Visit any park in Ireland and listen out for some of the silliest and most ridiculous dog names being called. Here are 10 you might hear.
Dogs are popular pets in Ireland and kept for working on farms, to aid security, or as household companions. There are a wide variety of dog names you’ll hear in Ireland, from Rex to Rover, but some are more imaginative.
Naming a dog not only gives the pet character. It can allow the owner to gain some street credit as he calls his beloved pooch in the local park. That is assuming the dog lives up to his name.
Here are our favourite 10 maddest dog names you’ll hear in Ireland. Can you think of any to add to the list?
10. Satan – try calling this dog quietly in the park
Considering Ireland is a very religious country, calling the family pet ‘Satan’ is something special. This mad name is normally used to portray a dog that is not to be confronted, not to mention the person who thought up the name.
It also works well on a miniature dog with a big personality and is sure to leave people confused when linking the two.
9. Hercules – for any dog with a big personality
According to the Guinness World Records, the world’s biggest dog recorded in 2014 was an English Mastiff called Hercules. One of the maddest dog names you’ll hear in Ireland today is ‘Hercules’ and yes, you’ve guessed it, it is usually given to a miniature breed.
The name originated from the Greek hero, Heracles, son of Zeus, and represents superhuman body strength and glory.
8. King – for the dog that thinks he’s king of the clan
One of the more popular dog names in Dublin over recent years, ‘King’ represents the boss of the family. Usually awarded to larger breeds, a dog named ‘King’ usually has the attitude to go with it and a very loud bark.
He might also be donning a studded collar and be found on the end of a thick leather lead. The owner may also see themselves as ‘King’ of the family as the two of them battle for top dog spot.
7. Prince or Princess – for the pampered pooch
The name ‘Prince’ has a similar thinking behind it as ‘King’ but might be given to a slightly smaller breed. This dog will also have an air of authority, although they might be quite feisty, especially if they come across ‘King’ in the park.
An Irish dog called ‘Prince’ will often be owned by a young woman who likes to keep him groomed, pruned and looking handsome …. something he enjoys very much.
6. Killer – for the ultimate canine accessory
For anyone getting a dog in the hope of warning off enemies, ‘Killer’ is a very effective name. Calling out ‘Killer’ in your local park followed by a sharp whistle will definitely get you some wary looks.
Just make sure you choose a breed to suit the name. The full effect will only work if the dog you are calling is a large beast with a fast pace and a set of sharp teeth. It won’t work as well with a cute little pooch that would look better in your bag, though that would certainly make the name even madder!
5. Lucky – for the not-so-lucky mutt
This might not seem like the maddest dog name you’ll hear in Ireland, but hear us out. First of all, the name is a bit silly for its clichéd nature alone (especially in Ireland, with the ‘luck of the Irish’). Secondly, the name ‘Lucky’ can be quite amusing when given (as it sometimes is) to a less fortunate mongrel with three legs and a slightly disheveled appearance.
Irish people have a unique sense of humour, so for anyone rehoming a dog that has had a rough start in life, the obvious name to give him might in fact be ‘Lucky’.
4. Rebel – for the patriotic pet
‘Rebel’ has to be one of the maddest dog names you’ll hear in Ireland. Usually given to a very athletic German Shepherd, any dog called ‘Rebel’ is not to be messed with.
Irish history is no stranger to rebellion so this is a popular name among patriotic folk on the Emerald Isle. Our advice to anyone who hears someone trying to control a dog called ‘Rebel’ is to run in the opposite direction.
3. Larry Gogan – for a true Dublin dog
Larry Gogan is an Irish disc jockey famous for hosting The Golden Hour for RTE 2fm. His name shot to canine fame when it was given to the dog in the cult classic Irish film The Snapper.
Father-of-six, Des Curley, has a way with words so when the family adopts a dog he names him Larry Gogan after his favourite DJ. Following this Larry Gogan became a popular household name for pet pooches all over Dublin.
2. Cuchulain – for the ultimate Irish warrior
Cuchulain (translated the Hound of Culan), a figure from Irish legend, was awarded his name after slaying Culan’s vicious dog with a hurl and slither. The powerful title is one of the maddest dog names you’ll hear in Ireland and commonly given to Irish wolfhounds.
The powerful sighthound is one of the oldest dog breeds in Ireland. It was originally used to hunt game and protect its owners against wolves. They are gentle giants and make great pets to have in a home.
1. Madra – to keep it literal
The maddest name on our list is simple genius. Madra is the Gaelic word for ‘dog’, so this one will leave many Irish people puzzled when you holler it in the park. They will be unsure whether you are calling your canine or warning others of an approaching mutt.
Madra is best suited to a sloppy mongrel that is always at your side and eager to please. It is also a great starting point for teaching young children the Irish language as it can be accompanied by lots of other useful words, including madra beag (small dog), madra mór (big dog) or madra dána (naughty dog).
