50 Fun Names for British and Irish Dog Breeds

The British Isles and Ireland once produced numerous dog breeds, most of which are still extremely popular family pets today. Terriers, spaniels, retrievers; many of these dogs were working or sporting dogs that were important assets of life in 19th-century Britain. Even if fox hunts and herding cattle won't be a part of your pup's daily routine, these breed facts and names are a fun source of inspiration as you prepare for your new pet.

Dog Breeds from Ireland and the British Isles

• Terriers: From the largest terrier (Airedale) to the smallest (Yorkshire), all terriers except for schnauzers were bred in the British Isles or Ireland.

• Sporting dogs: This group of dogs includes many hounds, spaniels, setters, and retrievers that were used to hunt game on land and in the water. The breeds that hail from the British Isles include golden retrievers, English cocker spaniels, springer spaniels, Irish setters, flat-coated retrievers, Gordon setters, and English setters.

• Working/herding dogs: These dogs helped control livestock, such as sheep and cattle, on farms and in rural areas. These breeds include border collies, bearded collies, rough collies, and corgis.

If you are looking for a country-appropriate name that matches your dog's ancestry, consider these ideas.

25 Boy Dog Names for British and Irish Dog Breeds

1. Aidan
Meaning: Little fiery one
Origin: Ireland

2. Conor
Meaning: Strong-willed
Origin: Ireland

3. Angus
Meaning: Exceptional
Origin: Scotland

4. Dermot
Meaning: Free man
Origin: Ireland

5. Dinsmore
Meaning: From the hill fort
Origin: Ireland

6. Bran
Meaning: Strong
Origin: England

7. Brady
Meaning: Spirited
Origin: Ireland

8. Harry
Meaning: Home ruler
Origin: Germany (but after the Harry Potter book series is very popular in Britain)

9. Alfie
Meaning: Variation of Alfred, which means sage or wise
Origin: England

10. Oliver
Meaning: From the olive tree, symbolizing fruitfulness and dignity
Origin: England

11. Cedric
Meaning: Chief
Origin: England

12. Gordon
Meaning: From the marshes
Origin: Scotland

13. Griffin
Meaning: Strong in faith
Origin: Wales

14. Colin
Meaning: Young child, peaceful dove
Origin: Ireland

15. Coby
Meaning: Variant of Coburn
Origin: Scotland

16. Norris
Meaning: From the North
Origin: Scotland

17. Ian
Meaning: Gift from God
Origin: Scotland

18. Inis
Meaning: From the river island
Origin: Ireland

19. Pierce
Meaning: Rock
Origin: England

20. Riley
Meaning: A small stream
Origin: Ireland

21. Rogan
Meaning: Red-haired
Origin: Ireland

22. Kent
Meaning: White
Origin: Wales

23. Romney
Meaning: Winding river
Origin: England

24. Seamus
Meaning: Form of James
Origin: Ireland

25. Shane
Meaning: God is gracious
Origin: Ireland

25 Girl Dog Names for British and Irish Breeds

1. Bree
Meaning: Strong
Origin: Ireland

2. Alma
Meaning: All good
Origin: Ireland

3. Fiona
Meaning: White, fair
Origin: Ireland

4. Bowden
Meaning: Messenger
Origin: England

5. Keira
Meaning: Black-haired
Origin: Ireland

6. Neala
Meaning: Champion
Origin: Ireland

7. Briann
Meaning: Strong, ascending
Origin: England

8. Moira
Meaning: Bitter        
Origin: Ireland

9. Meryl
Meaning: Falcon      
Origin: England

10. Kerry
Meaning: Dark princess     
Origin: Ireland

11. Bridget
Meaning: Strong
Origin: Ireland

12. Quinn
Meaning: Wise         
Origin: Ireland

13. Rhiannon
Meaning: Sacred queen
Origin: England

14. Winnie
Meaning: Blessed reconciliation    
Origin: Wales

15. Nell
Meaning: Variation of Ellen, shining light
Origin: England

16. Iona
Meaning: Dove
Origin: Scotland

17. Maeve
Meaning: Goddess of song
Origin: Ireland

18. Ethne
Meaning: Fire
Origin: Ireland

19. Delia
Meaning: Dark
Origin: Wales

20. Diva
Meaning: Divine one
Origin: Ireland

21. Gilda
Meaning: Golden
Origin: England

22. Glenn
Meaning: Narrow valley
Origin: Ireland

23. Deirdre
Meaning: Sad one
Origin: Ireland

24. Keely
Meaning: Beautiful
Origin: Ireland

25. Mirna
Meaning: Tender
Origin: Ireland