139 Unique Shih Tzu Names

If you're welcoming a Shih Tzu into your home, choosing the perfect name is one of the first joyful steps in building your bond. Part of the American Kennel Club Toy Group, the Shih Tzu is a compact companion—typically weighing just 9 to 16 pounds—with a luxuriant, low-shedding coat that makes them a great fit for many people with dog allergies. Known for their gentle temperament, ease of training, and affectionate nature, they thrive in families with children and adapt beautifully to apartment living. Whether you’re drawn to timeless elegance, playful charm, or something truly one-of-a-kind, these FurPetVo-curated name ideas—from classic to clever—will help you find the ideal match for your new best friend.

A cheerful Shih Tzu sitting on a sunlit windowsill, head tilted playfully

How to Confidently Name Your New Dog

Start by observing your puppy’s personality—does she greet the world with quiet grace or boundless energy? Does he have a mischievous glint in his eye or a regal bearing? Let those traits guide you. Say potential names aloud: short, crisp names (like “Leo” or “Zuri”) are easier for dogs to recognize, while melodic or alliterative options (“Lily,” “Mitts”) often reflect the breed’s soft, flowing presence. Avoid names that sound too similar to common commands (e.g., “Kit” vs. “sit”), and test how your Shih Tzu responds—you’ll know it’s right when their tail wags at the sound.

Unique Girl Shih Tzu Names

Trends in human baby names often inspire pet names—and for good reason. Feminine, elegant, and sometimes royal-inspired names honor the Shih Tzu’s storied heritage as a cherished companion to Chinese nobility.

  • Anastasia
  • Ava
  • Bailey
  • Baroness
  • Bella
  • Chloe
  • Coco
  • Coral
  • Daisy
  • Duchess
  • Emma
  • Empress
  • Eva
  • Ginger
  • Gracie
  • Lady
  • Lola
  • Lily
  • Lucy
  • Maggie
  • Molly
  • Pearl
  • Penny
  • Princess
  • Queen
  • Roxy
  • Sadie
  • Sophie
  • Stella
  • Valentine
  • Zoey

Unique Boy Shih Tzu Names

Like their female counterparts, male Shih Tzus shine with names that blend modern appeal and imperial flair—echoing their legacy as beloved court companions.

  • Alex
  • Baron
  • Bear
  • Beau
  • Benji
  • Bentley
  • Bo
  • Buddy
  • Charlie
  • Chase
  • Cooper
  • Count
  • Duke
  • Earl
  • Finn
  • Henry
  • Jack
  • Jax
  • King
  • Knight
  • Leo
  • Lord
  • Louie
  • Lucky
  • Max
  • Milo
  • Murphy
  • Oliver
  • Prince
  • Rocky
  • Sawyer
  • Teddy
  • Toby
  • Tucker
  • Winston
Two Shih Tzus—one with a fluffy white coat, another with caramel-and-cream markings—posing side-by-side on a cozy rug

Truly Unique Shih Tzu Names

For owners seeking something less common, these names stand apart from mainstream picks—drawing from literature, mythology, nature, and subtle sophistication.

  • Aiden
  • Amaya
  • Ansel
  • Argo
  • Atticus
  • Beatrix
  • Blue
  • Boomer
  • Brutus
  • Calliope
  • Camilla
  • Cedric
  • Clementine
  • Cody
  • Colin
  • Cooper
  • Daphne
  • Darcy
  • Delilah
  • Dexter
  • Denny
  • Eleanor
  • Eli
  • Elliot
  • Everett
  • Farrah
  • Felicia
  • Fletcher
  • Flynn
  • Hugh
  • Ike
  • Kai
  • Kaya
  • Larry
  • Levi
  • Obi
  • Orien

Funny Shih Tzu Names

Bring a smile to everyone’s face with lighthearted, pun-filled, or pop-culture-inspired names—especially fitting for a breed known for its dramatic mane and expressive eyes.

  • Barkus
  • Bugsy
  • Chewbacca
  • Chewie
  • Chippy
  • Fabio
  • Fluffy
  • Gizmo
  • Mitts
  • Mopsie
  • Peaches
  • Silky
  • Tugboat
  • Waldo
  • Wee
  • Yoda

Cute Shih Tzu Names

Sometimes simplicity wins. These sweet, softly spoken names capture the Shih Tzu’s irresistible charm and tender spirit.

  • Alfie
  • Andy
  • Benny
  • Chip
  • Cricket
  • Daisy
  • Dale
  • Eloise
  • Fiona
  • Griffin
  • Mickey
  • Minnie
  • Nala
  • Paisley
  • Pebbles
  • Pluto
  • Simba
  • Sorrel
  • Wicket
  • Zuri