31 Actually Good Video Game Dog Names

Written byChris Allen Updated

Are you a passionate gamer with a new furry friend? You’re in luck because video games are an amazing source of dog name inspiration! 

From adorable sidekicks like “Yoshi” to powerful villains like “Ganon,” there’s sure to be a video game character that’ll inspire a fitting name for your dog. 

Here are 31 of the best video game dog names! 

good video game dog names
31 actually good video game dog names.

Dog Naming Tips 

Before we move on to the names, we’d like to cover a few tips that’ll help you choose the best name for your dog. 

Because video games can fall in and out of popularity, you may want to try choosing a name from a game you’ve been fond of for years. A childhood favorite can be a great source of inspiration, for instance. 

However, even trendy video games can lead to some pretty interesting names. Just make sure you choose one that truly suits your dog; this will ensure the name sticks even if the video game falls out of popularity. 

You’ll also want to find a name that reflects your dog’s individuality. Even if Mario is your favorite video game character, it may not be the best name for your dog. Get to know your furry friend’s personality before you settle on a name–the perfect one may jump out at you! 

With those tips in mind, let’s move on to the names. 

Best Video Game Hero Names 

azawakh dog breed
The Azawakh dog breed (tall and skinny dog breed gallery)

Video game protagonists are one of the best sources of dog name inspiration. After all, it’s not uncommon for dogs to have a brave and heroic nature! 

Here are some video game heroes that could make great namesakes for your dog. 

  • Mario (Super Mario Bros) 

Mario is the main protagonist of the popular Super Mario Bros series. It’s a rather appropriate name for an Italian dog breed! 

  • Luigi (Super Mario Bros) 

Luigi is the timid younger brother of Mario. This is a good name for a dog with a shy personality. 

  • Sonic (Sonic the Hedgehog). 

Sonic is a super-fast hedgehog hero. Perfect for dogs who are always zipping around the yard!

  • Link (The Legend of Zelda) 

Link is the silent yet courageous hero of Hyrule. This name is fitting for dogs with a wolf-like appearance. 

  • Zelda (The Legend of Zelda) 

Zelda is the wise and powerful princess of Hyrule. If you plan to treat your dog like royalty, this is the name for her! 

  • Spyro (Spyro the Dragon) 

This purple dragon is a beloved hero in Playstation’s Spyro the Dragon franchise! 

straight tail vs screw tail frenchie
Straight Tail vs Screw Tail Frenchies. When the tails are so short – it can be tricky to know the difference.
  • Samus (Metroid) 

Samus Aran is the iconic bounty hunter of Nintendo’s Metroid franchise. The ideal name for a tough lady dog. 

  • Frisk (Undertale) 

Frisk is a child protagonist who explores an underground world of monsters. They’re a gender-neutral character, so this is a good choice for male or female dogs. 

  • Kirby (Kirby Franchise) 

This lovable pink hero has a fitting name for small dog breeds! 

  • Chell (Portal) 

Simple yet unique, this name is ideal for fans of the Portal video game series. 

Best Cute Video Game Dog Names 

Are you looking for a dog name that’ll make everyone go “aww?” 

cavapoo puppy outside
A Cavapoo puppy exploring the garden

Then keep reading because I’ve compiled some of the cutest video game dog names around! 

  • Yoshi (Super Mario Bros) 

Yoshi is the lovable companion to Mario. If your dog has a big appetite, consider naming them after this food-loving dinosaur! 

  • Temmie (Undertale) 

This hilarious dog-like creature from Undertale can inspire an adorable name for your canine friend. 

  • Tails (Sonic the Hedgehog) 

This two-tailed fox is the lovable friend of Sonic the Hedgehog. Perfect for a dog that’s always wagging his tail! 

  • Peach (Super Mario Bros) 

If your dog is a little princess, it may be fitting to name her after the beautiful Princess Peach. 

  • Isabelle (Animal Crossing) 

This Shih Tzu secretary from Animal Crossing is super adorable. You could also shorten this name to “Izzy” or “Belle.” 

  • Eevee (Pokemon) 

Consider naming your dog after this adorable fox-like Pokemon! 

Best Video Game Villain Dog Names 

Heroes aren’t the only ones with cool names. Choosing a villain name could be a fun idea if you’re an owner of a big, tough pup. 

maltipoo and cream cavapoo
A red Maltipoo next to a cream Cavapoo (See our Maltipoo vs Cavapoo guide)

Here are some awesome video game villain dog names! 

  • Ganon (The Legend of Zelda) 

A powerful king of darkness, Ganon is a perfect name for large dog breeds. 

  • Impostor (Among Us) 

Is your dog always getting into mischief? Consider naming them after the sneaky antagonists from this fun indie game. 

  • Bowser (Super Mario Bros) 

This name is fitting for a big dog with a spiky collar! 

  • Freddy (Five Nights at Freddy’s) 

If your dog has a bear-like appearance, you may want to name him after this haunted animatronic bear. 

  • Cortex (Crash Bandicoot) 

This mad scientist is the main villain of the Crash Bandicoot franchise. 

  • Dedede (Kirby Franchise) 

If you’re a fan of Kirby, consider naming your dog after this goofy penguin villain. 

Best Subtle Video Game Dog Names 

Some of the best gaming-inspired names are the more subtle ones. 

black and gold yorkie has bath
A black and gold Yorkie having a bath

So if you’re looking for something a little less on the nose, you may want to give these names a try! 

  • Genesis 

This name comes from the “Sega Genesis” 1988 gaming system. 

  • Daisy (Super Mario Bros) 

Daisy is a fun-loving, tomboyish princess from the Super Mario Bros series. 

  • Halo 

Halo is a popular sci-fi video game for the Xbox. It can also make an adorable name for your pup! 

  • Retro 

This vintage name is the perfect way to reflect your love of 80s video games. 

  • Cloud (Final Fantasy) 

Cloud is the main protagonist of the Final Fantasy series. It’s a rather appropriate name for a fluffy white dog! 

  • Boo (Super Mario Bros) 

This name comes from the sneaky ghost villains that lurk in the castles of the Mushroom Kingdom. 

  • Lara (Tomb Raider) 

This name is perfect for female dogs with an adventurous spirit! 

  • Atari 

This vintage name comes from the iconic 1984 video game system. 

blue eyed cardigan welsh corgi
A Cardigan Welsh Corgi (Blue-eyed dog gallery)

Other video game dog name sources. There are video game dog names everywhere! Many are included in our following popular dog name category posts.

Wrap Up

No matter what name you settle on for your new furry friend, make sure you choose one that you love! There’s something on this list for everyone, so be sure to try out these names with your dog and see which ones stick. 

Not sure if you want to go with a video game name? If you’re a Star Wars fan, some of these names might be a better fit! 

My name is Chris Allen and I am the creator of Oodle Life. As a family dog expert, author and dog lover - I write about the wellbeing and training of family dogs. My wife and I love playing with our active miniature Labradoodle Max. We want all puppies to be healthy and happy, have lots of fun and be part of the family.