Male Names for Labrador Retriever

Bear is a name that suggests a strong, sturdy, and protective presence, fitting for the robust build of a Labrador Retriever. It also carries a connotation of gentle strength, which aligns with the breed's kind and patient temperament. This name connects to the rugged, natural environment of Newfoundland, where the Labrador's ancestor, the St. John's water dog, thrived. The breed's dense double coat also gives it a somewhat bear-like, resilient appearance.

From the Old English 'bera,' a word for the large, heavy mammal. It is often used as a term of endearment for a large, cuddly, or protective person or animal.

Hudson evokes a sense of exploration and a connection to the waterways of North America, tying into the Labrador's origins in Newfoundland. The name suggests strength and endurance, qualities essential for the St. John's water dog working in the harsh North Atlantic. It reflects a spirit of adventure and reliability, mirroring the breed's versatile nature as both a rugged working dog and a dependable family companion, always ready for a task thanks to its high intelligence.

An English surname meaning 'son of Hudde,' a medieval personal name. It is famously associated with the Hudson River and Hudson Bay, named after the explorer Henry Hudson.

The name Finn, with its Irish origins meaning 'fair' or 'white,' can be a nod to the characteristic white 'tuxedo' markings often found on the ancestral St. John's water dog. It also evokes a sense of adventure and mythology, fitting for a breed with a rich and storied history. Furthermore, 'fin' is a key component of aquatic life, subtly referencing the Labrador's exceptional swimming ability and its purpose-built features like webbed feet and a rudder-like tail.

An anglicized form of the Irish name Fionn, meaning 'fair,' 'white,' or 'blessed.' Fionn mac Cumhaill was a legendary hero in Irish mythology.

This name honors the Dukes of Buccleuch, Scottish nobles who were instrumental in the development and preservation of the Labrador Retriever breed in the 19th century. Alongside the Earls of Malmesbury, they established the foundational kennels from which all modern Labradors descend. The name signifies a direct link to the breed's aristocratic heritage and its transition from the St. John's water dog to a refined gundog.

A Scottish place name and ducal title, likely derived from a location in the Scottish Borders. The Buccleuch kennels were pivotal in the Labrador's history.

A tribute to one of the most decorated service dogs in history, a British Labrador named Endal. He was renowned for his incredible intelligence and ability to perform complex tasks for his disabled owner, from using an ATM card to putting his owner in the recovery position. This name embodies the pinnacle of the breed's trainability, devotion, and capacity for selfless service, showcasing the modern evolution of the Labrador's purpose.

The name of a real service dog in the UK, who became a symbol of canine assistance and heroism. His name is unique and directly tied to the breed's modern cultural significance.

This name honors Zanjeer, a heroic detection dog with the Mumbai Police in India. During the 1993 serial bombings, he saved thousands of lives by detecting vast quantities of explosives and weaponry. 'Zanjeer' represents the Labrador's exceptional sense of smell and its critical role in law enforcement and public safety. It is a testament to the breed's courage, work ethic, and unwavering focus under pressure, traits honed from its gundog ancestry.

A Hindi word meaning 'chain' or 'shackles.' It was the name given to the famous detection dog of the Mumbai Police, symbolizing his role in restraining terror.

Skipper, the master of a fishing boat, is a name that directly connects the Labrador to its origins as the St. John's water dog, the indispensable partner of Newfoundland fishermen. It evokes a sense of leadership, reliability, and expertise on the water. This name honors the breed's heritage of working cooperatively with humans in the harsh maritime environment, retrieving nets and fish with its famously 'soft mouth.'

From the Middle Dutch 'schipper,' meaning 'shipper' or 'master of a ship.' The term was adopted into English to denote the captain of a vessel.

This name refers to Buccleuch Avon, one of the foundational sires of the modern Labrador Retriever breed. Gifted by the 3rd Earl of Malmesbury to the 6th Duke of Buccleuch in the 1880s, Avon's genetics were crucial in establishing the breed as we know it today. The name represents the pivotal collaboration between two aristocratic kennels that saved the breed and solidified its key traits, such as its eager-to-please temperament.

A Celtic word meaning 'river.' It is a common river name in Great Britain and was part of the registered name of a foundational Labrador sire, Buccleuch Avon.

A 'jigger' was a type of weighted, unbaited hook used by Newfoundland fishermen to catch cod. The ancestral St. John's water dogs were known to retrieve fish that slipped off these hooks. This name is a direct and authentic link to the specific daily tasks the breed's forebears performed. It embodies the dog's functional role in the fishery and its innate retrieving drive, which was later refined for gundog work.

A nautical term for a specific type of fishing lure used in the Newfoundland cod fishery. The term also refers to a small sail or a pulley system on a ship.

A tribute to Sully, the devoted service dog to former U.S. President George H.W. Bush. Sully's loyalty and skill brought global attention to the vital role of assistance dogs. This name represents the Labrador's modern identity as a symbol of selfless duty and unwavering companionship. It highlights the breed's high intelligence and stable temperament, which are essential for the complex tasks required of a top-tier service animal.

An Irish surname, an anglicized form of Ó Súileabháin, meaning 'descendant of the hawk-eyed one.' It became famous as the name of President George H.W. Bush's service dog.

A 'Bosun' (or Boatswain) is a ship's officer in charge of equipment and crew, a position of great responsibility and reliability. This name perfectly captures the dependable, hardworking nature of the St. John's water dog, which served as a vital crew member on Newfoundland fishing vessels. It signifies strength, competence, and a deep connection to maritime life, reflecting the breed's history of hauling nets and ropes.

A phonetic spelling of 'boatswain,' from Late Old English 'batswegen,' meaning 'boat's swain' or 'servant.' A key position among a ship's petty officers.

This name pays homage to Colonel Peter Hawker, a celebrated British sportsman who, in 1814, provided one of the earliest written accounts of the St. John's water dog being used as a retriever in England. 'Hawker' represents the historical moment when the breed's skills were first recognized by the sporting elite, beginning its transition to a gundog. It signifies the breed's innate retrieving drive and its historical importance in field sports.

An English occupational surname for one who trained and flew hawks. It is also the surname of Colonel Peter Hawker, an influential 19th-century sportsman and author.

A tribute to Jake, the heroic American black Labrador who served as a search-and-rescue dog at Ground Zero after the September 11 attacks and later during Hurricane Katrina. This name embodies courage, resilience, and an unwavering work ethic in the face of adversity. It represents the Labrador's vital role in disaster response, showcasing the breed's stable temperament and its ability to remain focused and effective in the most challenging environments.

A diminutive form of the Hebrew name Jacob, meaning 'supplanter.' It has become a popular standalone name, known for its friendly and unpretentious feel.

In modern comics and adaptations, Superman's dog, Krypto, is often portrayed as a white or yellow Labrador. This name connects the breed to a beloved icon of heroism, strength, and unwavering loyalty. It represents the Labrador in its idealized form: a super-companion, incredibly intelligent, and devoted to its family. It's a modern cultural reference that aligns perfectly with the breed's real-life heroic roles as service and rescue dogs.

Derived from 'Krypton,' the fictional home planet of Superman. The name implies an origin of great power and special abilities.

A direct reference to 'Marley & Me,' the famous book and movie about 'the world's worst dog,' a lovable but chaotic yellow Labrador. This name has become synonymous with the breed's youthful exuberance, boundless energy, and talent for well-intentioned destruction. It humorously acknowledges that while Labradors are highly intelligent and trainable, their puppy and adolescent years can be a whirlwind of chewed furniture and happy chaos.

An English surname derived from a place name meaning 'pleasant wood.' It gained massive popularity as a dog's name from John Grogan's book 'Marley & Me.'

Short for 'bulldozer,' this name humorously captures the Labrador's tendency, especially when young, to be a clumsy and powerful force of nature. It reflects their boisterous enthusiasm and their habit of plowing through obstacles (and people) with a happy wag of their 'otter tail.' The name also suggests a strong work ethic, a nod to the breed's history as a tireless working dog, albeit in a more comical, less graceful context.

A shortened form of 'bulldozer,' a powerful tractor with a large blade. The term is often used humorously for a person or animal that is clumsy and forceful.

While famously associated with a Dogue de Bordeaux from the movie 'Turner & Hooch,' the name has come to represent any large, drooly, and lovable dog that causes chaos. This fits the messier side of the Labrador personality perfectly—the water bowl splashes, the muddy paws, and the general happy mess that follows them. It's a humorous nod to the less-than-glamorous realities of living with a large, water-loving dog with a famously patient temperament.

A slang term for alcoholic liquor, derived from the 'Hoochinoo' tribe in Alaska who made it. It became famous as the name of the canine partner in the film 'Turner & Hooch.'

This name humorously describes the Labrador's solid, powerful build and its sometimes unstoppable momentum when excited. It playfully captures the image of a sturdy, barrel-chested Lab charging after a ball with single-minded determination. While suggesting immense strength, the name is usually applied with affection to the breed's gentle and friendly nature, creating a funny contrast between its powerful physique and its sweet temperament.

The name for an armored fighting vehicle. It is often used as a nickname for a person or animal that is large, strong, and solidly built.

In Newfoundland dialect, a 'gaffer' can mean an old man or a foreman, but it's also used as a friendly, rustic term for any fellow. The name has a charming, slightly old-fashioned, and comical feel. It evokes the image of a wise but slightly bumbling old fisherman, a fitting and humorous persona for a breed with deep roots in the Newfoundland fishery. It also connects to the breed's sociable and easy-going nature.

A colloquial term for an old man, possibly a contraction of 'godfather.' In Newfoundland, it is a familiar term for a man, similar to 'fellow' or 'chap.'

This name perfectly encapsulates the quintessential Labrador temperament: a friendly, loyal, and sociable companion. It reflects the breed's reputation as an ideal family dog, one that is patient with children and eager to be part of every activity. The name was also famously used by U.S. President Bill Clinton for his Labrador, cementing its association with the breed. It speaks to the dog's biddable nature and its deep desire for human companionship.

An American colloquialism from the 19th century, likely an alteration of 'brother,' used to mean a close friend or companion.

In Newfoundland dialect, 'laddio' is an affectionate term for a boy or a fellow. This name is a charming and authentic nod to the breed's place of origin, capturing the friendly and informal culture of the region. It reflects the companionable role of the St. John's water dog, who was a trusted 'laddio' to the fishermen he worked alongside. The name has a warm, friendly, and slightly rustic feel, fitting for the breed's unpretentious nature.

A Newfoundland dialect term, likely a diminutive or affectionate variation of 'lad,' a common term for a boy or young man.

This name holds great historical weight for the Labrador breed. 'Buccleuch Ned' was one of the foundational sires, gifted by the Earl of Malmesbury to the Duke of Buccleuch in the 1880s. This single dog is an ancestor of all modern Labradors. The name 'Ned' represents the very genesis of the breed as we know it, a direct link to the aristocratic breeding programs that saved the St. John's water dog's lineage and refined its temperament.

A diminutive of names like Edward, Edwin, or Edmund. In the context of Labradors, it is most famously associated with the foundational sire, Buccleuch Ned.

Flint is a type of hard, dark stone, suggesting strength, resilience, and a rugged, earthy quality. This name connects the Labrador to the rocky, unforgiving coastline of Newfoundland where its ancestors thrived. It evokes a sense of durability and steadfastness, mirroring the breed's robust build and its reliable, hardworking nature. The dark color of flint also nods to the original black coat of the St. John's water dog.

From the Old English word 'flint,' referring to the hard, sedimentary rock. The name suggests something tough and capable of creating a spark.

This name honors a specific dog named 'Turk,' a St. John's water dog imported from Newfoundland in 1871 by Major Radclyffe, the same breeder associated with the first yellow Lab. Turk was a significant sire whose lineage contributed to the development of the breed in England. The name represents the direct importation of foundational stock and the crucial role these individual dogs played in shaping the Labrador's gene pool and its biddable temperament.

The term for a person from Turkey. It has been used as a given name and was the registered name of an influential, imported St. John's water dog.

This name is a direct tribute to 'Ben of Hyde,' the very first yellow Labrador to be registered in 1899. The name 'Ben' is therefore synonymous with the introduction of one of the breed's most iconic colors. It represents a significant moment in the diversification of the breed from its solid black St. John's water dog ancestors. It honors the history and the breeders who recognized and preserved this new color variation, which showcased the same gentle temperament.

A diminutive of the Hebrew name Benjamin, meaning 'son of the right hand.' It is famously the first part of the name of the first registered yellow Labrador.

This name has a dual modern resonance for Labradors. It can be a nod to 'Lord Chesterfield,' Jennifer Aniston's famously named Labrador, giving it a touch of celebrity glamour. It is also a classic, aristocratic English name, which connects to the breed's history of being refined by the British nobility. The name suggests a comfortable, dignified, yet friendly presence, much like the piece of furniture it shares a name with, and the breed's patient temperament.

An English place name and earldom, meaning 'open land by a Roman fort.' It is also the name for a type of large, comfortable sofa.

Codfisher evokes the primary industry of Newfoundland where the Labrador's ancestors assisted in catching and retrieving codfish. This name captures the breed's original purpose of diving into icy waters to fetch escaped fish, using their 'soft mouth' and strong swimming abilities. It reflects the economic and cultural context that developed the dog's hardy double coat and webbed feet for survival in the North Atlantic fishery.

A compound word combining 'cod,' a type of fish from Old English 'codd,' and 'fisher,' from Old English 'fiscere,' meaning one who catches fish. It describes the Newfoundland cod trade profession.

Max, short for maximum, suggests the utmost in qualities like loyalty and energy, fitting the Labrador's reputation as the ultimate family dog. This classic name aligns with the breed's all-around excellence, from its Newfoundland fishing origins to its role as a top gundog. It reflects the dog's maximal enthusiasm for life, supported by its high trainability and sociable nature that maximizes bonds with humans.

Short form of Maximilian, from Latin 'maximus,' meaning 'greatest.' Popular as a standalone name for its strong, simple appeal.

Charlie, meaning 'free man,' evokes the Labrador's free-spirited yet loyal nature. This classic name mirrors the breed's journey from free-roaming fishing aide in Newfoundland to disciplined gundog in England. It captures the dog's independent streak balanced with its biddable temperament, making it a free-thinking partner in adventures while remaining devoted.

Diminutive of Charles, from Germanic 'karl,' meaning 'free man.' A longstanding favorite for its warm, familiar sound.

Duke evokes nobility, tying into the Labrador's refinement by English dukes like Buccleuch. This classic name honors the breed's aristocratic patronage that preserved its traits like the soft mouth. It suggests leadership and dignity, mirroring the dog's confident yet gentle nature developed from working stock to elite gundog.

From Latin 'dux,' meaning 'leader.' A title of nobility, used as a name since the 19th century.

Jack, meaning 'God is gracious,' is a classic everyman name fitting the Labrador's approachable character. It echoes the breed's humble origins as a fisherman's helper in St. John's, evolving to gracious retriever. The name reflects the dog's gracious temperament—forgiving, eager, and gracious in work or play.

Diminutive of John, from Hebrew 'Yochanan,' meaning 'God is gracious.' Common since medieval England.

Sam, short for Samuel meaning 'heard by God,' suggests attentiveness, fitting the Labrador's responsive training ability. This classic name mirrors the breed's role as a listening partner in fishing and hunting. It captures the dog's keen hearing and eagerness to please, traits refined from St. John's water dog to modern service roles.

Diminutive of Samuel, from Hebrew 'Shemu'el,' meaning 'heard by God.' A staple name for its approachable sound.

Quantum refers to discrete energy units in physics, suggesting the Labrador's bursts of high energy and precise actions. This scientific name aligns with the breed's quantum leap from Newfoundland worker to global service star. It highlights the dog's molecular-level scent detection abilities, a trait making it invaluable in modern forensics and rescue.

From Latin 'quantus,' meaning 'how much.' In physics, it denotes the smallest discrete unit, popularized in quantum mechanics.

Nexus means a connection point, symbolizing the Labrador's role as a link between humans and tasks. This modern term reflects the breed's nexus in history—from Newfoundland to England—and in modern networks like service dog programs. It captures the dog's connecting abilities through its social temperament and versatile skills.

From Latin 'nexum,' meaning 'binding together.' Used in technology for central connections or device lines.

This name evokes the Labrador's profound connection to water, a defining characteristic since its days as the St. John's water dog. It reflects the breed's historical function of retrieving from the frigid waters of Newfoundland. A river is a powerful, steady force of nature, mirroring the Labrador's dependable temperament and strong swimming ability, which is greatly enhanced by its signature webbed feet and powerful 'otter tail' that acts as a rudder.

From the Latin 'riparius,' meaning 'of a riverbank.' The word entered English via Old French 'riviere,' signifying a flowing body of water.

This name directly references the port of Poole in Dorset, England, which was a crucial location in the Labrador's history. It was here that the St. John's water dogs were first imported from Newfoundland, catching the eye of British aristocrats like the Earl of Malmesbury. 'Poole' honors the breed's transition from a fisherman's helper to a refined gundog, a pivotal moment that ensured its survival and shaped its modern form, including the prized 'soft mouth' trait.

An Old English place name, 'pol,' referring to a pool or inlet. It became the name of the historic port town in Dorset, England, central to the Newfoundland cod trade.

Dorset is a direct tribute to the English county where the port of Poole is located, the gateway through which the St. John's water dog entered Britain. This name honors the crucial role of the British aristocracy, particularly the Earls of Malmesbury who resided there, in recognizing the breed's potential and beginning the selective breeding that created the modern Labrador. It signifies the breed's English refinement and its transformation into a prized gundog with a famously gentle 'soft mouth.'

An Old English place name, 'Dornwaraceaster,' meaning 'Roman town of the Dorns' (a local tribe). It refers to the county in southwest England.

A 'sleeveen' is a Newfoundland dialect term for a mischievous or sly person, a charming rascal. This name perfectly captures the playful, sometimes roguish, personality of a young Labrador, known for its cleverness and occasional bouts of mischief. It reflects the breed's high intelligence, which they can use for both obedience and for cleverly figuring out how to get an extra treat. It's a nod to the breed's endearing, fun-loving character.

From the Irish 'slíbhín,' meaning a sly, tricky, or deceitful person. The term was adopted into Newfoundland English to describe a charmingly mischievous individual.

A 'quintal' was the traditional unit of measure for dried and salted cod in the Newfoundland fishery, equivalent to 112 pounds. This name represents the tangible result of the hard labor performed by both the fishermen and their St. John's water dogs. It symbolizes productivity, value, and the entire purpose of the enterprise in which the breed's ancestors played a vital role. It also hints at the sturdy, substantial build of the Labrador.

From the Arabic 'qinṭār,' which entered European languages via Latin. It refers to a historical unit of weight, standardized in the Newfoundland cod trade.

A 'scupper' is a drain on a ship's deck that allows water to run off, preventing the deck from flooding. This name is a brilliant metaphor for the Labrador's water-repellent double coat, which is designed to shed water instantly. It speaks to the breed's anatomical specialization for aquatic work, a key trait inherited from the St. John's water dog. The name embodies the idea of being perfectly designed for a life on and in the water.

Origin uncertain, possibly from Old French 'escopir,' meaning 'to spit out.' A nautical term for a deck drain, in use since the 15th century.

A 'fathom' is a nautical unit of measurement for water depth, equal to six feet. This name speaks to the Labrador's profound connection to the deep, and its history of diving into the cold Atlantic to retrieve fish for its masters. It suggests depth of character, intelligence, and a natural comfort in the aquatic world. The name embodies the breed's specialized skills, honed by generations of work as the St. John's water dog.

From the Old English 'fæthm,' meaning 'outstretched arms,' which was the basis for the six-foot measurement. It is a standard unit in maritime depth sounding.

In Newfoundland dialect, 'puddock' means stomach. This is a humorous nod to the Labrador's famously hearty appetite and food-motivated nature, a trait that makes them highly trainable but also prone to counter-surfing. The name playfully points to the breed's tendency to think with its stomach, a charming and often comical aspect of its personality. It's an authentic cultural term that captures a key behavioral trait.

A dialect word, likely of English origin, used in Newfoundland to refer to the stomach or belly. Its sound is inherently comical.

While it might sound insulting, 'slob' is a Newfoundland term for loose sea ice. This name is a clever, multi-layered joke. It humorously points to the breed's sometimes messy habits (drooling after a drink, loving mud), while also being an authentic nod to the icy waters where its ancestors, the St. John's water dogs, worked. It connects the dog's love of water and its hardy, cold-resistant double coat to a funny-sounding, culturally specific term.

A Newfoundland dialect term for slushy, broken sea ice. The word's origin is likely related to Irish or English dialect words for mud or slime.

This name humorously refers to the waterproof boots worn by fishermen and duck hunters, directly linking the dog to its two primary historical roles. It playfully suggests the dog itself is the essential equipment for any water-based activity. The name highlights the Labrador's innate love for water and its purpose-built anatomy, including its water-repellent double coat and webbed feet, which make it a natural 'wader.'

An English word for one who wades through water. It also refers to the high waterproof boots used for this purpose, known as 'waders.'