Shiva
Meaning
Kind, auspicious
Origin
Shona
Pronunciation
/ʃiːvə/
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
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 126th most viewed dog name on PupNames.com.
As of July 2025, Shiva 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.
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 70 times, and liked 0 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 Arkansas, Arizona and Indiana.
Popularity: Around The World
And this world map shows which countries have the greatest love for the name Shiva.
Most popular breeds named Shiva:
- German Shepherd
- Labrador Retriever
- American Pitbull Terrier
- Rottweiler
- Chow Chow
Shiva is found in these categories:
unique
Derived from Hindu mythology, not many dogs share this divine moniker.
spiritual
Derived from Hinduism, representing the deity of destruction and rebirth, symbolizing spiritual transformation and enlightenment.
exotic
Hails from Hindu mythology, denoting a powerful, transformative deity.
Dog names like Shiva:
June 05, 2024 ◆ Translated
Let us know what you think of Shiva as a dog name!