Choosing the perfect name for your Labrador Retriever is a big moment! As one of the most beloved dog breeds, Labradors are known for their friendly, playful, and loyal nature. Whether your Lab is a classic black, a warm chocolate, or a bright yellow, the name you pick should capture its unique personality.
From popular picks to names inspired by famous Labs, nature, and pop culture, we’ve curated a list of the best names for every type of Labrador. Ready to find your new pup’s name?
What Makes a Good Name for a Labrador Retriever?
A great name for a Labrador is easy to pronounce and memorable. Most dog trainers recommend choosing a one- or two-syllable name, as Labradors respond well to short, sharp sounds. Avoid names that sound similar to commands like “sit,” “stay,” or “no”—names like “Kit” and “Clay” could be confusing for training purposes.
Famous Labrador Retriever Names
Some Labrador Retrievers have achieved celebrity status, and their names have become iconic! Whether they’re famous from movies, TV shows, or even social media, these Labs inspire names that reflect their playful and loving spirit.
Social Media Famous Labradors
- Ace (@ace__adventures)
- Benjie (@benjie1748)
- Magnus (@magnusthetherapydog)
- Radja (@radja_official)
- Nala (@dogswiss)
Famous Labs from Movies and TV
- Marley (from Marley & Me)
- Vincent (from Lost)
- Krypto (Superman’s dog in comics)
- Clifford (from The Big Red Dog)
Top Names for Male and Female Labradors
Whether you’re looking for a traditional name or something unique, here are some of the best names that capture a Labrador’s loyal and joyful spirit.
Male Labrador Names
- Finn
- Gunner
- Jackson
- Theo
- Ranger
Female Labrador Names
- Bella
- Daisy
- Molly
- Sadie
- Willow
For even more inspiration, you can find a broader list of popular dog names here.
Labrador Names by Coat Color
Labradors come in three primary colors—black, chocolate, and yellow—and each color inspires a unique naming approach. Here are some ideas based on your Lab’s coat color.
Black Labrador Names
Traditionally associated with hunting, Black Labs exude strength and mystery. Consider Black Dog Names for your sleek, black-coated pup:
- Male Names: Shadow, Onyx, Night, Dash, Sable
- Female Names: Raven, Ebony, Xena, Nova, Maverick
Chocolate Labrador Names
Chocolate Labs have a rich brown coat that’s irresistible. Food-inspired names and luxury-themed choices suit them well, like Brown Dog Names:
- Male Names: Hershey, Mocha, Cocoa, Cadbury, Bruno
- Female Names: Cookie, Cinnamon, Chanel, Muffin, Sierra
Yellow Labrador Names
Yellow Labs are known for their sunny disposition, often sporting a golden coat. Bright, cheerful names work best for these playful pups:
- Male Names: Sunny, Leo, Champ, Tucker, Aubrey
- Female Names: Daisy, Goldie, Summer, Buttercup, Sunny
For Labs that fall into unique color variations like fox red or white, you might explore names like Rusty or Blizzard!
Names Inspired by Nature
Labradors are known for their love of the outdoors, so why not pick a name inspired by nature? Whether it’s the mountains, rivers, or stars, nature-themed names fit this adventurous breed perfectly.
- Male Names: Bear, Oakley, Sirius, River, Rain
- Female Names: Willow, Aspen, Flower, Meadow, Star
For more nature-inspired names, visit Petfinder’s name list.
Historical and Literary Names for Labrador Retrievers
If you’re a history buff or a book lover, choosing a name inspired by famous historical figures or literary characters might be perfect. These names add a touch of sophistication and timeless appeal to your Lab’s personality.
Historical Names
- Male Names: Beethoven, Einstein, Titan, Solomon, Goliath
- Female Names: Cleopatra, Florence, Ada, Joan, Amelia
Literary Names
- Male Names: Draco, Gandalf, Frodo, Percy, Pippin
- Female Names: Arwen, Lyra, Ginny, Sara, Katniss
Labrador Names Inspired by Superheroes
Labradors often embody the traits of our favorite superheroes—brave, loyal, and always ready for action. These names inspired by comic book heroes are ideal for a Lab with a fearless personality.
Male Names
- Bruce (Batman)
- Clark (Superman)
- Thor (The Avengers)
- Logan (Wolverine)
- Morpheus (The Matrix)
Female Names
- Kara (Supergirl)
- Storm (X-Men)
- Jean Grey (X-Men)
- Gamora (Guardians of the Galaxy)
- Shuri (Black Panther)
Labrador Names Inspired by Famous Children’s Characters
Cartoon and children’s book characters can bring a sense of fun and nostalgia to your Lab’s name. These names make adorable choices for Labs of any color.
Male Names
- Simba (The Lion King)
- Sonic (The Hedgehog)
- George (Curious George)
- Baloo (The Jungle Book)
- Olaf (Frozen)
Female Names
- Elsa (Frozen)
- Dora (The Explorer)
- Lilo (Stitch)
- Minnie (Disney)
- Perdita (101 Dalmatians)
Consider Disney Dog Names for adorable choices for Labs of any color.
Fun and Cute Labrador Retriever Names
If you want a name that highlights your Labrador’s cuteness factor, here are some fun and quirky choices that will make everyone smile.
- Baby
- Bubbles
- Oreo
- Pixie
- Fluffy
For a few playful names that stand out, look at Funny Dog Names.
Cool and Funny Names
- Ducky
- R2 (like R2-D2 from Star Wars)
- Chewbacca
- Gumball
- King Kong
Unique Labrador Names
If you’re searching for something truly distinctive, these names add flair and make sure your Lab stands out at the dog park. They’re perfect for dog owners who want something off the beaten path.
- Bones
- Happy
- Mustang
- Polo
- Quinn
- Judge
- Zelda
Final Tips for Naming Your Labrador Retriever
Naming your Labrador is a personal decision that reflects your dog’s unique personality and your connection with them. It’s best to pick a name that you’ll enjoy saying daily, as you’ll be using it a lot! Test out a few names by saying them out loud, and see which one feels right.
We suggest narrowing down to a shortlist and trying them out for a few days. Ultimately, the right name will feel natural for both you and your Lab.
What Should I Name My Labrador Retriever?
From classic to quirky, and inspired by everything from history to nature, there’s a Labrador Retriever name here for every type of dog. The right name can capture your dog’s spirit and make every interaction a little more fun.
Are you thinking of a name from this list? Let us know in the comments below, and happy naming!