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Whether you just brought a new puppy home or want to change your shelter rescue’s name to something with fewer negative memories, choosing from the many dog names is an opportunity to showcase their personality and some of your favorite television characters. 

Dogs’ quirks, habits and personalities give them an almost larger-than-life presence in your homes. That’s why choosing your dog’s name is one of the most personal decisions you’ll make as a dog parent. For inspiration, many people turn to popular and favorite TV shows. With rich characters, cinematic storytelling, and bold aesthetics, modern television offers a pool of potential dog names that are high in originality and low in the risk of aging poorly.

Names inspired by television are a delightful mix of classic and cool and have aged better than some of the more elaborate names you might still be calling across the yard a decade from now. Here are some dog names inspired by the small screen.

Dog Names Inspired by “Stranger Things”

Season 5 of “Stranger Things” is eagerly anticipated by fans of this unique and epic show set in the fictional town of Hawkins, Indiana. Upon release, Season 5 had 31.5 million views worldwide. It premiered in the fall of 2025, with the final episode dropping on New Year’s Eve. We won’t share any spoilers in case you haven’t watched it yet, but you’ll either love it or hate it. Fans of the show may enjoy naming their dog after a character or using a play on words to pay homage to the tale.

Dart

You may recall that Dustin finds Dart in his trash can during the first season of the show. At first, the little creature is pretty cute. It is a demogorgon, aka demodog. The creature’s full name was D’Artagnan, but Dustin fondly called him Dart. Sadly, Dart dies, but he can live on when your pup takes his name.

Eleven

English actress Millie Bobby Brown plays the main character in the show. She has unique abilities and is a government lab escapee. If you’re a fan, you could name your pooch Eleven. Another option is to go with her original name, Jane Ives, or her adopted name, Jane Hopper.

Hawkins

The town where the story is set is a fictional location in Indiana. You could name your dog Hawkins as a nod to the show. Another option is Indiana, or Indie for short. 

Little House on the Prairie

Are you looking for something a bit more retro? “Little House on the Prairie” is a fan favorite, with reruns still airing. The show ran for nine seasons, starring Michael J. Landon and Melissa Gilbert. Here are some iconic favorites you could choose from.

Laura or Mary

The Ingalls sisters are famous and made popular by the long-running television series. It is arguably one of TV’s greatest shows, set during a period when people were moving westward in the United States and living on the frontier. Located in the town of Walnut Grove, the creators loosely based the series on the books written by the real Laura Ingalls Wilder about growing up. 

Jack or Bandit

Jack is the family dog that traveled with the family. They later took in a stray named Bandit. 

Mr. or Mrs. Olsen

Mrs. Olsen was quite an interesting character in the series. She was mean but had a heart of gold at times, spoiled her daughter rotten, was greedy and selfish, but loved her husband and children fiercely. Mrs. Olsen would be a cute name for a girl dog. 

Star Trek

The original series aired between 1966 and 1969 with 79 episodes. It wasn’t as popular during its run as after, becoming a science fiction cult classic. The result was a highly successful science fiction franchise, featuring spin-off series, movies and reruns to this day. For fans, a dog named after a Star Trek character is the perfect addition.

James T. Kirk

For those who love the original series and movies best, naming their dog after the brave and smart captain of the Enterprise is an excellent choice. You could also call your dog “Captain.”

Tribble

Some may argue that the furry creatures the Enterprise crew encounters are dog-like. Naming your pooch “Tribble” is a subtle nod to the series and a cute name, too.

Uhura

The fictional character Lieutenant Nyota Uhura was fourth in command, a role not often seen in the 1960s. Nichelle Nichols played the ground-breaking part. Uhura was an expert in communications.

Bones

In the original series, the Chief Medical Officer was Admiral Leonard McCoy, played by DeForest Kelley. Other characters referred to him as “Bones” as a nod to his medical expertise.

Twilight Zone

Fans of Rod Serling and The Twilight Zone probably love twist endings and studies of human nature. Each week, viewers saw episodes that depicted the worst and best of human nature, mixed with a bit of the unusual. Dog names inspired by The Twilight Zone include.

Serling

What better way to show your love of the series than by naming your canine after the face of the franchise? Serling is similar to Sterling but unique enough that other fans will catch the reference. 

Wallace V. Whipple

In Season 5, Episode 33, a factory owner named Wallace V. Whipple automates his plant. Workers are displaced. But the end shows Wallace himself having his role overtaken by a robot. While the show concept and the name are from 1964, the idea resonates today with the rise of artificial intelligence in the 2020s. 

Talky Tina

You could call your dog Tina for short, naming it after the creepy doll in one of the series episodes. True fans will instantly know where the name came from. 

A Few Other Ideas

It’s impossible to list every show in a short article. The key is to find the show you love most and draw inspiration from an episode, key character, or location. 

For example, if you love “Scooby Doo,” you might name your dog Scoob, Shaggy, Velma, Fred or Daphne.

The Simpsons could inspire Homer, Marge, Lisa, Bart or Maggie. You could also name your dog one of the punny names Bart calls and asks for at the bar, like Al Coholic (alcoholic). Someone is calling for Al Coholic. Is there an Al Coholic here?”

Do you have a favorite game show? You could name your dog after the host. Vanna, Alec or Steve Harvey. Another idea is your favorite reality show, like Love Is Blind, Big Brother or The Bachelor. 

Consider shows with numerous characters, such as Friends, Seinfeld, M.A.S.H., Game of Thrones, The Sopranos, or Breaking Bad.

How Do You Know If It’s the Perfect Name?

Before you pick a name for your pup, consider its meaning and practicality, since the best dog names include both.

• Pick a name that people can pronounce easily.
• Avoid names that resemble commands or family member names.
• Test the name out for a few days.
• Match the energy of the name to the dog.

If you’re into vintage naming vibes besides TV shows, check out Revivalist’s old-fashioned girl names and old-fashioned boy names, which lend themselves to classic favorites that have stood the test of time.

Naming Your Dog is the First Episode in a Long-Running Story

Using a dog name inspired by a favorite TV show offers the benefit of a pop culture reference, combined with a history of meaningful narratives, as you begin this new chapter. Whether based on a beloved ’80s series or a binge-worthy show today, you’ll use your dog’s name many times a day. As your pup settles into who they are and their name becomes your tie to the rhythm of their day-to-day, you’ll find the right name is more than just a gimmick. It’s about connection, and memory and building a life together, one episode at a time.