Looking for the perfect Shih Tzu names? You’re in the right spot! Hey there – I’m a huge fan of these adorable little fluffballs, and I’ve spent way too much time thinking about what to call them. Trust me, once you’ve met a Shih Tzu, you get why picking just the right name matters so much.
These little guys might be small, but wow, do they pack a punch in the personality department! It’s pretty wild when you think about it – they started out as palace dogs in ancient China, and now they’re stealing hearts in living rooms everywhere. Guess some things never change, right?
Here’s something that always makes me laugh – I know so many people who’ve spent days (okay, maybe weeks) picking out their Shih Tzu’s name. More time than they spent naming their kids! Then again, you try looking at that sweet face and not wanting to get the name just right. Plus, you’ll be calling it out at the dog park about a million times, so it better be good!
Ready to dive into some awesome name ideas? I’ve got tons of them – from super cute to totally unique. And don’t worry, I’ve tested these out loud (my neighbors probably think I’m crazy), so I know they actually work in real life!
Shih Tzu Names
- Mochi
- Dumpling
- Leo
- Luna
- Teddy
- Ziggy
- Pepper
- Cookie
- Gizmo
- Milo
- Pixie
- Oreo
- Shadow
- Sunny
- Misty
- Coco
- Noodle
- Biscuit
- Wasabi
- Sushi
- Ginger
- Latte
- Charlie
- Bentley
- Winston
Shih Tzu Puppy Names
- Bean
- Bubbles
- Cuddles
- Tiny
- Peanut
- Squish
- Button
- Pip
- Wiggles
- Munchkin
- Scout
- Poppy
- Snuggles
- Jellybean
- Cricket
- Bambino
- Dash
- Sprout
- Doodle
- Rascal
- Bunny
- Giggles
- Nugget
- Twinkle
- Zippy
Male Shih Tzu Names
- Oliver
- Max
- Rocky
- Bruno
- Duke
- Atlas
- Zeus
- Oscar
- Louie
- Murphy
- Archie
- Cooper
- Romeo
- Simba
- Yoda
- Diesel
- Finn
- Kobe
- Loki
- Moose
- Neo
- Phoenix
- Rocket
- Tank
- Ziggy
Female Shih Tzu Names
- Bella
- Sophie
- Ruby
- Lily
- Daisy
- Stella
- Chloe
- Rosie
- Molly
- Penny
- Willow
- Hazel
- Mabel
- Pearl
- Gracie
- Sadie
- Olive
- Minnie
- Millie
- Lucy
- Ivy
- Nova
- Roxy
- Trixie
- Winnie
Black and White Shih Tzu Names
- Oreo
- Panda
- Domino
- Chess
- Tuxedo
- Penguin
- Galaxy
- Storm
- Marble
- Checkers
- Cookies
- Dice
- Midnight
- Yin-Yang
- Snow
- Zigzag
- Piano
- Bandit
- Patch
- Scout
- Shadow
- Stripe
- Magic
- Cosmic
- Eclipse
Just like those cool black team names and white team names, these names really capture your pup’s striking colors!
Shih Tzu Names Male Japanese
- Akira
- Hiro
- Kenji
- Mako
- Ninja
- Ryu
- Sake
- Taro
- Yoshi
- Zen
- Kaito
- Kenzo
- Mochi
- Nori
- Oni
- Pochi
- Raiden
- Sushi
- Takeshi
- Umi
- Wasabi
- Yuki
- Kuma
- Roku
- Sora
Like those trendy Japanese group names, these names bring a touch of Eastern charm!
Shih Tzu Puppy Names Boy
- Alfie
- Benji
- Chip
- Dash
- Finn
- George
- Hugo
- Iggy
- Jack
- Kip
- Leo
- Mac
- Nico
- Otto
- Pip
- Quincy
- Rudy
- Scout
- Theo
- Uli
- Vinnie
- Wes
- Xander
- Yogi
- Zeke
Unique Shih Tzu Names Male
- Gatsby
- Quill
- Fable
- Jasper
- Ozzy
- Atlas
- Phoenix
- Quest
- Raven
- Sage
- Thunder
- Vector
- Wizard
- Xerxes
- Yukon
- Zephyr
- Cipher
- Dash
- Echo
- Frost
- Grove
- Hawk
- Isle
- Journey
- Knight
Just like picking unique team names, these names really help your pup stand out at the dog park!
Shih Tzu Names Female with Meaning
- Luna (Moon)
- Flora (Flower)
- Grace (Elegance)
- Hope (Optimism)
- Joy (Happiness)
- Karma (Destiny)
- Liberty (Freedom)
- Nova (New Star)
- Peace (Tranquility)
- Rain (Blessing)
- Sage (Wisdom)
- Trinity (Three)
- Unity (Oneness)
- Venus (Love)
- Wave (Ocean)
- Xena (Warrior)
- Yara (Small Butterfly)
- Zara (Princess)
- Faith (Trust)
- Belle (Beautiful)
- Celeste (Heavenly)
- Dawn (Sunrise)
- Eden (Paradise)
- Flora (Flower)
- Gloria (Glory)
Celebrity Shih Tzu Names
- Marley
- Beyoncé
- Elvis
- Madonna
- Prince
- Bowie
- Drake
- Gaga
- Hendrix
- Iggy
- Jackson
- Katy
- Lennon
- Mercury
- Nirvana
- Ozzy
- Presley
- Queen
- Ringo
- Sinatra
- Taylor
- Uma
- Vegas
- Whitney
- Zappa
These names are like having your own little star on your team!
Shih Tzu Names and Their Meanings
- Angel (Messenger)
- Buddy (Friend)
- Cloud (Fluffy white)
- Dragon (Mighty one)
- Echo (Repeating sound)
- Flash (Quick as lightning)
- Gem (Precious stone)
- Hero (Brave one)
- Iris (Rainbow)
- Jade (Precious stone)
- King (Ruler)
- Light (Brightness)
- Magic (Wonder)
- Noble (Royal)
- Orbit (Circle)
- Pearl (Ocean gem)
- Queen (Royal lady)
- River (Flowing water)
- Star (Celestial light)
- Tiger (Fierce one)
- Unity (Togetherness)
- Vale (Valley)
- Wave (Ocean motion)
- Xena (Warrior)
- Zen (Peace)
Names for Shih Tzu Male Dogs
- Apollo
- Bear
- Caesar
- Duke
- Echo
- Fox
- Gatsby
- Hunter
- Iron
- Jett
- King
- Lion
- Major
- Nash
- Onyx
- Phoenix
- Quest
- Rex
- Storm
- Thor
- Urban
- Viking
- Wolf
- Xerox
- Zeus
Just like those cool military team names, these names pack quite a punch!
Female Shih Tzu Names
- Aurora
- Buttercup
- Cherry
- Diamond
- Echo
- Flower
- Ginger
- Honey
- Iris
- Jasmine
- Karma
- Lotus
- Maple
- Nala
- Olive
- Peach
- Queen
- Rose
- Sugar
- Toffee
- Uma
- Violet
- Willow
- Xena
- Yuki
Want me to keep going with more lists? We’ve got lots more creative names to explore! Just like picking nature dog names, there’s always more inspiration around the corner.
Male Shih Tzu Puppy Names
- Bean
- Buddy
- Cookie
- Dash
- Finn
- Gizmo
- Happy
- Indy
- Joey
- Kiwi
- Lucky
- Mochi
- Nibbles
- Ollie
- Pebble
- Queso
- Rolo
- Snuggles
- Teddy
- Uno
- Vader
- Waldo
- Xavi
- Yoyo
- Ziggy
Know what’s funny? Some of these names remind me of those adorable one-word team names that just stick in your head!
Shih Tzu Dog Names
- Bagel
- Cosmo
- Dumpling
- Einstein
- Fonzie
- Gatsby
- Hamlet
- Igor
- Jelly
- Kimchi
- Lemon
- Mocha
- Noodle
- Oreo
- Pickle
- Quinoa
- Ravioli
- Sushi
- Taco
- Udon
- Vanilla
- Waffle
- Xiaolongbao
- Yogurt
- Ziti
Hey, is it just me, or did this list make anyone else hungry? 😄 These names would fit right in with those fun food-themed names!
Male Shih Tzu Names
- Ace
- Banjo
- Champ
- Diesel
- Echo
- Finn
- Groot
- Hulk
- Iron
- Jack
- Kong
- Loki
- Marvel
- Neo
- Odin
- Poe
- Quill
- Rocky
- Stark
- Thor
- Ultron
- Vision
- Winter
- Xavier
- Yoda
Want me to keep going? We’ve still got some super cool names to share! Just like picking out superhero team names, these next ones are going to be epic!
Great Shih Tzu Names
- Apollo
- Biscotti
- Charm
- Dexter
- Empire
- Fendi
- Gucci
- Heritage
- Icon
- Jade
- Kaiser
- Legacy
- Majesty
- Noble
- Onyx
- Prestige
- Quantum
- Royalty
- Supreme
- Trinity
- Urban
- Victory
- Windsor
- Xanadu
- Zenith
Just like those fancy luxury brand names, these names carry a touch of elegance!
Shih Tzu Girl Names
- Aria
- Blossom
- Candy
- Dolly
- Elsa
- Fancy
- Gracie
- Harper
- Iris
- Jazzy
- Kisses
- Lacey
- Misty
- Nala
- Opal
- Pixie
- Queen
- Ruby
- Sassy
- Tinker
- Uma
- Velvet
- Winter
- Xena
- Yara
Shih Tzu Female Names
- Angel
- Belle
- Coco
- Daisy
- Emma
- Fiona
- Gigi
- Holly
- Izzy
- Josie
- Kiki
- Lily
- Mimi
- Nina
- Olive
- Penny
- Quinn
- Rose
- Sophie
- Tilly
- Uma
- Violet
- Winnie
- Xia
- Zoey
These names would fit perfectly in any cute business roster!
Best Shih Tzu Names
- Ace
- Bella
- Charlie
- Daisy
- Echo
- Finn
- Ginger
- Harper
- Indie
- Jazz
- Koko
- Luna
- Milo
- Nash
- Olive
- Pepper
- Quinn
- Rocky
- Scout
- Tucker
- Uma
- Venice
- Wren
- Xander
- Yoshi
You know what’s neat? These names feel just as special as those winning team names everyone loves!
Cool Shih Tzu Names
- Atlas
- Blitz
- Cosmos
- Dash
- Edge
- Flux
- Ghost
- Havoc
- Ice
- Jett
- Karma
- Legend
- Matrix
- Ninja
- Onyx
- Phoenix
- Quest
- Rebel
- Storm
- Tesla
- Urban
- Viper
- Wolf
- Xenon
- Zero
Understanding Your Shih Tzu’s Personality
Shih Tzus are quite the character! Just like human babies, these little furballs come with their own unique personalities. Some strut around like they own the place (and let’s be honest, they kind of do!), while others are total cuddle bugs who’d spend all day in your lap if they could.
Picture this: your Shih Tzu racing around the house with their hair flowing behind them like a tiny sport team mascot, then five minutes later, snoring away on the couch like there’s no tomorrow. That’s just who they are – equal parts energetic and lazy!
Some classic Shih Tzu traits include:
- The Royal Attitude: These pups know they’re descended from Chinese royalty, and they won’t let you forget it
- Social Butterflies: They love making friends with everyone, including your neighbor’s cat
- Clever Little Minds: Don’t let that sweet face fool you – they’re pretty smart when they want to be
- Loving Hearts: They form incredibly strong bonds with their families
Popular Shih Tzu Names
Just like baby names, pet names go through trends too! The hottest Shih Tzu names right now really reflect their owners’ personalities and current pop culture.
Top Female Shih Tzu Names
Looking for the perfect name for your little princess? Here are some favorites that are making waves:
- Luna – perfect for a pup who lights up your life
- Bella – because she’s beautiful inside and out
- Sophie – elegant and sweet
- Mocha – for those gorgeous brown-coated beauties
- Lily – as delicate as the flower itself
Top Male Shih Tzu Names
For those handsome little guys, we’re seeing lots of strong names that still maintain that playful Shih Tzu charm:
- Oliver – classic and distinguished
- Teddy – because they really do look like little teddy bears!
- Milo – short, sweet, and full of personality
- Charlie – friendly and approachable
- Winston – perfect for that dignified little gentleman
Themed Name Ideas That’ll Make You Smile
Food-Inspired Names
Who doesn’t love a pup named after something delicious? These tasty names work great for Shih Tzus with their various coat colors and sweet personalities:
- Cookie – perfect for a brown and white pup
- Sushi – adorably unexpected
- Mochi – captures their squishy, lovable nature
- Wasabi – great for a spicy personality
- Biscuit – just as sweet as the real thing
Speaking of treats, many Shih Tzu owners love picking names that match their pup’s color, just like those adorable brown coffee names we see trending lately.
Nature-Inspired Names
These little dogs might be indoor royalty, but they can rock a nature-inspired name like nobody’s business:
- River – flows as gracefully as their coat
- Storm – for that wild puppy energy
- Willow – matches their flowing fur
- Cloud – perfect for white Shih Tzus
- Forest – mysterious and majestic
Mythological and Historical Names
Want something with a bit more gravitas? These noble names honor your Shih Tzu’s royal Chinese heritage:
- Zeus – king of the gods (and your house)
- Atlas – carrying the weight of being cute
- Phoenix – rising to the occasion of being awesome
- Ming – bright and clever
- Dynasty – remembering their royal roots
Funny and Quirky Names That’ll Make Everyone Laugh
Let’s face it – Shih Tzus are hilarious little creatures! Why not give them a name that matches their comedic timing? Just like those clever team names for game night, these will bring smiles all around:
- Sir Flops-a-Lot – for the lazy ones
- Professor Wigglesworth – when they’re extra fancy
- Lady Zoomies – catches that puppy energy
- Mr. Snores-a-Lot – we all know one!
- Captain Underbite – for those adorable tooth peeks
Tips for Picking the Perfect Name
Here’s what really matters when naming your furry friend:
- Keep it Simple: Stick to 1-2 syllables if you can
- Avoid Confusion: Pick something that doesn’t sound like commands
- Test it Out: Try calling it in public (trust me, you’ll want to feel comfortable yelling it at the dog park!)
- Match Their Vibe: A tiny tough guy might need a mighty name
- Make it Timeless: Will you still love calling this name in 10 years?
Just like picking French names or Japanese names, you want something that feels right for both you and your pup.
Training Your Shih Tzu to Love Their Name
Getting your pup to come when called? That’s a whole adventure! Here’s what works:
- Start in a quiet room with zero distractions
- Say their name in a happy, excited voice
- Reward them instantly when they look at you
- Practice, practice, practice!
The secret sauce? Endless patience and lots of treats. Remember, Shih Tzus are smart but stubborn – they’ll learn when they want to!
Making Name-Picking a Family Affair
You know what’s better than choosing a name by yourself? Turning it into a fun family activity! Kids especially love being part of this process – and they come up with some of the most creative ideas.
Here are some fun ways to get everyone involved:
- Have a family naming contest
- Create a bracket tournament of names
- Put names in a hat and do a random draw
- Let each family member pitch their top three choices
- Vote on finalists during dinner time
My favorite trick? Write down everyone’s suggestions on sticky notes and put them on your fridge. Live with them for a few days – you’d be amazed how some names grow on you while others just don’t feel right anymore.
Fun Family Activities for Name Selection
Turn naming your Shih Tzu into a game! Just like those fun team-building activities at work, here are some ways to make it memorable:
- Host a family “naming ceremony” night
- Create name-inspired art together
- Write silly stories using potential names
- Make up songs with different name options
- Design “campaign posters” for favorite names
Changing Your Shih Tzu’s Name: Yes, It’s Totally Possible!
Maybe you adopted a pup who came with a name that just doesn’t click. Or perhaps that cute puppy name doesn’t quite fit your dignified adult dog anymore. Guess what? Dogs are super adaptable – changing their name isn’t as tricky as you might think!
When to Consider a Name Change
- After adoption from a shelter
- If the current name is confusing
- When the name doesn’t fit their personality
- If family members struggle with pronunciation
- When combining households with similar pet names
Making the Switch Smoothly
The secret to changing your dog’s name? Baby steps! Try this:
- Start by saying the new name right before the old one
- Give lots of treats when they respond to either name
- Gradually phase out the old name
- Keep the praise coming – make that new name super exciting!
Most Shih Tzus pick up their new name within a couple of weeks. Just like those clever puzzle solvers, they figure it out pretty quick!
Wrapping It All Up
Picking a name for your Shih Tzu isn’t just about finding something that sounds cute – it’s about choosing a name that’ll work for both of you for years to come. Whether you go with something traditional like “Bella” or quirky like “Sir Fluff-a-lot,” what matters most is that it makes you smile every time you say it.
Remember:
- The best names often come from the heart
- Take your time – there’s no rush
- Watch your pup’s personality emerge
- Pick something you’ll love saying thousands of times
- Most importantly, make it fun!
After all, your Shih Tzu doesn’t really care what you call them – as long as you say it with love (and maybe have a treat in your hand). They’re just happy to be part of your family, bringing joy and probably a fair bit of chaos to your home every single day.
A seasoned naming expert and the creative brain behind NameClerks.com, Alex delves deep into the world of words, crafting unique and impactful names for businesses, brands, and teams. With a keen understanding of linguistics and market trends, Alex has become a go-to authority in the naming industry. When not immersed in the nuances of nomenclature, he enjoys exploring different cultures, adding depth to his naming expertise.