600+ Best Golden Retriever Names of 2022

Updated: November 10th, 2022

This article contains affiliate links. Read the full disclosure here.

Active, friendly, and playful, the golden retriever is a highly popular and sought-after dog breed that makes a great companion and pet to people of all ages.

Such a cute-looking, loving, and happy-go-lucky dog deserves an extraordinary name!

If you still haven’t figured out how to name your new pup, I’ve rounded up the most popular golden retriever names!

Best golden retriever names

Welcoming a golden puppy into your home is going to be one of the best moments of your life!

However, finding a cute golden retriever name worthy of your new pooch can prove more difficult than it seems.

Nevertheless, naming your golden is a cause for celebration and you should take your time finding a memorable moniker.

The best names are always short and brisk, and will easily catch your golden’s attention and set them apart. 

In this article, you will find a wide selection of names for male and female golden retrievers.

To make the search for the perfect name easier, I’ve divided them according to gender.

In each section, you can also see best-suited names for the color of your dog’s coat and use the “Category” column to help if you want a classic unique, popular, traditional, or fun name.

Best Male Golden Retriever Names

Listed below you will find 50 boy golden retriever names with their meanings for different types of golden retrievers.

Whether your new golden retriever puppy has a light golden, dark golden, red, or cream-colored coat, this list has a name fitting for your dog.

Scroll through the entire list of most popular male golden retriever names to find the right moniker for your pooch. Let’s begin, shall we?

Popular male golden retriever names

Name Meaning Color Variation Category
Buddy Close friend Golden Classic
Leaf Part of a plant Golden Unique
Charlie Free man Golden Classic
Barley Kind of cereal Golden Unique
Scout Tracker Golden Classic
Blake Pallid, light colored Cream Traditional
Enzo Ruler of the household Cream Unique
Sashi Moonbeam Cream Unique
Max Greatest Cream Traditional
Finley White or fair Cream Traditional
Finlay white or fair Cream Traditional
Duke Leader Cream Traditional
Whiskey Alcoholic drink; water of life Dark golden Fun
Copper A red brown metal Dark golden Unique
Leo Lion, brave Dark golden Classic
Cooper Barrel maker Dark golden Traditional
Harley Wood, clearing Dark golden Classic
Finn White or fair Cream Traditional
Bailey Berry wood Red golden Classic
Murphy Sea warrior Cream Traditional
Winston Joyful stone Golden Classic
Beau Handsome, fair Golden Unique
Oakley Meadow or oak trees Dark golden Unique
Archie Bold or brave Cream Fun
Barney Defender Cream Fun
Archibald Genuine Golden Traditional
Barry Fair topped or fair haired Cream Fun
Argo Glistening, shiny, or shining Golden Unique
Arthur Bear Dark golden Classic
Bam Full of life Cream Fun
Benji Son of the right hand Golden Unique
Caleb Faithful or devotion Dark golden Traditional
Bodie Shelter Cream Unique
Calvin Bald, hairless Cream Classic
Brant Sword Golden Traditional
Camden Winding valley Dark golden Unique
Clark Scribe or secretary Cream Traditional
Derby Park with deer Golden Unique
Doug Black river Dark golden Traditional
Easton East-facing-place Golden Unique
Flynn Reddish complexion or ruddy Red golden Fun
Frisco Free man Cream Fun
Gordon Large fortification Golden Traditional
Gus Great Dark golden Classic
Hank Home ruler Red golden Traditional
Holden Hollow valley Golden Unique
Hutch Bright in mind and spirit Cream Fun
Jake Supplanter Red golden Classic
Keegen Fire or fiery Red golden Unique
Kiran Ray of light or beam of light Golden Unique
Luke The bright one Cream Traditional
Maddox Fortunate Dark golden Fun

Best Female Golden Retriever Names

If you are looking for a cute, unique, and awesome name for a female golden retriever, you are in the right place!

After the most popular golden retriever male names, let’s take a look at the 50 best golden retriever girl names and their meanings.

All the names are divided based on the color of the coat and category.

Top golden retriever girl names

Name Meaning Color Variation Category
Goldie Precious metal, gold Golden Classic
Bella Beautiful Golden Vintage
Dona Lady Golden Classic
Molly Rebellious Golden Traditional
Stella Star Golden Classic
Pearl Highly prized gem Cream Unique
Amaris Child of the moon Cream Unique
Lucy Born of light Cream Fun
Sadie Princess Cream Classic
Luna Moon Cream Classic
Penny Bronze coin Dark golden Popular
Sophie Wisdom, intelligence Dark golden Traditional
Nala Sweet, beloved Dark golden Fun
Ginger Light reddish yellow color Dark golden Fun
Cookie Sweet biscuit Dark Golden Fun
Alice Noble or exalted Golden Classic
Anna Favor, grace or beautiful Red golden Traditional
Autumn Fall Red golden Unique
Brooke Small stream Golden Fun
Callie Beautiful Cream Classic
Cassie Prophetess Golden Fun
Charlotte Petite Dark golden Classic
Fiona White or fair Cream Traditional
Gemma Gem or gemstone Golden Traditional
Hannah Favor or grace Red golden Vintage
Harper Harp player Golden Unique
Hermione Well born Cream Fun
Jamie Holder of the heel Dark golden Vintage
Jessie Wealthy Red golden Classic
Kayla Slender or narrow Golden Fun
Kylie Graceful or beautiful Golden Traditional
Leila Night or dark Dark golden Unique
Lena Alluring or light Cream Classic
Lilly Pure or rebirth Cream Traditional
Maggie Pearl Cream Traditional
Mandi Worthy of love Golden Vintage
Matilda Might and strength Dark golden Unique
Maui God(ess) of fire or magic Red golden Unique
Maya Illusion or magic Cream Fun
Mia Dear or darling Golden Traditional
Mila Miracle or gracious Dark golden Unique
Nikki Victory Golden Classic
Olivia Olive tree Dark golden Traditional
Penelope Weaver Golden Classic
Piper Player of pipes Cream Fun
Reese Ardor Red golden Unique
Riley Rye clearing or courageous Golden Classic
Ruby The red gemstone Red golden Fun
Sage Wise Dark golden Unique
Sasha Man’s defender Golden Fun

 

Dog name tags for your Golden Retriever

After selecting a name for your Goldie, it is highly recommended to purchase a name tag that will be attached to your dog’s collar.

Aside from being a super cute addition to the overlook of your new companion, there are more reasons for using a name tag.

One of the most important reasons is, in case your dog runs away or gets lost, a name tag will allow the person who finds it to call it by its name, hence creating a sense of familiarity for your pooch and perhaps preventing it to continue running.

Also, a dog name tag enables you to print out your phone number, so that in case someone finds your Golden Retriever, they can immediately contact you!

Here are some awesome name tags for you to check out, that will keep your dog safe in case it gets lost, and, of course, accessorized and highly fashionable ? –

At A Glance: 5 Best Dog Name Tags For Golden Retrievers

Golden Retriever Puppy Names For Male

Male golden retrievers make excellent pets, and they are the first choice for many people who love dogs and are looking to get a canine companion.

If you decided to get a male golden retriever, consider choosing a masculine name that will reflect your pup’s physical or character traits.

Best Golden Retriever Names For Male Puppies

Keep in mind that training a puppy their new name will be a bit easier if the name is short and easy to pronounce.

Use positive reinforcement training techniques and a lot of praise and rewards to teach your golden pup to respond to their new name and turn when called.

Best Golden Retriever Names For Male Puppies

Name Meaning Color Variation Category
Ace Noble Golden Popular
Amigo Friend Golden Fun
Andy Brave Golden Popular
Blaze Like a fire Golden Unique
Graham Kind of cookie Golden Classic
Nugget As in a gold nugget Golden Fun
Liam Strong willed Golden Classic
Guy Fellow Golden Fun
Gus Majestic Golden Popular
Bobby Funny person Golden Fun
Bolt Move rapidly Cream Fun
Billy Resolute protector Cream Popular
Theo Brave people Cream Classic
Murphey Sea warrior Cream Traditional
Marley From a book or movie, “Marley and Me” Cream Popular
Oliver Piece offer Cream Classic
Milo Peaceful, calm Cream Fun
Henry Home ruler Cream Traditional
Cody Help full Cream Classic
Dexter Dryer Cream Popular
Rusty Ruddy complexion Red golden Popular
Tucker All heart Dark golden Popular
Chase Hunt, trail Dark golden Fun
Jasper Treasurer Dark golden Unique
Boomer Large, loud Dark golden Fun
George Tilter of the soil Dark golden Traditional
Rex King Dark golden Popular
Loki Norse god of mischief Dark golden Unique
Bruno Shield Dark golden Classic
Otis Fortune Dark golden Unique

Female Golden Retriever Puppy Names

If you are bringing a female golden retriever home, this is the perfect chance to pick out her new name.

Use your dog’s looks and charm as inspiration to find good golden retriever names that best describe her.

If there are several names you like, try them all and see which one gets your pup’s attention.

30 Cute Golden Retrievers Names For Female Puppies

Name Meaning Color Variation Category
Amber Jewel Golden Classic
Blondie Soft, delicate Golden Popular
Goldilocks Fairy tale heroine Golden Fun
Honey Cute and sweet Golden Traditional
Sunny Happy, cheerful Golden Popular
Arya Noble Golden Popular
Lulu Remarkable or wonderful Golden Vintage
Roxy Star Golden Classic
Zoey Life Golden Fun
Emma Whole Golden Classic
Chloe Blooming Cream Traditional
Lucia Light Cream Vintage
Minerva Goddess of wisdom Cream Unique
Bonnie Means beauty in Gaelic Cream Popular
Dory Gift Cream Classic
Tandy Flower Cream Unique
Phoebe Bright Cream Popular
Vicky Conqueror Cream Fun
Sandy Man’s defender Cream Fun
Luz Means light in Spanish Cream Unique
Julie Vivacious Dark golden Popular
Audrey Strong and noble Dark golden Traditional
Macey Weapon Dark golden Vintage
Leia Weary Dark golden Popular
Addie Noble Dark golden Classic
Skye Free spirited Dark golden Unique
Brandy Burned wine Dark golden Popular
Nellie Silly Dark golden Popular
Heidi Of noble birth Dark golden Classic
Lexie Defender Dark golden Fun

At A Glance: Best Supplies For Golden Retriever Puppies We Recommend

Brave And Loyal Golden Retriever Dog Names: Male

Brave, reliable, and trustworthy golden retrievers make awesome pets for people of all ages and families with children.

Their amazing personality and high trainability make goldens a popular choice with first-time pet parents and experienced owners.

If you have trouble coming up with a perfect name for your new golden boy, check out this list of brave and loyal golden retriever names!

There is a big chance that one of these monikers will be ideal for your pup!

Let’s take a look at some names that will showcase your golden retriever’s devotion and faithfulness to the world.

Name Meaning Color Variation Category
Akins Brave Golden Vintage
Atreus Fearless Golden Rare
Baron Son of strength Golden Popular
Leonard Lion hearted Golden Classic
Gunner Bold warrior Golden Popular
Hartmut Brave mind Golden Vintage
Minion People pleaser Cream Rare
Hudd Brave ruler Cream Classic
Kekoa The brave one Cream Rare
Humam Courageous and generous Cream Rare
Zufar Brave like a lion Cream Unique
Koen Brave Dark golden Popular
Shah King Dark golden Rare
Yong Brave Dark golden Unique
Fidel Loyal Dark golden Popular
Leali Fateful Dark golden Unique

Brave And Loyal Golden Retriever Names: Female

Female golden retrievers are no less loyal and courageous than their male counterparts and deserve a name that will reflect these character traits.

If you still haven’t found a good and unique dog name for your girl, check out the list below.

Each one of these monikers is easy to pronounce and can be used as a dog name, and is at the same time meaningful.

Listed below, are a few interesting names inspired by the golden retriever’s devoted, loyal, and brave nature.

Name Meaning Color Variation Category
Althea With healing powers Golden Rare
Brave Fearless Golden Unique
Casey Vigilant, watchful Golden Popular
Kelsi Victorious Golden Traditional
Kyra Lord of the sun Golden Vintage
Anya Grace Cream Classic
Brianna Strong Cream Vintage
Keren Ray of light Cream Popular
Liona Lioness Cream Rare
Virika Brave Cream Rare
Valora Courageous Dark golden Classic
Marcia War like Dark golden Vintage
Valentia Courage Dark golden Traditional
Isis Throne Dark golden Classic

Hunting And Tracking Names For Male Golden Retrievers

The golden retriever is a medium to large size gun dog that was originally bred to retrieve shot waterfowl, such as ducks and other birds during hunting parties.

While both male and female golden retrievers are amazing working dogs, they are mostly kept as pets rather than hunting dogs.

Hunting And Tracking Names For Male Golden Retrievers

Even if you don’t plan on taking or training your golden retriever for hunting, you might find that you like some of the hunt-inspired names below.

Name Meaning Color Variation Category
Ammo Short for ammunition Golden Popular
Apollo Greek god of archery Golden Popular
Buckshot Lead used for shotguns Golden Unique
Conan Wolf, hound Golden Popular
Flare Sudden burst of flame Golden Unique
Gunner Bald warrior Golden Popular
Hawk A bird of prey Cream Rare
Hunter One who hunts Cream Popular
Magnum Type of gun Cream Rare
Maverick Independent Cream Unique
Orion Constellation, hunter in Greek mythology Cream Popular
Rambo Exceptionally tough Dark golden Popular
Scout One who scouts Dark golden Popular
Snuff Has a strong sense of smell Dark golden Popular
Todd Clever Dark golden Popular
Wilder Wander Dark golden Rare
Wyatt Hardy, strong Dark golden Classic
Ryder Messenger Dark golden Popular
Bear Keep up Dark golden Rare
Arrow Move swiftly Dark golden Unique

Hunting And Tracking Names For Female Golden Retrievers

Like males, female golden retrievers are also excellent hunting dogs that can spend hours following their master in a hunting party.

Bred to have the energy to run or swim to retrieve downed prey, female golden can retrieve a shot duck completely undamaged.

Finding inspiration in your dog’s skills is a great way to discover some beautiful names that are going to excite you.

Have a look if any of the following names is a good choice for your female goldie!

Name Meaning Color Variation Category
Artemis The Greek goddess of the moon and hunting Golden Classic
Arwen Elvish princess Golden Vintage
Banshee Female spirit from Irish legends; fairy woman Golden Rare
Bombshell Gorgeous Golden Fun
Dawn The first light Golden Unique
Echo Repeated sound Golden Rare
Firefly A small insect that produces light Golden Fun
Lady The name of Sansa’s direwolf (Game of Thrones) Cream Popular
Ladybug Insect and a symbol of good luck Cream Rare
Diana Roman goddess of hunt Cream Classic
Atlanta A huntress in Greek mythology Cream Classic
Bendis Goddess of the hunt and moon Cream Unique
Brielle Hunting grounds Cream Rare
Britomartis Goddess of hunting and mountains in Minoan culture Cream Rare
Dali Goddess of the hunt Dark golden Rare
Fianna Warrior huntress Dark golden Unique
Kacela Hunter Dark golden Rare
Kainda Hunter’s daughter Dark golden Unique
Skade Goddess of bow hunting Dark golden Popular
Winda Hunter Dark golden Rare

Cute Names For Male Golden Retrievers

It’s impossible to overlook how cute and adorable golden retrievers are at any given point in time.

Even covered in mud and grime, these dogs still manage to look charmingly stunning and hard not to look at!

Since being sweet is one of the biggest reasons why this breed has so many fans, I’ve covered some of the most endearing names out there.

Here are the cutest male dog names for your Golden

Name Meaning Color Variation Category
Sugar Sweet Golden Rare
Chief In charge Golden Fun
Captain Leader of a group Golden Fun
Almond Edible seed Golden Fun
Bonanza Stroke of good luck Golden Rare
Fluffy Wooly hair Cream Popular
Happy Goldens are always happy Cream Popular
Ernest Vigorous, eager to please Cream Popular
Skip Springy manner of walking Cream Popular
Chewie One who likes to chew Cream Fun
Fitz Son Dark golden Popular
Otto Wealth Dark golden Classic
Shaggy Messy looking Dark golden Rare
Felix Happy Dark golden Popular
Pluto Wealth, riches Dark golden Popular
Shiloh A gift Dark golden Rare
Syrup A thick, sweet liquid Dark golden Unique
Casper Treasurer Cream Popular
Woody Woodrow Dark golden Unique
Abu Father of Cream Rare

Cute Golden Retriever Names For Female Dogs

Is your new goldie the cutest thing ever? I can bet she is!

If you still don’t know how to name your new dog, the following cute names should inspire you into finding a sweetly unique golden retriever name for your pooch.

Here are some of the cutest names for female Golden Retrievers:

Name Meaning Color Variation Category
Precious Term used to address a beloved person Golden Popular
Joy Happiness Golden Popular
Sunshine Direct sunlight Golden Rare
Gracie Filled with beauty Golden Popular
Sweetie Cute, sweet Golden Popular
Mandy She who must be loved Cream Popular
Talitha Little girl Cream Rare
Cupcake Small cute looking cake Cream Unique
Ellie Light Cream Popular
Marigold Type of flower Dark golden Rare
Holly Evergreen plant Dark golden Popular
Squirrel Animal with a bushy tail Dark golden Unique
Peach Fruit Dark golden Rare
Daisy Type of flower Cream Rare
Dolly Gift Red golden Classic
Maple Type of tree Golden Rare
Violet Type of flower Dark golden Unique
Cleo Pride, fame, or glory Golden Popular
Winnie Fair one, white, or smooth Cream Popular
Angel Angle or messenger Golden Popular

Famous Golden Retriever Names

Since golden retrievers make such amazing family pets, it’s not a big surprise that many goldens starred in movies, TV shows, and commercials as family pets and companions.

Beloved by their owners and very popular, these famous goldens can serve as inspiration for naming your dog.

Let’s check out a list of famous golden retriever names:

Name Meaning Color Variation Category
Parker Park keeper Golden Traditional
Shadow Shade Cream Unique
Fluke Fleck Cream Fun
Bud Friend Dark golden Popular
Brinkley Woodland clearing Dark golden Unique
Rosebud Bud of a rose flower Red golden Unique
Mud Dirt Dark golden Fun
Dug Dark water Dark golden Classic
Bingo Lottery game Golden Fun
Spay Lively or alert Golden Unique
Sam Listener Cream Popular
Brandon Beacon hill Red golden Popular
Comet Head with long hair Golden Unique
Speedy Quick or successful Cream Fun
Shelby Willow farm Dark golden Popular
Digby Farm settlement Red golden Unique
Alex Warrior or man’s defender Cream Popular
Maddie Maiden or strength Golden Classic
Scout To listen Cream Fun
Elvis All wise Dark golden Popular
Jones John’s son Red golden Traditional
Liberty Freedom Golden Unique
Luca Sacred wood Dark golden Classic
Pontiac Odawa war chief Red golden Fun
Renn Water lily Cream Unique
Victory Carrying victory Golden Unique
Bretagne Prince Golden Traditional
Pinkie Color pink Cream Fun
Levie Hero or knight Golden Popular
Misty Mist Dark golden Unique

Tips For Choosing The Best Name For Your Golden Retriever

You are probably wondering what are some good names for a golden retriever and is there any way of narrowing the list of several names to a manageable few.

If you haven’t named a dog before, don’t be surprised if choosing a name for a new dog ends up being a difficult and long process.

Here are some quick tips on how to choose the best name for your golden retriever:

  • Use Personal Names: Naming your dog is important since this is the name you will have to live with for a long time. Hence, it is a good idea to consider names you have heard and already like.
  • Do The Research: Don’t be discouraged if the perfect name doesn’t come to you within a second. Instead, take some time to research different names and meanings; you will know when you find the right one.
  • Ask For Advice: Talk with your family and friends and see what name they would give to your dog. You may get inspired or end up liking the names they have suggested.
  • Get To Know Your Puppy: Using your goldie’s temperament and character traits as a sort of inspiration can help you find the best name real fast. So, spend more time with your new puppy and get to know them better.
  • Listen To Yourself: The right name will feel the best right from the start. If a name fits right away, listen to your heart and don’t look for another one.

Why Is Naming A Golden Retriever So Important?

Every dog needs a name, and trust me, you don’t want to end up addressing your dog with “hey you.”

Naming your dog gives them a sense of identity and makes it easier for you to connect and train your dog properly.

Most golden retriever names are short and sweet, mainly because shorter names are easier to pronounce and for a dog to learn and remember.

While not impossible, it can be a bit tricky for dogs to learn long names with a lot of syllables.

And there would be times when you will have to get your dog’s attention quickly, and that won’t happen if you need a minute to say their name.

Don’t forget, some names might sound hilarious and funny right now, but what about later?

Would you feel completely comfortable calling your dog Stinkerbell and saying that out loud in the doggy park – I don’t think so!

If there is the slightest chance that you would be embarrassed to say it in public, keep on searching until you find a dog name that doesn’t sound awkward.

FAQs About Best Golden Retriever Names

What Is A Good Name For A Male Golden Retriever?

A good name for a male golden retriever is short and easy to pronounce so your dog can learn quickly.

Names such as Gus, Leo, Bentley, Buddy, Scout, Jack, Theo, Milo, Tuck, and Cooper make great monikers for male golden retriever dogs.

Nevertheless, it is up to you to pick and decide which name is best suited for your dog based on your preferences.

What Are The Coolest Dog Names?

There are many cool dog names you can give to your golden retriever, just make sure that both you and your pooch are fans of a particular name.

Some of the coolest dog names for golden retrievers are Flint, Dingo, Ash, Rocket, Dash, Ace, Boomer, Dre, Duke, Harley, Rogue, and Harper.

If you have a hard time picking just one of several names, say them one at a time to your pup and see which one gets their attention.

What Are Some Cute Golden Retriever Names?

There is no shortage of cute golden retriever names that can be a perfect moniker for your adorable pooch.

Some of the cutest names for male and female golden retrievers are Archie, Beau, Bee, Gracie, Sweaty, Ellie, Sugar, Fluffy, Happy, Felix, Chief, and many more.

Whichever name you decide to choose, make sure you can pronounce it easily and that you can call it out quickly.

Being able to say your pup’s name clearly will ensure you will be able to teach your dog recall.

Conclusion

Choosing the best name for your golden retriever may seem like a daunting task, but don’t worry, you only have to do it once!

There is a wide selection of male and female golden retriever names to choose from, so I broke them up for you into:

  • The top names for this year
  • Brave and loyal golden retriever names
  • Hunting and tracking inspired names
  • Cute names for golden retrievers

Take your time to read through all the names; you will know when you find the best one for your golden retriever.

Written By

Wendy is a self-employed beauty therapist, mother of two, life-long pet parent and lover of dogs who somehow manages to squeeze in the time to satisfy another of her loves - writing. Wendy is the founder, main contributor to and editor of TotallyGoldens.

Show CommentsClose Comments

Leave a comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.