Pawsome names for your new four-legged friends

With the possibilities being literally endless, the clever people at Nestlé's Purina UK and Ireland have come up with the perfect tool for narrowing it down (or even helping with some inspiration) when it comes to naming your newest addition to the family.

Having been around for over 130 years, Purina know a thing or two about our furry friends, and so set about launching a tool that would help a nation of dog lovers select the perfect name for their loyal companions.

"Dogs are part of the family and a dog's name is often a reflection of their unique personality and spirit. We know how much of a positive impact pets have on our lives, and Purina supports pets and their owners at every stage of their journey together. With so many names out there, we know it can be hard to pick the perfect one which is why we're so happy to launch this tool to help pet owners start journey in the best way." Martina Mchowat, Purina Brand Experience Lead. 

To help get you started, we've picked out some of our favourite themes from the generator:

Literary Names

Literature has long been a source of inspiration for pet and baby names alike. These names might pay homage to beloved characters, showcase a passion for books and storytelling or simply remind us of our favourite childhood stories. Does your new cocker spaniel look like a Hagrid or perhaps a Matilda? Or maybe you've been blessed with a perfect pair of poodles; Romeo and Juliet!

Nature-inspired Names

Bringing a touch of the great outdoors to our dogs' lives may well reflect their personalities or highlight their special qualities. Names like; Raven, Blossom, Poppy, Sage and Willow could reflect the colour of their coats, their friendly, approachable character or even their stature or wisdom.

Regal Names

Are your dogs likely to get the royal treatment? A name with a somewhat regal tone may be the ideal choice for you. Exuding a sense of grandeur or majesty, why not name your canine companion; Duchess, Rex or even Nefertiti!

Italian Names

If elegance and sophistication are the definition of your discerning tastes, then a name with Italian origins could be just what you're looking for.  Names like; Allegra, Luna, Leo, Rocco or Camilla carry a sense of history and tradition alongside that all-important Italian charm and allure. Bellissimo!

Size-related Names

If you believe that good things come in small packages or alternatively, more is more, why not pick a name that reflects your pooches size. For those with a cute demeanour, Peanut, Muffin or Pixie might fit the bill. If your pup is larger than life, then Titan, Hercules or Bailey could reflect their big personality.  

With over 20 categories of names to choose from, even the most indecisive of pet-parents should find something to their taste. Not only this, but each name comes with a handy explanation of its' meaning or origin.