Red Dog Names

Irish surnames are hot, and this one can successfully cross the line to work for girls, replacing the outdated Casey. And only a dozen girls were named Clancy in the US in one recent year (along with 27 boys), making it one of those rare Irish names that are both accessible and distinctive, classic and cool. Clancy is a winner for either gender.

Though as a formal name Rusty is a little, well, rusty, it spent half a century among the Top 1000, departing only in 1995. Only 45 baby boys received the name in the US in one recent year and it's difficult to imagine it as the winning choice of many modern parents. Whether you want an informal name or a spin on a traditional name or even a word name or a name that means red, there are simply too many better options.

Indian choice meaning fire in step with American styles.

Fiery but slight middle name choice; much more apt to be a redhead's nickname.

An attractive North Carolina unisex place name, Raleigh's soft sound is particularly appropriate for a girl.

Carnelian is an ochre-colored semi-precious gemstone, named after a type of cherry.

A strong, warm name and a strong warm color. Would make an excellent alternative to August or Aubrey.

With its rich aural relation to names like Aubrey and Audrey, this color name could be the next Amber, or Scarlett.

In the US, the multicultural surname Roe is primarily associated with the landmark Supreme Court case Roe vs. Wade, which granted the federal right to abortion, though elsewhere it might be associated with fish eggs or a small breed of reddish deer.

This Noongar girls’ name has a dainty sound that belies its fierce fire meaning and could easily cross over into the American or European context.

Flann variation that's most familiar as the name of writer Flannery O'Connor. It derives from the Irish surname Ó Flannghaile, meaning "descendant of Flannghal".

Omaira is an intriguing Middle Eastern possibility.

Rogan makes a great, roguish alternative for the more popular Logan, Ronan and Rowan. 

With its soft sounds, its unisex appeal, and its nature connection, Rowan has become a very popular name for both boys and girls, given to nearly four boys for every girl. The Rowen variation maintains the same gender split but is much less popular for both sexes, with nearly four times as many babies named Rowan as Rowen.

Peppy cheerleader name of the 1960s and 70s that's sure to evoke the Four Seasons song of that name.

A popular choice right now in Japan, where it recently ranked in the Top 10.

One of the jewel names in use a hundred years ago, due for revival along with sisters Ruby and Pearl.

With the fashions for tree names, place names, and nickname names, Derry is a three-way winner.

In the US, the multicultural surname Roe is primarily associated with the landmark Supreme Court case Roe vs. Wade, which granted the federal right to abortion, though elsewhere it might be associated with fish eggs or a small breed of reddish deer.

Sleek, unisex surname rarely heard for girls -- which could be seen as an asset.