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100+ Border Collie Names: Ideas for Affectionate & Athletic Dogs

By Nicole Cosgrove
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Border Collie Names

Border Collies are smart, nimble dogs that do particularly well at agility trials. If you’ve just adopted one, you know how lovable and energetic they can be. So, what should you name your new puppy, and where do you start?

To help you find the perfect name, we gathered over 100 of the most popular and unique options for Border Collies. Keep in mind that this should be a fun process and that whatever you pick, your Border Collie is going to love it!

We organized the names into male and female categories, offered suggestions based on their black-and-white fur, included ideas from Celtic and Gaelic ideologies, and added traditional Border Collie names, options for the most adorable pups, and finally, a few herding ideas that pay tribute to their working side! 

Female Border Collie Names

  • Riley
  • Martha
  • Luna
  • Daisy
  • Bailey
  • Rose
  • Tilly
  • Lily
  • Molly
  • Bella
  • Phoebe
  • Coco
  • Peggy
  • Eloise
  • Rachel
  • Sadie
  • Charlie
  • Mist
  • Sophie
  • Scout
  • Maggie
  • Agatha
  • Ruby
  • Monica
  • Ginger
  • Holly
Border Collie Bernard Dog
Image By: 825545, Pixabay

Male Border Collie Dog Names

  • James
  • Tucker
  • Benjamin
  • Jack
  • Giant
  • Edward
  • Luke
  • Freddie
  • Sammy
  • Bandit
  • Bear
  • Barney
  • Ross
  • Max
  • Jacob
  • Franklin
  • Chester
  • Bruce
  • Cooper
  • Cody
  • Milo
  • Teddy

Celtic & Gaelic Border Collie Dog Names

With a Scottish background and a Celtic heritage, any Border Collie will be pleased with a name inspired by the language and culture! These suggestions are based on a few classic names, places, and things, along with trendy ideas suitable for any Border Collie. In addition to being super cool, these names are definitely unique and will make your pup a true stand-out at the dog park.

  • Islay
  • Nessie
  • Fara
  • Moray
  • Lossie
  • Argyll
  • Thistle
  • Una
  • Aggie
  • Cullen
  • Shetland
  • Firth
  • Embra
  • Arran
  • Tiree
  • Bodie
  • Kilt
  • Quid
  • Baird
  • Mulligan
  • Murdo
  • Lochie
  • Calder
  • Kelso
  • Selkie
  • Tweed
  • Shanter
  • Murdoch
  • Bute
Border Collie running
Image By: 825545, Pixabay

Black & White Border Collie Dog Names

You may be inclined to choose a name inspired by your new dog's fur, which is silky, soft, and black and white! They look so spiffy with a coat that resembles a tux! Sharp dressers and incredibly smart? Talk about an exceptional and well-rounded breed! If you are looking to keep it simple, one of these would make an excellent match for your dog!

  • Gatsby
  • Checkers
  • Panda
  • Cow
  • Nova
  • Tuxedo
  • Penguin
  • Knight
  • Jet
  • Oreo
  • Domino
  • Nyx
  • Magpie
  • Zebra
  • Orca
  • Pepper
  • Mation
  • Butler
  • Chaplain
  • Spade
  • Dice

Traditional Border Collie Names

The Border Collie is a classic breed, so a traditional name might be just what you're looking for. They were developed in Scotland specifically for herding livestock, which is why they are such active and intelligent pups. Maybe you won't have your Border Collie herding animals in your yard, but you could still give them a name that is a throwback to many of their farm-dog ancestors. Here are our favorite traditional names.

  • Oak
  • Brutus
  • Maeve
  • Hoy
  • Titus
  • Zeal
  • Augustus
  • Yew
  • Jed
  • Glen
  • Mariana
  • Shetland
  • Grig
  • Cicero
  • Felix
  • Tyne
  • Gala
  • Fay
  • Clyde
  • Fyfe
  • Rona
  • Saoirse
  • Finn
  • Skye
  • Biddy
  • London
  • Julius
  • Tulla
  • Fiona
  • Haggis
  • Yarrow
  • Albus
  • Rye
  • Cassio
Shollie Dog Breed Info
Image By: TheOtherKev, Pixabay

Herding Names for Border Collie Dogs

One of the world's smartest and most hard-working breeds is the Border Collie, which is famous for being an impeccable herding dog. With laser focus and incredible attention to detail, these pups are truly remarkable. If you are searching for a name that honors their dedication and admirable work ethic, this next list is for you!

  • Herder
  • Tracker
  • Chase
  • Shepherd
  • Sarge
  • Hawkeye
  • Dash
  • Laser
  • Arrow
  • Blitz
  • Focus
  • Diesel
  • Hawk
  • Atlas
  • Trapper
  • Bolt
  • Tank
  • Gunner
  • Marshall
  • Ranger
  • Scout
  • Walker

Cute Border Collie Names

Border Collies always have adorable faces, even when they leave puppyhood and become an adult. But you could hold onto their adorableness a little longer by giving your Border Collie a cute name. Here are our favorites.

  • Cookie
  • Roamer
  • Mint
  • Cloudy
  • Milkshake
  • Chai
  • Plaid
  • Dimple
  • Oreo
  • Spots
  • Merle
  • Leopard
  • Swirl
  • Bunny
  • Lion
  • Rain
  • Jumper
  • Bubbles
  • Sprinkles
  • Sherlock
  • Starry
  • Thyme
  • Turtle
  • Cupcake

Finding the Right Name for Your Border Collie

Border Collies are intelligent and highly trainable family dogs, and such amazing companions deserve great names. They have also been known to live up to 17 years easily, so you want to pick a name that you will love for the ages.

If you are having trouble choosing one after narrowing it down, enlist your family members or close friends to weigh the options that you have selected. You might even benefit from trying a few out on your new pup; you may be surprised by their reactions. They might even be able to tell you which ones they love with a tail wag and which ones they are not so fond of with a disapproving whine or whimper!

Don't let that stress you out, though, because there are so many incredible options out there. Trust your gut. As soon as you say the name aloud a few times, you'll know it's the one. Finally, have fun! Choosing a name should almost be as exciting as bringing your pup home for the very first time. In the end, your pup will love whatever name you decide to pair them with, as long as you give them all of your unconditional love.

Conclusion

We hope that you have found a bit of inspiration from this list of Border Collie dog names. You may choose something traditional or cute or something that reminds you of the farm, but regardless, you should make sure you can easily call your athletic pup back when they go for a run. 

If you haven’t found the perfect name yet, why not try one of these lists?


Featured Image Credit: 4924546, Pixabay

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Nicole Cosgrove
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