10 Of The Most Popular Dog Names From The 19th Century

When it comes to naming your dog, the possibilities are endless!

Providing a dog with their name is permanent and can be one of the hardest decisions we make for our four-legged friends.

Some people choose to name their dogs after desserts, like Cupcake, and others give their pets very human monikers, like Carl. A few centuries ago, names certainly ran the gamut as well.

Back in the 1800s, there were a few dog names that surged in popularity. You won't hear some of these being called during a game of fetch today, but in the 19th century, they were abundant. And some others actually will sound quite familiar, like Fido.

Several of these below were logged in journals and registrars that kept track of dogs by name and breed, so we know exactly what pet parents were calling their canines. Check out the list of 1800s dog names below and let us know which one is your favorite in the comments!

[H/T: Mental Floss]

Thumbnail Sources: Wikimedia Commons 1, 2

1. Tippet

The_dogs_of_Great_Britain_America_and_other_countries.jpg
Wikimedia Commons

Meaning: "A covering for the shoulders, as of fur"

Origin: English

In the 1800s, this unusual name was probably most appropriately used for dogs with nice, furry coats.

2. Fido

St.jpg
Wikimedia Commons

Meaning: “I am faithful”

Origin: Latin

The name Fido was so popular back then, even President Abraham Lincoln chose it for his own dog.

3. Pippy

At_the_Stables_Horse_and_Dog.jpg
Wikimedia Commons

Meaning: "Lover of horses"

Origin: Greek

Pippy is just a fun name to say. No wonder so many people chose it for their dogs back in the day!

 

4. Prince

The_American_book_of_the_dog.jpg
Wikimedia Commons

Meaning: "Royal son"

Origin: English

This name is quite literal, but maybe that's because every dog deserves to be treated like a prince?

5. Rags

The_American_book_of_the_dog1.jpg
Wikimedia Commons

Meaning: "Rags"

Origin: American

Although it isn't the most endearing name for a pet, Rags seems perfect for a shaggy dog!

6. Teague

4877669095_94a8f8e01f_z.jpg
Flickr / clotho98

Meaning: "He who collects"

Origin: Irish

Teague sounds like the name of an ambitious explorer dog, doesn't it?

7. Dash

The_American_book_of_the_dog2.jpg
Wikimedia Commons

Meaning: "The ash tree" or "fast"

Origin: English, French

This popular name honored the ash tree, which was commonly found in the English landscape. It could have also been the best way to showcase a dog's speed!

8. Jack

The_dog_and_how_to_breed_train_and_keep_him.jpg
Wikimedia Commons

Meaning: "Man"

Origin: English

It may seem weird to give your dog a name that means "man," but the people of the 19th century absolutely loved it.

9. Jip

Bull_Dog_Sydenham_Edwards.jpg
Wikimedia Commons

Meaning: "She who sings"

Origin: Dutch

Although we don't hear this name very often — if at all — Jip was widely used during the 19th century.

10. Sweetlips

The_animals_of_the_world.jpg
Wikimedia Commons

Meaning: "Sweet lips"

Origin: English

Could there be a cuter pet name? Even people in the 1800s knew that little kisses from your favorite dog are the best.

If you loved these 19th-century dog names, please SHARE them with your friends and family! Maybe something on the list will inspire them to give their next pet an old-fashioned name!