Popular Names for Labrador Retriever

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.

Scout suggests a dependable, adventurous, and intelligent companion, perfectly aligning with the Labrador's character. This name reflects the breed's history as a versatile working dog, first for Newfoundland fishermen and later as a gundog for British aristocracy. It captures the essence of a dog that is always ready for a task, whether it's exploring a trail or using its keen intellect and 'soft mouth' to retrieve game.

From the Old French 'escouter,' meaning 'to listen.' The term evolved to describe one who is sent out ahead to gather information, implying vigilance and reliability.

The name Willow evokes grace, resilience, and a connection to water, as willow trees often grow near rivers and lakes. This beautifully mirrors the Labrador's natural affinity for water and its elegant yet powerful swimming style, aided by its webbed feet. The flexibility of the willow branch can also symbolize the breed's adaptable temperament, which makes it an excellent family companion and a versatile service animal.

Derived from the Old English 'welig,' referring to the willow tree, which is known for its slender, graceful branches and its affinity for moist environments.

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.

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.

Bailey, meaning 'steward' or 'bailiff,' suggests a trustworthy and responsible character, which is a hallmark of the Labrador Retriever. This name reflects the breed's dependable nature, whether in its historic role as a fisherman's partner or its modern capacity as a service animal. The friendly and approachable sound of 'Bailey' also captures the breed's sociable and gentle temperament, making it a fitting choice for a dog known for its intelligence and eagerness to please.

Derived from the Middle English term 'baili,' which originally referred to a steward or an official in charge of a manor. It has since become a popular given name.

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.

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.

A delta is a landform created at the mouth of a river, a place where land and water meet. This name perfectly symbolizes the Labrador's dual nature as a master of both terrestrial and aquatic environments. It speaks to the breed's origins as a water retriever, whose webbed feet and 'otter tail' make it an exceptional swimmer. 'Delta' also implies a convergence, reflecting the breed's genetic history as a mix of various European working dogs in Newfoundland.

The fourth letter of the Greek alphabet (Δ), which is shaped like a triangle. The term was applied by Herodotus to the triangular landform at the mouth of the Nile River.

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.