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

Nicole Cosgrove Profile Picture

By Nicole Cosgrove

Border Collie

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’ve gathered over 100 of the most popular and unique Border Collie names. Keep in mind that this should be a fun process and that whatever you pick, your Border Collie is going to love it. No matter what you’re looking for, you are pretty likely to find it below.

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

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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 Credit: 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, we are sure that any Border Collie would be pleased with a name inspired by the language and culture! Suggestions based on a few classic names, places, and things – these are sure to be 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 Credit: 825545, Pixabay

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Black & White Border Collie Dog Names

You may be inclined to choose a name inspired by your new dog’s fur – silky and soft black and white! They look pretty spiffy with a coat that resembles that of 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 give him a name that is a throwback to many of his farm-dog ancestors. Below 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 Credit: TheOtherKev, Pixabay

Herding Names for Border Collie Dogs

One of the world’s smartest and hard-working dog breeds is the Border Collie – they are notorious for being impeccable herding dogs. With laser focus and an 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

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Cute Border Collie Names

Border Collies always have adorable faces, even when they leave puppyhood and enter adult-pup-hood. But, you could hold onto their adorableness a little longer by giving your Border Collie a cute name. Scroll down to see 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

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Finding the Right Name for Your Border Collie

Border Collies are intelligent, 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 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 in the options you have selected. You might even benefit in trying a few out on your new pup – you’ll be surprised by their reactions to some of the names. They might even be able to tell you which they love with a tail wag, and which 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.

We hope that you have found a bit of inspiration from our list of Border Collie dog names. You may choose something traditional or cute, or something that reminds you of the farm, but make sure you can easily call your athletic pup back when he surely goes for a run and wander. 

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


Featured Image Credit: 4924546, Pixabay

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