Pearl
This bold Shih Tzu names choice, Pearl, broadens the shortlist beyond predictable breed-themed names.
Meaning: pearl gemstone
Origin: English word name
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Names by breed
24 Shih Tzu Names for Sweet, Fluffy Companions
Shih Tzu Names work best when the name feels natural in everyday life, not just clever on a list. This page focuses on cute, polished names for a small companion breed with a flowing coat. Shih Tzu dogs are often described as affectionate, outgoing and companion-focused, so the list mixes names that match that general character with options that simply sound good when called. You’ll find 24 ideas with meanings or origins where they are reasonably established, plus a short note explaining why each pick earned a place. Try your favourites aloud with everyday phrases such as “come”, “wait” and “good dog” before deciding.
24 dog names with meanings and origins.
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24 Shih Tzu Names for Sweet, Fluffy Companions
Browse 24 names in this collection. Save favourites to compare them on your NameKennel shortlist.
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Stella
Stella gives these Shih Tzu names a crisp option without reducing the Shih Tzu to a stereotype.
Meaning: star
Origin: Latin
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Gigi
A compact choice among Shih Tzu names, Gigi is simple to test during recall and everyday conversation.
Meaning: a lively diminutive used for several given names
Origin: French/Italian usage
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Horace
Horace is an editorial fit for shih tzu names, balancing breed-relevant style with a name that remains practical to call.
Meaning: an ancient Roman family name
Origin: Latin
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Minnie
Minnie works among Shih Tzu names because its warm sound balances personality with practical callability.
Meaning: a diminutive used for names such as Wilhelmina
Origin: English
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Juno
Juno gives these Shih Tzu names a gentle option without reducing the Shih Tzu to a stereotype.
Meaning: Roman goddess and queen of the gods
Origin: Roman mythology
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Cleo
This warm Shih Tzu names choice, Cleo, broadens the shortlist beyond predictable breed-themed names.
Meaning: glory; short form of Cleopatra
Origin: Greek
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Elsie
A bold choice among Shih Tzu names, Elsie is simple to test during recall and everyday conversation.
Meaning: pledged to God; diminutive of Elizabeth
Origin: Scottish/English
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Freya
A gentle choice among Shih Tzu names, Freya is simple to test during recall and everyday conversation.
Meaning: Norse goddess associated with love and beauty
Origin: Norse
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Athena
Athena works among Shih Tzu names because its distinctive sound balances personality with practical callability.
Meaning: Greek goddess of wisdom
Origin: Greek mythology
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Penny
This compact Shih Tzu names choice, Penny, broadens the shortlist beyond predictable breed-themed names.
Meaning: weaver; a diminutive of Penelope
Origin: Greek via English
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Lola
This soft Shih Tzu names choice, Lola, broadens the shortlist beyond predictable breed-themed names.
Meaning: sorrows; also used as a lively modern name
Origin: Spanish
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Dottie
Dottie gives these Shih Tzu names a compact option without reducing the Shih Tzu to a stereotype.
Meaning: gift of God; diminutive of Dorothy
Origin: Greek via English
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Brie
Brie is an editorial fit for shih tzu names, balancing breed-relevant style with a name that remains practical to call.
Meaning: soft cheese
Origin: Food name
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Edith
Edith is an editorial fit for shih tzu names, balancing breed-relevant style with a name that remains practical to call.
Meaning: prosperous in war
Origin: Old English
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Io
Io is an editorial fit for shih tzu names, balancing breed-relevant style with a name that remains practical to call.
Meaning: moon of Jupiter and mythological figure
Origin: Greek/Celestial name
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Selene
Selene is an editorial fit for shih tzu names, balancing breed-relevant style with a name that remains practical to call.
Meaning: Greek goddess of the moon
Origin: Greek mythology
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Phoebe
A friendly choice among Shih Tzu names, Phoebe is simple to test during recall and everyday conversation.
Meaning: bright, radiant
Origin: Greek
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Bonnie
Bonnie gives these Shih Tzu names a soft option without reducing the Shih Tzu to a stereotype.
Meaning: pretty
Origin: Scottish
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April
April works among Shih Tzu names because its polished sound balances personality with practical callability.
Meaning: April month
Origin: Latin via English
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Eros
Eros is an editorial fit for shih tzu names, balancing breed-relevant style with a name that remains practical to call.
Meaning: Greek god of love
Origin: Greek mythology
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Martha
Martha is an editorial fit for shih tzu names, balancing breed-relevant style with a name that remains practical to call.
Meaning: lady or mistress
Origin: Aramaic
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Cecil
Cecil is an editorial fit for shih tzu names, balancing breed-relevant style with a name that remains practical to call.
Meaning: blind; an old Roman family name
Origin: Latin
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Agnes
Agnes is an editorial fit for shih tzu names, balancing breed-relevant style with a name that remains practical to call.
Meaning: pure
Origin: Greek
What makes these names work
Breed can be useful inspiration, but it should not become a stereotype. Shih Tzu dogs are commonly associated with being affectionate, outgoing and companion-focused, yet individual dogs vary enormously. Use that broad picture to decide whether you want a name that mirrors the breed’s reputation or deliberately contrasts with it. Then check the practical side: say the name at normal volume, call it across a room, and pair it with cues such as sit, stay and come. If a name blurs into a command or another household name, move it down the shortlist even if you love the idea.
Names that show the range for a Shih Tzu
This Shih Tzu shortlist is designed to offer more than one stereotype. Teddy and Coco bring familiar, easy-to-call energy; Milo and Lola introduce a more distinctive direction through gracious or dear; meanings vary by origin and sorrows; also used as a lively modern name. Poppy and Winnie work if you prefer a name with a stronger theme, while Minnie and Pearl give the list another change of pace. That spread matters because two dogs of the same breed can feel completely different in temperament, appearance and household role. Use breed character to inspire the search, not to force every dog into the same naming style.
A practical five-minute name test
Take your top five Shih Tzu names and say each name ten times in different contexts: softly, as a recall, before a cue, and in a sentence you might actually use. Listen for awkward consonant clusters, accidental rhymes with commands and names that become tiring when repeated. For Shih Tzu names, this simple test is especially useful because a visually perfect name may not be the easiest one to live with. If everyone in the household naturally shortens a name the same way, include that nickname in the decision too.
Avoid choosing on novelty alone
Once you have three Shih Tzu names finalists, stop looking for an abstract 'perfect Shih Tzu name' and compare them against the actual dog in front of you. Think about expression, movement, favourite habits and the tone you want the name to carry. A humorous option can suit a serious-looking dog; a delicate name can be memorable on a large dog. The strongest Shih Tzu names feel intentional without needing an explanation every time someone asks. If one option keeps winning in normal conversation, that is usually more useful evidence than another hour of browsing.
Frequently asked questions
What are good Shih Tzu names?
Good Shih Tzu names should be easy to call and should suit the individual dog. This collection leans toward cute, polished names for a small companion breed with a flowing coat; because Shih Tzu dogs are often described as affectionate, outgoing and companion-focused, the list includes both matching and deliberately contrasting options.
Should a Shih Tzu name match the breed’s personality?
It can, but it does not need to. Shih Tzu traits are population-level tendencies rather than a promise about one dog. Use the breed as inspiration, then let your own dog’s expression, habits and energy decide which shortlist feels most natural. That keeps the decision practical when comparing Shih Tzu names.
How many Shih Tzu names should I shortlist?
Three to five Shih Tzu names is usually enough. Say each one before common cues, call it across a room and ask another household member to use it. For a Shih Tzu, the winner should remain clear when the dog is excited as well as when things are calm.
Can I rename an adult Shih Tzu?
Yes. An adult Shih Tzu can learn a new name through consistent positive association. Say the new name before food, play, affection and other rewards, and give the dog time to build a strong response before expecting reliable recall. It is a useful final check before choosing from these Shih Tzu names.
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