Of all the gifts we give our dogs, the first and most lasting is their name. A name is more than a command; it’s a piece of our heart, a story whispered a hundred times a day. It’s the sound that brings them running, ears perked, eyes bright with love. When you look into the soulful eyes of a new dog, you’re not just seeing a pet; you’re seeing a character, a personality waiting to unfold. This is why so many of us turn to the ancient world for inspiration, seeking out Greek mythology dog names that carry the weight of heroes, the wisdom of goddesses, and the magic of forgotten tales.
The most popular ancient Greek names by country.
| Rank | USA | United Kingdom | Germany | France |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Zeus | Luna (Artemis/Selene) | Apollo | Ulysse (Odysseus) |
| 2 | Athena | Apollo | Ares | Clio |
| 3 | Apollo | Zeus | Titan | Hercule (Hercules) |
| 4 | Atlas | Milo | Hector | Daphne |
| 5 | Luna (Artemis/Selene) | Loki (Norse, but popular alongside Greek names) | Nike | Cerbère (Cerberus) |
This ranking is based on data from pet name databases and popular dog communities in each country, focusing on names with clear Greek mythological roots. Compiled from multiple open sources and trends, not an official census.
These aren’t just names; they are echoes of epics, filled with courage, loyalty, and a touch of the divine. Choosing a name from Greek mythology is a way to honor the larger-than-life presence our dogs hold in our lives. Whether your new friend is a mighty guardian or a gentle soul, you are giving them a legend to call their own. You are saying that their story, the one you will build together, is worthy of a name that has resounded through centuries.
Greek god dog names (Olympian gods and heroes)
These names are an excellent choice for a dog with a commanding presence and a noble spirit. Drawn from the most powerful gods and heroes of Greek lore, they are ideal for a natural leader, a protector of the home, or simply a dog who carries himself with an air of quiet confidence and strength.
Choosing a name like Zeus or Apollo gives your dog a title of power and dignity. These are the names for the dog who walks into a room and instantly becomes the center of it, not through aggression, but through a calm and assertive energy. They are for the loyal friend whose bark is as mighty as his heart, a true ruler of his small, beloved kingdom – your home.
- Zeus (King of the Gods, ruler of thunder)
- Apollo (God of music, arts, and the sun)
- Hermes (Messenger of the gods, swift and clever)
- Ares (God of war, for a brave and fearless dog)
- Hephaestus (God of the forge, for a strong and hardworking dog)
- Dionysus (God of wine and festivity, for a joyful and social dog)
- Triton (Son of Poseidon, a messenger of the sea)
- Morpheus (God of dreams and sleep)
- Linus (A famous musician, son of Apollo)
- Ajax (A mighty hero of the Trojan War)
- Perseus (The heroic slayer of Medusa)
- Theseus (The hero who defeated the Minotaur)
- Orion (A giant hunter placed among the stars)
- Castor (One of the twin heroes, the Dioscuri)
- Nestor (A wise and noble elder in the Trojan War)
- Patroclus (Achilles’ beloved and loyal friend)
- Deimos (Personification of terror, for an intimidating-looking dog with a soft heart)
- Phobos (Personification of fear, brother of Deimos)
- Zelos (God of dedication and zeal)
- Kratos (God of strength and power)

Greek goddess dog names: wisdom and beauty
A name from a Greek goddess or muse is a beautiful fit for a female dog who possesses grace, intelligence, and a strong spirit. These names embody everything from the fierce independence of a hunter to the gentle wisdom of a guardian, making them perfect for the diverse personalities we see in our female companions.
Whether she is a watchful protector like Hera or a free-spirited adventurer like Artemis, a name from this list bestows a sense of ancient power and feminine beauty. These are names for the dog with soulful eyes that seem to hold deep secrets, the one whose loyalty is unwavering and whose presence fills your life with a special kind of magic.
- Athena (Goddess of wisdom, courage, and strategy)
- Artemis (Goddess of the hunt, wild animals, and the moon)
- Hera (Queen of the Gods, goddess of family)
- Aphrodite (Goddess of love and beauty)
- Persephone (Queen of the Underworld, goddess of spring)
- Demeter (Goddess of the harvest and agriculture)
- Hestia (Goddess of the hearth and home)
- Iris (Goddess of the rainbow and a messenger)
- Selene (Goddess of the moon)
- Maia (Goddess of spring and rebirth)
- Calliope (The muse of epic poetry)
- Clio (The muse of history)
- Thalia (The muse of comedy and idyllic poetry)
- Phoebe (A Titan associated with the moon, “bright”)
- Rhea (Mother of the Gods, a symbol of eternal flow)
- Astraea (Goddess of justice and innocence)
- Nike (Goddess of victory)
- Echo (A mountain nymph whose voice lingered)
- Doris (A sea nymph, representing the bounty of the ocean)
- Electra (Means “shining, bright”)
Titan dog names from Greek mythology
The Titans were the deities who ruled before the Olympians, and their names suggest a primal, foundational strength. These names are perfect for large-breed dogs or any dog with a powerful build and a calm, unshakable demeanor. They are for the gentle giants who seem to carry the weight of the world in their steady gaze.
Naming your dog Atlas or Oceanus connects them to the very elements of the earth and sea. These are names for a dog who is a grounding presence in your life- a steadfast, loyal soul whose size is matched only by the depth of his love. They are the quiet protectors, the living mountains of fur and affection who make us feel safe.
- Atlas (The Titan who held up the sky)
- Oceanus (The Titan god of the great river Okeanos)
- Hyperion (The Titan of heavenly light, father of the sun, moon, and dawn)
- Prometheus (The Titan who gave fire to mankind, a champion of humanity)
- Helios (The personification of the sun)
- Coeus (Titan of intellect and the heavenly axis)
- Cronus (The ruling Titan who was overthrown by Zeus)
- Iapetus (The Titan of mortality)
- Crius (A lesser-known Titan, associated with constellations)
- Leto (A Titaness and mother of Apollo and Artemis)
- Mnemosyne (The Titaness of memory, mother of the Muses)
- Tethys (A Titaness, the embodiment of the waters of the world)
- Theia (Titaness of sight and the shining light of the clear blue sky)
- Themis (Titaness of divine law and order)
- Pallas (Titan god of warcraft)
Heroes and Warriors: Names for Loyal and Brave Companions
This selection is for the dog with a hero’s heart, the one who is endlessly loyal, brave, and true. These names, taken from the great warriors and adventurers of Greek myth, are fitting for the faithful companion who would follow you on any journey, face any challenge by your side, and whose courage shines brightest when protecting their family.
A dog named Hector or Odysseus carries a legacy of resilience and devotion. These are the names for the dog who waits for you by the door, your steadfast shadow on a walk, the one whose presence is a constant source of comfort and security. They may not fight in ancient wars, but they wage daily battles against loneliness and fear, and for that, they are true heroes.
- Hector (The greatest Trojan warrior, a symbol of duty)
- Odysseus (The clever hero of the Odyssey, known for his long journey home)
- Jason (Leader of the Argonauts in the quest for the Golden Fleece)
- Achilles (The greatest Greek warrior of the Trojan War)
- Leonidas (King of Sparta, a symbol of immense bravery)
- Aeneas (A Trojan hero who became the ancestor of the Romans)
- Diomedes (A respected and heroic commander in the Trojan War)
- Idomeneus (King of Crete and a hero in the Trojan War)
- Menelaus (King of Sparta, husband of Helen)
- Neoptolemus (Son of Achilles, a fierce warrior)
- Philoctetes (A master archer and hero)
- Stentor (A herald with a voice as powerful as fifty men)
- Talthybius (A faithful herald and friend to Agamemnon)
- Bellerophon (The hero who rode the winged horse Pegasus)
- Meleager (A hero who led the Calydonian Boar hunt)
Powers of Nature: Names Born of Wind, Sun, and Sea
For the dog who seems most alive with the wind in their fur and dirt on their paws, these names connect them to the raw beauty of the natural world. Drawn from the personifications of rivers, winds, mountains, and skies, they are perfect for the free-spirited adventurer who is always ready for a walk in the woods or a run on the beach.
A name like Boreas (the north wind) is perfect for a husky, while Iris (the rainbow) suits a dog with a colorful, joyful personality. These names celebrate the wild, untamed spirit that lives within so many of our dogs. They are a tribute to the simple, profound joy our dogs find in the rustle of leaves, the warmth of the sun, and the cool spray of the sea.
- Boreas (God of the north wind, winter, and cold)
- Zephyr (God of the gentle west wind)
- Notus (God of the south wind and summer)
- Eurus (God of the east wind)
- Aether (Primordial god of the upper air and light)
- Eos (Goddess of the dawn)
- Asteria (Goddess of falling stars and nighttime divinations)
- Aura (Goddess of the breeze and the cool air of early morning)
- Dryad (A spirit or nymph of the trees)
- Nereus (The old man of the sea, a god of the sea’s rich bounty of fish)
- Pontus (Primordial god of the sea)
- Scylla (A legendary sea monster)
- Charybdis (A sea monster in the form of a whirlpool)
- Galene (Goddess of calm seas)
- Potamos (God of the rivers)
Mythical Creatures: For Dogs with a Touch of Magic

If your dog has a personality or appearance that seems otherworldly, a name from the world of mythical creatures is a perfect fit. These names are for the dog with an unusual coat, a mischievous twinkle in their eye, or a presence that feels just a little bit magical. They celebrate the unique and sometimes quirky spirits of our animal companions.
A name like Phoenix suits a rescue dog who has risen from a difficult past, while Griffin is perfect for a dog who is both majestic and gentle. These names are a nod to the fantastical stories we grew up with, reminding us that there is a little bit of magic in the love and companionship we share with our dogs.
- Phoenix (A mythical bird that is reborn from ashes)
- Griffin (A creature with the body of a lion and the head of an eagle)
- Pegasus (A divine winged stallion)
- Cerberus (The three-headed hound guarding the Underworld)
- Hydra (A many-headed serpent-like creature)
- Orthus (A two-headed dog, brother of Cerberus)
- Satyr (A half-man, half-goat companion of Dionysus)
- Centaur (A creature with the upper body of a human and the lower body of a horse)
- Siren (A creature whose enchanting music lured sailors)
- Harpy (A half-human, half-bird personification of storm winds)
- Talon (A reference to the sharp claws of mythical beasts)
- Minotaur (A mythical creature with the head of a bull and the body of a man)
- Chiron (A wise and just Centaur who trained heroes)
- Sphinx (A mythical creature with the body of a lion and the head of a human)
- Argus (A hundred-eyed giant)
Companions of the Gods: Names of Legendary Hounds
For the true mythology enthusiast, these names are a rare treasure. They belong to the actual dogs and sacred animals who accompanied gods and heroes on their journeys. Choosing one of these names gives your dog a direct link to the ancient stories, honoring the timeless bond between humans and their canine companions.
A dog named Laelaps – the magical hound destined to catch whatever it pursued- carries a story of unstoppable spirit. This is a name for a dog with incredible drive and focus. Maera, the loyal dog who led her owner to justice, is a name for a truly faithful friend. These names are a beautiful tribute to the first dogs of myth, the original good boys of history.
- Laelaps (A magical hound that always caught its prey)
- Maera (The loyal dog of the hero Icarius)
- Argos (Odysseus’s faithful dog who waited 20 years for his return)
- Xoan (One of the hounds of the hunter Actaeon)
- Aello (Meaning “storm swift,” one of Actaeon’s hounds)
- Ladon (A serpent-like dragon that guarded the golden apples, also a dog name)
- Theron (Meaning “hunter,” one of Actaeon’s dogs)
- Cyprius (A dog belonging to the goddess Artemis)
- Ichnobates (Meaning “tracker,” another of Actaeon’s hounds)
- Pterelas (A hound with “wings,” likely for speed)
- Urania (Named for the muse, a dog of Actaeon)
- Harpyia (A swift hunting dog, named after the Harpy)
- Dorceus (A hound whose name means “gazelle”)
- Oribasus (A hound whose name means “mountain-ranger”)
- Melampus (A legendary seer who could understand the language of animals)
Minor Deities and Spirits: Unique Names for Special Dogs
Perfect for the dog with a quirky, distinct personality, these names are drawn from the lesser-known gods and nature spirits of Greek myth. They are less common than Zeus or Athena, offering a touch of originality while still being rooted in classic stories. These names are for the dog who isn’t a king or queen, but the mischievous spirit of the forest or the gentle guardian of the home.
A dog named Pan, with his love for the wild, is perfect for a terrier who loves to dig and explore. Nemesis might suit a dog with a strong sense of justice, who always “settles the score” with the cat. These names are for dogs who have a very specific and cherished role in the ecosystem of your family, bringing their own unique magic to your life.
- Pan (God of the wild, shepherds, and flocks)
- Hecate (Goddess associated with magic, witchcraft, and crossroads)
- Nemesis (Goddess of retribution and vengeance)
- Morpheus (God of dreams, perfect for a sleepy dog)
- Hypnos (Personification of sleep)
- Janus (God of beginnings and transitions, though more Roman, often linked with Greek myth)
- Tyche (Goddess of fortune and prosperity)
- Eirene (Goddess of peace)
- Plutus (God of wealth)
- Zelos (God of dedication and friendly rivalry)
- Kratos (God of strength and power)
- Bia (Goddess of force and energy)
- Circe (A powerful sorceress known for transformations)
- Calypso (A nymph who detained Odysseus on her island)
- Hesperus (The Evening Star)
Echoes from Art: Names from Masterpiece Paintings and Sculptures
These Greek Mythology Dog Names are for the dog who is a living work of art. Drawn from the subjects of famous paintings and sculptures inspired by Greek myth, these names carry an extra layer of cultural and aesthetic significance. They are for the beautiful dog whose form is as pleasing as a classical statue or whose coat has the rich tones of an Old Master painting.
Naming your elegant, long-limbed dog Galatea connects her to the myth of the statue brought to life by love -a story many of us feel with our own pets. Adonis is a name for a breathtakingly handsome dog who turns heads wherever he goes. These names are a tribute to the beauty we see in our dogs and the timeless stories that artists have always been drawn to.
- Galatea (The statue brought to life, famously depicted by Gérôme)
- Adonis (The god of beauty and desire, a subject for Titian and Rubens)
- Leda (The Spartan queen from the myth of Leda and the Swan, painted by Da Vinci)
- Danaë (The mother of Perseus, famously depicted in a shower of gold by Rembrandt and Klimt)
- Ganymede (A beautiful youth abducted by Zeus, a subject for Rembrandt)
- Andromeda (The princess rescued by Perseus, a theme for Rubens and Doré)
- Ariadne (The Cretan princess who helped Theseus, often depicted abandoned)
- Bacchus (Roman name for Dionysus, the subject of Caravaggio’s masterpiece)
- Cassiopeia (A queen of great beauty, now a constellation)
- Endymion (A handsome shepherd loved by the moon goddess Selene)
- Hyacinthus (A beautiful youth loved by Apollo)
- Narcissus (The youth who fell in love with his own reflection, painted by Caravaggio)
- Psyche (A beautiful mortal who became a goddess, representing the soul)
- Pygmalion (The sculptor who fell in love with his own statue)
- Iphigenia (A daughter of Agamemnon, a subject of many tragic plays and art)
Poetic Greek Mythology Dog Names
For the thoughtful owner and the soulful dog, these names have been filtered through the lens of the world’s greatest poets. They are Greek mythological figures who played significant roles not just in ancient epics, but in the works of Chaucer, Shakespeare, Dante, and Milton. These names have a literary weight and a romantic, often tragic, beauty.
Choosing a name like Troilus or Cassandra gives your dog a connection to stories of love, loss, and destiny that have captivated readers for centuries. These are names for the quiet, observant dog with an old soul, the one who seems to listen to your stories and understand the world on a deeper level.
- Troilus (A Trojan prince, the subject of Chaucer’s and Shakespeare’s tragic romance)
- Cressida (The lover of Troilus in medieval and Renaissance literature)
- Daphne (The nymph who transformed into a laurel tree, a powerful symbol in poetry)
- Charon (The ferryman of the dead in Dante’s Inferno)
- Styx (The river of the Underworld, often referenced in literature)
- Lethe (The river of forgetfulness in the Underworld)
- Palamon (A hero from Chaucer’s “The Knight’s Tale”)
- Arcite (The rival and cousin of Palamon in Chaucer’s tale)
- Thisbe (The Babylonian lover, paired with Pyramus, in Ovid and Shakespeare)
- Pandora (The first woman, whose story is a timeless allegory)
- Hero (A priestess of Aphrodite, from the myth of Hero and Leander)
- Leander (The lover who swam the Hellespont to be with Hero)
- Alcestis (A princess who sacrificed her life for her husband, a symbol of love)
- Dido (The tragic Queen of Carthage from Virgil’s Aeneid)
- Enceladus (A giant who warred with the gods, a figure in epic poetry)
Mysteries of the Underworld: For Dogs with a Soulful Gaze

These names, drawn from the chthonic deities and figures of the Greek Underworld, are perfect for a dog with a mysterious, soulful, or dark-coated beauty. They are not names of evil, but of depth, shadow, and enigma. They suit the quiet, observant dog with a thoughtful gaze, the one who seems to be pondering the great secrets of the universe.
A name like Hades, often misunderstood, represents not evil but a ruler of a deep, unseen kingdom -a fitting name for a dog with a powerful and introspective nature. Persephone, who travels between two worlds, is perfect for a dog who has a dual nature – playful and light one moment, serious and pensive the next. These are names for dogs who have a quiet gravity and a profound presence.
- Hades (The King of the Underworld)
- Persephone (Queen of the Underworld, goddess of spring growth)
- Charon (The ferryman for the souls of the dead)
- Styx (The river forming the boundary to the Underworld)
- Lethe (The river of forgetfulness and oblivion)
- Nyx (The primordial goddess of the night)
- Erebus (The personification of darkness)
- Thanatos (The personification of death)
- Hecate (Goddess of magic, ghosts, and necromancy)
- Cerberus (The three-headed dog guarding the entrance to Hades)
- Elysian (Referring to the Elysian Fields, the paradise for heroes)
- Asphodel (The flower of the Underworld’s meadows)
- Minta (or Minthe, a nymph transformed into the mint plant)
- Orpheus (The musician who traveled to the Underworld to retrieve his wife)
- Eurydice (The wife of Orpheus)
Forgotten Heroes and Victims: Names with Deep, Touching Stories
This final list is perhaps the most heartfelt. It is for the dogs who have known hardship, for the rescued souls who have found their way to a safe and loving home. These names belong to figures from myth who were wronged, who suffered, or whose stories are marked by loyalty and sacrifice. They are names that carry empathy and compassion. Icarus is a name not of failure, but of someone who dared to fly. Patroclus is the ultimate symbol of devoted friendship. Antigone represents defiance in the face of unjust authority. These names are a way to honor your dog’s past while celebrating their new life. They are a promise that, in your home, they will only know love and their story will have a happy ending.
- Icarus (The boy who flew too close to the sun; a name for an ambitious spirit)
- Antigone (A princess who defied the law to honor her brother; a symbol of moral courage)
- Philomela (A princess who was silenced but found a way to tell her story)
- Patroclus (Achilles’ loyal and beloved companion, whose death was a pivotal moment)
- Briseis (A princess captured during the Trojan War, a symbol of resilience)
- Andromache (The devoted wife of Hector, who endured great loss)
- Cassandra (A prophetess who was never believed; for a dog who is smarter than people think)
- Hylonome (A female centaur who died of grief after her husband’s death)
- Thisbe (A tragic heroine whose story is one of devoted love)
- Phaeton (A son of Helios who tried to drive the sun chariot; for a dog with a fiery spirit)
- Laocoon (A Trojan priest who warned his people, a story of tragic truth)
- Marsyas (A satyr who dared to challenge Apollo, a symbol of artistic defiance)
- Niobe (A mother whose pride led to great loss, a symbol of grief)
- Semele (A mortal mother of Dionysus who was tricked and perished)
- Pentheus (A king who resisted Dionysus and met a tragic end)
How to Choose the Right Greek Mythology Name for Your Dog
Choosing the right name is a matter of the heart, but a few practical tips can help. A good name is often one or two syllables long, making it easy to call out at the park. It should also have a clear, crisp sound that your dog can easily distinguish from other words.
When you look through these lists, say the names out loud. See how they feel. Does the name roll off the tongue? Does it fit the face looking back at you? The perfect name often clicks into place, feeling as natural and right as the dog sleeping at your feet.
A Little Expert Insight about Greek Mythology Dog Names
As someone who has welcomed many dogs into my life, both rescues and puppies, I’ve learned that you don’t always choose the name – sometimes, the dog does. You might have a list of powerful, heroic names picked out, but when you meet the goofy, clumsy puppy who trips over his own paws, you know he’s not an Achilles. He’s a Pan, a joyful spirit of the wild. Live with your new friend for a day or two. Watch them, learn their quirks. The right name, the true name, will reveal itself in their character, their spirit, and the unique way they make you feel.
FAQ: Greek Mythology Dog Names
Choosing a name is the first chapter in the story you will write with your dog. I hope this journey through the ancient world has helped you find the perfect title for your new hero, your muse, your loyal friend. We’d love to hear what you chose.








