50 Playful Dog Names

Reviewed By Tom •  Updated: 02/12/21 •  9 min read
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If you’re having trouble finding a great name for your dog, then you’ve come to the right place! Naming your dog can be a challenge. There are so many places to find inspiration, but sometimes those just don’t provide a great idea for a dog’s name.

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In this article, we’ve done some research on names for playful dogs! These are names that are both fun and cute!

Now, let’s get on to those playful dog names we promised!

Playful Dog Names

Here are some dog names that may be a great fit for your canine companion!

1). Bizzy: this is a play on the word “busy,” and might be a great fit for a dog that’s full of energy and a penchant for being a little bit mischievous.

2). Blitz: this is an excellent name for a dog who loves to run fast, and/or for one who does zoomies!

3). Dancer: does your dog seem to dance when they’re playing? Are they graceful in some way? Then why not consider this name for them?

4). Lively: what better name would fit a playful dog than this one? If your fur baby is a live wire, then this might be a great name for them!

5). Mischief: does your fur baby get that glint in his eyes when he wants you to play?

6). Frisky: this is a word that means “playful and full of energy.” This may not be a hyper dog, but if your canine friend has quite a bit of energy, this might be a cute name for them.

7). Aston: if your fur baby run like the wind, then this might be a great name for him. This name is inspired by the luxury sports car, the Aston Martin.

8). Audi: this is another name that’s perfect for a dog that likes to run fast! This name comes from the Audi, another type of luxury sports car.

9). Beemer: if you like BMWs, then this might be a great name for your dog! This company’s vehicles are known as “Beemers,” which includes cars and motorcycles.

10). Bubbles: this is an effervescent name if we ever heard one! You might choose this name for a small dog that has tons of energy, but a light, happy spirit.

11). Bolt: does your fur baby run like lightning? Then why not choose this name for them?

12). Button: here’s another name that would be a really cute choice for a playful dog. This might be great for a small dog, who is “as cute as a button.”

13). Bronco: is a wild or half-tamed horse; if your canine companion has the spirit and energy of a bronco, we feel for you!

14). Candy: this is something you don’t to give your dog; however, it would be a very cute name for a small dog who loves to have fun and play.

15). Chase: some dogs love it if you chase them! Why not consider this name if your fur baby loves to play chase with you?

16). Puck: if you’ve seen a Midsummer Night’s Dream, then you’re familiar with this character. This is the name of a mischievous pixie in the story.

17). Cannon: is a name that means “clergyman,” but if your fur baby can explode into play like a canon, then this might be a great name for him.

18). Diesel: is a type of fuel for motor vehicles and is a name that is associated with energy.

19). Leo: this name means “lion,” and nothing says energy like a lion going after its prey. If your dog reminds you of a lion, then why not choose this name for him?

20). Cai: is a name that means “rejoice,” plus it has a very playful, light sound! This would be a great name for a small dog who is full of energy!

21). Raiden: this is a Japanese name that means “thunder & lightning.” It’s a great choice if your dog loves to raid the clothes basket for socks. What better way to get you to join in a game of chase?

22). Rowdy: this is a word that means “noisy and disorderly.” If your pup is a bit on the rowdy side, then perhaps this name would be a good fit!

23). Stormy: is a name that’s associated with a type of weather that contains tons of energy. This would be a great name for a dog that’s got a lot of energy but likes to play rather than rage like a storm.

24). Reed: is a name that means “red-haired,” and is perfect for a dog who has red hair and likes to play!

25). Stryker: this brings to mind tanks, military planes, and more. Perhaps this is a good name for a dog who likes to play hide and seek with you!

26). Maverick: this word means two things: 1). an unorthodox or independent-minded person (or dog!), or 2). an unbranded calf or yearling. If your dog’s personality fits either definition, then you may want to consider this name for them!

27). Wolf: this name might be seen as indicating a rebellious, loner personality; however, wolves live together in packs and love to play with one another.

28). Flynn: is a cheeky name, but one that’s also filled with charm.

29). Apple: this is a cute name that would fit a small dog, who is full of energy and loves to play.

30). Bitsy: this is another cute name that would be perfect for a very small dog, or even a big dog if you like puns and opposites!

31). Briella: this is a Hebrew name that means “God is my strength.” If you have a cute, strong dog who loves to play, then why not choose this name?

32). Banjo: this is a popular musical instrument in Blue Grass and Country Western music. When you play a banjo, you need a lot of energy!

33). Bear: this might be a great name for a large dog who lumbers like a bear as they play!

34). Fifibelle: this is a name that rings out with cuteness and playfulness!

35). Bandit: you might choose this name for your dog if he likes to pop out of places you don’t expect! He’s more of a stealth player!

36). Fizz: this is a name that’s filled with energy!

37). Fox: this name would be perfect for a smaller dog who has a red coat and runs as fast as a fox.

38). Frolic: this word means “play or move about in a cheerful and lively way.” What could be a better name for a cute, playful dog?

39). Go-go: here’s another great name for dogs that love to run and play fast!

40). Happy: this is the name of one of the Seven dwarves from the story of Snow White! If your fur baby is a happy camper, then maybe this would be a great fit for them!

41). Jet: does your fur baby fly like a jet when they’re playing?

42). Jolly: here’s another word that means “happy,” and would be great for a playful dog.

43). Merry: nothing says happy like this word! What a great name for a dog born around Christmas!

44). Peppy: this word means “filled with energy.” This would be a great choice for a small dog who loves to run fast!

45). Pixie: what could be more playful or mischievous than a pixie?

46). Rocket: does your dog jump and fly through the air when he’s playing? Then this might be a great name for him.

47). Skittles: you know those small candies that come in a variety of colors and have a sour/sweet taste? They make you feel full of energy! This would be a great name for a small dog!

48). Sparky: this is a name that implies energy!

49). Zannie: if your fur baby has a touch of silly, then this might be a great name for them.

50). Zippy: this is a great name for an energized dog who is very happy-go-lucky.

Why Do Dogs Play?

It’s a fact that dogs love to play—some even as they grow into their senior years. Nothing is cuter than when your dog looks like he’s bowing down with his front feet out and his head down on the floor, rear end up with a wagging tail! Your dog has that playful glint in his eye and he’s hoping you’ll catch on and feel the same way!

All through the animal world you’ll find play is an important part of growing up. In fact, experts believe that puppies play to develop and improve their motor skills. Look at how they tear around after one another, with anything in their way flying! They bite, pull, shake, and more. Puppies learn through these actions. For instance, they learn how hard they can bite without causing pain. They’re learning skill that will be needed all through their lives.

Others believe that playing is like training preparing for things that are unexpected. As mentioned above, all the maneuvers a puppy goes through with its body is a learning experience. Dogs are learning for real-life experiences in the future when they play as puppies.

Another reason dogs may play is to create relationships with one another. Through play, puppies learn to work together and cooperate. Look what happens when puppies find that sock you accidentally dropped. One will quickly grab it up, and then another comes over to join the fun by pulling on another part of the sock. They work together to gain ownership of the sock so they can have fun playing! This is how dogs learn to work together.

One more reason for play is to get rid of excess energy or to get rid of boredom. Zoomies, for instance, can be a great way for dogs to release pent-up energy! Plus, they look as if they’re having fun, especially when they know you’re paying attention. Playing is also a helpful way to get rid of boredom, as long as the play isn’t destructive.

Dogs also like to play with their pet parents. That’s a fact! It’s a great way to bond with one another and build a strong relationship of trust and love. Who doesn’t enjoy playing with their fur baby?

These are a few of the reasons why dogs play. Regardless, playing with your fur baby is excellent therapy for you both!

There you have it! We hope you have found the best name for your dog here!

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Tom

Tom has always loved to write since he was little - he wanted to be either a writer or a veterinary doctor, but he ended up being a professional writer while most of his works are based on animals. He was born in San Francisco but later moved to Texas to continue his job as a writer. He graduated from the University of San Francisco where he studied biotechnology. He is happily married and a soon to be father!

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