Dog Names That Start With H

  1. Hamilton
    • Origin:

      English and Scottish
    • Meaning:

      "treeless hill"
    • Description:

      Unless it runs in your family, or Alexander Hamilton is your particular hero, you might consider something less imposing -- and without the teasable nickname Ham.
  2. Havana
    • Origin:

      Taíno place-name
    • Description:

      Politics aside, the Cuban capital is one of the most rhythmic of place-names. The question is: can politics be put aside?
  3. Haisley
    • Origin:

      Modern invented name
    • Description:

      Combine two parts Paisley with one part Hazel and one part Harley, add a dash of Hayes, and voila: Haisley.
  4. Hercules
    • Origin:

      Greek
    • Meaning:

      "glory of Hera"
    • Description:

      Any boy with this name, a synonym for power via the Greek mythology figure, better be strong of body, and of psyche.
  5. Hoshi
    • Origin:

      Japanese
    • Meaning:

      "star"
    • Description:

      Short and catchy form of traditional Asian name.
  6. Hedwig
    • Origin:

      German
    • Meaning:

      "war"
    • Description:

      An ancient German saint's name – and most famously the name of Harry Potter's snowy owl – but the combination of "head" plus "wig" feels a little too literal in English.
  7. Hero
    • Origin:

      Greek
    • Meaning:

      "demi-god"
    • Description:

      Though the mythological Hero was female, this name might prove too big a responsibility for a little guy to shoulder.
  8. Hilary
    • Origin:

      Latin from Greek
    • Meaning:

      "cheerful, happy"
    • Description:

      Hilary (also spelled with two 'l's) is a hot potato of a name, so closely identified with Sen. Clinton that it's hard for most parents to see it as a baby name. A pity, really, as it's got so much going for it: the popular, rhythmic three-syllable structure, the fact that it's strong but light, proper but jaunty, with an irresistible meaning -- having the same root as hilarious.
  9. Hampton
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "home settlement"
    • Description:

      Names of classy places -- Aspen, Paris, and yes, Hampton -- are in favor with aspiring parents, though they don't always have the intended effect.
  10. Honoria
    • Origin:

      Latin
    • Meaning:

      "woman of honor"
    • Description:

      This is an eighteenth century elaboration of Honor found in Charles Dickens (Bleak House) but rarely heard here and now.
  11. Howell
    • Origin:

      English variation of Hywel, an eminent Welsh king
    • Description:

      A familiar and usable last name turned first. Or you could look at it as a homophone of the verb howl, which gives it a wilder feel.
  12. Heaven
    • Origin:

      Word name
    • Description:

      Among the children named Heaven are the daughters of TV personality Brooke Burke and rap singer Lil' Mo, who also has a daughter named God'iss Love. Some parents have taken to using Nevaeh instead—Heaven spelled backwards.
  13. Hanzo
    • Origin:

      Japanese
    • Description:

      Heard most frequently in 18th century Japan, Hanzo is a rarity in modern culture. Hattori Hanzo was a legendary samurai of the Sengoku Era. A modern day namesake might be Hanzo Shimada, from the video game Overwatch. Hanzo is one of many unique baby names from Asia and from the gaming world.
  14. Harbor
    • Origin:

      Word name
    • Description:

      We've seen Haven take off as a nouveau girls' name; Harbor could follow in its wake.
  15. Hades
    • Origin:

      Greek mythological name
    • Description:

      The name of the god of death and the underworld in Greek mythology is definitely a dark and daring choice. The Roman version Pluto is more associated with the used-to-be planet or Mickey Mouse's side-kick dog.
  16. Hara
    • Origin:

      Hindi; Greek
    • Meaning:

      "to seize; joy"
    • Description:

      In Hindi, Hara is one of the 1,008 names for the god Siva and, to English speakers, a possible feminine spin on Harry. In Greek the name is pronounced with emphasis on the last syllable, where it has the uplifting meaning "joy" (also seen as Chara).
  17. Howie
    • Haruka
      • Origin:

        Japanese
      • Meaning:

        "distant; spring flower"
      • Description:

        An extremely common Japanese name, especially among women.
    • Hydra
      • Origin:

        Greek
      • Meaning:

        "water serpent"
      • Description:

        Hydra is the largest of the 88 constellations, whose name was inspired by Hydra of Lerna, a serpentine, multi-headed monster of Greek mythology who resided in Lake Lerna.
    • Halsey
      • Origin:

        English
      • Meaning:

        "hallowed island"
      • Description:

        Name of World War II hero that sounds feminine today. Worth update of Holly, Hallie, or cousins.