Boy Dog Names That Start With G

  1. Goku
    • Origin:

      Japanese
    • Meaning:

      "aware of emptiness"
    • Description:

      Goku is the name of the protagonist of the popular "Dragon Ball" manga series, which was turned into a live action film. The character of Goku is reportedly based on Sun Wukong, the hero of the Chinese legend Journey to the West.
  2. Grover
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "lives near a grove of trees"
    • Description:

      Forget the furry blue Muppet, forget corpulent President Cleveland (not too difficult), and consider this name anew. We think it's spunky, a little funky, and well worth a second look.
  3. Greyson
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "son of the steward"
    • Description:

      Greyson and Grayson, nephews of Jason, are both on the fast track. Both variations have made their way all the way up to the Top 100 since 2016. Gray/Grey makes a nice nickname. The name of the child in The Nanny Diaries is Grayer, and actor Tyler Christopher opted for the unusual spelling of Greysun for his son. Some parents are considering Grayson -- or Gracen or Gracyn -- for girls as an androgynous spin on Grace.
  4. Gunnar
    • Origin:

      Scandinavian variation of Gunther
    • Meaning:

      "bold warrior"
    • Description:

      A key figure in Norse legend and a traditional Scandinavian favorite making inroads here.
  5. Giles
    • Origin:

      Greek
    • Meaning:

      "young goat"
    • Description:

      One of those names that most Americans find just too too tea-sippingly British to consider; its meaning has led to occasional use for Capricorn boys.
  6. Garnet
    • Origin:

      Jewel name, for the French
    • Meaning:

      "pomegranate"
    • Description:

      One of the jewel names in use a hundred years ago, for both boys and girls, due for revival along with sisters Ruby and Pearl. But interestingly, Garnet means pomegranate, the fruit who shares a deep red color with the jewel.
  7. Gerald
    • Origin:

      English and Irish from German
    • Meaning:

      "ruler with the spear"
    • Description:

      Both a saint's name and a presidential one via Gerald Ford—who was born Leslie—Gerald is a quintessential 1930s-40s name, when it ranked as high as Number 19. Hence all those nice middle-aged and senior Jerrys we've known and loved. Gerald has always been popular in Ireland, accounting for the prevalence of Fitzgeralds there. Though not considered stylish, Gerald remains on the popularity charts. Cousin Gerard has a similar profile, Geraldo is the well-used Spanish version, and Geraldine is the most promising of the family, in line to follow the path of Josephine to imminent revival.
  8. Griffith
    • Origin:

      Welsh
    • Meaning:

      "strong lord"
    • Description:

      A classic Welsh name, softer than Griffin and friendlier to spell than Gruffudd - that hasn't had as much love as it deserves elsewhere. Namesakes range from medieval kings to the philanthropist Griffith J. Griffith, who left land to the city of Los Angeles. It's great in full, but Griff is cool too.
  9. Gareth
    • Origin:

      Welsh
    • Meaning:

      "gentle"
    • Description:

      Gareth, the name of a modest and brave knight in King Arthur's court, makes a sensitive, gently appealing choice, used more in its native Wales than anywhere else.
  10. Gaylord
    • Origin:

      French
    • Meaning:

      "brisk, high-spirited"
    • Description:

      Best left on the old southern plantation, sipping his mint julep.
  11. Gianni
    • Origin:

      Italian, diminutive of Giovanni, variation of John
    • Meaning:

      "God is gracious"
    • Description:

      Gianni, the Italian equivalent of Johnny, sounds more substantial and fresh. Like many names starting with "Gian", it is on a rising trend (for both boys and girls, though it leans more male). TV star Jill Hennessey's son is named Gianni Mastropietro.
  12. Gwilym
    • Origin:

      Welsh variation of William
    • Meaning:

      "resolute protection"
    • Description:

      The Welsh version of William is almost unheard-of across, but it's fairly straightforward and could make a good heritage choice or alternative honor name.
  13. Gustavo
    • Origin:

      Latinate variation of Gustav
    • Description:

      Well used in the Latino and Italian-American communities.
  14. Gulliver
    • Origin:

      Irish
    • Meaning:

      "glutton"
    • Description:

      Gulliver is an obscure Gaelic surname known almost solely through its literary Travels until actor Gary Oldman used it for his son, instantly transforming it into a lively option. British actors Damian Lewis, of Homeland, and Helen McCrory also have a son named Gulliver.
  15. German
    • Origin:

      Spanish and Russian variation of Herman, German
    • Meaning:

      "warrior"
    • Description:

      German might seem like an unlikely occupant of the Top 1000 list, unless you realize that it's a Spanish name, with the accent on the second syllable. It's been on the U.S. list since 1973.
  16. Gentry
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "aristocracy"
    • Description:

      A distinctive surname that, despite its meaning, has a cowboy swagger, a la Autry.
  17. Gannon
    • Origin:

      Irish
    • Meaning:

      "fair-skinned, fair-haired"
    • Description:

      The name of a historic Irish leader, Gannon has a solid, yet spirited feel. It was one of the fastest-rising names of 2014, but that trend didn't continue. One pop culture influence was the name of Teen Mom 3 son Gannon Dewayne McKee.
  18. Geoffrey
    • Origin:

      Anglo-Saxon from French
    • Meaning:

      "pledge of peace"
    • Description:

      In the US, this spelling is less common than mid-century favorite Jeffrey, and it has faded from popularity faster. This more British spelling is the usual form for historical figures like Geoffrey Chaucer and the Welsh historian Geoffrey of Monmouth, and as such it may feel more rooted and enduring.
  19. Gadiel
    • Origin:

      Hebrew, Arabic
    • Meaning:

      "God is my fortune"
    • Description:

      A lesser-known archangel, but the name is probably best known today on comedian Gadiel Del Orte. Thanks to him, and the trend for biblical-sounding names, Gadiel has been rising in recent years.
  20. Gary
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "spearman"
    • Description:

      When Gary cracked the Top 10 in 1950, it was one of the first nonclassic boys’ names to do so, largely due to Gary (born Frank) Cooper, who was renamed after Gary, Indiana, his agent's hometown. Now, a 65 years later, Gary isn't particularly high in the charts, and has lost any glitter it had. May we suggest the fuller name Gareth?