50 Perfect Dog Names for British and Irish Breeds

Jennifer Aldrich

August 26, 2015 at 1:38 PM·4 min read

Now that you've adopted a dog or if you're in the process of getting one, you need to pick out the best name for your new pet. There are nearly 200 breeds recognized by the American Kennel Club and even more pups who aren't, so you've already endured one big decision. The pups who hail from the British Isles and Ireland make excellent family pets. Many of these breeds, including retrievers, terriers, and spaniels, had very important roles in 19th-century Britain. Even if your pooch enjoys lounging on the couch and not herding cattle or going on fox hunts, these facts and names are a fun place of inspiration in deciding what to name your new dog.

//itul Patel / Getty Images

Dog Breeds from Ireland and the British Isles

So, which pups hail from Northern Europe? Quite a few, actually, all from the terriers, the sporting, the working, and the herding breeds. Here are all the different types of dogs from Ireland or 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 used for hunting game on land and in the water. The breeds 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.

25 Boy Dog Names for British and Irish Dog Breeds

If you have a male canine, browse through these options. For determined dogs, we recommend Conor (strong-willed), Bran (strong), or Brady (spirited).

1. Aidan

Meaning: Little fiery one

Origin: Ireland

2. Alfie

Meaning: Variation of Alfred, which means sage or wise

Origin: England

3. Angus

Meaning: Exceptional

Origin: Scotland

4. Brady

Meaning: Spirited

Origin: Ireland

5. Bran

Meaning: Strong

Origin: England

6. Cedric

Meaning: Chief

Origin: England

7. Coby

Meaning: Variant of Coburn

Origin: Scotland

8. Colin

Meaning: Young child, peaceful dove

Origin: Ireland

9. Conor

Meaning: Strong-willed

Origin: Ireland

10. Dermot

Meaning: Free man

Origin: Ireland

11. Dinsmore

Meaning: From the hill fort

Origin: Ireland

12. Gordon

Meaning: From the marshes

Origin: Scotland

13. Griffin

Meaning: Strong in faith

Origin: Wales

14. Harry

Meaning: Home ruler

Origin: Germany

15. Ian

Meaning: Gift from God

Origin: Scotland

16. Inis

Meaning: From the river island

Origin: Ireland

17. Kent

Meaning: White

Origin: Wales

18. Norris

Meaning: From the North

Origin: Scotland

19. Oliver

Meaning: From the olive tree, symbolizing fruitfulness and dignity

Origin: England

20. Pierce

Meaning: Rock

Origin: England

21. Riley

Meaning: A small stream

Origin: Ireland

22. Rogan

Meaning: Red-haired

Origin: Ireland

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

Check out these selections for female pups. If your pet exudes royalty, you might think about naming them Kerry (dark princess) or Rhiannon (sacred queen).

1. Alma

Meaning: All good

Origin: Ireland

2. Bowden

Meaning: Messenger

Origin: England

3. Bree

Meaning: Strong

Origin: Ireland

4. Briann

Meaning: Strong, ascending

Origin: England

5. Bridget

Meaning: Strong

Origin: Ireland

6. Deirdre

Meaning: Sad one

Origin: Ireland

7. Delia

Meaning: Dark

Origin: Wales

8. Diva

Meaning: Divine one

Origin: Ireland

9. Ethne

Meaning: Fire

Origin: Ireland

10. Gilda

Meaning: Golden

Origin: England

11. Glenn

Meaning: Narrow valley

Origin: Ireland

12. Fiona

Meaning: White, fair

Origin: Ireland

13. Iona

Meaning: Dove

Origin: Scotland

14. Keely

Meaning: Beautiful

Origin: Ireland

15. Keira

Meaning: Black-haired

Origin: Ireland

16. Kerry

Meaning: Dark princess

Origin: Ireland

17. Maeve

Meaning: Goddess of song

Origin: Ireland

18. Meryl

Meaning: Falcon

Origin: England

19. Mirna

Meaning: Tender

Origin: Ireland

20. Moira

Meaning: Bitter

Origin: Ireland

21. Neala

Meaning: Champion

Origin: Ireland

22. Nell

Meaning: Variation of Ellen, shining light

Origin: England

23. Quinn

Meaning: Wise

Origin: Ireland

24. Rhiannon

Meaning: Sacred queen

Origin: England

25. Winnie

Meaning: Blessed reconciliation

Origin: Wales

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Dog Breeds from Ireland and the British Isles

Terriers

Sporting Dogs

Working/Herding Dogs

25 Boy Dog Names for British and Irish Dog Breeds

25 Girl Dog Names for British and Irish Breeds

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