Gray Dog Names

South America provides a continent of interesting, undiscovered names -- Bolivia, Peru, Brazil, and the tango-rhythmed Argentina.

A shimmery ancient Roman name that could still shine today. VARIATION: ARGENTA

Gandolf and variant Gandulf are legitimate names used in medieval Europe, including by several bishops and dukes. From it comes the name of Castel Gandolfo, the pope's summer residence. However, to most people this will feel like a misspelling of the wizard Gandalf.

Derived from an Old Norse name meaning "thunder wolf", but long associated with the Swedish/Danish/Norwegian word tolv "twelve" and therefore given to the twelfth child of the family.

This Greek name may have several meanings. Referenced in the bible, Hermas was the name of one of the 70 Disciples. The Shepherd of Hermas was an early Christian literary work from the 2nd century.

A rare French name derived from Latin lupus "wolf". It is most often found in the compound name Jean-Loup, as in Jean-Loup Chrétien, an astronaut and the first Frenchman in space.

Pinja fell off the Finnish popularity charts in 2013.

Sweet and southern-feeling, maybe thanks to Horton Foote, author of Tender Mercies and The Trip to Bountiful, not to mention the Dr. Seuss connection.

An androgynous alternative to Hazel, an American favorite that continues to rise.

You've got the red-nosed reindeer to transcend, but there are other distinguished personages named Rudolph, Rudolf, and Rudy.

Affable and creative and perfectly able to stand alone; nothing Scroogish about it.

Diminutive form of Tholf

Bardou is a bright-as-a-button name that despite its zippy, modern feel is actually as old as the earth.

A surname and first name in Wales, similar to (but less familiar than) Lloyd.

Bardou is a holiday destination in France, known for its pictureque village nestled in mountains. It is also a region of Guinea. As a name, it is more commonly known from its English derivation, meaning axe-wielding wolf.

Fiḍḍa al-Nūbīyya was a significant Islamic figure best known for being the maid of Fatima al-Zahra — the Prophet Muhammad's daughter. Fiḍḍa famously spoke in Quranic verses for over 20 years.

This spelling variation of Peta, chosen by Ani DiFranco for her daughter, might be a little difficult to pull off. Alternative suggestions: Petra and Petal.

This Muslim name first appeared on the American charts in 2001, but is a common choice in countries with large Islamic populations.