literary Demons
These names are drawn from classic literature, for the intellectual and well-read dog owner.
Some of the most compelling portrayals of demons come not from scripture, but from the pages of epic poems and plays. These characters are often complex, tragic, and deeply philosophical. A literary demon name is a sophisticated choice for a thoughtful dog and owner, suggesting a love for stories and the deeper questions of life.
- Malbolge (The name of the eighth circle of Hell in Dante’s Inferno).
- Ariel (A spirit who serves Prospero in Shakespeare’s The Tempest, not demonic but an elemental power).
- Caliban (The brutish, earthy “monster” from The Tempest).
- Faust (The man who sells his soul to the devil, a name for a dog who would do anything for a treat).
- Manfred (The tortured, Faustian hero of Lord Byron’s poem).
- Melmoth (The title character of a classic gothic novel, the “wanderer” who sold his soul).
- Charon (The ferryman of Hades who carries souls across the river Styx).
- Geryon (A winged beast with the face of an honest man from Dante’s Inferno).
- Nimrod (A king in the Inferno who is portrayed as a giant demon).
Words That Evoke Darkness and Shadow
These names are less about figures and more about atmosphere.
Sometimes the most powerful name isn’t a name at all, but a word that creates a mood. These names are inspired by darkness, night, and shadow, but in a poetic, beautiful way. They are perfect for a dark-coated dog, like a Black Labrador or a Scottie, or any dog with a quiet, mysterious, and comforting presence. They evoke the peace of a quiet night, not the fear of it.
- Shade (A classic name for a dark and mysterious companion).
- Nyx (The ancient Greek goddess of the night, a powerful, primordial being).
- Erebus (The Greek god of darkness, the personification of the shadows).
- Noir (French for “black,” a simple and elegant name).
- Umbra (The Latin word for “shadow” or “ghost”).
- Raven (A bird often associated with dark omens and magic).
- Jett (For a dog with a shiny, jet-black coat).
- Stygian (Relating to the River Styx, meaning “dark” or “gloomy”).
- Tenebris (Latin for “darkness,” a beautiful and unusual name).
- Sable (A rich, black color, often used in heraldry).
- Corvus (The Latin word for “crow” or “raven”).
Choosing a name is the first story you tell about your dog. It’s a word you will say thousands of times, a sound that will bring them running to you, tail wagging. Whether you choose a name from ancient myth or modern pop culture, you are not defining them as “bad,” but celebrating their full, complex, and mischievous spirit. You are acknowledging the little spark of chaos that makes them so unpredictably and wonderfully alive. And in choosing that name, you forge a bond that honors every part of who they are – the shadow and the light.
