Dog names that start with L
L is the gentle end of the alphabet, and it does something specific for a dog name: the sound opens rather than snaps. Luna, Lola, Lily and Louie all end up drawn out when you call them, which is why they suit dogs you talk to a lot and dogs that come back without being shouted at. If your recall is already reliable, this is a lovely letter to be on.
What’s interesting about L is how far the range stretches. It holds the single most fashionable dog name of the last decade and also Laika, Lupin and Lentil, which almost nobody uses. Twenty-four of them below, each with the thinking behind it. If the popular ones feel too popular, the bottom half of this list is where the good stuff hides.
Luna Has quietly taken over the world. Perfect on a grey coat, unbeatable on a howler.
Lucy Friendly, unfussy, and nobody has ever had to spell it twice.
Leo Two syllables of confidence. He will believe the lion part.
Lola Bouncy and a bit theatrical, which is usually accurate.
Loki Reserved for the one who unlatches gates and denies everything.
Louie Warm and slightly old-fashioned, like a favourite uncle.
Lily Delicate on paper, absolutely filthy by the end of the walk.
Lucky Best on a rescue, where it also happens to be true.
Laika The first dog in orbit. Heavy history, beautiful sound.
Lark Up before you are, and cheerful about it.
None of these quite him? Send the app his photo and ask for L names. It looks at the actual dog before it suggests anything. Get the app
Lentil Small, brown, unreasonably charming. Nobody expects it.
Levi Sturdy and a little bit denim. Ages well.
Lyra A constellation and a compass-carrying heroine, both of which suit a wanderer.
Lupin A tall purple flower and a wolfish professor. Two very different reasons to pick it.
Lottie All the affection of Charlotte with none of the formality.
Lassie Comes loaded with rescue expectations she will never once meet.
Lulu Ridiculous, repeatable and impossible to say sternly.
Lemon For the pale yellow ones with a sharp streak.
Lincoln Presidential bearing, sofa-based lifestyle.
Legend Absurdly big for a puppy, which is the whole joke.
Liquorice Black, glossy, and people will have strong feelings about it.
Larry Plain, unbothered and quietly hilarious on a large dog.
Lobo Spanish for wolf, and it works on the ones that only look the part.
Latte Milky brown, mildly addictive, gone in about four minutes.
