Do you have a new fur baby? Are you interested in ancient Egypt? Then an ancient Egyptian name may be just the right fit for your new canine companion! Most people don’t often associate ancient Egypt with dogs. Their first thoughts often go to mummies, famous pharaohs, cats, pyramids, and more. However, there’s much more to this fascinating country than mummies and cats. Dogs were also an important part of ancient Egyptian life.
Connect with a verified veterinarian in minutes. Licensed vets are available 24/7 to answer your questions. No need to worry about your furry family member.
Egyptian Dog Names and Meanings
Why would anyone want to choose an ancient Egyptian name for their pup? Many people have an interest in all things dealing with ancient Egypt. The history, stories of pharaohs and their queens, the Egyptian gods and goddess are fascinating. If you’re an Egyptologist (an archeologist who studies ancient Egypt and its culture), then you might be interested in choosing one of the names from our lists. Or maybe you have a new fur baby who is one of the breeds featured in ancient Egypt, or a dog who resembles one of their ancient breeds. There are all kinds of people who are interested in Egypt and all things Egyptian.
And if you don’t have a dog that resembles the ancient Egyptian breeds, that’s OK.
You can give an Egyptian name to a Golden Labrador, a Yorkie, or a Poodle. It’s OK! We hope one of the names from our lists will be the right name for your pup, or perhaps inspire a name for them that really fits their personality, their looks, etc. Here are some ancient names from Egypt that may be just perfect for your fur baby:
Egyptian Male Dog Names
These boy dog names are more regular, but meaningful. Does your fur baby have eyes the color of the sky? Then the name “Skylar” might be a good fit. Or maybe he’s smart and bright? Then maybe the name Akil would be a nice name for your canine companion. Each name in this list is special and full of meaning.
1). Kosey: Lion
2). Sabra: Patient (as in having patience)
3). Skylar: Sky
4). Menna: scribe from the 18th dynasty
5). Akil: Wise, smart, bright
Review symptoms, medications & behavior to keep your pets healthy with a Vet Online in just minutes.
Ask a Vet Live NowEgyptian Female Dog Names
If your fur baby’s a girl, then here are some pretty Egyptian girl names that might be a pretty choice for her. Is your little lady black all over, or is predominantly black? Then perhaps “Ebonee” would be a good option for her name.
If your little girl dog is especially precious (and aren’t they all?), then maybe the name “Lapis” is the right name for her!
6). Maye: Beloved of Amun
7). Chione: daughter of the Nile
8). Ebonee: Egyptian for the color “black”
9). Lapis: a semi-precious stone that’s a beautiful, deep blue
10). Nefer: a good luck charm
Egyptian Pharaoh Dog Names
Are you interested in the pharaohs? Here’s a collection of pharaoh names from ancient Egypt that may be just the name for your fur baby. You’ll find the king’s name and which dynasty in which he ruled. One of these might be a great name for any dog who is kingly, noble, and regal:
11). Dejt: ruled during the 1st dynasty
12). Djoser: a ruler from the 3rd dynasty
13). Unas: a pharaoh from the 5th dynasty
14). Pepi: a ruler from the 6th dynasty
15). Teti: another ruler from the 6th dynasty
16). Intef: a pharaoh from the 11th dynasty
17). Thutmose: a ruler from the 18th dynasty
18). Merikara: a pharaoh who ruled from the 9th or 10th dynasty
19). Rameses: the name of several pharaohs who ruled in the 19th & 20th dynasties
20). Tutankhamun: the famous boy king who ruled at the end of the 18th dynasty (can shorten the name to “Tut)
Egyptian Dog Names Girl
Maybe you have a girl dog and would like an ancient Egyptian name for her. Some of these names include Egyptian goddesses, queens and more. Many of the names below are known by all, why don’t you check our celebrity dog names for something more unique? Maybe one of the following names will make a good choice for her:
21). Nefertiti: means the most beautiful one
22). Cleopatra: the famous Egyptian queen who romanced two famous Romans, Julius Caesar and Mark Antony
23). Midge: means the darling of Amun
24). Phoenix: the mythical bird that rose from the ashes
25). Isis: the goddess of motherhood
26). Bastet: the goddess of fertility
27). Sekhmet: the goddess of light
28). Selket: the goddess of the dead who was depicted as a scorpion
29). Satet: the archer goddess of the Nile
30). Mut: another name for Isis, the mother goddess
Egyptian Dog Names Boy
If you’re still looking for the perfect Egyptian name for your boy dog, then maybe one of these will make a great fit! Some of these names are descriptors, while others are the names of ancient Egyptian gods:
31). Ammon: means mystery
32). Ata: Twin
33). Dakarai: Happiness
34). Rames: Son of Ra
35). Aten (ah-ten): the disk of the sun and an aspect of Ra.
36). Amon: which means Hidden Love
37). Min: the god of fertility
38). Berenike: an ancient seaport on the Red Sea
39). Husani: which means Such a Handsome Boy. This name sounds persian, check out our list of Iranian dog names!
40). Jabare: which means Someone known for their bravery.
Pharaoh Hound Dog Names
Did you know Pharaoh Hounds were highly prized by the Egyptians in ancient times? Sometimes classic is best, check our roman and greek dog names list as well! These dogs were considered brilliant hunting dogs, who were also clever, loyal and lovable. You’ll find images of these dogs included in drawings and paintings. Some pet parents even had sculptures created of their beloved fur babies. If you have a Pharaoh Hound, then you’ll definitely need a name that fits his or her noble, regal bearing. These are names that can fit either boys or girls. We hope one of these will be a great name of your fur baby!
41). Denzil: meaning a brave and gentle nobleman
42). Dace: meaning noble
43). Narmer: the name of the first pharaoh to unite upper and lower Egypt.
44). Daiki: which means “filled with radiance and light”
45). Babi: the Egyptian god of baboons
46). Khufu: the name of the one great pyramids of Giza
47). Eadric: meaning “wealthy monarch”
48). Camillo: a noble born person
49). Badela: a clever and noble thing
50). Amunet: the wife of the Egyptian god Amun
Dog Name Inspired by Egyptian Places
As a bonus, we’ve included ten more names inspired by ancient Egyptian places that might be a good name for your fur baby! Egypt is full of fascinating, beautiful ancient architecture and places. And don’t forget the Nile River, which flooded the lands just opposite the riverbanks. Some of the name below sound fancy, it would be perfect for some expensive dog breeds! The floods brought life-giving nourishment to the land, helping crops to grow.
51). Dendera: located just south of Abydos, this was the center for worship of the goddess Hathor. In fact, you’ll find the temple complex contains one of the best-preserved temples to Hathor in the country.
52). Giza: the sphinx is located here, along with the Great Pyramid of Cheops. You’ll also find the pyramids of Khafre and Menkaure here.
53). Abydos: a large city, which also was the burial place of kings. This was also the mythical burial place of Osiris and was the center of his cult.
54). Rosetta: this is where the famous Rosetta Stone was found in 1799, which is a large black stone of basalt on which a royal decree is inscribed in ancient Greek, hieroglyphics and demotic (language of ancient Egyptians).
55). Avaris: was the capital of Egypt under the Hyksos people, who were probably from northern Canaan.
56). Tanis (also called Djanet or Zoan in the Bible): known as the “Lost City,” is located northeast of today’s Cairo. It was the capital of Egypt during the Third Intermediate period, making it a city of wealth and more. This name almost sounds some of the viking dog names we have reviewed.
57). Sais: was the seat of power during the 24th dynasty (from 732-720 BC). The goddess of this city was called Neith. Sais was also home to a medical school.
58). Saqqara: this is where you’ll find the Step Pyramid of King Djoser. This was also the main cemetery for rulers and the nobility of the city of Memphis.
59). Karnak: a major temple complex to Amun and his wife, Mut, along with their son, Khonsu.
60). Khmun (also called Hermpolis): the city was a religious center and even had its own variation of the creation myth.
Dogs in Ancient Egypt
It’s believed that dogs were first domesticated by Egyptians in the Pre-Dynastic era from 6,000 to 3150 BCE, when they’re often depicted in rock carvings. Dogs were also depicted in images and text during the Gerzean Culture around 3,500 to 3200 BCD. Collars, monuments, temples and Egyptian literature include dogs’ names. The Egyptians named their dogs much as we do today. Ancient dog names included: Brave One, Good Herdsman, North-Wind, Blacky, and even numbers such as “Fifth.” Dogs were beloved pets, and it was expected that ancient Egyptian pet parents would meet their fur babies in the afterlife. Canines were used for hunting, as companions, as guards and police, and in the military. They were so important that dogs were also sacrificed as messengers to the gods.
Pet parents and their dogs were so close that when a pet parent died, their dog was often killed and mummified to be placed in the tomb with their pet parent. This seems horrible to us, but in ancient times, this was considered an honor for the dogs. They were to join their pet parents in hunting and companionship in the life to come. Dogs were such an important part of life that they were even depicted in tomb paintings. In Abydos, you’ll find that part of the cemetery there includes dogs. Dogs are also found in many other ancient cemeteries across Egypt. In the Giza necropolis, a dog named Abuwtiyuw was buried after a beautiful ceremonial funeral. According to the inscription on his burial site, he was a guard dog and served a pharaoh from the Sixth Dynasty, though it’s not clear which pharaoh. This beloved dog was even buried with perfumed ointment, incense, and a tomb was built for him, along with a coffin all paid for from the royal treasury.
The ancient Egyptians also had canine deities, including Anubis. Though he had a jackal’s head, he was often associated with dogs. Another canine deity was Wepwawet, whose name means “Opener of Ways.” He would make a path for the army, and he also protected those who had died and helped guide them into the underworld. Another ancient Egyptian canine deity was Set, who was an animal called Sha, or the Set Animal. This deity was fashioned in the shape of a canine with erect ears and a pointed tail.
Ancient Egyptian Dog Breeds
There were many canines in ancient Egyptian times, including jackals, wolves and dogs. Domesticated dog breeds that have been associated with those long-ago days include:
- Saluki (also called the Royal Dog of Egypt, or the Persian Greyhound): a sighthound, which is one of the oldest domesticated dog breeds
- SloughI (may have also been Saluki): a sighthound that originated in Northern Africa
- Basenji: name translates to “dog of the villagers,” were often family pets.
- Greyhound: in ancient Egypt, only rulers owned this breed
- Ibizan: were used as hunting dogs
- Pharaoh: were only owned by rulers and were used as hunting dogs
- Whippet: were owned by rulers and used as hunting dogs
We hope you’ve been able to find the perfect ancient Egyptian name for your fur here in one of our lists!
Connect with a verified veterinarian in minutes. Licensed vets are available 24/7 to answer your questions. No need to worry about your furry family member.
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!
Review symptoms, medications & behavior to keep your pets healthy with a Vet Online in just minutes.
Ask a Vet Live Now
