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Clever Dog Names

Updated: October 06, 2023

Dogs are pretty clever animals and are capable of understanding and reacting to a variety of commands. In fact one Border Collie named Chaser has learned over 1000 words. Most of the items are various toys and things that he is able to fetch on command from bins in a separate room. While this may be on the extreme end of what is out there, you will be surprised just how much you can teach your pal with a little bit of effort.

If you're a proud dog parent searching for the perfect name for your furry genius, look no further! Our list of clever dog names is inspired by some of the greatest minds in history, including famous inventors, innovators, and trailblazers. These names are perfect for pet owners who appreciate intelligence, wit, and creativity in their four-legged friends.

Why not give your canine companion a name that celebrates the ingenious? Our carefully curated list includes names that capture the essence of innovation and brilliance. Whether your pup is a problem solver or simply has an air of intelligence about them, you'll find a name here that reflects their inner genius.

From names that have an intelligent ring to those that pay homage to legendary figures, this collection is bound to impress and inspire. So, get ready to dive into a world of smart and inventive dog names that will make your furry friend stand out from the pack!

Name Reason to Choose
Abigail Named after Abigail Adams, an intelligent and influential First Lady
Ada For Ada Lovelace, a pioneering computer programmer
Aesop Great for a dog with a knack for teaching you life lessons in the simplest of ways
Alexander After Alexander Graham Bell, inventor of the telephone
Archimedes After the ancient Greek mathematician and inventor
Aristotle Inspired by the famous philosopher and polymath
Athena A clever name for a female dog, after the Greek goddess of wisdom
Austen For Jane Austen, a renowned author known for her wit and social commentary
Babbage After Charles Babbage, a mathematician and inventor of the early computer
Bach For Johann Sebastian Bach, a masterful Baroque composer
Baudelaire Inspired by Charles Baudelaire, a brilliant poet and thinker
Beatrix After Beatrix Potter, a talented writer and naturalist
Benjamin Inspired by Benjamin Franklin, a polymath and Founding Father
Berlioz For Hector Berlioz, a French composer and innovator in Romantic music
Bessel After Friedrich Bessel, a pioneering astronomer and mathematician
Boltzmann For Ludwig Boltzmann, a brilliant physicist and mathematician
Boole Named after George Boole, the creator of Boolean algebra
Borlaug For Norman Borlaug, an agricultural scientist who revolutionized food production
Brahms For Johannes Brahms, a classical music genius
Bramble A smart name for a dog that's as clever and sharp as a thorn
Bronte Inspired by the Brontë sisters, celebrated authors
Buckminster After R. Buckminster Fuller, an inventor and futurist known for the geodesic dome
Byron After Lord Byron, a brilliant Romantic poet
Canny Means clever and perceptive
Carver For George Washington Carver, a brilliant agricultural scientist
Chaucer Inspired by Geoffrey Chaucer, a groundbreaking poet and author
Chopin For Frédéric Chopin, a brilliant composer and pianist
Cipher A name for a dog that's as clever and complex as a code
Copernicus For Nicolaus Copernicus, an astronomer who revolutionized our understanding of the universe
Curie After Marie Curie, the trailblazing physicist and chemist
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Literary Genius Dog Names

Ideal for dogs who love to snuggle up with their owners during a reading session, these names are inspired by some of the most clever characters or authors in literature.
Name Description
Atticus Taken from Harper Lee’s 'To Kill a Mockingbird' in which Atticus Finch is a symbol of morality and justice
Beowulf From the Old English epic poem of the same name
Bronte Recognition of the literary Bronte sisters
Chaucer An homage to Geoffrey Chaucer, known for 'The Canterbury Tales'
Dante A nod to Dante Alighieri, author of 'The Divine Comedy'
Darcy From Jane Austen’s 'Pride and Prejudice', Mr. Darcy is a memorable character
Faulkner Inspired by William Faulkner, a Nobel laureate in Literature
Gatsby This name is inspired by the enigmatic millionaire character from F. Scott Fitzgerald’s 'The Great Gatsby'
Hemingway An homage to the great American author, Ernest Hemingway
Hobbit A nod to J.R.R. Tolkien's 'The Hobbit'
Holden This name is a nod to J.D. Salinger’s classic 'The Catcher in the Rye'
Homer After the author of 'The Iliad' and 'The Odyssey'
Huckleberry Mark Twain's adventurous character, Huckleberry Finn, gives this name a literary twist
Kafka An homage to Franz Kafka, known for his unique style of writing
Milton A nod to John Milton, author of the epic poem 'Paradise Lost'
Moby A clever pick for fans of Herman Melville's 'Moby-Dick'
Orwell Inspired by George Orwell, known for his works like '1984' and 'Animal Farm'
Othello Inspired by one of Shakespeare's tragic heroes
Pip Charles Dickens' 'Great Expectations' features a protagonist named Pip
Poe After Edgar Allan Poe, master of macabre and mystery
Quixote For fans of the Spanish novel 'Don Quixote' by Miguel de Cervantes
Sherlock After the brilliant detective Sherlock Holmes created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
Swift Inspired by Jonathan Swift, author of 'Gulliver's Travels'
Twain Mark Twain, real name Samuel Clemens, is an iconic American author
Wilde Inspired by the wit and wisdom of Oscar Wilde
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Names Inspired by Famous Scientists

These names are perfect for dogs who seem to have a knack for problem-solving and curiosity, much like the scientists they're named after.
Name Description
Bohr Inspired by Niels Bohr, this name is apt for a dog that has a calm and composed demeanor, much like a stable atom
Boltzmann This name, after Ludwig Boltzmann, is perfect for an active, energetic, and random-moving dog
Bunsen A nod to Robert Bunsen, this name suits a dog who has a fiery spirit or a warm personality
Copernicus This name pays homage to the astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus and is befitting for a dog with a starry-eyed or dreamy personality
Curie This name is a nod to Marie Curie, the first woman to win a Nobel Prize. It would be perfect for a pioneering or trailblazing pup
Darwin This name, inspired by Charles Darwin, is a great choice for an adaptable or evolutionary canine
Doppler A tribute to Christian Doppler, this name is perfect for a fast-moving or agile dog
Edison Inspired by Thomas Edison, this name is perfect for a dog who loves to explore or tinker with things
Einstein Inspired by the genius Albert Einstein, this name is apt for a dog that shows signs of intelligence
Faraday Inspired by Michael Faraday, this name is perfect for a dog who is magnetic or has an electrifying personality
Fermi Inspired by Enrico Fermi, this name suits a dog who is energetic and enjoys playing with small objects
Feynman A tribute to Richard Feynman, this name is suitable for a dog with a playful and curious spirit
Galileo This name commemorates Galileo Galilei and would be a great fit for a curious or adventurous dog
Hawking A nod to Stephen Hawking, this name suits a dog with an uncanny ability to understand or figure things out
Heisenberg Named after Werner Heisenberg, this name is befitting for a dog with an unpredictable or spontaneous personality
Higgs Inspired by Peter Higgs, this name is suitable for a dog who is a bit of a heavyweight or has a solid presence
Hubble Inspired by Edwin Hubble, this name is apt for a dog with a keen sense of sight or one who loves to explore
Kepler Named after Johannes Kepler, this name is a perfect fit for a dog that loves to watch the stars or the sky
Newton Inspired by Sir Isaac Newton, this name is fitting for a dog with a contemplative or intelligent demeanor
Pascal Commemorating Blaise Pascal, this name is ideal for a dog who loves to play with pressure or water
Pasteur Named after Louis Pasteur, this name is a great fit for a dog who is meticulous or hygienic
Planck This name, a tribute to Max Planck, is perfect for a dog who is constant and reliable
Schrodinger This name pays homage to Erwin Schrodinger, and is a great fit for a dog with a mysterious or unpredictable personality
Tesla Named after the renowned physicist and inventor Nikola Tesla, this is perfect for an inventive or energetic dog
Watson Named after James Watson, this is perfect for a dog who loves to decipher or solve puzzles
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20th Century Inventor Names

A list of dog name ideas coming from ground-breaking inventors of the 20th century.
Name Description
Armstrong Named after Neil Armstrong, the first person to walk on the moon
Bardeen For John Bardeen, an inventor and physicist who co-invented the transistor
Crick After Francis Crick, who co-discovered the structure of DNA
Dyson Inspired by Sir James Dyson, the inventor of the bagless vacuum cleaner
Feynman For Richard Feynman, a groundbreaking physicist and Nobel laureate
Gates Named after Bill Gates, the co-founder of Microsoft and a pioneer in computer software
Hawking After Stephen Hawking, a renowned theoretical physicist and cosmologist
Hopper For Grace Hopper, a pioneering computer scientist who invented the first compiler
Jobs Inspired by Steve Jobs, the co-founder of Apple and a visionary in technology
Kilby For Jack Kilby, an electrical engineer who co-invented the integrated circuit
Lamarr Named after Hedy Lamarr, an actress and inventor who co-developed frequency-hopping spread spectrum technology
Mandela After Nelson Mandela, a leader in the fight against apartheid and a Nobel Peace Prize laureate
Noyce For Robert Noyce, an inventor and co-founder of Intel who co-invented the integrated circuit
Oppenheimer Named after J. Robert Oppenheimer, a physicist who played a key role in the development of the atomic bomb
Salk After Jonas Salk, who developed the first successful polio vaccine
Shockley For William Shockley, a physicist who co-invented the transistor
Turing Named after Alan Turing, a pioneering computer scientist and mathematician
Von Braun After Wernher von Braun, a rocket engineer who played a key role in the development of the space program
Watson For James Watson, who co-discovered the structure of DNA
Zuse Inspired by Konrad Zuse, an inventor and computer pioneer who built the first programmable computer
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19th Century Inventor Names

A list of dog name ideas coming from ground-breaking inventors of the 19th century.
Name Description
Bell Named after Alexander Graham Bell, the inventor of the telephone
Bessemer For Sir Henry Bessemer, who revolutionized steel production with his process
Carnegie Inspired by Andrew Carnegie, a key figure in the development of the steel industry
Diesel After Rudolf Diesel, the inventor of the diesel engine
Dunlop For John Boyd Dunlop, the inventor of the first practical pneumatic tire
Edison Named after Thomas Edison, the prolific inventor of the light bulb and many other devices
Farraday Inspired by Michael Faraday, a pioneer in electromagnetism and electrochemistry
Fulton For Robert Fulton, the inventor of the first commercially successful steamboat
Gatling Named after Richard Gatling, who invented the Gatling gun
Gibbs After Josiah Willard Gibbs, an influential scientist in thermodynamics and physical chemistry
Goodyear For Charles Goodyear, who invented the process of vulcanization for rubber
Graham Inspired by Alexander Graham Bell, the inventor of the telephone
Kelvin After Lord Kelvin, a key figure in thermodynamics and electromagnetism
Lumière Named after the Lumière brothers, pioneers of early cinema
Maxwell For James Clerk Maxwell, a groundbreaking physicist in electromagnetism
Morse Inspired by Samuel Morse, the inventor of the Morse code and telegraph
Otis For Elisha Otis, the inventor of the safety elevator
Pasteur Named after Louis Pasteur, a pioneer in microbiology and immunization
Roentgen After Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen, the discoverer of X-rays
Westinghouse For George Westinghouse, an inventor who developed the railway air brake
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Names for the Ingenious

A list of dog name ideas coming from words used to describe the highly intelligent.
Name Description
Astute A name that signifies keen perception and understanding
Brainy A playful choice that highlights a dog's intellectual abilities
Brilliant Reflects a dog's exceptional intelligence and talent
Cerebral A name that suggests a deep thinker and problem solver
Clever Implies resourcefulness and quick thinking in challenging situations
Einstein A name inspired by the genius physicist, suggesting high intelligence
Erudite For dogs with a broad range of knowledge and understanding
Genius A fitting choice for a dog with exceptional intellectual abilities
Insight A name that highlights a dog's ability to understand complex situations
Intuitive Suggests a dog's natural ability to grasp and understand things
Keen Signifies a dog's sharp intellect and eagerness to learn
Mensa Inspired by the high IQ society, signifying exceptional intelligence
Oracle A name that implies wisdom and the ability to provide guidance
Pensive For a dog that appears deep in thought and contemplation
Prodigy A fitting choice for a dog with extraordinary talents and abilities
Sage Implies wisdom and sound judgment, making it a great name for a smart dog
Savant A name that suggests exceptional skill and expertise in a specific area
Scholar For a dog with a studious and knowledgeable demeanor
Wise Reflects a dog's ability to make good decisions and judgments
Witty A name that highlights a dog's quick and clever humor
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Zeus Photo of zeus for Clever Dog Names
Neche Photo of neche for Clever Dog Names Neche means friend in the Chippewa language and our Neche has lived up to her name. When taking her to work she has come back playing with deer, horses, other dogs, and tries to play with the cats.
Diogee Photo of diogee for Clever Dog Names Diogee (pronounced D O G with emphasis on the o) pretty much summed him up.
Storm Photo of storm for Clever Dog Names It's fun and she can run fast.
Stanley tiger Photo of stanley tiger for Clever Dog Names His dad called Bouncing Tiger of Foxwarren, his pedigree name Kylini Chrystal Tiger.
Mystery Photo of Mystery for Clever Dog Names When we found our yorkie (possibly silkie) he was laying on the ground, starved and horribly matted. Vet said he was only 20% of what his weight should be, basically a skeleton with skin. Because we knew nothing about him, he became our 'Mystery Man' and is the best dog ever!

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Sherlock Bones: The Canine Detective

In the bustling city of Barkington, there lived a brilliant Border Collie named Sherlock Bones. With his keen mind, sharp instincts, and incredible nose, Sherlock was renowned for his ability to solve mysteries that left even the most skilled human detectives stumped.

Sherlock's partner was Dr. Whiskers, a resourceful and loyal tabby cat. The duo ran their own private detective agency, aptly named "Paws and Claws Investigations." Together, they had cracked some of the city's most perplexing cases, earning them the respect and admiration of both their fellow animals and the human inhabitants of Barkington.

One day, as Sherlock and Dr. Whiskers were lounging in their cozy office, a distraught Poodle named Lady Penelope burst through the door. She explained that her prized diamond collar had been stolen, and she had nowhere else to turn. Sherlock and Dr. Whiskers agreed to take the case, eager to put their skills to the test once more.

The first stop on their investigation was the scene of the crime: Lady Penelope's lavish doghouse. As they searched for clues, Sherlock's keen nose detected a faint, unfamiliar scent. Intrigued, he followed the scent trail, Dr. Whiskers close behind, as it led them through the winding streets of Barkington.

The trail eventually led them to a seedy alleyway, where they stumbled upon a secret gathering of the city's most notorious feline criminals, known as the "Alley Cat Gang." Sherlock and Dr. Whiskers hid in the shadows, eavesdropping on the gang's conversation.

To their surprise, they overheard the gang's leader, a cunning Siamese named Scratch, bragging about his latest heist: Lady Penelope's diamond collar. The clever cat had used his agility and stealth to sneak into her doghouse and swipe the precious gemstone without a trace.

Realizing they needed a plan to retrieve the stolen collar, Sherlock and Dr. Whiskers hatched a daring scheme. They would lure Scratch and his gang to a false meeting with a powerful crime boss, leaving the gang's hideout unguarded and ripe for the taking.

Dr. Whiskers used his connections to spread the rumor of the meeting, and soon enough, Scratch and his gang had taken the bait. As the criminals scurried off to their supposed rendezvous, Sherlock and Dr. Whiskers slipped into their hideout and located the stolen collar.

With the prized possession securely in their grasp, the dynamic duo raced back to Lady Penelope's doghouse, where they presented her with the recovered diamond collar. Overjoyed, she showered them with praise and gratitude, her faith in their abilities fully restored.

News of Sherlock Bones and Dr. Whiskers' latest triumph spread throughout Barkington, further cementing their reputation as the city's most skilled and resourceful detectives. They continued to take on the most challenging and baffling cases, always one step ahead of the criminals they pursued.

And as they faced each new mystery, Sherlock Bones and Dr. Whiskers proved time and time again that no case was too tough for the clever canine detective and his trusty feline sidekick.

We would like to take this time to thank all of our visitors that make DogNamed.com the best dog naming resource on the web. Our site would not be where it is today without your suggestions, ratings, and photo submissions. So pat yourselves on the back for a job well done and keep up the good work! If you have any comments, suggestions, or ideas for the this page or any part of our site, don't hesitate to drop us a line on our Contact Page. Thank you! -The DogNamed Team