Duke

Unisex

Meaning

Leader, commander, governor of a province

Origin

Latin

Pronunciation

/djuːk/

EDITOR'S NOTE

Emily P.

PupNames.com Contributor

I love seeing Duke held in such high regard by our community, because it represents a departure from all of the cutesy names we tend to see at the top of the charts.

Duke carries an air of nobility and strength, perfect for a commanding, confident canine. The name Duke, historically a noble rank just below a monarch, suggests a sense of leadership and dignity. It's a name that has weight and presence, ideal for a dog with a strong personality or a majestic appearance.

However, every name has its flip side. Duke might be a bit common in the realm of dog names, especially for larger breeds like German Shepherds or Great Danes. It's also a name that sets certain expectations of size and demeanor, so it might not be the perfect fit for a smaller, more easygoing breed.

Duke has been a favored choice for decades, especially in Western cultures. It resonates with dog owners looking for a name that embodies strength and regality. and is a solid, commanding name for a dog with a strong presence and a noble spirit. 🐕👑💪

Traits associated with the name Duke:

Dogs named Duke tend to be loving, loyal, affectionate, and good-natured. This name is also associated with companionship, and intelligence.

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

Naming your dog Duke suggests that you have a strong sense of loyalty and respect for authority. It could also suggest that you have a strong sense of tradition and a love of classic names.

Is Duke a good dog name?

Duke is a one-syllable dog name, making it short and snappy. The name also ends in a vowel sound, so it's easy for dogs to recognize. Duke is a widely loved dog name for good reason. If you like it, go for it!

Popularity: Overall

16
PupNames logo
56
New York City Dog Name Database
19
Los Angeles Times 'Top Dogs'

Duke is one of the more popular dog names out there. According to our data, Duke outranks the great majority of names.

Popularity: Historical Trend

Duke was, in the past month, the 40th most viewed dog name on PupNames.com.

As of November 2024, Duke 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.

In general, this name has held steady in popularity with PupNames.com visitors.

In the past week, Duke was viewed 299 times, and liked 12 times.

Popularity: United States

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

Duke is most adored in Delaware, Wisconsin and Iowa.

By contrast, the name has been shown the least amount of interest in District of Columbia, New Mexico and Vermont.

Popularity: Around The World

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

Most popular breeds named Duke:

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

Famous dogs named Duke:

  • comics icon A dog named Duke appeared in the comic book Kelly & Duke by Jack Moore.
  • film icon A great dane named Duke played a role in the movie Bathing Beauty.
  • film icon A english mastiff named Duke played a role in the movie The Quiet American.
  • film icon A great dane named Duke played a role in the movie Seven Pounds.
  • film icon A dog named Duke played a role in the movie The Swiss Family Robinson.
  • television icon A bloodhound named Duke featured in the television show The Beverly Hillbillies.
  • film icon A sheepdog named Duke played a role in the movie Barnyard.
  • film icon A dog named Duke played a role in the movie The Secret Life of Pets.
  • television icon A dog named Duke featured in the television show Captain N: The Game Master.
  • television icon A sheepdog named Duke featured in the television show Back at the Barnyard.

Duke is found in these categories:

badass dog names
badass

Connotes royalty, strength, and leadership, evoking an image of a strong, noble, and fearless canine.

black dog names
black

Duke oozes regality, perfect for a majestic, dark-furred pooch.

guard dog names
guard

Royalty often employs protectors, and dukes are no exception!

cute dog names
cute

Evokes images of lovable, loyal canines from classic Hollywood films.

big dog names
big

Duke implies authority, strength, and nobility, perfect for commanding canines.

nature dog names
nature

Royalty often used hunting dogs, linking the title to outdoor activities.

funny dog names
funny

Royalty title for a canine sparks humor and irony.

hunting dog names
hunting

The association with nobility and strength, common traits in hunting dogs, makes Duke a fitting name.

old fashioned dog names
old-fashioned

Royalty-inspired monikers harken back to canine companions of yesteryears.

gothic dog names
gothic

Royalty and nobility often feature in dark, medieval literature, inspiring the association.

traditional dog names
traditional

Royalty-inspired monikers have long been favored for canine companions.

british dog names
british

A high-ranking nobleman title in the United Kingdom.

country dog names
country

Popular in rural areas, it's often associated with Western films and cowboy culture.

posh dog names
posh

Royalty often bestows this aristocratic title, elevating canine status.

tough dog names
tough

Duke exudes strength, authority, and a fearless, commanding presence.

Dog names like Duke:

Inspired by Rocky Balboa.
The first name of agatha christie's miss marple character
Bear-like
Stingy or pointed.
Bright and shiny.
God Is Gracious
Duke dog name meaning

Comments icon Comments (5)

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Duke (San Luis Potosí, Mexico)
Es un cachorro color blanco con negro es
August 20, 2023

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Duke (Mexico City, Mexico)
Beautiful and very affectionate but at the same time very naughty
May 09, 2023 ◆ Translated

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Sebastian (Tennessee, United States)
My aunts dog,a daucador is named duke
April 20, 2023

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Lindo (Buenos Aires, Argentina)
My dog's name is Duke. Handsome
January 08, 2023 ◆ Translated

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Duke (Departamento de Guatemala, Guatemala)
Very good name and charismatic
July 24, 2022 ◆ Translated

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