For those of us who have journeyed through pixelated landscapes and epic digital sagas, we know that the best adventures are never taken alone. Every hero needs a companion—a steadfast sidekick who is there for the final boss battle, the long grind, and the quiet moments exploring a vast, new world. A dog is that companion in real life. They are our permanent co-op partner, our loyal mount, the friendly NPC who always has something good to say (even if it’s just a tail wag). Choosing a name from the world of video games is more than a nerdy injoke; it’s a tribute to the stories that have shaped us, the challenges we’ve overcome, and the joy of shared adventure.
I once met a stout, joyful Corgi named Kirby, and it was the most fitting name I’d ever seen. He was small, round, pink-cheeked, and seemed to inhale every treat with an adorable, cosmic power. That name wasn’t just a label; it was a perfect summary of his entire being. A gamer dog name connects the loyal friend at our feet to the heroic figures and magical worlds we hold dear in our hearts. It’s a way of bringing a little piece of that digital magic into our everyday lives, a constant, happy reminder of the quests we’ve loved. These unique dog names are for the players, the dreamers, and the adventurers.
Legendary Video Game Heroes
These are the names that echo through the halls of gaming history. They are the protagonists we have guided through treacherous dungeons, sprawling cities, and impossible odds. Naming your dog after one of these legends is a tribute to courage, resilience, and the hero’s journey. These names are perfect for a dog with a noble spirit, a brave heart, and an unwavering loyalty. They are the leaders of the pack, the protectors of the household, and the ones who will always be by your side.
Male Dog Names
- Geralt (From “The Witcher” series, for a rugged, wise, and loyal dog with a gruff exterior and a heart of gold).
- Link (The silent, courageous hero of “The Legend of Zelda,” a perfect name for a brave and adventurous pup).
- Shepard (Commander Shepard from “Mass Effect,” for a natural leader and a dog who can unite any pack).
- Kratos (From “God of War,” a powerful, epic name for a strong dog with a surprisingly gentle side).
- Arthur (For Arthur Morgan from “Red Dead Redemption 2,” a name for a complex, loyal, and good-hearted outlaw).
- Deacon (Deacon St. John from “Days Gone,” a survivor’s name for a resilient and tough companion).
- Sora (The cheerful, key-wielding hero of “Kingdom Hearts,” great for a friendly and optimistic dog).
- Dante (The stylish demon hunter from “Devil May Cry,” for a dog with flair and a wild side).
- Ryu (The iconic wandering warrior from “Street Fighter,” a name that means “dragon” in Japanese).
- Cloud (From “Final Fantasy VII,” a name for a dog who might seem aloof but is fiercely protective of his friends).
Female Dog Names
- Aloy (The curious, skilled, and compassionate machine-hunter from “Horizon Zero Dawn”).
- Lara (For Lara Croft of “Tomb Raider,” an intelligent, athletic, and unstoppable female pup).
- Zelda (The wise and graceful princess from “The Legend of Zelda,” a name full of magic and royalty).
- Ciri (The powerful, dimension-hopping princess from “The Witcher,” for a dog with a wild and untamable spirit).
- Samus (Samus Aran, the trailblazing bounty hunter from “Metroid,” a great name for an independent and capable dog).
- Bayonetta (A name for a dog with unmatched style, confidence, and a touch of sass).
- Chun-Li (The “First Lady of Fighting Games” from “Street Fighter,” for a dog with strong legs and a righteous spirit).
- Tifa (Tifa Lockhart from “Final Fantasy VII,” a name for a dog who is both strong and kind).
- Max (From “Life is Strange,” for a thoughtful, artistic, and loyal friend).
- Jill (For Jill Valentine from “Resident Evil,” a survivor’s name for a brave and resourceful dog).
Unforgettable Companions & Sidekicks
Often, the characters who steal our hearts aren’t the main heroes, but the ones fighting alongside them. These are the loyal friends, the witty sidekicks, and the faithful companions who make the journey worthwhile. I once knew a boisterous, lovable mutt named Wrex, and he was every bit as stubborn and endearing as his “Mass Effect” namesake. These names are for the dogs who are our constant shadows, our partners in crime, and the ones who make every day better just by being there.
Male Dog Names
- Yoshi (Mario’s cheerful and ever-helpful dinosaur steed, perfect for a friendly and dependable pup).
- Garrus (The loyal Turian squadmate from “Mass Effect,” for a dog who is always there for you, calibrations and all).
- Dogmeat (The quintessential canine companion from the “Fallout” series, a direct and loving tribute).
- Claptrap (The hilariously annoying and enthusiastic robot from “Borderlands,” for a dog with a huge personality).
- Ghost (Your floating AI companion in “Destiny,” a great name for a small, clever dog that guides you).
- Atreus (Kratos’s son from “God of War,” for a young pup with a big destiny, often just called “Boy”).
- Sully (Victor Sullivan from “Uncharted,” for an older, charming dog who’s always up for an adventure).
- Barret (The passionate eco-warrior from “Final Fantasy VII,” for a dog with a booming bark and a big heart).
- D-Dog (Snake’s canine companion in “Metal Gear Solid V,” a name for a true soldier and friend).
- Rush (Mega Man’s loyal robotic dog, a classic choice for a helpful and versatile pup).
Female Dog Names
- Cortana (The brilliant AI who guides Master Chief in “Halo,” for an intelligent and devoted female pup).
- Ellie (The resilient and witty survivor from “The Last of Us,” a name for a tough and loyal dog).
- Yennefer (The powerful and complex sorceress from “The Witcher,” for a dog with captivating eyes and a commanding presence).
- Triss (Another beloved sorceress from “The Witcher,” for a dog with a warm, kind, and fiery spirit).
- Piper (The inquisitive reporter companion from “Fallout 4,” for a curious dog who loves to get into everything).
- Midna (The impish and powerful Twili from “The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess,” for a small dog with a big, mischievous attitude).
- Aerith (The gentle flower girl from “Final Fantasy VII,” a sweet name for a kind and healing presence).
- Chloe (From “Uncharted” and “Life is Strange,” a name for a rebellious and fiercely loyal friend).
- Fallon (A tribute to the beloved host of many E3 conferences, a name with a cheerful, insider feel).
- Alyx (Alyx Vance from “Half-Life 2,” for a smart, resourceful, and revolutionary pup).
Names From Cult Classic Indie Games
Some of the most creative and heartfelt stories in gaming come from small, independent studios. These games are labors of love, and their names carry a special kind of artistic weight. Choosing a name from an indie game is a nod to originality, creativity, and the beauty of a story well told. These names are perfect for a dog that is truly one-of-a-kind, a unique companion who stands out from the crowd.
- Zagreus (The rebellious and charming prince of the underworld from “Hades”).
- Celeste (From the challenging and beautiful platformer about climbing a mountain and overcoming anxiety).
- Ori (The small, glowing spirit from the breathtakingly beautiful “Ori and the Blind Forest”).
- Hollow (As in the “Hollow Knight,” a name that is both mysterious and epic for a quiet, brave dog).
- Shovel (For the “Shovel Knight,” a quirky and heroic name for a dog who loves to dig).
- Journey (A name that evokes the silent, beautiful, and emotional experience of the game).
- Gris (Spanish for “gray,” the name of the protagonist in a visually stunning game about processing grief).
- Bastion (A name that means “fortress,” from the game of the same name, for a protective and steadfast dog).
- Cuphead (A fun, retro name for a dog with a mischievous and playful spirit).
- Maddie (A short and sweet version of Madeline, the protagonist of “Celeste”).
Deep Cuts from RPG Lore
For the true role-playing aficionado, a name from the deep lore of a game is the ultimate tribute. These are not the names of main characters, but of places, concepts, and ancient powers that make the game worlds feel so rich and real. A dog named “Novigrad” or “Daedra” is a signal to fellow fans that you’ve not only played the game, but you’ve lived in its world. These are meaningful dog names for owners who appreciate the fine art of world-building.
- Daedra (The powerful, often mischievous beings from “The Elder Scrolls,” for a dog with a wild and otherworldly nature).
- Rivia (As in “Geralt of Rivia,” from “The Witcher,” a sleek and noble-sounding place name).
- Solitude (One of the major cities in “Skyrim,” a beautiful and poetic name for a calm, independent dog).
- Novigrad (The bustling free city from “The Witcher 3,” a sophisticated name for a worldly dog).
- Melina (The mysterious and helpful Finger Maiden from “Elden Ring”).
- Radagon (A powerful and central figure from “Elden Ring’s” lore, an epic name for a noble dog).
- Aedirn (One of the Northern Kingdoms in “The Witcher,” a strong and regal name).
- Spira (The world of “Final Fantasy X,” a beautiful and spiritual-sounding name).
- Ivalice (The recurring world in the “Final Fantasy” series, particularly “FFXII” and “Tactics”).
- Paladin (A classic RPG class, for a dog who is loyal, righteous, and a true defender of the home).
A Nod to Retro Gaming Glory
Before there were photorealistic graphics, there was the simple, addictive magic of the 8-bit and 16-bit eras. These names are a warm, nostalgic hug. They evoke memories of sitting on the floor in front of a CRT television, controller in hand, for hours on end. These cute puppy names are perfect for a dog with a playful, timeless appeal, a furry friend who brings pure, uncomplicated joy into your life.
- Atari (The legendary console that started it all, a true classic).
- Sega (A name that instantly brings to mind Sonic the Hedgehog and blue skies).
- Pac-Man (For a dog who loves to eat everything in sight, a fun and iconic choice).
- Zelda (While also a hero, the name itself is synonymous with the golden age of Nintendo).
- Mega Man (A great name for a blue-eyed pup or a dog who is a true super fighting robot).
- Galaga (A classic arcade shooter, a zippy and fun name for an energetic dog).
- Q-bert (A quirky character from the golden age of arcades, perfect for a unique-looking dog).
- Dig Dug (The perfect name for any terrier or dog who absolutely loves to dig in the yard).
- Frogger (For a dog who loves to hop and leap around).
- Pong (The simplest and one of the first, a minimalist and cool name).
Monsters & Creatures, Friendly or Fierce
The worlds of video games are teeming with incredible creatures, from adorable companions to fearsome beasts. Naming your dog after one of these iconic monsters is a fun way to capture their personality, whether they are small and cute or large and majestic. A fluffy dog named “Chocobo” is instantly charming, while a mischievous pup named “Murloc” is sure to get a laugh from fellow gamers.
- Chocobo (The lovable, rideable birds from “Final Fantasy,” perfect for a yellow lab or a fast runner).
- Murloc (The gurgling, amphibious creatures from “World of Warcraft,” a funny name for a dog who makes strange noises).
- Eevee (The “Pokémon” with endless potential, a wonderful name for a puppy you’re excited to watch grow up).
- Moogle (The helpful, pom-pom-headed creatures from “Final Fantasy,” for a small, white, and helpful pup).
- Pikachu (The face of “Pokémon,” an energetic and electric choice).
- Bahamut (The king of dragons in “Final Fantasy,” an epic name for a large and powerful dog).
- Ifrit (A fiery summon from the “Final Fantasy” series, for a dog with a fiery and passionate spirit).
- Goomba (Mario’s most basic foe, a cute and funny name for a small, brown, and slightly dopey dog).
- Paarthurnax (The wise old dragon from “Skyrim,” for an old soul with a deep, rumbling bark).
- Gnasher (The fearsome monster from “Gears of War,” a tough name for a dog with a big bite).
The name we give our dog becomes the soundtrack of our life with them. It’s shouted with joy at the dog park, whispered in comfort during a thunderstorm, and spoken with love every single day. By choosing a name from a world that has brought you so much happiness, you are starting your journey together with a shared story. You’re telling your new best friend that they are, and always will be, a legendary part of your own personal adventure.
Check out what other sections we have on our website:
