Shiva

Unisex

Meaning

Kind, auspicious

Origin

Shona

Pronunciation

/ʃiːvə/

EDITOR'S NOTE

Emily P.

PupNames.com Contributor

Another powerful choice for the spiritually awoken pup parent is Shiva, a name with divine pedigree.

In Hindu mythology, Shiva is the god of destruction and transformation. That might sound a bit intense for a fluffy puppy, but it's actually perfect for a pup who loves to chew shoes and transform your garden into a moonscape.

Fans of The Walking Dead will definitely appreciate the nod to the show's badass tiger, also named Shiva.

It's a name that's both spiritual and pop-culturally savvy. And so, if you're looking for a name that's a little bit holy, a little bit geeky, and a whole lot of fun, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Shiva.

Traits associated with the name Shiva:

Dogs named Shiva tend to be loving, loyal, resilient, and strong-willed. This name is also associated with companionship, beauty, and empathy.

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

Naming your dog Shiva suggests that you have an appreciation for Hindu culture and mythology. It could also suggest that you have a spiritual side and are drawn to the idea of a powerful, creative force.

Is Shiva a good dog name?

Shiva 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. Shiva 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

310
PupNames logo
1,134
New York City Dog Name Database
1,201
Los Angeles Times 'Top Dogs'

Naming your dog Shiva is certainly a thing, but it's one of the more niche choices out there according to our data.

Popularity: Historical Trend

Shiva was, in the past month, the 471st most viewed dog name on PupNames.com.

As of November 2024, Shiva 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, Shiva was viewed 137 times, and liked 2 times.

Popularity: United States

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

Shiva is most adored in New Mexico, Florida and Michigan.

By contrast, the name has been shown the least amount of interest in Delaware, Arkansas and Arizona.

Popularity: Around The World

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

Most popular breeds named Shiva:

  1. German Shepherd
  2. Labrador Retriever
  3. American Pitbull Terrier
  4. Rottweiler
  5. Chow Chow

Shiva is found in these categories:

unique dog names
unique

Derived from Hindu mythology, not many dogs share this divine moniker.

spiritual dog names
spiritual

Derived from Hinduism, representing the deity of destruction and rebirth, symbolizing spiritual transformation and enlightenment.

exotic dog names
exotic

Hails from Hindu mythology, denoting a powerful, transformative deity.

Dog names like Shiva:

Hebrew for beautiful
Holy
Reference to mount sinai
a Japanese form of wrestling; you lose if you are forced out of a small ring or if any part of your body (other than your feet) touches the ground
Cool.
type genus of the Sepiidae
Shiva dog name meaning

Comments icon Comments (1)

Commenter icon
🇧🇷
Vito (Ceará, Brazil)
I have a dog named Shiva
June 05, 2024 ◆ Translated

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