Labrador Retriever Dog Names

Bright, confident names that match a Lab’s cheerful nature and affectionate personality.

• Bella — Meaning “beautiful,” Bella is timeless and affectionate, perfect for a loving female Lab who charms everyone she meets.
• Willow — Inspired by the graceful tree, Willow suits a calm Labrador with a gentle, loyal personality.
• Nala — Famous from The Lion King, Nala conveys strength and playfulness, ideal for a Lab with regal confidence and a fun side.
• Luna — Meaning “moon,” Luna fits a Labrador with a calm and soothing temperament, especially those with pale coats.
• Piper — Energetic and upbeat, Piper works wonderfully for a lively Labrador who’s always ready for a game of fetch.
• Sadie — Classic and warm, Sadie means “princess” and matches a sweet, people-oriented Labrador.
• Hazel — Earthy and natural, Hazel is perfect for golden or chocolate Labs with soulful eyes and a grounded personality.
• Ruby — Sparkling and bold, Ruby captures the outgoing, playful spirit of an adventurous female Labrador.
• Freya — A Norse goddess name, Freya blends elegance and strength, just like a confident female Lab.
• Zoey — Meaning “life,” Zoey is lively and joyful, fitting for a spirited Labrador pup who brightens every room.
• Cleo — Short and stylish, Cleo is easy to call and well-suited to a smart, independent Labrador.
• Oakley — Outdoorsy and adventurous, Oakley works beautifully for a Labrador who loves hiking trails and swimming in lakes.

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Confident, easy-to-call names work best for training and recall. These names suit the Labrador’s friendly personality and make recall at the park or on the trail a breeze.

• Cooper — A Yes plwarm, approachable name that feels classic yet modern. Cooper works especially well for Labs with a loyal, family-first personality.
• Finn — Short and cheerful, Finn is perfect for an energetic Lab that loves water and outdoor adventures.
• Hudson — Inspired by the river and surname, Hudson carries a rugged, outdoorsy feel that matches a Labrador’s love for nature.
• Ranger — A strong name for a Lab that’s always exploring trails and forests, highlighting their adventurous spirit.
• Milo — Gentle yet playful, Milo works beautifully for a sweet-natured Labrador puppy.
• Bear — Ideal for a large, cuddly Lab, Bear emphasizes their affectionate and protective side.
• Rocky — A sturdy, tough-sounding name that fits an active, resilient Labrador.
• Dex — Short for Dexter, Dex is snappy and sporty—great for training and recall.
• Bruno — Derived from “brown,” Bruno is a classic pick for a chocolate Labrador.
• Scout — A curious and clever name, Scout fits an adventurous Lab that loves to explore.
• Max — Timeless and strong, Max remains one of the most popular names for Labs thanks to its easy callability.
• Jackson — A modern, stylish choice that balances strength with approachability.

These names highlight the Labrador’s goofy grin, wagging tail, and sweet personality—perfect for family companions.

• Buddy — Friendly and approachable, Buddy emphasizes the Lab’s loyal, people-loving nature.
• Doodle — Quirky and fun, Doodle works for a Lab that’s always bringing smiles with silly antics.
• Peanut — A great fit for a smaller pup or a young Labrador with a playful streak.
• Sunny — Perfect for a yellow Lab with a bright, cheerful personality that lights up the room.
• Waffles — A cozy, food-inspired name that matches a Lab’s warm and cuddly side.
• Biscuit — Sweet and classic, Biscuit is ideal for Labs who love treats (which is most of them!).
• Moose — Great for a large, lovable Lab, Moose highlights their goofy but protective side.
• Pickles — A quirky, humorous choice that suits a Lab with a mischievous streak.
• Pumpkin — A seasonal and affectionate nickname that works well for a cuddly, golden Lab.
• Toffee — Sweet and smooth, Toffee is especially fitting for a chocolate Labrador.

Distinctive choices that stand out while still being easy to call at the park.

• Calder — A Scottish river name, Calder is unique and well-suited to a Lab who loves the water.
• Bayou — Reflecting southern wetlands, Bayou is a creative choice for Labs drawn to lakes and streams.
• Islay — Named after a Scottish isle, Islay fits Labs with calm, coastal energy.
• Juniper — Nature-inspired and fresh, Juniper works beautifully for a playful female Lab.
• Kodiak — Strong and rugged, Kodiak is perfect for a big chocolate Lab with a bold personality.
• Linden — Gentle and earthy, Linden fits a calm and steady Labrador.
• Runa — Meaning “secret” in Old Norse, Runa is a rare choice that matches a smart, intuitive Lab.
• Solace — A calming name, Solace is great for Labs that bring comfort and companionship.
• Tallis — Sophisticated and musical, Tallis suits an elegant Labrador with a graceful stride.
• Zephyr — Meaning “west wind,” Zephyr is a breezy, lighthearted name for an energetic Lab.

Perfect for confident, athletic Labs with strong personalities and big presence.

• Atlas — Named after the Titan who carried the world, Atlas fits a muscular, steady Labrador.
• Chief — A bold choice for a natural leader, Chief highlights the Lab’s loyal and protective instincts.
• Juno — A Roman goddess name, Juno conveys strength and regality—great for a female Labrador.
• Kane — Meaning “warrior,” Kane is short and powerful, ideal for a determined male Lab.
• Rex — Latin for “king,” Rex is timeless and fits Labs with a dominant presence.
• Sable — A sleek name tied to dark fur, perfect for a black-coated Labrador.
• Tanker — Playful but strong, Tanker works well for a big, brawny Labrador.
• Valor — Meaning bravery, Valor is suited for Labs with courageous personalities or working roles.
• Xena — Fierce and loyal, Xena recalls the warrior princess—ideal for a strong female Lab.
• Zara — Meaning “radiance,” Zara fits a Labrador with an elegant yet bold spirit.

Labs love the outdoors—these names draw from landscapes, water, and wildlife.

• River — A natural pick for water-loving Labs who can’t resist a swim.
• Aspen — Inspired by the tree, Aspen is crisp and fresh—great for Labs that thrive in nature.
• Cedar — Earthy and grounded, Cedar fits a calm and dependable Lab.
• Harbor — Evokes safety and calm, Harbor is ideal for Labs who provide comfort to their families.
• Marsh — A fun choice for a retriever with wetland roots, perfect for field-bred Labs.
• Skye — Airy and light, Skye works for energetic Labs with playful energy.
• Tundra — Rugged and cool, Tundra suits Labs with resilience and endurance.
• Briar — Wild and spunky, Briar fits a Lab with a bold, mischievous personality.
• Flint — Strong and sharp, Flint highlights a Labrador’s sturdy build and spark of energy.
• Meadow — Soft and pastoral, Meadow works for gentle, family-oriented female Labs.

Tailor your Lab’s name to their distinctive coat color.

Black Labrador Names

• Onyx — Sleek and bold, Onyx highlights the glossy black coat of a striking Lab.
• Jet — Fast and sharp, Jet captures both the speed and dark coloring of black Labs.
• Shade — A cool, smooth name that reflects the shadowy coat of darker Labradors.
• Ink — Creative and crisp, Ink is a fun, short name that fits a black-coated Lab.

Yellow Labrador Names

• Sunny — Bright and cheerful, Sunny is ideal for a happy-go-lucky yellow Lab.
• Honey — Sweet and warm, Honey is a perfect match for Labs with golden coats.
• Dune — Evoking sand and coastlines, Dune works for adventurous yellow Labradors.
• Goldie — A classic, affectionate name that directly reflects the coat color.

Chocolate Labrador Names

• Cocoa — Sweet and cozy, Cocoa works for affectionate chocolate Labs.
• Mocha — Smooth and warm, Mocha highlights the rich tones of a chocolate coat.
• Truffle — Luxurious and rare, Truffle adds charm to a pampered chocolate Lab.
• Bruno — Derived from “brown,” Bruno is a strong, classic choice.

How do I choose the right name for my Labrador Retriever?
Pick a name that’s short (one–two syllables), easy to say, and matches your Lab’s personality. Since Labradors are energetic and social, names with clear, distinct sounds work best for recall at the park or lake.

What names are best for training a Labrador Retriever?
Crisp, punchy names like Max, Scout, or Nala are easy for Labs to recognize and respond to quickly. Avoid names that sound like commands (e.g., “Kit” vs. “Sit”).

Should I go with a popular Labrador name or something unique?
Popular names like Bella or Cooper are familiar and classic, but unique names like Zephyr or Runa help your dog stand out and prevent confusion in busy dog parks.

Can I name my Labrador after their coat color?
Yes! Many owners choose names like Cocoa, Mocha, and Bruno for chocolate Labs; Sunny, Honey, and Dune for yellow Labs; or Onyx, Jet, and Shade for black Labs.

What are some Canadian-inspired names for Labrador Retrievers?
Maple, Banff, Yukon, and Toque are Canadian-inspired names that reflect the Labrador’s outdoorsy spirit and celebrate the breed’s strong presence in Canada.

Is it okay to rename an adopted Labrador Retriever?
Absolutely. Most Labradors adapt quickly to a new name, especially when paired with positive reinforcement, consistency, and lots of praise.