Choosing a name for your Shih Tzu is an enjoyable part of welcoming them into your home. Known for their affectionate and playful personalities, Shih Tzus are a popular breed in the U.S., loved for their charming looks and friendly nature. With their distinctive coat and lively spirit, these small dogs make delightful companions.
To help you find a fitting name, we’ve compiled a list of 197 popular Shih Tzu names. This list is based on data from the NYC Dog Licensing Dataset.
Male Shih Tzu Names
Here are some popular boy names for Shih Tzus that might inspire you.
| Name | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Ace | Top-notch, number one |
| Angel | Symbolizes purity and goodness |
| Baby | Endearing and likely very pampered |
| Bailey | Steward or public official |
| Bandit | Mischievously charming |
| Barkley | English, "birch tree meadow" |
| Bear | Large, cuddly, and protective |
| Ben | Short form of benjamin, meaning "son of the right hand" |
| Benjamin | Hebrew, "son of the right hand" |
| Benji | Endearing and friendly; a popular dog's name |
| Benny | Endearing diminutive of benjamin; son of the right hand |
| Bentley | |
| Biscuit | |
| Blue | Color often symbolizing depth and stability |
| Bobby | Diminutive of robert, meaning "bright fame" |
| Bosco | Italian for 'woods'; nature lover |
| Brooklyn | Urban, cosmopolitan |
| Brownie | Sweet and chocolatey, endearing and warm |
| Bruno | German for "brown"; robust and tough |
| Buddy | A friend or companion |
| Buster | |
| Charlie | Diminutive of charles, "free man" |
| Chase | Suggests speed, pursuit |
| Chester | Old english "fortress or walled town" |
| Chewbacca | Named after the "star wars" character |
| Chewie | Great for a dog that loves to chew, or a "star wars" reference |
| Chewy | Suggestive of something chewable |
| Chico | Boy in spanish; small and lively |
| Chip | Light-hearted, chip off the old block |
| Coco | Often linked to "coconut" or chanel |
| Cody | Helpful, a helper |
| Cooper | English barrel maker |
| Cosmo | Greek for "order" or "beauty" |
| Dash | Fast and energetic |
| Dexter | Latin for "right-handed," skilled |
| Diesel | German, rugged and powerful |
| Domino | Bleu - patterned with a blue hint |
| Duke | Titled nobility, leadership |
| Fluffy | Describes a dog's soft fur |
| Frankie | Diminutive of francis or francesca, meaning "free one" |
| Gizmo | Nickname for a mechanical gadget |
| Gucci | After the luxury brand, indicating a posh pooch |
| Gus | Gus - disney ("cinderella") inspired; lovable |
| Harley | Associated with the motorbike; adventurous |
| Harry | Often associated with "home ruler" |
| Henry | Germanic origin, means "home ruler" |
| Jack | Means "god is gracious," popular and timeless |
| Jake | Hebrew for "supplanter" |
| Jasper | Persian, "treasurer" |
| Jax | Modern, possibly shortened form of jackson |
| Joey | Diminutive of joseph; "jehovah increases" |
| Jojo | |
| Junior | Often used for a "little" version of a parent |
| King | Denotes a regal and commanding presence |
| Kobe | Supplanter; also reminiscent of the basketball star |
| Leo | Latin for "lion"; strong and bold |
| Louie | French origin of louis; "renowned warrior" |
| Lucas | Latin for "light-giving" or "luminous" |
| Lucky | Fortunate and happy |
| Marley | Possibly from the meadow boundary |
| Mason | Worker in stone; sturdy |
| Max | Latin for "greatest" |
| Maximus | Latin for "greatest" |
| Maxwell | Great stream, scottish origin |
| Melo | Relaxed and calm demeanor |
| Mickey | Famous mouse; lively and iconic |
| Milo | Popular, adorable |
| Mochi | |
| Nico | Short for nicholas, means "victory of the people" |
| Oliver | Latin for "olive tree" |
| Ollie | Often short for oliver; symbolizes peace |
| Oreo | Perfect for black and white dogs |
| Oscar | Old english, often "friend of deer" |
| Peluche | Spanish for "plush toy," soft and cuddly |
| Pepper | Spicy and lively, reflecting personality |
| Prince | Regal, noble status |
| Rex | |
| Rocco | Germanic, means "rest" |
| Rocky | Suggests strength, from "rock" |
| Romeo | Italian lover; romantic and charming |
| Rusty | Often a lovable, reddish-coated dog |
| Sam | Abbreviation of samuel; told by god |
| Sammy | Diminutive of samuel; "god has heard" |
| Scooby | After scooby-doo, adventurous and sweet |
| Scooter | |
| Shadow | Always by your side; mysterious |
| Shih-Tzu | |
| Shihtzu | Named after the dog breed |
| Simba | Swahili for "lion" |
| Smokey | Named for smoke-like coloring |
| Snoopy | Iconic beagle from "peanuts" comic |
| Sparky | Energetic, sparkling personality |
| Teddy | Diminutive of edward or theodore; "wealthy protector" |
| Theodore | Greek for "gift of god" |
| Toby | God is good; popular |
| Tyson | English origin, fiery-tempered |
| Winston | Old english for "joy stone" |
| Zeus | Greek god of sky; commanding presence |
| Ziggy | Zestful, influenced by david bowie's ziggy stardust |
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Female Shih Tzu Names
Here are some popular girl names for Shih Tzus that you might like.
| Name | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Abby | |
| Angel | Symbolizes purity and goodness |
| Annie | Graceful; "favored grace" |
| Baby | Endearing and likely very pampered |
| Bailey | Steward or public official |
| Bella | Beautiful in italian |
| Belle | French for "beautiful" |
| Brandy | After the distilled wine, rich and warm |
| Brooklyn | Urban, cosmopolitan |
| Bubbles | Bubbly personality, cheerful |
| Candy | Sweet and delightful, just like the treat |
| Casey | Of irish origin, meaning "vigilant" |
| Cassie | Diminutive of cassandra; prophetess |
| Chanel | Stylish and sophisticated, after the brand |
| Charlie | Diminutive of charles, "free man" |
| Chloe | Greek, "blooming" or "fertility" |
| Cindy | |
| Coco | Often linked to "coconut" or chanel |
| Cocoa | Warm, cozy, and sweet |
| Cookie | Sweet and delightful |
| Cupcake | Sweet and adorable |
| Daisy | Cheerful and innocent |
| Diamond | Precious and strong |
| Diva | Celebrated; star-like charisma |
| Dolly | Iii - third in a legacy of dollys; treasured |
| Ella | German/english, "all, completely; fairy maiden" |
| Ellie | Diminutive of eleanor, meaning "light" |
| Emma | Universal, meaning "whole" |
| Fluffy | Describes a dog's soft fur |
| Gigi | French diminutive of names like gilbert or virginia |
| Ginger | Spicy and fiery, reflects a vivacious character |
| Gizmo | Nickname for a mechanical gadget |
| Goldie | Golden haired or valued |
| Gracie | Diminutive of grace, "god’s favor" |
| Hazel | Inspired by the hazelnut tree, denotes wisdom |
| Holly | After the holiday plant, festive or born in winter |
| Honey | Sweet, beloved companion |
| Jasmine | Named after the fragrant flower |
| Khloe | Young green shoot; blossoming |
| Lacey | Delicate and fine like lace fabric |
| Lady | Exudes class and nobility |
| Layla | Arabic for "night" |
| Lexi | Short form of alexis, meaning "defender" |
| Lilly | Named after the flower, pure and beautiful |
| Lily | English, the flower symbolizing purity |
| Lola | Spanish origin, means "sorrows" |
| Lucky | Fortunate and happy |
| Lucy | Latin for "light," often cheerful |
| Lulu | Pearl; precious |
| Luna | Latin for "moon," celestial |
| Maddie | Variant of madeline, meaning "high tower" |
| Madison | Popular, modern name derived from english |
| Maggie | Pearl; often gentle |
| Maya | Ruby - blend of "illusion" (maya) and precious stone (ruby) |
| Mia | Italian for "mine" |
| Mila | Slavic for "dear one"; beloved pet |
| Millie | Short for mildred; "gentle strength" |
| Mimi | French diminutive for "beloved" |
| Minnie | Diminutive, often for small dogs |
| Missy | Familiar form of "mistress" or young lady |
| Misty | Mist-like, soft and gentle qualities |
| Mocha | Dark and sweet like the coffee |
| Molly | Classic name, means "star of the sea" |
| Muffin | |
| Nena | Spanish diminutive for girl; youthful |
| Nina | Spanish for "little girl" |
| Olive | Symbol of peace and wisdom |
| Oreo | Perfect for black and white dogs |
| Pebbles | Small and cute, like the flintstones' character |
| Penelope | Greek origin, symbolizes faithfulness |
| Penny | Commonly copper-colored, like the coin |
| Pepper | Spicy and lively, reflecting personality |
| Phoebe | Greek, "bright, shining" |
| Pippa | Short for philippa; lover of horses |
| Precious | Implies beloved and priceless |
| Princess | Regal, often pampered |
| Riley | Valor and courage; irish origin |
| Rosie | Named after the rose, symbol of love |
| Roxy | Diminutive of roxanne, meaning "dawn" |
| Ruby | Precious red gemstone, signifies love and passion |
| Sadie | Vintage name meaning "princess" |
| Sandy | Named after the sandy texture or color |
| Sasha | Russian for "defender of mankind" |
| Sassy | |
| Shihtzu | Named after the dog breed |
| Skye | Evokes the expansive sky, free-spirited |
| Sophia | Greek for "wisdom" |
| Sophie | Greek for "wisdom" |
| Star | Shining, outstanding personality |
| Stella | Star-like brilliance |
| Sugar | Sweet-natured and affectionate |
| Suzy | Familiar form of susan; "lily" |
| Tiffany | Greek origin, means "appearance of god" |
| Tootsie | Playful and sweet |
| Trixie | Fun and lively with a trickster spirit |
| Violet | Color and flower; delicate and royal |
| Zoe | Greek for "life" |
| Zoey | Greek for "life," fun variant of zoe |