BY JANELLE LEESON
Aleksandr Zotov / iStock
Gray dogs come in all shapes, sizes, and personalities. From the shelter pup who is the perfect combo of a playful Labrador Retriever and dignified Weimaraner, to the puppy you’ve hand-picked from the crowd, your silver dog warrants a name that suits them just so. Regardless of your new dog’s breed or personality, you’re bound to discover the ideal gray dog name to complement their coloring — and we’re here to help.
Best gray names for dogs
Some of the most notable dog breeds that come in gray shades include Greyhounds, Siberian Huskies, and Irish Wolfhounds. Of course, a mixed-breed dog would make a great new addition to your family, too.
Male gray names for dogs
Whether your boy dog is a dignified Silver Fox with speckled locks, an athletic Gunner, or anything in between, one of these names might be the perfect fit for the newest member of your fur family.
- Ash
- Gunner
- Sooty
- Smokey
- Pewter
- Graphite
- Stoney
- Clay
- Steel
- Tungsten
- Carbon
- Shadow
- Flint
- Silver Fox
- Cinder
- Dustin
- Dusty
- Rockie
- Leady
- Stratus
- Gramps
- Claus
- Smolder
Female gray names for dogs
Inspiration for girl gray dog names can come from anywhere, like elements or the weather.
- Misty
- Skye
- Skylar
- Storm
- Pebbles
- Sylvia
- Tinsel
- Cindy
- Heather
- Ashley
- Slayte
- Sterling
- Gracie
- Roxie
- Pepper
Names for gray dogs inspired by other gray animals
The best name for your dog is one that you love and that suits your dog’s looks or personality. If you find yourself drawn to the names of other gray animals, then there’s no reason not to name your dog after one.
- Beluga
- Goose
- Gray Fox
- Wren
- Crane
- Elphie (Elephant)
- Heron
- Koala
- Wolf
- Dove
- Shark
- Dolphie (Dolphin)
- Plover
Names for dogs with gray eyes
Gray can evoke a sense of mystery, much like the night sky and its celestial wonders. Here are the top names for gray-eyed dogs inspired by the moon, stars, and night sky.
- Luna
- Phoebe
- Nyx
- Eos
- Nox
- Mani
- Orion
- Nova
- Celeste
- Moondust
- Stargazer
- Polaris
- Sirius
- Selene
- Cassiopeia
- Aurora
- Comet
- Eclipse
- Crescent
Gray names for dogs inspired by fictional characters
Gray-colored dogs are a stunning bunch, so why not name your pup after a fictional character who stole the silver screen?
- Merlin (The Sword in the Stone)
- Gandoff (Lord of the Rings)
- Magneto (X-Men)
- Eeyore (Winnie the Pooh)
- Astro (The Jetsons)
- Toto (Wizard of Oz)
- Flipper
- Dumbo
- Baloo (The Jungle Book)
- Meredith (Grey’s Anatomy)
- Christian (Fifty Shades of Gray)
- Thumper (Bambi)
- Shenzi (The Lion King)
- Banzai (The Lion King)
- Ed (The Lion King)
- Meeko (Pocahontas)
- Jerry (Tom and Jerry)
Names for gray dogs inspired by words that mean gray
If your dog could communicate in any language, which one would they choose? Perhaps your rescued Italian Greyhound has a natural affinity for the Italian language, or if your dog has a more playful and mischievous personality, they might prefer a language unrelated to their family roots.
- Gris or Grise (gray in French)
- Grigio (gray in Italian)
- Plata (silver in Spanish)
- Grau (gray in German)
- Haiiro (gray in Japanese)
- Kālā (silver in Hawaiian)
- Cinza (gray in Portuguese)
- Griseo (gray in Latin)
- Harmaa (gray in Finish)
- Ardoise (slate in French)
- Liath (gray in Gaeilge)
Names for gray dogs inspired by gemstones
Your pup is a gem, give them a name that says just as much.
- Jasper
- Hawk Eye
- Onyx
- Druzy
- Hematite
- Iolite
- Alexandrite
- Opal
Tips for choosing a dog name
Naming a new canine companion is an exciting task, allowing you to express your creativity and your special bond with your furry friend. Here are some tips to help you choose the perfect name for your new dog:
- Consider your pup’s personality and appearance. Think about your dog’s unique traits and how best to show them off through their name. While “Ash” might be fitting for your dog’s gray fur, a black dog or dog with black spots could be named “Shadow.” For a dog with a “colorful” personality, consider flower names like “Valerian” or “Daffodil.”
- Choose a name that you love to say. You’ll be saying your dog’s name a lot, so make sure it’s one that you enjoy saying and hearing. Avoid names that you find embarrassing, are difficult to say, or sound a little like common training cues.
- Have fun with it. Choosing a dog name should be a fun and enjoyable experience. Let your creativity run wild and come up with a name that you and your dog will love.
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
