Pekingese Names: Chinese, Royal, Cute, Funny & Unique Dog Names
A Pekingese does not exactly arrive looking anonymous. Beneath that extraordinary mane is a compact little dog whose breed standard emphasizes courage, dignity, boldness and self-esteem—not daintiness. Add centuries of association with China’s imperial courts, the traditional Lion Dog image, and a face capable of looking mildly unimpressed by the entire household, and you have unusually rich territory for naming.
This guide includes Chinese- and Beijing-inspired ideas, royal names, lion names, tiny-but-mighty names, coat-color names, old-fashioned choices, funny Pekingese names, male and female names, and choices that simply sound delightful when attached to a small dog with enormous presence.
Looking for breed information rather than names? Visit the Pekingese Dog Breed Guide. For more ideas, browse the Small Dog Names Guide.
Our Favorite Pekingese Names
If you want the shortlist before disappearing happily into several hundred possibilities, these are especially good fits.
| Name | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Bao | Short, bright and Chinese-inspired. |
| Mei | Elegant and simple. |
| Ming | Evokes Chinese history without being cumbersome. |
| Leo | A perfect wink at the famous lion-like image. |
| Pearl | Old-fashioned and especially pretty for pale dogs. |
| Winston | Splendidly serious for a tiny household executive. |
| Cleo | Regal without being stuffy. |
| Teddy | Irresistible for a fluffy, bear-like puppy. |
| Empress | Not subtle—and that is rather the point. |
| Pippin | Cheerful and playful. |
| Rupert | Distinguished and slightly eccentric. |
| Dumpling | Compact and impossible to say without smiling. |
| Lotus | Graceful and elegant. |
| Button | For a small dog convinced he is a mastiff. |
| Jade | Crisp and culturally evocative. |
| Percy | Wonderfully proper for an opinionated companion. |
| Bean | Tiny and friendly. |
| Magnus | Delightfully oversized in spirit. |
| Velvet | Beautiful for a dark, richly coated Peke. |
Girl Pekingese Names
Ada, Alice, Amelia, Annie, Beatrice, Bella, Betty, Bijou, Bonnie, Cece, Chloe, Cleo, Coco, Daisy, Daphne, Dolly, Dottie, Edie, Elsie, Emmy, Evie, Fifi, Flora, Gigi, Goldie, Gracie, Hazel, Hettie, Ivy, Josie, Kitty, Lola, Lottie, Louisa, Lucy, Lulu, Mabel, Maisie, Margot, Millie, Minnie, Nellie, Olive, Opal, Pearl, Penelope, Penny, Phoebe, Pippa, Poppy, Posy, Primrose, Queenie, Rosie, Ruby, Sophie, Tilly, Winnie.
Boy Pekingese Names
Alfie, Angus, Archie, Arthur, August, Basil, Beau, Benny, Bertie, Charlie, Chester, Claude, Dexter, Douglas, Duke, Eddie, Edgar, Ernie, Felix, Freddie, George, Gus, Harvey, Henry, Hugo, Jasper, Leo, Louie, Louis, Monty, Murphy, Nigel, Oliver, Oscar, Otis, Percy, Ralph, Reggie, Reginald, Rupert, Sebastian, Stanley, Teddy, Theodore, Toby, Walter, Wilbur, William, Winston.
Chinese-Inspired Pekingese Names
Few breeds have a stronger claim to a Chinese-inspired name. The Pekingese is closely tied to China and the imperial court in Beijing—historically rendered “Peking” in English.
A note about meanings: Chinese names and words can have different meanings depending on written character and tone. Rather than repeating questionable one-to-one translations from name-list websites, treat these primarily as attractive Chinese-inspired sounds. If a particular meaning matters to you, verify the exact characters with a reliable language source or fluent speaker.
Bao, Bei, Bo, Chen, Chun, Fang, Fen, Hai, Hua, Huan, Jia, Jing, Jun, Lan, Lei, Li, Lian, Ling, Mei, Ming, Ning, Qiao, Qing, Shan, Tao, Wei, Wen, Xia, Xin, Xiu, Yan, Yi, Ying, Yu, Yue, Yun, Zhen, Zhi, Zhou, Zhu.
Short Names That Are Easy to Call
Bao, Bei, Bo, Chen, Hua, Jia, Lan, Lei, Li, Ling, Mei, Ming, Ning, Shan, Tao, Wen, Xin, Yu.
Beijing & Chinese Heritage Names
The breed’s palace history gives us a second naming vocabulary: Beijing, Peking, Ming, Tang, Jade, Lotus, Bamboo, Silk, Scroll, Pagoda, Lantern, Porcelain, Dynasty, Fortune, Imperial.
Names From Pekingese History
Historical records preserve wonderfully distinctive Pekingese names such as Looty, Schlorff, Hytien, T’Sang, Minchi and Chun. They are fascinating inspiration for owners who want a name with a direct connection to the breed’s story.
Royal & Imperial Pekingese Names
Baron, Baroness, Caesar, Count, Countess, Duke, Duchess, Earl, Empress, Emperor, King, Lady, Lord, Majesty, Marquis, Monarch, Noble, Prince, Princess, Queenie, Regent, Rex, Royal, Sovereign.
Regal Human Names
Albert, Alexandra, Alfred, Arthur, Beatrice, Catherine, Charles, Charlotte, Edward, Eleanor, Elizabeth, George, Henry, Isabella, Louis, Louise, Margaret, Matilda, Victoria, William.
Formal introduction: “Her Imperial Majesty, Empress Biscuit of the Sofa.” Everyday name: Biscuit. Full title: state occasions.
Lion Dog Names for a Pekingese
The Pekingese’s lion association is centuries old, connected with Buddhist imagery and the famous legend of a lion made small while retaining his lion heart.
Aslan, Braveheart, Caesar, Cub, Fang, Leo, Leon, Leona, Leonard, Leonora, Lionel, Mane, Mufasa, Nala, Roar, Simba, Sphinx, Tawny, Valor.
Names for the “Heart of a Lion”
Bold, Brave, Courage, Hero, Lionheart, Mighty, Noble, Valor, Valiant.
Tiny but Mighty Pekingese Names
Very small Pekingese were historically known as sleeve dogs. Enjoy the history without treating extreme miniaturization as something a buyer should seek.
Small Names
Bean, Bitty, Button, Dot, Midge, Mini, Mite, Niblet, Nugget, Pebble, Peanut, Pip, Pixel, Pocket, Sprout, Tinker, Tiny, Tot.
Enormous Names for a Small Dog
Atlas, Bear, Brutus, Colossus, Goliath, Hercules, Hulk, Jumbo, Magnus, Mammoth, Moose, Tank, Thor, Titan, T-Rex, Zeus.
About “teacup” Pekingese: today’s Pekingese is one breed, not a separate teacup variety. Novelty size marketing should never outrank health, soundness and responsible breeding.
Cute Pekingese Names
Bambi, Bean, Bee, Biscuit, Bitsy, Bonbon, Boo, Bubble, Button, Chip, Cookie, Cupcake, Dinky, Doodle, Dumpling, Fizzy, Gizmo, Honey, Jellybean, Kiki, Lolly, Mimi, Mochi, Mopsy, Muffin, Noodle, Peaches, Peanut, Pickle, Pip, Pippin, Pompom, Popcorn, Pudding, Puff, Snickers, Sprout, Squish, Teddy, Toffee.
Funny Pekingese Names
Pekingese humor practically writes itself: a small dog with a lion-like sense of dignity.
Grand Titles for a Very Small Dog
Chairman Woof, Count Fluffula, Duke of Barkingham, Emperor Biscuit, General Floof, His Royal Fluffness, Lady Snorts-a-Lot, Lord Fuzzington, Major Mane, Prince Pipsqueak, Professor Puff, Sir Stomps, The Grand Peke, Tiny Boss.
Food-Based Comedy
Bao Bun, Dumpling, Fortune Cookie, Noodle, Pancake, Peking Duckling, Potsticker, Riceball, Sesame, Spring Roll, Wonton.
Magnificent Attitude
Audacity, Bossy, Drama, Grumble, Judge, Majesty, Menace, Moody, Opinion, Outrage, Sass, Side-Eye, Snob, Trouble, Verdict.
The porch test: if you can cheerfully call “Chairman Woof, come!” while the neighbors are gardening, you have found your level of commitment.
Elegant & Old-Fashioned Pekingese Names
Vintage Ladies
Agatha, Agnes, Beatrice, Bernadette, Blanche, Clara, Constance, Dorothy, Edith, Effie, Eleanor, Eloise, Ethel, Florence, Frances, Harriet, Hattie, Josephine, Mabel, Maude, Mildred, Myrtle, Nellie, Opal, Pearl, Theodora, Vera, Violet, Winifred.
Distinguished Gentlemen
Albert, Alfred, Ambrose, Arthur, Basil, Bernard, Cecil, Chester, Clarence, Claude, Edgar, Edmund, Ernest, Frederick, George, Harold, Harvey, Horace, Hugh, Lionel, Milton, Nigel, Norman, Percy, Reginald, Rupert, Stanley, Walter, Winston.
Pekingese Names by Coat Color
White & Cream
Alba, Angel, Blizzard, Cloud, Coconut, Cotton, Dove, Frost, Ivory, Marshmallow, Moon, Opal, Pearl, Powder, Snowdrop, Sugar, Vanilla, Winter.
Black & Dark
Ash, Cinder, Coal, Eclipse, Ink, Jet, Licorice, Midnight, Noir, Onyx, Pepper, Raven, Sable, Shadow, Soot, Velvet.
Red, Gold & Fawn
Amber, Apricot, Autumn, Brandy, Butterscotch, Caramel, Copper, Ember, Ginger, Goldie, Honey, Maple, Marmalade, Penny, Pumpkin, Rusty, Saffron, Sunny, Toffee.
Parti-Color & Marked
Domino, Freckles, Marble, Mosaic, Panda, Patches, Pebbles, Pepper, Picasso, Pixel, Speck, Splash, Spot, Sundae, Tux.
Fluffy Pekingese Names
Bear, Bouffant, Cashmere, Cloud, Cotton, Feather, Fleece, Floof, Flurry, Fuzz, Fuzzy, Mane, Mopsy, Plush, Pompom, Powderpuff, Puff, Ruffles, Shaggy, Silk, Teddy, Tufty, Velvet, Woolly.
Salon-Level Names
Bouffant, Chanel, Coiffure, Diva, Duchess, Fringe, Glamour, Pompadour, Ruffle, Satin, Tress, Vogue.
Food & Treat Names
Almond, Bean, Biscuit, Bonbon, Brownie, Butter, Butterscotch, Caramel, Cashew, Chai, Cookie, Cupcake, Dumpling, Ginger, Honey, Latte, Maple, Marmalade, Marshmallow, Mochi, Muffin, Noodle, Nutmeg, Peaches, Peanut, Pepper, Pickle, Pudding, Sesame, Shortbread, Snickers, Toffee, Truffle, Waffle, Wonton.
Unique & Unusual Pekingese Names
Alchemy, Amulet, Banner, Brocade, Cashmere, Chime, Dynasty, Echo, Fable, Fanfare, Figment, Fortune, Garnet, Glimmer, Halo, Imperial, Jubilee, Kismet, Lantern, Legend, Lotus, Lyric, Mandarin, Marble, Mosaic, Oracle, Pagoda, Parable, Porcelain, Quill, Regalia, Relic, Riddle, Scroll, Sonnet, Talisman, Velvet, Whimsy.
One-Word Names With Imperial Energy
Dynasty, Empire, Fortune, Imperial, Majesty, Noble, Regalia, Sovereign, Tribute, Victory.
How to Choose the Right Pekingese Name
Say It Out Loud
Use the name as though calling your dog from another room, greeting him at the door and speaking to the veterinary receptionist. Names live in the mouth, not just on a screen.
Avoid Confusing Sound-Alikes
Avoid a name so similar to “sit,” “stay,” “down,” “no” or “come” that it muddies communication.
Consider the Household
Very similar pet and family names can be confusing. Distinct sounds make everyday communication easier.
Remember the Adult Dog
Picture the name on both the puppy and the dignified senior dog.
Try the Porch Test
If you would instinctively whisper the name because the neighbors might hear, reconsider—or accept that you are now the person who owns a Pekingese named His Royal Fluffness.
Let Personality Break a Tie
A few days can reveal whether the elegant “Pearl” is actually a “Pickle.”
How to Teach Your Pekingese Puppy Its Name
- Say the puppy’s name once in a cheerful voice.
- When the puppy looks toward you, immediately praise and reward.
- Repeat only a few times, then stop while the game is fun.
- Practice in different rooms and gradually around mild distractions.
- Use the name to get attention before another cue rather than repeating it endlessly.
Try not to make the dog’s name the soundtrack to scolding. You want “Percy!” to mean “something involving my person is worth noticing,” not “apparently I am in trouble again.”
Can You Rename an Adult Pekingese?
Absolutely. Pair the new name with attention and rewards. Some families briefly pair old and new names—“Mimi-Pearl”—before dropping the old one, but this is optional. Consistency and positive association matter more than preserving a name the dog arrived with.
Pekingese Names FAQ
What are good names for a Pekingese?
Good Pekingese names often reflect the breed’s Chinese heritage, lion-like appearance, regal history, compact size, abundant coat, and famously self-possessed personality. Ming, Mei, Bao, Leo, Teddy, Pearl, Empress, Duke, Biscuit, and Button are examples with very different moods.
What are good Chinese-inspired names for a Pekingese?
Chinese-inspired possibilities include Mei, Bao, Ming, Ling, Tao, Lan, Hua, Lei, Shan, and Yu. When a name is chosen for a claimed Chinese meaning, verify the exact character, pronunciation, and meaning before treating that translation as definitive.
What are cute Pekingese names?
Cute choices include Button, Mochi, Teddy, Pippin, Dumpling, Biscuit, Pebble, Tinker, Noodle, and Puff.
What are funny names for a Pekingese?
Tiny Boss, His Royal Fluffness, Chairman Woof, Sir Stomps, General Floof, Emperor Biscuit, and Pocket Lion all play on the breed’s small size and enormous self-importance.
What are good names for a white Pekingese?
Pearl, Ivory, Snowdrop, Cloud, Frost, Cotton, Moon, Opal, Marshmallow, and Winter all suit a white or very pale Pekingese.
What are good names for a black Pekingese?
Onyx, Ink, Raven, Soot, Velvet, Jet, Licorice, Shadow, Pepper, and Midnight work especially well for black or very dark dogs.
What are good names for a male Pekingese?
Strong male choices include Bao, Ming, Winston, Percy, Arthur, Teddy, Leo, Duke, Rupert, Hugo, Archie, and Louis.
What are good names for a female Pekingese?
Female choices include Mei, Pearl, Lulu, Poppy, Mabel, Cleo, Flora, Winnie, Daphne, Tilly, Ruby, and Beatrice.
Can I rename an adult Pekingese?
Yes. Adult dogs can learn a new name. Pair the new name with attention, treats, play, and other positive experiences, and use it consistently.
Should a Pekingese name have two syllables?
Two syllables can be convenient, but there is no rule requiring them. Clarity and ease of use matter more. A long formal name can also have a short everyday nickname.
How do I teach my Pekingese puppy its name?
Say the name once in a cheerful voice and reward the puppy as soon as it looks toward you. Repeat in short sessions and gradually add distractions. Avoid turning the name into a warning word.
What names should I avoid?
Avoid names that sound confusingly similar to cues you use frequently, names nearly identical to another household member’s name, and jokes you would be uncomfortable calling clearly in public.