Barney
Meaning
Short for barnacle.
Origin
British
Pronunciation
/ˈbɑːrni/
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 isn't one of the most common names, so your dog will certainly stand out. If you love the name, you should pick it!
Popularity: Overall
Naming your dog Barney is certainly a thing, but it's one of the more niche choices out there according to our data.
Popularity: Historical Trend
Barney was, in the past month, the 363rd most viewed dog name on PupNames.com.
As of July 2025, Barney is becoming ever more niche with new puppy owners. Our stats suggest that the name is less fashionable than it was at this time last year.
We've seen quite a lot of variation in rank for this name, which may suggest seasonal factors or interest driven by pop culture events.
In the past week, Barney was viewed 65 times, and liked 0 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 Montana, Florida and Indiana.
Popularity: Around The World
And this world map shows which countries have the greatest love for the name Barney.
Most popular breeds named Barney:
- Labrador Retriever
- German Shepherd
- Beagle
- Cocker Spaniel
- Basset Hound
Famous dogs named Barney:
A old english sheepdog named Barney featured in the television show Barney.
Barney is found in these categories:
funny
Purple dinosaur association brings humor to this canine moniker.
lazy
Barney means "comfortable" and "relaxed", perfect for chill pooches!
playful
Associations with friendly, jovial characters in popular culture give the name a playful connotation.
movie
He's named after a purple dinosaur from a popular children's film.
cute
Purple dinosaur nostalgia and friendly syllables make hearts melt.
british
Associated with Cockney rhyming slang for trouble, "Barney Rubble".
fat
Barney suggests cuddliness, like a big, squishy teddy bear.
famous
Popularized by President Obama's Scottish Terrier, and a purple dinosaur.
old-fashioned
Popular during the Flintstones era, this moniker's popularity has since waned.
Dog names like Barney:
January 30, 2024
November 29, 2023
Let us know what you think of Barney as a dog name!