104 Best Dog Names that Start with S

By Emily Harris – March 13, 2025

Finding a name for your dog can be a fun challenge. Names that start with “S” are a great choice because they are easy to say. The soft “S” sound flows well when calling your dog, making training more effective.

DogFix has collected popular S names from thousands of dog owners. Names like Stella, Sophie, and Sam rank high on the list.

Word-based names such as Storm, Star, and Skittles are also popular choices.

These names are organized by popularity to help you find the perfect match for your new furry friend.

Popular Dog Names Starting With S

Top Female Dog Names Starting With S

Female dogs with S names have plenty of great options. Here are some of the most beloved choices:

Most Popular Female “S” Names:

  • Stella
  • Sophie
  • Scout
  • Skye
  • Sugar

Many pet parents also love names like Sunny, Sage, and Sandy for their female dogs.

Storm and Sydney round out the top 10 choices. Other creative options include:

  • Star
  • Stormy
  • Snow
  • Savannah
  • Snickers

Some unique female S names gaining popularity include Sushi, Sansa (from Game of Thrones), and Salem. These names offer a perfect mix of sweet and strong options for any female dog.

Top Male Dog Names Starting With S

Male dogs have an equally impressive selection of S names. Here are the standouts:

Top Male “S” Names:

  1. Simba
  2. Scout
  3. Sam
  4. Samson
  5. Scooby

Traditional favorites like Smokey, Snoopy, and Scooter remain popular choices according to DogFix data.

Strong names like Storm and Spike appeal to many pet owners, while playful options include:

  • Snickers
  • Sunny
  • Sky
  • Scruffy

Character-inspired names like Sherlock, Sheldon, and Shaggy show how pop culture influences dog naming trends.

For a unique touch, consider Sumo, Sterling, or Sprocket for your male pup.

Human Names for Dogs

People are naming their dogs after humans more often these days. This trend shows how many families now see their dogs as important family members, not just pets.

Years ago, dog names were quite different. Male dogs often had names like Rex, Duke, or Rover. Female dogs might be called Lady or Princess. These names were clearly “dog names” rather than human ones.

Today’s dog parks sound quite different. You’ll hear owners calling out names like:

  • Savannah
  • Sam
  • Sophie

These are names that would work just as well for people as they do for pets.

This shift reflects how our relationship with dogs has changed. Many pet owners now consider their dogs to be:

  • Full family members
  • Deserving of personalized names
  • An important part of the household

The line between “dog names” and “human names” continues to blur as more people choose traditional human names for their four-legged friends.

Tips for Choosing a Dog Name

Finding the right name for your dog takes some thought. The name you pick should match both your personality and your dog’s character.

If your pet is sweet, you might choose a gentle name. For tough dogs, stronger names work well. Some owners enjoy funny names that make people laugh.

Think about training when selecting a name. This matters most for puppies.

Avoid names that sound like common commands such as “sit,” “stay,” or “come.” This prevents confusion during training sessions.

Many experts suggest picking names with two syllables and names ending with vowel sounds.

Helpful tips for naming your dog:

  • Consider your dog’s personality
  • Think about your own style and preferences
  • Choose names that don’t sound like training commands
  • Select names with two syllables when possible
  • Pick names with vowel sounds at the end

Your dog’s breed can also inspire name choices. Larger breeds might carry stronger names, while smaller dogs often suit cuter options. However, don’t feel limited by specific themes or rules.

The best names connect with your pet and make you smile. Dogs become important family members, and their names often reflect what matters to you.

When brainstorming names, write down options and try them out. See how your dog responds and which names feel right when you call them. The perfect name often becomes clear once you spend time with your new companion.

More Popular Dog Names

Here are additional dog name categories to consider:

  • Unique Names: Stand out with a one-of-a-kind name for your dog
  • Most Popular Names of the Year: Trending names many dog owners choose
  • Tough Names: Strong options for powerful or protective breeds
  • Cute Names: Sweet choices for lovable companions
  • Food-Inspired Names: Fun options based on favorite treats and meals

According to staging.dogfix.com’s annual survey, these categories reflect diverse naming preferences.