180 Amazing Names for Rhodesian Ridgebacks: Our Top Picks for Your Pup

Rhodesian Ridgebacks are beloved family pets but were originally bred as hunting and guard dogs in the wild parts of Africa. If you are looking to add one of these gregarious, loving dogs to your family, they will need a name that is well suited to their strong and noble side, as well as their soft and loving side.

We have put together several name ideas for your Rhodesian Ridgeback; whether you are looking for something heroic and noble, strong and masculine, or soft and gentle, your dog’s name is bound to be in the lists we have created for you.

How to Choose a Name for Your Rhodesian Ridgeback

If you are battling to make a decision, it helps to group name options into themes and then choose a theme to narrow the choices down. Themes could include names from movies, myths and legends, or musical artists. They could be inspired by the personality and temperament of your dog, its appearance, or can be inspired by your favorite food.

Once you know what category you want your dog’s name to fall under, you can then decide if you want it to be long or short, if you want it to have meaning, or if it should start with a specific letter. Think of all these small elements to help fine-tune your decision.

The primary characteristics that make a Rhodesian Ridgeback and can be an inspiration for a name are that they are strong, brave, and excellent guard dogs. The fact that they were bred for hunting in Africa is also a big motivator for an African-based name, which can also be unique and fitting.

Rhodesian Ridgeback Names Based on Personality and Appearance

Your dog’s personality and physical characteristics can be great inspirations for a name. These are great options if you are looking for a classic title but will lack a bit of originality, as using your dogs’ traits to inspire a name is a standard method. Nonetheless, here are some fantastic options.

• Amber
• Bear
• Boss
• Brave
• Bronze
• Captain
• Chase
• Cinnamon
• Clay
• Copper
• Diesel
• Hazel
• Hero
• Honey
• Knight
• Leo
• Lion
• Major
• Maple
• Queen
• Red
• Regal
• Rocky
• Ruby
• Rusty
• Sarg
• Savanna
• Sweety
• Tanner
• Valor

Rhodesian Ridgeback Names Inspired by Movie Characters

Movies and their characters can play a motivating role in our lives and provide ideas for names. Here are a few name ideas inspired by influential movie characters.

• Ace
• Aragorn
• Arwen
• Aurora
• Elsa
• Fang
• Forest
• Frodo
• Groot
• Hagrid
• Harley
• Harry
• Hulk
• Katniss
• Loki
• Marley
• Morpheus
• Mulan
• Neo
• Optimus
• Samara
• Scar
• Scarlett
• Shiloh
• Shuri
• Simba
• Thor
• Tiana
• Toto
• Trinity

Rhodesian Ridgeback Names Inspired by Myths and Legends

Myths and legends are great sources for names because they usually come from brave and noble legends that will be known and admired for years. A Rhodesian Ridgeback is more than deserving of a title derived from an epic myth or legend.

• Apollo
• Argo
• Arthur
• Arun
• Athena
• Atlas
• Cronus
• Damon
• Eros
• Freya
• Gaia
• Griffin
• Hector
• Icarus
• Iris
• King
• Luna
• Medusa
• Odin
• Orion
• Pandora
• Phoenix
• Phoebe
• Priya
• Shiva
• Thalia
• Troy
• Zain
• Zephyr
• Zeus

Rhodesian Ridgeback Names Inspired by Music Artists

Music plays a huge role in most people’s lives, and even the hint of an old tune can take you back to a moment in time. Musicians are respected for their ability to transport us and heal with their music, so why not choose one of your favorite artists to share a name with your beloved dog?

• Aretha
• Axl
• Bruce
• Bruno
• Buddy
• Celine
• Dolly
• Ella
• Elton
• Elvis
• Enya
• Frank
• Freddy
• Gwen
• Hendrix
• Hootie
• Isaak
• Jackson
• Jagger
• Katy
• Kenny
• Lana
• Lennon
• Loretta
• Mac
• Madonna
• Miley
• Prince
• Ringo
• Robbie

Rhodesian Ridgeback Names from Zimbabwe

Rhodesia is the former name for Zimbabwe and is the origin of the Rhodesian Ridgeback, so there is no better fitting name than one from Rhodesia. Some of these names are inspired by cities or famous people in Zimbabwe, while some are Shona names from the tribes that reside there.

• Albert
• Aneni
• Chakari
• Chipo
• Chuma
• Elson
• Gweru
• Harare
• Joram
• Josiah
• Kariba
• Karoi
• Khami
• Kotwa
• Kwekwe
• Maita
• Muriel
• Nelson
• Norton
• Robert
• Ruwa
• Sabie
• Sango
• Shona
• Thuli
• Victoria
• Vimbo
• Zaka
• Zave
• Zira

African Names for a Rhodesian Ridgeback and Their Meaning

Zimbabwe is a country in Africa, so you could take it further another step and give your Rhodesian Ridgeback an African-inspired name. These names are unique and have character, as well as some meanings that will be fitting to your dog’s character.

• Adia (Present of God)
• Aisha (Life)
• Arno (Eagle)
• Benya (To shine)
• Bongani (Be thankful)
• Chaka (Warrior)
• Christo (Follower of Christ)
• Duma (Shout of triumph)
• Jabulani (Rejoice)
• Khwezi (Star)
• Kirabo (God’s gift)
• Kuhle (Wellness)
• Lebo (Thankful)
• Lethabo (Joy)
• Luan (Lion)
• Mandela (Nelson Mandela)
• Mandla (Power)
• Mandla (Strength)
• Mosa (Grace)
• Mpho (Gift)
• Msizi (Helper)
• Nandi (Sweet)
• Philani (You be well)
• Shakir (Grateful)
• Tau (lion)
• Thando (Love)
• Themba (Trust, hope faith)
• Uuka (Ready to rise up)
• Zea (Light)
• Zula (Brilliant)

Our Top Names for Males and Female Rhodesian Ridgeback

If you are still undecided, maybe a narrowed down list of our favorites will help you out.

Male

• Bear
• Chase
• Cronus
• King
• Mandla
• Neo
• Sango
• Tau
• Zeus
• Zula

Female

• Amber
• Hazel
• Katniss
• Ruby
• Savannah
• Scarlett
• Thuli
• Trinity
• Zia
• Zira

Conclusion

Inspiration for a dog’s name can come from almost anywhere, but deciding first and foremost on a theme can help fine-tune your choices. Your dog's name can be fun and unique, and it doesn’t always need to mean something. In the case of a Rhodesian Ridgeback, African-inspired names and names inspired by Zimbabwe are great because they are unique, carry meaning, have character, and are an ode to your dog’s heritage.

Featured Image Credit: Osetrik, Shutterstock