300+ Awesome Alaskan Dog Names

Names

WRITTEN BY:

Meg Marrs

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Dog Names from Alaska

Do you own a Siberian husky or an Alaskan malamute? An Alaskan Klee Kai? Or perhaps you live in Alaska and simply want a name that matches where you live or is based on the native languages of the region!

Whatever the reason, we’ve got you covered below with some of the best Alaskan dog names. Check them out and see what suits your pooch. Make sure to comment with your favorites below.

Dog Names Generally Associated With Alaska

Names for Alaskan dogs

Whether it’s beautiful sights or crazy cold winters, we have a lot to thank Alaska for. Here are some Alaskan dog names inspired by all things Alaska or associated with the breathtaking state. 

  • Akira
  • Alaska
  • Alder
  • Alpenglow
  • Alpha
  • Alpine
  • Arctic
  • Aspen
  • Aurora
  • Balsam
  • Balto
  • Bandit
  • Bering
  • Berry
  • Birch
  • Blazer
  • Blueberry
  • Boots
  • Borealis
  • Brush
  • Bush
  • Cattail
  • Cedar
  • Chill
  • Comet
  • Currant
  • Dakota
  • Fern
  • Frontier
  • Galosh
  • Glacier
  • Granite
  • Hemlock
  • Hunter
  • Iris
  • Jack Frost
  • Jade
  • Jewel 
  • Kokanee
  • Linnaea
  • Lonestar
  • Lupine
  • Malakai
  • Maverick
  • Maya
  • Mittens
  • Mountain
  • Mush
  • Nomad
  • North
  • Nova
  • Oil
  • Pilot
  • Pine
  • Polar
  • Poplar
  • Ptarmigan
  • Quake
  • Ridge
  • River
  • Rock
  • Rush
  • Sailor
  • Seward
  • Sierra
  • Sky
  • Sledge
  • Slope
  • Solidago
  • Solstice
  • Sonya
  • Spirit
  • Spruce
  • Spur
  • Storm
  • Summit
  • Tamarack
  • Tank
  • Terra
  • Timber
  • Totem
  • Tundra
  • Unimak
  • Willow
  • Wrangell
  • Yarrow
  • Zodiac

Animal-Related Alaskan Dog Names

golden mix snow

Alaska is home to a mighty menagerie of animals — many of which make amazing monikers! Check out these animal-linked Alaskan dog names.

  • Abalone
  • Bat
  • Bear
  • Beaver
  • Beluga
  • Bison
  • Boar (Male bear)
  • Bowhead
  • Bunting
  • Caribou
  • Char
  • Chickadee
  • Chub
  • Cisco
  • Clam
  • Coho
  • Cormorant
  • Cougar
  • Coyote
  • Crab
  • Crane
  • Cub
  • Dall
  • Dipper
  • Duck
  • Eagle
  • Eider
  • Elk
  • Ermine
  • Falcon
  • Fin
  • Fisher
  • Fox
  • Frog
  • Goat
  • Goose
  • Grayling
  • Grizz
  • Grizzly
  • Grouse
  • Halibut
  • Hare
  • Hawk
  • Herring
  • Jay
  • Junco
  • Kit (Baby fox)
  • Kittiwake
  • Lamprey
  • Lemming
  • Lynx
  • Mackerel
  • Magpie
  • Mammoth
  • Marmot
  • Marten
  • Mink
  • Moose
  • Musk
  • Narwhal
  • Newt
  • Nymph
  • Octopus
  • Orca
  • Osprey
  • Otter
  • Ox
  • Owl
  • Perch
  • Pika
  • Pike
  • Plover
  • Pollock
  • Porcupine
  • Puffin
  • Rabbit
  • Raven
  • Reindeer
  • Robin
  • Salmon
  • Sandpiper
  • Scallop
  • Seal
  • Sei
  • Shrew
  • Smelt
  • Sockeye
  • Sow (Female bear)
  • Sparrow
  • Squirrel
  • Sturgeon
  • Swan
  • Trout
  • Urchin
  • Walleye
  • Walrus
  • Weasel
  • Wolf
  • Wolverine
  • Woodchuck
  • Woodrat
  • Wooly

Cold & Snow-Themed Alaskan Dog Names

husky duo

Alaskan-inspired names for dogs can be linked to the state’s most famous feature: cold weather! From snow to slush and everything in between, this land’s home to plenty of the cold stuff! Check out these cold weather-themed Alaskan dog names.

  • Avalanche
  • Black Ice
  • Blizz (Short for blizzard)
  • Blizzard
  • Bora (Albanian name meaning “snow”)
  • Chione (Greek name that means “snow”)
  • Eira (Welsh name meaning “snow”)
  • Eirwen (Welsh name that means “white snow”)
  • Fannar (Icelandic name meaning “snow drift”)
  • Fjolla (Albanian name meaning “fine snow”)
  • Flake (Perfect small white dog breed name!)
  • Floe
  • Flurry
  • Freeze
  • Fria (“Cold” in Portuguese)
  • Frigid
  • Frost
  • Frostbite
  • Frosting
  • Frosty
  • Frozen
  • Grue
  • Haukea (Hawaiian name meaning “white snow”)
  • Haunani (Hawaiian name that means “beautiful snow”)
  • Ice
  • Iceberg
  • Iceblock
  • Icebox
  • Icecube
  • Icicle (Funny Velcro dog name!)
  • Icy
  • Igloo
  • Kühl (“Cold” in German)
  • Lumi (Finnish name meaning “snow”)
  • Neige (“Snow” in French)
  • Nevada (“Snow-capped” in Spanish
  • Névé
  • Nieve (“Snow” in Spanish”)
  • Nippy
  • Nix (“Snow” in Latin”)
  • Popsicle
  • Powder
  • Pupsicle
  • Skift
  • Sleet
  • Slush
  • Slushy
  • Snow
  • Snowball
  • Snowbanks
  • Snowbear (Great cold-weather breed name!)
  • Snowbelle
  • Snowbird
  • Snowbound
  • Snowcap
  • Snowdrift
  • Snowdrop
  • Snowflake
  • Snowman
  • Snowplow
  • Snowshoe
  • Snowy
  • Snow Angel
  • Snow Bunny
  • Squall
  • Thundersnow
  • Whiteout
  • Winter
  • Wintery
  • Wintry

Male Inuit & Native Alaskan Dog Names

Alaskan boy dog names

Does your best buddy brave the cold with ease? If so, he’s earned one of these fantastic male Alaskan dog names. 

  • Aatag: Father
  • Aivik: Walrus
  • Amak: Playful
  • Amaqjuaq: The strong one
  • Ataneq: King dog
  • Atka: King
  • Chinook: Warm wind
  • Ikun: Match
  • Inuksuk: On the right path
  • Kanut: White geese
  • Kaskae: Chief
  • Kavik: Wolverine
  • Kayak: Seagull
  • Mannik: Egg
  • Miki: Little
  • Nanook: Cute
  • Nini: Porcupine
  • Nootaikok: God of icebergs
  • Pakak – One that gets into everything
  • Paluktak: Beaver
  • Panuk: Island
  • Pilip: Lover of horses
  • Pukak: Snow smart
  • Siksrik: Squirrel
  • Siku: Ice
  • Silla: God of sky
  • Tekkeitsertok: God of hunting
  • Tikaani: Wolf warrior
  • Toklo: Spontaneous
  • Tonraq: Tiny man
  • Tonrar: Devil
  • Tukkuttok: Generous
  • Tulok: Warrior
  • Tupit: Tattoo
  • Tuttu: Caribou
  • Ulva: Wolf
  • Yaktag: Cape
  • Yutu: Claw

Female Inuit & Native Alaskan Dog Names

Girl Alaskan dog names

If you have a sweet snow-lover at home, it may make sense to pick out a native Alaskan namesake. Here are some of the best Inuit dog names for female furry friends. 

  • Aanguak: Charm
  • Aga: Mother
  • Agra: Ashes
  • Ahnah: A wise woman
  • Akiak: Brave (see other strong female dog name ideas)
  • Akna: The Inuit goddess of fertility and childbirth
  • Alasie: She who is honest and noble
  • Amka: Friendly
  • Anjij: Grace
  • Aqakuktuq: Fish catcher
  • Arnaaluk: Spirit of the woman under the sea
  • Arnakuagsak: Goddess of the hunters
  • Arnaq: Woman
  • Arrluk: Killer Whale
  • Asiaq: Goddess of good weather
  • Ataksak: Goddess of the ruler of the sky
  • Atiqtalik: Polar bear mother
  • Atuktuk: Sings
  • Elisapee: My God is an oath
  • Eska: Creek
  • Hitty: Hyena
  • Ilannak: Friend (see our other dog names that mean “friend”)
  • Imigluktuk: Earrings
  • Inuk: Person
  • Isapoinhkyaki: Singing crow woman
  • Jissika: Rich
  • Kaisha: Unknown
  • Kakkuayaak: Cookie 
  • Kaklu: Lips 
  • Kallan: Cup
  • Kanut: White Geese
  • Kima: Candy
  • Kireama: A hill
  • Kitaurak: Dress
  • Klee Kai: Little dog (Also an Alaskan dog breed)
  • Koko: Chocolate
  • Kugruich: Swans
  • Kulvich: Tears
  • Mauja: Deep, soft snow
  • Meriwa: Thorn
  • Miki: Little
  • Miluk: Milk
  • Miska: Little Bear
  • Nakuuruk: Good
  • Nanuq: Polar Bear
  • Nini: Porcupine
  • Nukka: Little Sister
  • Pakma: Heaven
  • Pikpaksriruk: Loves
  • Sakari: Sweet
  • Sedna: Sea Goddess
  • Sesi: Snow
  • Shila: Flame
  • Suka: Fast
  • Tanana: Hills
  • Tapeesa: Artic flower
  • Ticasuk: Possessing knowledge
  • Tootega: A female deity who could walk on water
  • Uki: Survivor (check out our other dog names that mean “survivor”)
  • Ukpik: Willow
  • Uluak: Cheek

Gender-Neutral Inuit & Native Alaskan Dog Names

Alaskan Dog Names

Whether you have a boy or girl pooch at home, these gender-neutral Inuit names can serve as the perfect namesake for northern dog breeds. Consider these native Alaskan names to put some meaning behind your mutt’s moniker. 

  • Amaak: Root
  • Adlartok: Clear sky
  • Alornerk: Under feet
  • Amaruq: Grey wolf
  • Aput: Snow
  • Cupun: Coal
  • Ikiaq: Red spruce
  • Iñupiaq: A genuine person
  • Ilitkuaik: Spirit
  • Kalik: Lightning
  • Nanurjuk: The star
  • Natchik: Seal
  • Nukilik: One who is strong
  • Papik: Bird’s tail
  • Patik: Marrow
  • Puvaich: Lungs
  • Qimmiq: Dog
  • Sikinik: Sun
  • Siqiniq: The sun
  • Suluk: Wing feather
  • Taqqiq: Moon
  • Umiaktorvik: River
  • Yuka: A bright star
  • Yura: Beautiful

Names Of Famous Sled Dogs

sled dog names

While all sled dogs traverse mighty landscapes, there are a couple that stand out from the pack. Here are some famous sled dogs that may make great inspiration for your furry friend’s name (a lot of these make especially great husky dog names). 

  • Balto. Balto is the famous lead dog who worked on the final leg of the Alaskan serum trip in 1925, bringing a diphtheria antitoxin that was in desperate need. Balto pulled the sled team through the night and through whiteout conditions to bring in the antitoxin. He is celebrated in a statue found in New York’s Central Park, and in an animated film of the same name – Balto.
  • Laika. Laika was a mixed-breed Husky, famous for being the first dog in space, outfitted aboard the Sputnik 2.
  • Togo. Togo is another famous Alaskan sled dog, traveling 170 miles in just 3 days while battling temperatures estimated at -30 degrees Fahrenheit (with a wind chill of -85 degrees Fahrenheit). Good thing he had a double coat!
  • White Fang. The name of the wolf dog in Jack London’s book of the same name. If your love the idea of a book-based name, make sure to also check out our other literary dog names!
  • Aro and Jiro. Two dogs who were the only survivors of a 1958 Japanese expedition to the Arctic. The crew of the expedition initially got stuck in an ice well, and the crew has to be evacuated by helicopter. Sadly, they were forced to leave their 15 sled dogs behind. A year later, another expedition found that 2 dogs has survived, somehow enduring the harsh conditions and learning to survive on their own.
  • Buck. Buck is a sled dog that stars in Jack London’s The Call of the Wild. He is stolen from his family to be used as a sled dog, and turns into a leader and survivor.

Interested in teaching your dog to pull a sled but you don’t live in Alaska? Check out our article on urban mushing! No snow required!

Alaskan Dog Names Based on Locations and Landmarks in Alaska

Alaska Landscape Dog Names

There’s nothing quite like the breathtaking sights of Alaska. Consider naming your precious pooch after one of these beautiful locations in the last frontier. Or, if you’re looking for more ideas, try looking at our list of nature dog names!

  • Ambler: An Arctic village
  • Angel: Angel Rocks Trailhead
  • Atka: An island and town
  • Bona: An eastern mountain
  • Chandler: Chandler River
  • Cordova: An Alaskan city
  • Denali: The highest mountain in North America
  • Elias: Mt. Saint Elias mountain
  • Eska: An Alaskan creek
  • Fairbanks: The second-largest city in the state
  • Glennallen: A fishing town
  • Grayling: A tiny town
  • Hess: A mountain peak
  • Homer: An Alaskan city
  • Hubbard: A glacier
  • Iliamna: The largest Alaskan lake
  • Jago: Jago River
  • Junco: A southern lake
  • Juneau: Alaska’s capital city
  • Katmai: A national park
  • Kavik: A braided Alaskan river
  • Kenai: Kenai Fjords
  • Kiana: A remote northern town
  • Klondike: A Yukon region
  • Kodiak: An Alaskan city
  • Nome: A northern city
  • Nuka: A bay in Alaska
  • Sanford: A shield volcano
  • Sitka: A southeastern city
  • Skagway: A small city
  • Taku: A tidewater glacier
  • Tongass: A national forest
  • Unga: A ghost town and island
  • Vega: A Rat Islands’ bay
  • Whalen: A southern bay
  • Whittier: Small southcentral Alaska town
  • Wrangell: Rugged mountains
  • Yakobi: A large island
  • Yasha: A tiny island
  • Yukon: An Alaskan river
  • Zenobia: A southern island

Alaskan Dog Names Based on Common Alaskan Words And Phrases 

Alaskan names for dogs

Alaskan natives have probably heard some of these unique slang words and phrases before, but for the rest of us we’re new to the Alaskan language. This Alaskan lexicon might serve as the perfect inspiration for your furry companion’s name. 

  • Alcan: A nickname for the Alaska and Canada highway
  • Alyeska: The archaic spelling of Alaska
  • Alpenglow: The pinkish hue on the mountains as sunset approaches
  • Baleen: Refers to the Baleen whale
  • Billiken: A mythical creature bearing good luck
  • Breakup: The Alaskan version of spring
  • Bush: The “bush” usually refers to rural Alaska 
  • Cache: A small shed
  • Calving: Large chunks of ice falling from a glacier 
  • Cheechako: A newcomer to Alaska
  • Eska: Creek
  • Flattop: The most climbed mountain in the state
  • Fireweed: A common herb 
  • Haida: A southeastern Alaskan tribe 
  • Hooligan: A small species of fish 
  • Iditarod: Word meaning “distant place” 
  • Kiska: Island
  • Kuspuk: A hooded overshirt worn by Alaskan natives 
  • Matanuska: Glacier 
  • Mudflats: A stretch of muddy land 
  • Muskeg: A swamp 
  • Musher: A person who directs a dog sled team 
  • Potlatch: An opulent ceremonial feast 
  • Taiga: A biome that is covered by cold forests
  • Qiviut: The undercoat of the musk ox 
  • Ulu: A native knife and tool 
  • Snowbird: A person who spends summers in Alaska and migrates south for the winter
  • Sourdough: A long-time Alaskan 
  • Xtratufs: A sturdy brown rubber boot

Alaskan Dog Breeds

alaskan malamute 1

Alaska is home to a few handsome doggos. Check out the state’s most popular mutt exports!

Alaskan Klee Kai

alaskan klee kai

Weighing a maximum of 22 pounds, this petite pooch’s size seems like a fluke coming from a state as big as Alaska, but his compact nature was by design. While his roots come from doggos native to the area, like the Alaskan husky, his appearance today results from breeder Linda Spurlin’s vision of a companion-sized pooch with top-notch health and temperament. He’s basically the look of the modern husky in a smaller, more manageable size and personality. A more biddable nature makes him a great alternative to families interested in huskies but not equipped the handle the breed’s infamous quirks.

Alaskan Malamute

alaskan malamute

The Alaskan malamute is world-famous for his hardworking ways, as this large, powerful pooch got his start hauling heavy sleds (and riders!) across the state’s tundra. He’s no softie when it comes to getting the job done, excelling in settings where his strength and endurance are tested, whether you’re hiking the wilderness or skijoring. His thick coat insulates him against frigid temperatures, but it also sheds heavily year-round and can lead to overheating in warmer climates. While handsome, this driven doggo is best for active, experienced owners.

Picking a Dog Name

alaskan klee kai 1

Now that you have all these Alaskan dog names to choose from, how do you pick the right one? Is your Rover more of a Polar or a Poplar? Is he a Kodiak or a Klondike? Let’s see how you can narrow things down to make the best choice in Alaskan dog names for your doggo.

When browsing your list of mutt monikers:

  • Pick a name you love. This moniker will fly out of your mouth for years to come. Make sure it’s a name that fits what you like. Look to your hobbies and interests for inspiration, as this can generate some cool contenders, like mythological dog names or literary dog names.
  • Seek something that evolves with your dog. A name like Baby is great for a puppy but may feel a little tired as your dog matures into his best man mutt self. This is important with colors, too, as some pups change colors as they age and their hair grows.
  • Avoid names that sound like common commands. If you plan to use “no” as a correction word, Nova may not be the best choice for your barker, especially when paired with commands like “sit.”
  • Skip negative associations. Avoid names that may make people think poorly of your furry companion. We’re looking at you, Demon and Killer. These aren’t names vets or groomers would be comfortable seeing on their daily schedule, setting your sniffer up for unnecessary wariness.
  • Don’t be offensive. This should be obvious, but it needs to be said: Don’t pick a name you wouldn’t say to your grandmother. If the name makes someone feel bad or offended, avoid it.
  • Consider a name’s mouth feel. A short name that flows off the tongue is much easier to use in training than one that’s long, no matter how you slice it. Too many syllables can leave you tongue-tied!
  • Get creative. Don’t shy away from choosing a less common name if you like it. A name like Buddy or Jack is great, but there are guaranteed to be more at the dog park. A barker like Eska or Slush is more likely to stand out. This isn’t just cool but also helpful when calling your canine over. It’s better to get just your floof than five other dogs named Toby.
  • Try it out. There’s no harm in sampling a dog’s name for a day or so to see how well it fits. You can also write the name down and imagine filling it out on vet forms for the foreseeable future to test it out. Practice calling it out the door, too!

Alaskan Dog Names: FAQ

yellow lab snow

Still have questions about your favorite Alaskan-inspired names for dogs? We’ve collected the most commonly asked questions about Alaskan dog names and answered them. Let’s get after ’em!

What is the Alaskan name for “bear”?

The Inuit word for “bear” is Aklaq. Another is “nanuq,” a term for a polar bear.

While Nanook is commonly used as a spelling for a name with the meaning, many Inuit stress that “nanuq” is the correct spelling.

How do you say “beautiful” in Inuit?

“Piujuq” and “pinniqtuq” are words meaning “beautiful” in the dialects of Inuit. Pretty dog names, right? Perfect for a Northern doggo!

What is the Inuit word for wolf?

“Tikaani” is an Inuit word for “wolf.” Amaroq or Amarok is a massive wolf described in Inuit lore as said to eat those who hunt alone at night.

***

Any Alaskan dog names we missed? We’d love to hear your suggestions! Share your favorite Alaskan dog names in the comments below!

Also, if none of these names fit your four-footer, be sure to check out these other dog-naming articles that may be perfect for your malamute or husky:

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Written by

Meg Marrs

Meg Marrs is the Founder and Director of Marketing at K9 of Mine. She is a lifelong canine enthusiast and adores dogs of all shapes and sizes! She loves iced coffee, hammocks, and puppy-cuddling!

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  1. Al Avatar
    Al

    Hi thinking of a name for my northern inuit girl pup . Trying to find a name that means something in inuit.
    We do like Nanuq some people don’t .

  2. Kenosha Avatar
    Kenosha

    Nanook is the white man spelling for Nunuk which they both mean Polar bear which I should know I live here in Alaska

  3. Bryn Pennington Avatar
    Bryn Pennington

    A good name would be Kenai for a boy then McKinley for a girl

  4. Sara Clark Avatar
    Sara Clark

    one of my favorite names is tanahi

    1. Susan Avatar
      Susan

      What does it mean?

  5. Kylie Avatar
    Kylie

    Really shouldn’t name your dog eskimo. The landmark names are really nice for any dog!

    1. Ben Team Avatar

      Hey, Kylie.
      When we initially published this article, we had no idea that the term was considered offensive by some. We certainly didn’t mean to offend anyone, and I’ve removed it from the list.
      Thanks for reading and pointing out the issue.

  6. ALISON GODFRAY Avatar
    ALISON GODFRAY

    My siberian husky recently passed, his name was Savik. I love this name.

    1. Ben Team Avatar

      Sorry about your pup, Alison. I agree — Savik is a great name, and it is perfect for a husky.

  7. Hanhan Avatar
    Hanhan

    I think kaisha is spelt keisha and it means her life

  8. Sandy Avatar
    Sandy

    Love your names getting a Mal again have had 4 in my lifetime loved them all. Niccki Knu, Keeska, Kya, Moki. All girls. Sweet dogs raised them with my kids and grandkids. Its been 5 yrs since my last one passed.

    1. Cindy Avatar
      Cindy

      That is wonderful – I have had one Mal from 8 wks to 11 yrs – he passed 13 years ago and we will be bringing a new Mal puppy home next week – I am over 60 now and very nervous about it – found this site and your story surfing the web for a name – Congratulations and best wishes to you and your new addition.

  9. Wayne Avatar
    Wayne

    I had a female malamute named Kiana (rising sun) years ago and she was the best dig.

  10. Kelly Archibald Avatar
    Kelly Archibald

    I think Juneau is spelt different you wrote Juno

    1. Meg Marrs Avatar

      Thanks for the typo correction!

  11. Bob Cook Avatar
    Bob Cook

    You left out the American Eskimo. Wonderful white dogs. Good manners, very trainable, protective sometimes to s fault..

    1. Meg Marrs Avatar

      Thanks for adding that!

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