Dog Names > Captain

Captain

Unisex

Meaning

The leader of a group of people

Origin

English

Pronunciation

/ˈkæptən/

EDITOR'S NOTE

Emily P.

PupNames.com Contributor

Ahoy, pet lovers! Captain is a pawsome dog name, perfect for your furry first mate. It's a nod to pop culture icons like Captain America, Captain Kirk, or even Captain Hook for the mischievous pups. Etymologically, Captain means "one who leads," so it's ideal for dogs with a commanding presence or those who think they're in charge (we're looking at you, tiny terriers). Plus, it's a great conversation starter at the dog park. "Captain, fetch!" has a certain ring to it, doesn't it? So, if you want a name that's fun, unique, and full of character, Captain is a tail-wagging winner!

Traits associated with the name Captain:

Dogs named Captain tend to be loving, good-natured, brave, and resilient. This name is also associated with companionship, and courage.

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

Naming your dog Captain suggests that you have a strong sense of leadership and respect for authority. It may also suggest that you have a strong sense of adventure and a desire to explore.

Is Captain a good dog name?

Captain has two syllables, which is highly recommended by dog trainers. Captain is a widely loved dog name for good reason. If you like it, go for it!

Popularity: Overall

164

357

New York City Dog Name Database

550

Los Angeles Times 'Top Dogs'

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

Popularity: Historical Trend

Captain was, in the past month, the 3012th most viewed dog name on PupNames.com.

As of July 2025, Captain 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, Captain was viewed 88 times, and liked 1 times.

Popularity: United States

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

Captain is most adored in West Virginia, Idaho and Wisconsin.

By contrast, the name has been shown the least amount of interest in Indiana, New Mexico and Hawaii.

Popularity: Around The World

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

Captain is found in these categories:

tough

Commands respect, exudes authority, and embodies fearless leadership.

sporty

The title often refers to leaders in sports teams, suggesting athleticism and competitiveness.

military

Rank titles are often used in naming pets, reflecting a sense of authority and leadership.

cute

Evokes charming imagery of a playful, adventurous pup leading the way.

police

Reflects a high-ranking, authoritative position often associated with law enforcement.

hunting

The title implies leadership and control, qualities often associated with hunting dogs.

ocean

Captains traditionally command ships, linking the title to maritime themes.

Dog names like Captain:

Coco

Cook. it is also used as a nickname for names long names that begin with 'co-.

Charlie

Free man

Chase

Skilled hunter or huntsman.

Clyde

The name of a Scottish river; means "the keeper of the keys".

Corky

Light, buoyant, lively

Cosmo

Order, harmony, beauty.

Comments (1)

🇨🇴

Henry Cardona (Bogota D.C., Colombia)

Good afternoon, personally I have a German Shepherd dog, he is 35 months old, he is named Captain, I know he loves the name and enjoys it when I call him, I reprimand him, I pamper him. He is a totally happy pet just like his owner. .we form an invaluable binomial.
September 24, 2023 ◆ Translated

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