Female Shih Tzu Names: 100 Ideas With Meanings
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Picking a name for a new female Shih Tzu is fun. It is also a training decision. The name you choose is the word she will hear most. A clear, short name is easier for her to learn and easier for you to call at the park.
This guide gives you 100 female Shih Tzu names in 9 groups. You will find the most popular names from the latest registration data, Chinese names with their real meanings, royal names, flower names, food names and more. You will also learn how to test a name and how to teach it.
What the research says: The American Kennel Club released its most popular dog names of 2025 on November 13, 2025, based on AKC registrations and AKC Canine Partners enrollments. Luna was the top female name, followed by Bella, Daisy, Lucy and Ruby. Rover released its own 2025 report on November 11, 2025. It drew on millions of pet names from its platform in five countries. Luna was also the top female dog name in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and Spain. On training, AKC trainer Stephanie Gibeault, MSc, CPDT, recommends two-syllable names that end in a vowel. The Royal Kennel Club gives the same advice and warns against names that sound like commands.
How to Choose a Name Your Shih Tzu Will Learn Fast
Dog trainers agree on a few simple rules. Use them to narrow your list before you fall in love with a name.
- Aim for two syllables. Names like Daisy, Rosie and Coco are easy to say in a happy, rising tone. The AKC notes that two-syllable names ending in a vowel allow more tone and emphasis.
- Avoid names that sound like commands. The AKC gives examples such as “Kit,” which sounds like “sit,” and “Moe,” which sounds like “no.” A name like “Bo” has the same problem.
- Make it different from family names. The Royal Kennel Club advises choosing a name that does not sound like the names of other pets or people in your home.
- Do the shout test. Say the name out loud several times. If you would feel awkward calling it across a park, keep looking.
- Keep long names for paperwork. A fancy registered name is fine. Give her a short call name for daily use.
How to Teach Your Shih Tzu Her Name
A name only works if she links it to good things. The AKC calls this the “name game.” It takes a few minutes a day.
- Pick a quiet room with no distractions.
- Say her name once in a happy voice.
- The moment she looks at you, mark it with “yes” or a clicker.
- Give a small treat right away.
- Repeat 5 to 10 times, then stop while she is still keen.
- Move to busier places as she improves.
Never use her name to scold her. If her name comes before something unpleasant, she may learn to ignore it. For more help, read our Shih Tzu training guide.
Most Popular Female Dog Names (AKC 2025)
These are the top 10 female names from the AKC 2025 list. They are popular for a reason. They are short, soft and easy to call. The downside is that you may meet another Luna at the dog park.
| Rank | Name | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Luna | Latin for “moon.” Also number 1 in the Rover 2025 report. |
| 2 | Bella | Italian for “beautiful.” |
| 3 | Daisy | A classic flower name. |
| 4 | Lucy | From Latin lux, meaning “light.” |
| 5 | Ruby | A deep red gemstone. |
| 6 | Willow | A graceful tree. |
| 7 | Maggie | A short form of Margaret. |
| 8 | Penny | A short, bright, two-syllable name. |
| 9 | Nova | Latin for “new.” |
| 10 | Sadie | A friendly form of Sarah. |
Chinese Female Shih Tzu Names With Meanings
The Shih Tzu was developed as a companion dog in China. The breed name comes from the Chinese word for “lion.” That is why the Shih Tzu is often called the “lion dog.” Learn more in our history of the Shih Tzu.
Mandarin is a tonal language, and one sound can have many meanings. The meanings below match the Chinese character shown. Pronunciation hints are approximate.
| Name | Character | Meaning | Say it like |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mei | 美 | Beautiful | “may” |
| Lian | 莲 | Lotus | “lee-en” |
| Hua | 花 | Flower | “hwah” |
| Yue | 月 | Moon | “yweh” |
| Xue | 雪 | Snow | “shweh” |
| An | 安 | Peace | “ahn” |
| Bao | 宝 | Treasure | “bow” (as in bow down) |
| Zhu | 珠 | Pearl | “joo” |
| Yu | 玉 | Jade | “yoo” |
| Chun | 春 | Spring | “chwun” |
| Lan | 兰 | Orchid | “lahn” |
| 星 | Star | “shing” | |
| Jing | 静 | Quiet, calm | “jing” |
| Tian | 甜 | Sweet | “tee-en” |
Tip: one-syllable names like An or Yu are short. Some trainers find two-syllable names easier to call. You can use a pet form such as “Bao-Bao” or “Mei-Mei” at home.
Royal Names for a Palace-Bred Breed
Shih Tzus were kept as companion dogs at the Chinese imperial court. A royal name suits that history. Here are 10 ideas.
| Name | Meaning or why it fits |
|---|---|
| Empress | A female ruler of an empire. |
| Duchess | A noble title. |
| Princess | A classic choice for a pampered pup. |
| Queenie | A playful form of “queen.” |
| Tiara | A jeweled crown. |
| Countess | A noble title. |
| Regina | Latin for “queen.” |
| Majesty | A title for royalty. |
| Lady | Simple and elegant. |
| Contessa | Italian for “countess.” |
Flower Names
| Name | Meaning or why it fits |
|---|---|
| Lily | A fragrant flower. |
| Rose | A classic flower. |
| Poppy | A bright red flower. |
| Violet | A small purple flower. |
| Iris | A flower. Also the Greek goddess of the rainbow. |
| Dahlia | A showy garden flower. |
| Peony | A lush flower with a long history in Chinese gardens. |
| Jasmine | A fragrant flower used in tea. |
| Magnolia | A large-blossom tree. |
| Posy | A small bunch of flowers. |
Sweet Food Names
Food names are fun and easy to say. Just keep real treats small. Extra calories add up fast in a small dog.
| Name | Meaning or why it fits |
|---|---|
| Mochi | A soft Japanese rice cake. |
| Cookie | Short and cheerful. |
| Biscuit | Great for a cream or tan coat. |
| Honey | Suits a golden coat. |
| Maple | A warm, woodsy sweet. |
| Peaches | Soft and playful. |
| Olive | A small, classic name. |
| Pumpkin | Great for a fall puppy. |
| Dumpling | A nod to the breed’s Chinese roots. |
| Ginger | Suits a red or gold coat. |
Names by Coat Color
Shih Tzu coats come in many colors. Puppy coats often change color as they grow, so you may want to wait a few weeks before you pick a color name.
| Coat color | Name ideas |
|---|---|
| Gold or red | Amber, Goldie, Sunny, Marigold |
| White or cream | Pearl, Ivory, Snowy, Blanca |
| Black | Ebony, Raven, Midnight, Licorice |
| Gray or silver | Misty, Silver, Dove, Smokey |
Short and Cute Names
These names are short, end in a vowel sound and are easy to shout. They follow the AKC and Royal Kennel Club tips closely.
- Coco
- Lulu
- Bebe
- Gigi
- Mimi
- Kiki
- Rosie
- Tilly
- Millie
- Zoe
Unique Female Shih Tzu Names
| Name | Meaning or why it fits |
|---|---|
| Juniper | An evergreen shrub. |
| Clementine | From Latin clemens, meaning “merciful.” |
| Clover | A small plant linked with luck. |
| Aurora | Latin for “dawn.” |
| Hazel | A tree and a warm eye color. |
| Pippa | A short form of Philippa. |
| Wren | A small songbird. |
| Opal | A shimmering gemstone. |
| Juno | The queen of the gods in Roman myth. |
| Sage | An herb. The word also means “wise.” |
Names for a Big Personality
The AKC breed page says that where Shih Tzu go, “giggles and mischief follow.” These names fit a small dog with a lot of charm. Read more in our Shih Tzu characteristics guide.
- Diva
- Sassy
- Roxy
- Zelda
- Bijou (French for “jewel”)
- Trixie
- Pixie
- Bonnie
- Dolly
- Minnie
Put Her Name and Your Number on an ID Tag
Safety first: A name is only useful if it helps her get home. The AVMA says that nothing replaces a collar with up-to-date ID tags. A 2009 study in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association looked at more than 7,700 stray animals in shelters. Microchipped dogs went home to their owners 52.2% of the time. Dogs without microchips went home 21.9% of the time. The main reason chipped pets did not go home was wrong or missing owner information. Register her microchip and update it whenever your phone number or address changes. Many owners put their phone number on the tag first, before the dog’s name.
An engraved stainless steel tag is a simple way to do this. The GoTags stainless steel pet ID tag can be engraved on both sides with up to 8 lines of text. It comes in a Regular size (about 1.5 inches) and a Small size (about 1 inch). The Small size is usually the better fit for a Shih Tzu. Some buyers report that the split ring can come loose, so check the ring often or use a sturdier tag clip. For collar tips, see our Shih Tzu collar guide.
Male or Female Shih Tzu?
Still deciding between a boy and a girl? Our male vs female Shih Tzu guide covers size, temperament and health.
What is the most popular female Shih Tzu name?
There is no official list for Shih Tzus alone. Across all breeds, Luna was the most popular female dog name in the AKC 2025 list. Rover also ranked Luna number 1 for female dogs in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and Spain in its 2025 report.
What is a good Chinese name for a female Shih Tzu?
Good choices include Mei (beautiful), Lian (lotus), Hua (flower), Yue (moon), Bao (treasure) and Zhu (pearl). Mandarin is tonal, so the meaning depends on the Chinese character. Check the character before you engrave a tag.
How long should a dog name be?
Most trainers suggest one or two syllables. The AKC notes that two-syllable names ending in a vowel, such as Daisy, are easy to say with varied tone. Avoid names that sound like commands, such as Kit (sit) or Moe (no).
Can I change my Shih Tzu’s name after adoption?
Yes. Dogs of any age can learn a new name. Pair the new name with treats and praise many times a day. Use it only for good things at first. Most dogs start to respond within a few days to a few weeks.
Should I put my dog’s name on her ID tag?
That is a personal choice. The most important item on the tag is a working phone number. The AVMA also advises keeping microchip registration details up to date, because wrong owner information is the main reason chipped pets do not get home.
Sources
- American Kennel Club. Most Popular Dog Names of 2025. Press release, November 13, 2025
- Rover. Top Pet Name Trends of 2025. Press release, November 11, 2025
- Gibeault S. How to Choose the Right Name for Your Dog or Puppy. American Kennel Club, updated July 14, 2026
- The Royal Kennel Club. How to Name Your Dog
- American Kennel Club. Shih Tzu Breed Information
- AVMA. Microchipping FAQ
- AVMA JAVMA News. Pet owners, shelters, and clinics: Check the chip (reporting Lord LK et al., JAVMA 2009;235:160-167)
This article is for general information. It is not a substitute for advice from your veterinarian. Read our medical disclaimer.
