Meaning and background
The story behind Mungo
Mungo has a documented Scottish association as a nickname of Saint Kentigern, while its literal meaning remains uncertain. The reference suggests a possible Brythonic affectionate phrase, but that proposal should not become a definite translation. Its compact written form can appeal to an owner who wants a name with a historical connection and an unusual ending. For a dog, the saintly association is one available story, not a claim about behaviour. Keep the uncertainty visible rather than improving the explanation by inventing a firmer root.
- Origin
- Scottish name of uncertain meaning, possibly connected with a Brythonic affectionate phrase; a nickname of Saint Kentigern. Source
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About Mungo
Recorded as a dog’s name
Mungo appears in 2 dog licence records in the 2024 New York City dataset.
How to read this count
These records cover New York City and may count the same dog in more than one licence period. They are not a national popularity ranking.
Pronunciation and rhythm
/mʌŋɡoʊ/
US English sound sequence, converted from the CMU dictionary. Stress marks are shown separately.
Stress on the first syllable in the recorded US readings.
View dictionary notation
/mʌŋɡoʊ/ · primary stress on syllable 1M AH1 NG G OW0
These are US dictionary readings. Personal, regional and other language pronunciations may differ.
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Sources and research notes (2)
- New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene NYC Dog Licensing Dataset — all seven available extract years, retrieved 24 October 2026 — Recorded name spellings in NYC licence-period rows, extract years 2016–2018, 2022–2024 and 2026. Evidence selects one stated year per name. Annual snapshots overlap; never sum them as unique dogs. No national popularity, etymology or owner naming-intent claim.
- Carnegie Mellon University / CMU Sphinx maintainers CMU US English Pronouncing Dictionary — US English dictionary readings; not owner-specific or exhaustive multilingual pronunciation
References support the individual facts shown. A source link does not mean the entire profile has been verified.