Border Collie Dog Names: 250+ Popular Ideas For Males, Females, By Color, Size & More

Your new Border Collie is adorable, but are you struggling to find the perfect name? Finding a great name for your pup can be a challenge, especially if you don’t know their personality yet. If you’re stuck, this list of over 250 dog names should inspire you and help you find the perfect one for your new pal.

While this breed was originally a herding dog, and many still work as herders today, they’ve also become popular family pets. They are also highly intelligent and have keen eyes. They’re relatively easy to train and can develop an extensive repertoire of skills and tricks.

Because Border Collies are so intelligent, agile, and athletic, they need plenty of outlets for their energy. You’ll need to spend time with them each day, giving them exercise, chew toys, and ways to use their brains. This list of names can help you choose the perfect name for your bright and energetic dog.

Popular Border Collie Dog Names

When naming your dog, you’ll need a name that’s as bright and bouncy as your dog. Your dog is a hard worker and fiercely loyal to you and requires a name that fits those traits. They’ll also be friendly and affectionate with kids and adults alike.

Male Collies grow to a slightly larger size than females. Males tend to be more affectionate and retain much of their puppy-like behavior. The females can get reserved and moodier with age, so you may want to choose a statelier name if you have a girl.

Your male dog likely demands more attention and need more cuddle time, while a female should be okay spending some time on her own. Females are also territorial, so keep that in mind when naming.

This breed was originally bred between England and Scotland, so those regions are a great area to look for name inspiration.

Color-Based Border Collie Names

Black And White Names

Black and white is the most common color for Border Collies, and it’s usually the image people conjure when they think of this breed. Below are some of our favorite names for black and white dogs.

Red Names

Their coats can range from deep red to much lighter shades. Check out some of our favorite names for red Border Collies.

Blue Merle Names

Their gray and white mottled coats make the blue merle one of the rarest colors of this breed (or any really). So be sure to give your dog a name as special as they are.

Lilac Names

Lilac is another of the rarest colors. They’re red with a gene that dilutes their coloring, giving them a faded red or lilac color. The result is a gorgeous pup with a regal look. These names for your lilac dog are some great ideas to consider.

Brindle Names

You’ll often see brindle-colored dogs in many breeds, but it’s quite rare in Border Collies. These dogs have gorgeous brown coats with brindle markings. If you’re lucky enough to get a brindle dog, any of these names can be a great fit for your adorable pup.

Gold Names

You may hear gold Border Collies referred to as blonde. Their coat has a beautiful golden color along with white markings. Gold dogs are red but have a genetic mutation that lightens the color. Consider these names that’ll shine as brightly as your dog.

Sable Names

Sable Border Collies have a unique coat with a golden-brown body and black markings around their nose and ears. These dogs have a friendly, stately look and need a name that fits their personality and markings. Here are some of our favorite names for sables.

Slate Names

Slate Border Collies are a gray color that’s slightly too light to be considered blue. While this color isn’t as common or recognized by the AKC, they are unique, gorgeous, and deserving of a name that’s as special as they are. Try out some of these names for your slate dog.

White And Gold Names

White and gold Collies appear to be almost blonde in color. Their lighter color makes them look almost like a golden retriever’s smaller sibling. Check out some of our favorite names for white and gold dogs.

Tri-Color Names

Tri-color Border Collies are usually a mix of black, brown, gold, red, and white. If you have a tri-color, be sure to give them a name that’ll fit their spunky colors and personality.

Size-Based Dog Names

They’re compact, agile, and full of energy. These names are perfect for a pup who packs a lot of punch into a smaller package. Any of these names sound great as you’re calling them across the dog park.

Dog Name Trends

In the past, naming a dog wasn’t a big deal. There was a shortlist of names that most people choose from, and they didn’t give it much consideration. Many people put just as much thought into naming their pups as they do their children.

There are many popular trends in dog names. One trend is to give your dog a spunky-sounding old-fashioned name such as Charlie, Buddy, Spot, Rosie, Sadie, or Jasper. These types of names are so cute on a bouncy Border Collie puppy.

Another common trend is to name your dog after a beloved character, whether from books, television, or film. Some popular names include Loki (Marvel character), Mowgli (The Jungle Book), and Astro (The Jetsons).

And more recently, people tend to give their dogs more traditionally human names like Gary, Lary, Bill, William, Sally, or Catherine.

Naming Tips

Your dog is a member of your family, so you want to pick a great name. Follow these tips for choosing a name for your new dog.

Consider Your Pup’s Personality

What’s your dog’s temperament? Are they energetic and playful? A little more reserved? Try to choose a name that’ll fit your dog’s personality.

Keep It Short

Longer names can be beautiful, but shorter names are easier for your dog to recognize. You also need to consider that you’ll be saying the name many times throughout the day. Do you want to call a four- or a five-syllable name that often?

If you do go with something longer, be sure to pick something with a nickname.

Take Your Other Pets’ Names Into Account

If you have other pets, you don’t want to choose a name that’s too similar for your new dog. While it may be adorable to have two little doggos named Roo and Boo, things are going to get confusing when you’re trying to call one of them.

If you want your pets to have similar names, consider sticking with a theme instead of similar sounds. For example, you could give your dogs all color names or name them after the characters in your favorite book.

Don’t Choose Names That Sound Like Commands

You’ll probably have at least a few commands that you’d like your dog to learn (or quite a few, since you have an intelligent Border Collie). Try to avoid names that sound too much like commands. You’ll do nothing but confuse your poor pup, and it may make training more difficult.

Final Thoughts

You don’t have to choose a name immediately. Your dog is fine being called “good boy” or “good girl” for a couple of days while trying some of these names out. Go through our list and choose some of your favorites. Keep them in mind as you get to know your dog. Before you know it, the right name becomes evident, and you’ll have the perfect moniker for your new Border Collie.