Labrador Retriever Dog Names: 250+ Names For Male & Female Labs

Finding the perfect Labrador Retriever dog name can be tough. If you are lacking inspiration for the perfect dog name for your new family friend, fear not, as this list of 200+ should give you plenty of ideas to name your new Labrador puppy. Naming your Lab can be tricky. You are already spending time finding the perfect dog food for your Labrador, as well as the perfect Lab harnesses and the perfect toys. Finding the perfect name can be time-consuming.

Known as an excellent family dog, Labrador Retrievers are an incredible addition to almost any household. Because of their great looks and friendly traits, there are many different avenues you might consider taking when naming your Labrador. Naming based on color is also another popular route. Black, Yellow, Red, and Chocolate Labradors all have distinctive looks and traits. Naming after their personality or after your own ethnic heritage might also appeal to you.

To help you with the challenge of naming your pup, we have put together a list of the best labrador dog names. This includes some of the most popular choices for this famously family-friendly breed. Whether you want a gender-specific name or one with a deep meaning, there’s one to pick on this list. Let’s jump in!

Popular Labrador Dog Names

A male Labrador Retriever tends to be larger than their female counterparts, although the personality is mostly the same. Male Labs are affectionate, loyal, and loving like all Labradors, but they usually are a little calmer and less demanding than the ladies of the breed. Males tend to be motivated by food easier than females. As long as they are neutered, they should not be too pushy or dominant either.

Lady Labrador Retrievers are often desired for being a bit smaller in size than the males. While personality differs a lot based on breeding and treatment as a puppy, females will probably want more attention than males. Females, even when spayed, will most likely be a bit more territorial than males as well.

But, if you have multiple dogs, you may notice that the females mature faster too. So, as you meet your new Labrador, take note of what traits stick out. Perhaps your female Lab puppy has a few bold traits! Let’s see if any of the names below can provide you with enough inspiration for your new boy or girl Labrador Retriever puppy!

Chocolate Labrador Names

Looking for the perfect name for your Chocolate Labrador? Naming your Chocolate Lab after their beautiful brown coat is a popular way to name your pup! These male and female Chocolate Labrador names inspired by the color brown will help ensure you have a descriptive name for your pup that matches their coat to their personality.

Black Labrador Names

Black Labradors are known to be a little more independent than their yellow or chocolate cousins. Why not match that independent personality with their jet-black coats? Check out the male and female Black Labrador Retriever names below for a little inspiration on naming your new dark-coated friend.

Yellow Labrador Names

Yellow Labradors are some of the most common when it comes to their color. We’d say they are the most happy-go-lucky color of the group. Many dog breeders will say that color does not matter when it comes to personality. That does not mean there is not a perfect name for your Yellow Labrador male or female dog that meshes their bubbly personality with the color of their coat. Get some inspiration for your yellow-coated pup with the names below.

Red Labrador Names

Red Labradors have a uniquely red coat color that’s somewhat controversial. Red Labs are a color variation of the Yellow Lab, so we will stick to happy and exciting names for red-coated pups! There are plenty of different names you can use for both boy and girl Labradors that will synch their lovely Red personalities with their Red coats.

Other Male & Female Lab Names

Now that we’ve covered the popular male and female Labrador names, along with colors, it’s time to look at all other types of names for your new Labrador Retriever puppy. These names span across human names, film-inspired dog names as well as other physical traits, like a pup’s size. If you have a larger Lab, we recommend considering a dog name for bigger dogs. We also include some less common names you may not hear every time you are at the dog park.

Labrador Retriever Dog Name Trends

If you’re hoping to pick a classic retriever name, then take a look at some of the most popular Labrador Retriever names. For females, names like Sadie, Molly, Bella, Bailey, Luna, Coco, Poppy, Willow, and Cassie are incredibly popular, easy to say, and quite fitting for a spunky new dog. For males, names like Ace, Cooper, Charlie, Max, Buddy, Buster, Milo, and Bear are top choices this year.

In addition, most people like to keep dog names to one or two syllables, as you might find yourself saying this name quite a bit. While one syllable is short and quick, two syllables allow you to draw out the second one when you are calling them in from the yard. Of course, you can always pick a longer name and have a few shorter nicknames ready to go. Keep in mind that dogs will hear and respond better to one and two-syllable names than they will to longer names.

Sometimes a naming trend will come from what is going on in pop culture and entertainment. Trends can also start based on certain canine breeds and colors. For example, if White Labrador Retrievers are popular at a specific time, there may be a lot of White Labrador Retriever names like Snowball, Frosty, Snoopy, Pearl, and Casper, just as a few examples.

More Dog Names

You can pick a name for your dog based on breed, something you like, a special place, or anything that inspires you. Try out some of these other dog name guides we have that can also make good names for a Labrador Retriever:

1. Funny Dog Names
2. Harry Potter Dog Names
3. Unique Dog Names
4. Hipster Girl Dog Names
5. Big Dog Names
6. Wolf Dog Names

Labrador Retriever Naming Tips

You will be calling this name for the foreseeable future, so it is vital that both you and your dog like the name you pick. With that, here are some tips to help you choose:

Tip 1: Name For Color: Chocolate, Yellow, Black, and Red Labs

Chocolate, Black, and Golden Labs are stunning for their shiny coat and overwhelmingly bold colors. Choosing a name to match your dog’s coat is sure to make it easy to remember, even for the little ones.

Tip 2: Use Your Dog’s Story

Did you adopt the dog from an animal shelter? Is this sweet baby going to be the first pup your family has ever had? Is this a therapy dog or a companion for kids and pets? Whatever the case, choose a name that shows off everything this new fur baby means to you and what you mean to your new dog. Labrador dog name meanings often have personal connections to their owners and share who a pup is.

Tip 3: Test Your Dog Names

When you have your new puppy in the yard, feel free to start calling him a few different names. Eventually, one may sound extra smooth rolling off your tongue, or your pup may perk up and respond to another. Take a few days to make sure it fits before making it official.

Tip 4: Avoid Using a Friend’s Name

This may sound odd, but double-check your list of friends before naming your dog. It can be confusing if your friend Abby comes over and you have to tell your dog, also named Abby, to sit or lay down! Avoid this awkward situation by choosing a name that is usually reserved for dogs, like Spot or Buddy. This also goes for family members and other pet’s names. Avoid anything that will be confusing or sound like a name already in use in your home.

Tip 5: Use an Award-Winning Labrador Name

Labrador Retrievers are stunning dogs, many of whom have won titles from a variety of dog shows. While naming your pup after an award-winning dog may not magically potty-train them, it might just rub off a few delightful qualities if you are lucky.

Final Thoughts

If you have settled on a few favorites, it’s time to try them out. Feel free to spend a few hours or days experimenting with names and nicknames or waiting to take a family vote at the end of the first week. The most important thing when choosing a name for your Labrador Retriever is that you like it and your dog responds. After that, it’s on to training and snuggles!