Using Last Names as Dog Names: Is It a Good Idea?

Alright, so here's the story about how I ended up naming my dog with a last name. Yeah, you heard that right. It's kinda weird, but it worked out, and honestly, it’s pretty funny.

It all started last year. My old dog, bless his heart, finally crossed the rainbow bridge. I was wrecked, absolutely wrecked. The house felt empty, and I knew I needed a new furry friend to fill the void. So, I started browsing through local shelters online. You know, the usual – looking at pictures of cute pups, reading their little bios, trying not to fall in love with every single one.

Then I saw him. A scruffy terrier mix with these big, goofy eyes. His name at the shelter was "Kevin." Kevin! I mean, come on. This dog looked nothing like a Kevin. He needed something…better. Something with a little more oomph.

For days, I was racking my brain. I tried all the usual dog names: Max, Buddy, Charlie, Cooper… Nothing felt right. They were all so…common. I wanted something unique, something that suited his personality. He was a weird dog, I wanted a weird name.

Then one day, I was at work, staring blankly at a spreadsheet (as one does), and I overheard two of my colleagues talking. One was complaining about a client, using their last name with a tone of utter exasperation. And it hit me – a last name! It sounded distinguished, slightly ridiculous, and totally unexpected for a dog.

I started playing around with different last names in my head. Smith? Nah, too generic. Johnson? Nope, doesn't roll off the tongue. Then I thought of a last name of someone I knew in college – let's call it "Bingham". "Bingham!" I said it out loud, and it just clicked. It had a good rhythm, it sounded kind of posh, and it was definitely different.

The next day, I went to the shelter and officially adopted Kevin. Of course, I immediately changed his name to Bingham. The shelter staff thought I was nuts, but they went along with it. I remember when they asked me to sign the adoption papers, and I wrote "Bingham" as his name, it felt absolutely crazy.

Bringing Bingham home was hilarious. I'd call out his name – "Bingham, come here!" – and he'd just tilt his head, confused. It took him a few days to get used to it, but eventually, he learned. Now, when I say "Bingham," his tail wags like crazy.

The funny thing is, people's reactions to his name are priceless. Some think it's hilarious, others think it's pretentious, and some just give me a blank stare. I've had people ask me if he's named after a famous person (nope, just a dude from college), and I've even had someone ask me if I was related to the Binghams.

Training Bingham with a last name was…interesting. I tried to keep it short and sharp. Things like, "Bingham, sit!" "Bingham, stay!" Luckily, "Bingham" is two syllables, which I learned is ideal for dog names. Apparently, it's easier for them to distinguish from commands. Who knew?

I also made sure his name didn't sound anything like common commands. No "Fay" because that sounds like "stay." No "Kit" because that sounds like "sit." This is actually solid dog-naming advice I learned after naming my dog Bingham.

Anyway, Bingham is doing great. He's a happy, goofy, slightly weird dog with a very unusual name. And you know what? I wouldn't have it any other way. Sometimes, the best ideas come from the most unexpected places. So, if you're looking for a unique dog name, maybe consider a last name. Just make sure it suits their personality and doesn't sound like a command! Trust me, it's a conversation starter.