30 Movies & TV Shows that Inspired Some Seriously Creative Canine Names

Laurent Shinar • Writer and Editor

Jan 20, 2026 3:00 PM EST

There is no denying that the movies and TV shows we have grown up with have had a massive influence over our lives. But what you might not have known, is that there are several pawrents out there who have connected to those moving pictures so much so, that they have named their puppers after them. These are their stories.

Dog names have always been a creative and whimsical affair. Up until now you could get away with a whole plethora of names both dog suited and not, and the weirdest or wildest names you might find usually revolved around hooman names. You know, the kind of dog who gets named Howard or Melissa. Which in itself is a great cause for a giggle, as you think to yourself what it would be like writing them an email asking them to send over the quarterly projections for the project you are working on.

But with the growing influence of media a new day has dawned and in this day there are dogs named after characters from their pawrents' favorite TV shows and movies. A trend which is likely to only get more popular and normalized with time, and one which promises to eventually cross the line into social media stars we are certain. But until that wretched day comes, we hope you enjoy this humorous collection of canine names.

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via TheGoldenBoyStiles
In a weird way we get it. Do you see the resemblance in the face? Sure this darling doggo does not have that scary mask, nor hopefully Hannibal Leckter’s lust for bodily fluids. But there is something about this doggo’s snout and set back eyes that resemble the madman’s face. Though as pawrents, surely you would want to give your pupper a name with a more pawsitive perspective to it? You know something that inspires joy and levity every time you say it instead of dread and fear.
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Ah yeah that is a Hutch if we ever saw one. For those familiar with the movie remake of Starsky and Hutch you will agree that this cute canine has most certainly got some of that Owen Wilson swagger about him. Something cute, bumbling and kind in his nature. Heck, even his look is rather reminiscent of the movie character. If someone finds a dog named Starsky then there has to be a live action doggo remake of the movie. And instead of taking down a chemical goodies king pin they can take down an evil mayor who has been hoarding all the good dog treats and toys
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