Barney

Unisex

Meaning

Short for barnacle.

Origin

British

Pronunciation

/ˈbɑːrni/

EDITOR'S NOTE

Emily P.

PupNames.com Contributor

Barney, a name that's as classic as a dog chasing its tail! It's a nod to the lovable purple dinosaur who taught us about friendship, making it perfect for your loyal canine companion. Plus, Barney Fife from The Andy Griffith Show adds a dash of humor and nostalgia. Etymologically, Barney means "strong as a bear" - fitting for your brave little pup, whether he's a Chihuahua or a Great Dane. So, if you're looking for a name that's fun, friendly, and a little bit retro, Barney is a doggone good choice!

Traits associated with the name Barney:

Dogs named Barney tend to be loving, affectionate, good-natured, and industrious. This name is also associated with companionship, intelligence, and friendship.

What does it say about you to have a dog named Barney?

Naming your dog Barney suggests that you have a sense of humor and enjoy lightheartedness. It could also suggest that you are a fan of the popular television show, "How I Met Your Mother," which featured a character named Barney.

Is Barney a good dog name?

Barney has two syllables, which is highly recommended by dog trainers. The name also ends in a vowel sound, so it's easy for dogs to recognize. Barney is a widely loved dog name for good reason. If you like it, go for it!

Popularity: Overall

199
PupNames logo
224
New York City Dog Name Database
135
Los Angeles Times 'Top Dogs'

Barney is one of the more popular dog names out there. According to our data, Barney outranks the great majority of names.

Popularity: Historical Trend

Barney was, in the past month, the 143rd most viewed dog name on PupNames.com.

As of March 2024, Barney is becoming a more popular moniker with new puppy owners. Our stats show that the name is more fashionable than it was at this time last year.

In general, this name has held steady in popularity with PupNames.com visitors.

In the past week, Barney was viewed 124 times, and liked 4 times.

Popularity: United States

The map below shows Barney's popularity across the United States, according to PupNames data.

Barney is most adored in Nebraska, Alabama and New Hampshire.

By contrast, the name has been shown the least amount of interest in Ohio, North Carolina and California.

Popularity: Around The World

And this world map shows which countries have the greatest love for the name Barney.

Most popular breeds named Barney:

  1. Labrador Retriever
  2. German Shepherd
  3. Beagle
  4. Cocker Spaniel
  5. Basset Hound

Famous dogs named Barney:

  • television icon A old english sheepdog named Barney featured in the television show Barney.

Barney is found in these categories:

funny dog names
funny

Purple dinosaur association brings humor to this canine moniker.

playful dog names
playful

Associations with friendly, jovial characters in popular culture give the name a playful connotation.

lazy dog names
lazy

Barney means "comfortable" and "relaxed", perfect for chill pooches!

movie dog names
movie

He's named after a purple dinosaur from a popular children's film.

cute dog names
cute

Purple dinosaur nostalgia and friendly syllables make hearts melt.

british dog names
british

Associated with Cockney rhyming slang for trouble, "Barney Rubble".

fat dog names
fat

Barney suggests cuddliness, like a big, squishy teddy bear.

famous dog names
famous

Popularized by President Obama's Scottish Terrier, and a purple dinosaur.

old fashioned dog names
old-fashioned

Popular during the Flintstones era, this moniker's popularity has since waned.

Dog names like Barney:

Companion, partner; perhaps a version of the word "brother".
Little Bird
Nickname for a boy in the south of the US; a slow moving individual.
Wealth
An electrician
Infant
Barney dog name meaning

Comments icon Comments (2)

Commenter icon
🇺🇸
Ron (Texas, United States)
I named my dog Barney as a contraction of Barnabas, which means son of encouragement.
January 30, 2024

Commenter icon
🇬🇧
Lucy (England, United Kingdom)
Barney is short for Barnaby not barnacle 😂😂
November 29, 2023

Let us know what you think of Barney as a dog name!