100+ Rescue Dog Names: Ideas for Adopted & Grateful Dogs

A second chance is sometimes all we need—the same thing goes for pets hoping to find a new loving home. There are plenty of dogs longing for a new life with a warm and welcoming owner, so, before we buy, we should remember that some of the sweetest, most caring, and loving dogs are found in our local animal shelters and should consider these spots before heading to a breeder.  So kudos to you for adopting, and forgoing the shopping! 

Whether you have adopted a vivacious pup or an elderly dog, the bond that you will have created with your new companion will be lifelong and fulfilling! So when it comes to naming (possibly even renaming) your rescue, you must find the perfect match to represent your buddy. We have gathered our list of favorite rescue dog name ideas including female and male, stray dog options, elderly names, and of course, a few great lucky dog suggestions.

Rescue Female Dog Names

• Nala 
• Breeze
• Phoenix
• Penny 
• Chloe
• Kira 
• Nova 
• Thelma
• Rosie
• Pixie
• Pippy
• Jewel
• Olive 
• Crush
• Princess
• Skye
• Prada
• Brie
• Piper
• Georgia 
• Spirit
• Karma
• Quinn
• Ginger 
• Peach 

Rescue Dog Names Male

• Ace
• Koda
• Ripley
• Rex
• Ash
• Dallas
• Levi
• Apollo
• Angus 
• Ryder
• Bentley
• Duke
• Echo
• Lincoln
• Bowen
• Axal
• Shiloh
• Astro
• Zeke
• Finn
• Mojo
• Finch
• Moose
• Comet
• Boomer
• Patch 
• Champ

Stray Dog Names 

If your pup was once a stray, whether it be from your own neighborhood, or you scooped them up during your world travels, this is the name list for you. We know these dogs formed instant bonds with their owners, and that’s how they secured a new home with you. Some of these are for those with a good sense of humor check out our top names for formerly strayed pooches!

• Hobo
• Jersey
• Gypsy
• Rebel
• Pesky
• Reggie
• Bronte
• Jinx
• Mutt
• Cruise
• Opal
• Hamley
• Hercules
• Jezebelle
• Juno
• Riot
• Bum
• Pixel
• Pooper
• Ruckus
• Snafu
• Bones
• Flounder
• Vader
• Loner
• Pest
• Scruffy
• Tramp
• Nuisance

Elderly Names For Your Old Rescue Dog 

For those wiser hounds with a little more life experience, we recommend going with an age-appropriate name. We have included names for the young at heart and those that are timeless and classic. 

• Ethel
• Betty
• Myrtle
• Loretta
• Gladys
• Velma
• Seymour
• Earl
• Herbert
• Bernie
• Harold
• Vern
• Alfred
• Pearl
• Marvin
• Donald
• Howard
• Eugene

Lucky Names For Your Rescue Dog

You might feel as though you’ve lucked out if you’ve found a companion as great as your rescue. To honor your bond, you may want a name that signifies your luck of the draw, so, go with a chance-y name such as the ones below.

• Angel 
• Grace 
• Lucky
• Kismet
• Destiny
• Fate
• Keeper
• Heaven
• Chance
• Glory
• Kayle
• Malachi
• Fortune 
• Hope
• Happy
• Percy (short for Perseverance)
• Treasure
• Kisa
• Pooka
• Journey
• Diamond

Final Thoughts

A new name compliments your dog’s chance at a second journey so well—so we know that you’ll want to choose something that’s both fitting and adorable. Whether you decide to go with something to reflect their age, such as Myrtle or Alfred, or stick with something lucky like Chance or Destiny, we know they will be forever grateful for you and their fabulous name!

If you are in the market for a few more suggestions, check out one of our other name collections below.

• Star Wars-Inspired Dog Names
• Name Ideas for Dachshund Dogs 

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Feature Image Credit: pavlinas, Shutterstock