The most intelligent, cooperative dog on the planet, the Border Collie is a big deal for active, working dog owners everywhere. Their loyal and ever ready personalities makes the collie sheepdog an amazing companion. And they deserve equally incredible names. We are going to give you hundreds of awesome Border Collie dog names to choose from, and help you pick the best one.
These lovely sheepdog names are grouped into collections based on themes such as the collie’s origins as a working sheepdog, and the countries where they still live and work today. But also on Border collie characteristics such as their color, speed and agility.
Contents
- Traditional boy names for collies
- Classic Girls Names
- Welsh dog names
- Scottish dog names
- Border Collie Names by Area
- Cute Collie Names
- Names by Coat Color
- Working Border Collie Names
- Cool Names
- Unusual and Unique Ideas
Traditional Border Collie Names
Just like the border collie breed itself, many of their names and meanings stem from a long and honorable tradition of herding and shepherding dogs. In fact, before the dog breed we now call the “border collie” even existed in the 19th century, these dogs were simply called “shepherd’s dogs.”
Often a farmer or rancher would have several working border collie dogs to help out with the livestock. The dogs would be given traditional identifying names based on the specific areas of the land where they worked. So each dog would then have a common name based on the local climate, land or water features, or farm or township names.
You will also notice that all traditional Border Collie names, whether of Welsh, Irish, Scottish or English origin, are simple, short names of one or two syllables. This is what is required by the International Sheep Dog Society (ISDS). No “fancy” names are permitted for dog registration.
Male Border Collie Names
Male collie names are often traditional one syllable boys names like Bob or Pete. These short and sweet Border Collie boy names are traditionally popular for this wow-factor puppy. Some have even been worn by some rather famous Border Collies. See if you can spot them!
- Sly
- Hemp
- Bute
- Tweed
- Jed
- Yarrow
- Glen
- Gyp
- Clyde
- Tyne
- Rye
- Highwood
- Chester
- Long Tree
- Cap
- Ben
- Quest
- Luke
- Cody
- Bob
- Pete
- Cap
- Joe
- RoyDuff
- Grig
- Dundee
- Jesse
- Keith
- Lex
Fun fact: We tend to think of the Border Collie as the classic black and white sheepdog. But did you know that the AKC recognize 17 different colors for border collies!
Female Border Collie Names
These beautiful Border Collie girl names are quick and easy to say, and will fit nicely with any of the classic sheepdog commands. Good names for girl Border Collies won’t get in the way of her training, and will honor your female border collie for her tenacity and loyal nature.
- Jen
- Meg
- Moss
- Bess
- Ruby
- Jess
- Nell
- Wren
- Fan
- Annie
- Mist
- Daisy
- Rose
- Sioux
- Corrie
- Ana
- Barra
- Ginger
- Ash
- Belle
- Echo
- Dera
- Gilly
- Jenna
- Kelsy
- Rissa
- Raven
- Peg
- Quinn
- Molly
Names by Area
Border Collies originally come from the Scottish Borders of Great Britain, hence the name ‘Border’ Collie. But they are very popular working dogs all around the UK, not just in Scotland.
It’s quite traditional to give female border puppies Scottish or Gaelic names. So you’ll find some Scottish girl puppy names included below. Here are some great names inspired by these lovely rural locations, and perfect for your cute border collie puppy.
Welsh Border Collie Names
These Welsh collie dog names are all derived from places, people or traditional names from the Welsh culture.
- Ceana
- Bryn
- Angus
- Bran
- Ceri
- Blythe
- Dera
- Elfen
- Taran
- Snell
- Rynn
- Morwyn
- Llyn
- Kane
- Dylan
- Huw
- Eira
- Gareth
- Jestin
- Rhan
- Penn
- Rhys
- Wynn
- Teg
- Bach
- Alwyn
- Dyl
- Ewan
- Cai
- Aled
We think these welsh dog names for female puppies are especially pretty
- Carys
- Bethan
- Iola
- Catrin
- Teagan
Scottish Border Collie Names
These Scottish names for Collies hail from the country itself—names of places, mythical figures, legends, landscape features and traditional names. Some, like Iona and Cora make good Scottish female dog names, while some of the place names such as Aran, and Skye are gender neutral and can be used for boy or girl collies.
- Annan
- Forsa
- Cowie
- Conic
- Fyne
- Fife
- Bute
- Jura
- Kelp
- Ling
- Mar
- Luc
- Cora
- Iona
- Moray
- Laggan
- Kerrie
- Cam
- Dove
- Scotia
- Aran
- Skye
- Fina
- Aed
- Baird
- Shona
- Blaire
- Cailin
- Daw
- Elsie
- Fia
If you love Scotland and Scottish names, you might also like these Gaelic dog names
- Roisin
- Selkie
- Keeva
- Maddox
- Madigan
We love Madigan – it means little dog!
Irish Border Collie Names
These Irish names for Border Collies are as steeped in Irish history and mythology as you can get—perfect for your Border Collie pup.
- Sionna
- Biddy
- Annan
- Banya
- Eirenn
- Grig
- Hoy
- Biddy
- Maeve
- Fiona
- Tulla
- Zeal
- Fay
- Gala
- Ling
- Mag
- Rona
- Saoirse
- Melys
- Raq
- Tay
- Zest
- Sula
- Rhum
- Sass
- Merri
- Luce
- Kyla
- Io
- Hett
English Border Collie Names
These are some of the most popular English Collie names from past decades and today.
- Charlie
- Teddy
- Max
- Alfie
- Buddy
- Bella
- Lola
- Poppy
- Luna
- Daisy
- Bailey
- Lad
- Meg
- Moc
- Spot
- Pero
- Dai
- Willy
- Sherlock
- Watson
- Tigger
- Misty
- Oscar
- Rosie
- Tilly
- Barney
- Holly
- Coco
- Toby
- Monty
Cute Border Collie Names
While cute names for Border Collies don’t necessarily crop up in the traditional pedigree registration rolls, your new pup is undoubtedly cute and these good female and male names might just be the perfect fit.
- Merle
- Pluto
- Banjo
- Uke
- Abby
- Bear
- Mando
- Han
- Turtle
- Sweetie
- Skipper
- Tortie
- Sprint
- Chai
- Scruffy
- Chewie
- Angel
- Mena
- Boost
- Aerie
- Papi
- Kimi
- Flora
- Ken
- Cookie
- Pearl
- Comet
- Wim
- Gus
- Wiggle
If those cute dog names for border collies aren’t quite what you were looking for, how about naming your dog for their beautiful coat color.
Good Border Collie Names by Coat Color
One of the most instantly recognizable things about your dog might well be that magnificent coat of theirs. And they come in a lot of different colors and patterns.
Finding the perfect red, blue merle, chocolate, black, gold and lilac border collie names isn’t as hard as it may sound once you realize just how many colors and patterns this dog breed can showcase.
Red Border Collie Names
- Carnie (short for Carnelian)
- Red
- Sienna
- Kamala
- Scarlett
- Mag (short for Magenta)
- Auburn
- Amber
- Brick
- Copper
- Redmond
- Apple
- Rowan
- Crimson
- Flame
- Redhot
- Berry
- Sparkler
- Cardi (short for Cardinal)
- Rosa
- Cherry
- Rusty
- Plum
- Rooster
- Bean
- Rudd
- Pepper
- Chili
- Mars
- Candy
Red and White Border Collie Names
- Checkers
- Speckle
- Splash
- Flicker
- Flare
- Flame
- Cherry
- Freckles
- Splotch
- Rose
- Crimson
- Garnet
- Blush
Blue Merle Border Collie Names
Blue merle collie names can be inspired by the ocean, the sky, precious gems and minerals, or simply your own favorite shades of blue.
- Sea
- Indigo
- Blue
- Egypt
- Cyan
- Navy
- Persia
- Violet
- Sapphire
- Cobalt
- Maya
- Iris
- Ceru (for Cerulean)
- Azure
- Denim
- Ao
- Steel
- Peri (for Periwinkle)
- Saturn
- Star
- Marian
- Ice
- Powder
- Teal
- Royal
- Azure
- Tiff (for Tiffany)
- Turk (for Turkish)
- Sky
Chocolate Sheepdog Names
These names celebrate the rich color of your beautiful brown and white border collie puppy.
- Buff
- Cocoa
- Nutmeg
- Chestnut
- Shadow
- Honey
- Smoke
- Dusky
- Tawny
- Hawk
- Bark
- Umber
- Russ (for Russet)
- Sandy
- Woody
- Peru
- Clove
- Mocha
- Coyote
- Coffee
- Torti (for Tortilla)
- Tan
- Bole
- Seal
- Fawn
- Lion
- Beaver
- Rufus
- Isa (for Isabelline)
- Bay
Black Names for Border Collies
- Raven
- Midnight
- Luna
- Shadow
- Dimmer
- Darkness
- Nightmare
- Creeper
- Sable
Gold Border Collie Names
- Sunflower
- Sunset
- Maple
- Tango
- Sienna
- Fawn
- Bay
- Gilt
- Goldie
- Topaz
- Glow
- Apricot
- Tawny
- Lumin
- Yeller
- Cookie
- Chips
Names for a Blonde Border Collie
Golden collies are often referred to as blonde Border Collies. Names for these palest of gold coats can often be inspired by nature. These make great Rough Collie names too.
- Honey
- Dawn
- Autumn
- Desert
- Maple
- Sandy
- Ochre
- Blondie
Lilac Collie Names
- Plum
- Grape
- Jam
- Orchid
- Mulberry
- Wine
- Sangria
- Raisin
- Mauve
- Heather
Classic Names for Border Collies
These classic best border collie names are perfect for your cute black and white border collie puppy. Some of these top black and white Border Collie names evoke the most famous herding, guarding, working sheepdogs in modern history. While others are record holders at jumping, skating, balancing, and some very cool but undog-like skills (rolling down car windows, anyone?).
- Nanna
- Lassie
- Chips
- Fly
- Bullet
- Dulux
- Willow
- Susan
- Shaggy
- Nemo
- Rin Tin Tin
- Bobbie
- Sass
- Rex
- Stella
- Luath
- Chaser
- Striker
- Jumpy
- Sweet Pea
- Blitz
- Bee
- Old Hemp
- Wiston Cap
- Maudie
- Hindhope Jed
- Captain
- Rico
- Shep
- Jean
Ever heard of a Panda Border Collie? It’s a fun nickname for a black and white collie with panda type markings!
Working Collie Names
Sheepdogs are still predominantly a working dog breed. Even when they aren’t used for traditional sheepdog work they need to be kept very busy, active and in constant companionship. These clever dogs need action! For working border collie names one syllable is ideal, and the best collie names tend to be short and sweet! These herding dog names are inspired by the countryside and outdoor pursuits.
- Lamb
- Shepherd
- Nipper
- Circles
- Flee
- Fly
- Racer
- Moor
- Fell
- Meadow
- River
- Crook
- Minder
- Watcher
- Guardian
- Champ
- Chaperone
- Patroller
Cool Collie Names
These cool Border Collie names might just capture your pup’s personality perfectly.
- Pudsey
- Blanco
- Midnight
- Bingo
- Coal
- Tag
- Blue
- Bobbie
- Gus
- Farley
- Earl
- Flash
- Streak
- Boom
- Chips
- Dawg
- Chica
- Dewey
- Hubble
- Kong
- Happy
- Louie
- Gibson
- Jif
- Dusty
- Jip
- Lily
- Jodi
- Mac
- Mooch
Unique Collie Names
Unusual Border Collies names are great fun to find if you aren’t going to formally work your dog, because you’ve got a lot more scope. For instance you could use a double barrelled name, or one with a more flamboyant flare. But these rare names come with a bit more lateral thinking, and could be used for a working sheepdog too.
Think up a random topic that you like, and jot down some words that relate to it. Could be a hobby you enjoy, or your favorite movies. We’ve had a go with things you might find if you imagine walking around in a historic home, or museum, but you can pick anything not normally associated with naming!
- Library
- Canopy
- Button
- Chippedale
- Easel
- Nook
- Wings
- Chesterfield
- Mantle
- Drapes
- Chandelier
- Throne
- Tapestry
- Mahogany
- Spiral
- Statue
- Portrait
The idea is to quickly throw words onto paper and just go somewhere that no one else has before! Obviously not all those words will make good names for border collies, but in amongst them you’ll find some gems that are quite unique. We like Button and Nook. But Chesterfield and Chandelier are rather nice too.
Popular Names for Border Collies
Try on these popular names for size. Some even belong to genuine celebs (human and canine).
- Ben (David Lee Roth)
- Mike (ditto)
- Momo (Instagram star)
- Tuck (James Dean)
- Berkeley
- Piper
- Marcy
- Kayle
- Jake
- Patch
- Felix
- Harvey
- Sammi
- Rio
- Ralphy
- Oreo
- Lupo
- Utah
- Ace
- Bonnie
- Mike
- Chance
- Digby
- Frank
- Lee
- Sadie
- Jerry
- Chloe
- Kelso
- Hero
Rare Border Collie Names
A great way to find a really unusual dog name is to look at place names. Here are some Scottish towns, rivers and features, that work well as dog names
- Buckie
- Carfin
- Clyde
- Cullen
- Fife
- Hawick
- Craig
- Kelso
- Moffat
- Kirk
- Oban
- Prestwick
- Roslin
- Stirling
- Wick
Bordoodle Dog Names
Is your Border Collie a mix? These gorgeous pups still pass on a lot of their personality even if the breeds are crossed. Here are some lovely names for mixed breed Collies.
- Shaggy
- Curly
- Twirl
- Twister
- Marble
- Spinner
- Minx
- Rumple
- Squiggle
- Perm
Is your dog mixed with another much smaller breed? Although usually medium sized, you can get a Miniature Border Collie if you combine it with a more little dog!
- Minnie
- Titch
- Buttons
- Poppin
- Treble
- Tinker
- Bon Bon
- Pico
- Yar
- Twiglet
Fun fact: Border collie Lassie – famous TV star from the 1960s was actually a different breed of collie. Just known as the Collie in the USA and the Rough Collie in the UK!
We hope you’ve enjoyed our name ideas for male and female collie dogs. Sometime the choice can be overwhelming, so why not make a shortlist of twenty or thirty names from the lists above, and pin it up somewhere prominent where you’ll see it every day.
You can cross off the name you like least each day until you are left with your favorite!
Border Collie Kennel Names
If you are hoping to breed from your dog you’ll need to consider how you are going to register your puppies with the AKC. That means chosing a kennel name. It’s not always easy to find an original and unique kennel name – yours cannot sound or look too much like anyone else’s! But using the collie’s Scottish origins might help you. You could look at some Scottish village or town names. And perhaps add another word like ‘mountain’ or ‘forest’ to make it unique.
Try combining your own surname with a scottish name or the scottish term for a natural feature – ‘braigh’ for example means hilltop and ‘burn’ means stream.
More Great Collie Names
Not found the perfect name here? No worries! Check out these awesome names lists:
Some of the best female border collie names are simply lovely names for girls. And the same applies to boy collies too. So do check out all the lovely baby names lists you can find online, or maybe treat yourself a baby naming book!
Collies are just awesome dogs aren’t they! We’d love to hear how you decide to name your new puppy! Good luck with finding a name for your Border collie puppy and don’t forget to tell us what you decided in the comments below!
Related Articles
References and Further Reading
- Ahrnsen, R., 2015, “10 Famous Herding Dogs,” Guild of Shepherds and Collies,” 2015
- Campbell, A., 2017, “The Most Popular Dog Names in Wales Revealed,” The Daily Post
- Huddleston, T., “Prefix and Suffix Names,” International Sheep Dog Society (ISDS)
- O’Hearn, H., “Famous Border Collies – Fly & Rex,” Border Collie Fan Club
- Presberg, C., “BC Names,” Border Collie Museum
- Sedghi, A., 2014, “From Poppy to Sherlock: The UK’s Most Popular Pet Names,” The Guardian
Gayle says
We had a male border named Rafferty. He was a gorgeous black and white boy with the sweetest temperament. We miss our Raff.
Jj says
All this names and you didn’t mention one name which truly represents border collie nature… not telling
Rahs says
What about SPARKY!
Tom says
We have two BC pups presently, Sophie & Grace, they are our third & fourth BC. The breed is wonderful, they make me laugh daily, I believe they would trade their life for me and I for them also. People who do not have dogs would think of this as crazy and would not be able to understand the bond. I am very grateful to have them as my friends.
Colette says
We had Meghan Molly Galayva. Her son was George Robert Bruce. We just lost him after 16 marvellous years with the world’s best border collie.
Susan says
We rescued this large female with yellow and brown/black matte fur. Bad skin condition but she needed a home and we fell in love. We named her Buddy because she looked like the stuffed animal dog my brother had when growing up and his name was Buddy. After many many “tar” baths I come down the stairs & see her laying on the couch and her fur is bright bright white and shiny black. OMG I shouted, Buddy is a Border Collie! And she sure was, as her healthy skin returned her activity level picked up & I never ever won a game of soccer with her. She’d herd the other dogs up when it was time to go in to eat. What a wonderful, amazing BUDDY!!
Elaine says
My sons collie was called Tia. We’ve had 5 altogether.
Ranko says
My BC I found in an orphanage in Croatia, she was few months old, i even didnt know what breed she was. She is the dearest dog i ever had. Her name is Tarita, loves People, children, always joyfull and full of icredible energy. Love at first sight. RANKO FROM RIJEKA, CROATIA
Grace says
Hi I’m about to rescue a BC he is 4months. I don’t think he has had any training so any tips would be great :).
BARB WELLINGTON says
My Border Collie died February 9th 2020. His name was Achilliel.
Jeff says
My Border Collie’s name is Callie, I rescued her when she was just about a year old. Since that day she is my constant companion and fills my every moment with absolute love and devotion. Truly heaven on earth…
michael lawrence says
My Border Collie is named Aeon. First because I hated dogs and said I wouldn’t get one in a thousand years.
Secondly because he’s absolutely the most incredible guy I’ve ever had the privilege of knowing.
Sal says
My border collies name is Marshall
Madison says
My Border Collie mixed with Husky name is Aurora
The Puppy Cuddles Lac Mck says
My dog is a girl she is a tricouler border collie called jessie
Bibiana says
My BC is Carry but we call she Cara
My fried BC is Oreo
And the super collies (Sara Carson)
Border collies named Hero Marvel Loki Groot and Hawkie (Hawk)❤️i really love border collies ❤️💪
Barbara Maria Kornelak says
My BC is “Oreo”.
Jess says
I have a border collie named missy which I heard was a popular name, didn’t see it here tho??
Marie Massey says
Yeah, my girl is called Sky which I heard is a popular Border Collie name but this is not here either, guess that makes us more unique 😁
Sonika Schroeder says
We adopted a Border Collie from a working sheep farm several years ago who was named “Kep”. It was a strange name to my ears and I think the owner could see it on my face. She told me it’s a very traditional name for a Border Collie. I didn’t see it on any list here and I am trying to find the origin and meaning of the name. Can anyone help? We lost our beloved Kep very recently due to cancer and I am trying to put together a book of his life for our family. A man’s name is his signature, so I absolutely want to include it, and it’s meaning/origin.
I would so appreciate anyone’s help.
With gratitude,
Sonika Schroeder
Emma says
Thank for your help I think I will name her Amber
Max says
Love them!!!!