Best Pug Names — 100+ Adorable Ideas

How to Choose the Perfect Pug Name

Before we dive into the big list, let's talk strategy. Pugs are clowns, cuddle bugs, and surprisingly stubborn little characters — so the name you pick should feel as fun to say as your pug is to be around. Here are a few tips that'll serve you well:

• Keep it to one or two syllables. Short names are easier for dogs to recognize and respond to. "Frank" beats "Sir Franklin Wrinklebottom" for recall training — though you can absolutely use both.
• Test the "yell" factor. Say the name out loud in your backyard voice. If it feels natural calling across a dog park, it's a winner.
• Match personality, not just looks. Sure, pugs are adorably squishy, but your pug might also be feisty, regal, or surprisingly athletic. Let their vibe guide you.
• Avoid names that sound like commands. "Kit" sounds a lot like "sit," and "Bo" can be confused with "no." It'll make training trickier.
• Give it a couple of days. Bring home your pug, spend some time together, and see what name naturally fits. Sometimes the right one reveals itself.

Cute Pug Names That'll Melt Your Heart

Let's be honest — pugs are basically professional cute animals. Those big round eyes, the tilted head, the tiny snores. They deserve a name that's every bit as adorable as they are. These cute pug names are perfect for the pug who makes everyone on the sidewalk stop and say "aww."

Names like Bean, Pudge, and Mabel have that sweet, old-fashioned charm that just works on pugs. There's something about a tiny wrinkled dog with a grandpa name that never gets old. And if you're looking for more breed-specific inspiration, check out our guide to the most popular dog names to see what's trending.

Funny Pug Names for the Class Clown

Pugs are natural comedians. They snore at full volume, run into walls, and look perpetually confused in the most lovable way. If your pug's personality is pure comedy, lean into it with one of these funny pug names that'll get a laugh every time you introduce them.

• Sir Snorts-a-Lot — for the pug who breathes louder than your vacuum
• Pugsley — the classic Addams Family nod that never misses
• Bark Twain — for the literary household with a sense of humor
• Nacho — because this pug is nacho average dog
• Wrinkles — sometimes the obvious choice is the funniest
• Chonk — affectionate, internet-approved, and accurate
• Tater Tot — small, round, universally beloved
• Snoop Pugg — laid back and effortlessly cool
• Jabba — for the pug who rules the couch like a throne
• Sir Loafs — because pugs are basically bread loaves with legs

Food-Inspired Pug Names

There's a long and glorious tradition of naming pugs after food, and honestly, it makes perfect sense. Pugs are round, squishy, and obsessed with mealtime. These food-themed names capture that delicious energy perfectly.

Our personal favorites? Dumpling and Nugget. Both are adorably round — just like the pug you're about to name. If your pug has a particularly food-motivated personality (and let's face it, most do), these names are practically destiny. For more food-themed inspiration, our food-inspired pet names guide has even more delicious options.

Classic & Elegant Pug Names

Pugs have an ancient and noble lineage — they were bred as companions for Chinese emperors, after all. If you want your pug's name to reflect their royal heritage (or if the contrast between a dignified name and their goofy face makes you laugh), these classic names are a perfect fit.

• Winston
• Henry
• Chester
• Beatrice
• Clementine
• Reginald (Reggie)
• Penelope (Penny)
• Theodore (Theo)
• Hazel
• Nigel
• Josephine (Josie)
• Montgomery (Monty)

There's a reason Winston consistently tops pug name lists — it has gravitas, it's fun to say, and it somehow looks exactly right on a pug's face. Monty and Penny give the same energy with a bit less formality. These names also work beautifully if you have kids who are learning to say their new pet's name for the first time.

Unique & Unusual Pug Names

Want your pug to stand out at the dog park? (Not that pugs ever have trouble with that.) These unique names are for the owner who wants something a little different — names you won't hear shouted at every puppy play group.

• Zephyr — a gentle breeze, which is ironic given how loud pugs breathe
• Boba — round, sweet, and trendy
• Ziggy — full of stardust energy
• Kiko — short, sweet, and works for any gender
• Rumble — for the pug whose snoring shakes the walls
• Pippin — adventurous and mischievous (Tolkien fans, unite)
• Miso — warm, comforting, and a little salty
• Tinker — because pugs are always tinkering around where they shouldn't be
• Cosmo — for the pug with big, starry eyes
• Juniper — earthy and adorable, with "Junie" as a built-in nickname

Names Inspired by Famous Pugs

Pugs have had their fair share of fame — from movies and TV to social media stardom. Naming your pug after a famous one is a wonderful way to honor the breed's pop culture legacy.

Frank from Men in Black remains one of the most iconic pug names in pop culture. And if you're active on social media, naming your pug Doug is a nod to the king of pug influencers. Either way, these names come with built-in conversation starters.

Names for Black Pugs

Black pugs are stunningly gorgeous, and they deserve names that celebrate their sleek, dark coats. Whether you go mysterious, sweet, or playful, here are names that suit a black pug perfectly.

• Shadow
• Pepper
• Onyx
• Raven
• Jet
• Midnight
• Olive
• Panther
• Ember
• Ink

We're especially fond of Pepper for black pugs — it's got that playful, spunky feel that matches the breed's personality beautifully. Olive is another charmer, particularly for a female black pug with big expressive eyes.

Tips for Teaching Your Pug Their New Name

You've picked the perfect name — congratulations! Now comes the fun part: getting your pug to actually respond to it. Pugs are smart but can be, shall we say, selectively motivated. Here's how to make it stick:

1. Use their name in positive contexts only. Say their name, then immediately give a treat or affection. Never use their name when scolding — you want them to associate it with good things.
2. Practice during meals. Say their name right before putting their food bowl down. Pugs are incredibly food-driven, so this creates a powerful positive association fast.
3. Keep sessions short. Pugs have short attention spans (but big hearts). Two to three minutes of name training at a time is plenty.
4. Be consistent. Everyone in the family should use the same name. If you're calling them "Biscuit" but your kids are calling them "Bisky," it'll take longer for the name to stick.
5. Celebrate every response. The first time your pug looks at you when you say their name? Throw a party. Okay, maybe just an enthusiastic "good dog!" and a treat — but make it a big deal.

Most pugs learn their name within one to two weeks of consistent practice. And once they know it, they'll come running — especially if they suspect treats are involved.

Make Your Pug the Star of Their Own Story

Once you've found that perfect name, there's an incredibly fun way to celebrate it: put your pug in a personalized storybook! PetTales creates beautiful AI-illustrated books that star your pet — complete with their name, their likeness, and a story that makes them the hero. With 36 art styles and 65+ adventure themes, you can create a keepsake that the whole family (kids included!) will treasure. You can preview your pug's book for free — no credit card needed.