BY JANELLE LEESON
twenty eight / stocksy
Whether you’re inspired by a classic film, a strong woman who made history, or even a late family member, an old lady dog name is a perfect way to honor your pup’s unique personality. There are plenty of monikers to choose from, ranging from sweet (like June, Nora, or Rue) to sassy (such as Agnes, Eliza, and Vivian). You can also pick an old lady name for your dog that fits their looks and personality, like Bernadette (or Bernie for short) which means brave bear. Check out our round-up of 100+ old lady names for dogs.
All the best old lady dog names
Cute old lady names for dogs
What’s their age again? Doesn’t matter because these old lady dog names are really stinkin’ cute.
- Gertie (Gertrude)
- Ida
- Bee (Beatrice)
- Bertha
- Maisie
- Bernie (Bernadette)
- Dora
- Ruthie
- Ruby
- Clementine
- Minnie
- Winnie (Winifred)
- Penelope
- Goldie
- Lottie
- Tilly (Matilda)
- Josie (Josephine)
- Dottie
- Gwenie
- Sadie
- Greta
Vintage dog names
Less common than modern names, these vintage girl names will have your charming pooch standing out from the dog park crowd.
- Judy
- Audrey
- Eve
- Marge, Margie, or Marjorie
- Estelle
- Ester
- Pearl
- Claudette
- Tabitha
- Constance
- Prudence
- Edith
- Agatha
- Louisa
- Winona
- Winslow
- Ophelia
- Mariam
- Gladys
- Millicent
- Myrtle
- Rita
- Wilma
- Mildred
Sassy old lady names
No matter what her age or breed, your dog is sure to appreciate a sassy old lady name that showcases their spunky, one-of-a-kind ’tude.
- Barbra or Barbie
- Kathleen
- Martha
- Agnes
- Ursula
- Bernadette
- Enda
- Blanche
- Alice
- Ester
- Eliza
- Celeste
- Vivian
- Gwendolyn
- Ethel
- Phyllis
- Gretchen
Sweet old lady names
Sweet old lady names can evoke a sense of nostalgia and warmth. For example, the name “Mabel” means “loveable.” Whether you’re adopting a senior pooch or bringing home a puppy, a sweet old lady name is a great way to tell others just how sweet they are.
- Nora
- Joan
- Betty
- Rue
- Julie or Julia
- Isabel
- Marigold
- Charlotte
- Rosalie
- Dahlia
- Nellie
- Mabel
- June
- Betsie
- Rose
- Adeline
- Opal
Old lady dog names inspired by classic films and shows
These old lady dog names are inspired by the silver screen’s most iconic actresses and fictional characters from the golden age of Hollywood. They’re sure to turn heads and make you feel as if you and your pooch are taking a walk down the red carpet.
- Scarlett (Gone With The Wind)
- Hattie (McDaniel)
- Dorothy (The Wizard of Oz)
- Alice (The Honeymooners)
- Grace (Kelly)
- Hedy (Lamarr)
- Audrey (Hepburn)
- Maria (West Side Story and The Sound of Music)
- Sandy (Grease)
- Marilyn (Monroe)
- Ingrid (Bergman)
- Blanche (A Streetcar Named Desire)
- Lucy (I Love Lucy)
- Mary Ann (Gilligan’s Island)
- Jeannie (I Dream of Jeannie)
- Elizabeth (Taylor)
- Lucille (Ball)
- Lois (Lane)
Old lady dog names inspired by historic female figures
Whether your shelter pup has overcome many challenges or your new puppy is starting on the right paw, a strong historical female name can be a perfect fit.
- Rosa (Parks)
- Marie (Curie)
- Emmeline (Pankhurst)
- Ada (Lovelace)
- Rosalind (Franklin)
- Florence (Nightingale)
- Diana (Princess of Wales)
- Amelia (Earnhart)
- Clara (Barton)
- Eleanor (Roosevelt)
- Margaret (Thatcher)
- Harriet (Tubman)
- Frida (Kahlo)
- Naomi (Parker)
- Shirley (Chisholm)
- Lucretia (Mott)
- Virginia (Woolf)
Tips for choosing an old-fashioned dog name
Popular pet names like Luna and Bella are having a moment, but timeless names with a rich history can give your new pup a touch of charm and make them sound wise beyond their years. If you want to completely avoid mainstream culture, get creative and come up with your own cute nickname based on a classic moniker.
Here are a few more tips for choosing an old lady dog name:
- Consider the meaning of the name. Many old-fashioned or vintage dog names have meanings that may make them even more special for your pup. For example, the name “Lousia” means “famous warrior” and the name “Dora” means “gift.”
- Choose a name that’s easy to pronounce. Chances are you’ll be saying your dog’s name a lot, even if it’s just to tell her how good of a girl she is. So, it’s important to choose a name that you can easily pronounce and that your dog will perk up and respond to.
- Avoid names that sound like commands. Speaking of responding to their name, avoid naming your dog something that sounds like a command or cue, like “stay” or “inside.”
FAQ
How long does it take for a dog to learn their name?
Dogs can learn their names in as little as one to three days with practice. You can teach your old soul their name using positive reinforcement clicker training, which involves marking and identifying a desired behavior with a click (such as looking at you when you say their name), immediately followed by a treat or praise.
Janelle Leeson is a Portland, Oregon-based freelance writer. Her work has been featured in magazines such as Inside Your Dog’s Mind, Inside Your Cat’s Mind, and Paw Print, as well online at Insider Reviews, NBC Select, Shop Today, PetMD, and Daily Paws. She has two adventure cats, a flock of urban chickens, and a soon-to-be-husband who doesn’t mind housing the occasional foster cat — or five.
