African Dog Names for Male and Female Rhodesian Ridgebacks

Trying to choose an appropriate name for a Rhodesian ridgeback puppy can be quite a challenge.

Given that the Rhodesian ridgeback is originally from Africa, it’s fitting that many of the names below are strong African names.

Rhodesian ridgebacks are loyal, independent, and intelligent dogs. If you own one, you’ll know how much they adore you.

Although they can have a mischievous streak, we don’t think they really mean it!

As a breed, these dogs can have standout personalities. It should be easy enough to pick a name that feels right and matches your dog’s personality.

Tips for Naming Your New Rhodesian Ridgeback Pup Dog

Shorter names (1 or 2 syllables) are easier for your dog to understand.
Ensure the name easily rolls off your tongue, you’re going to be saying (or shouting) it a lot.
Give your new name a trial run for a few days to see how it works. When the dog is still a pup, it’s easier to change the name and it should get used to the change reasonably quickly.
It could confuse your Rhodesian ridgeback dog if you name it similarly to a command they’ll often hear: e.g. “Seth” (sit) or “Wade” (wait).
Avoid changing your Rhodesian ridgeback’s name when they get older and are no longer a puppy. It will really confuse them.

What Do Puppy Dog Names Say About You?

Interestingly, there has been some research done to figure out what a dog’s name says about the owner.

Experts believe that the name you choose actually portrays your own sense of expectation and way of thinking.

So, for people who choose human names, Disney names, and food names for their dogs – what does that really say about them?

We think it says they’re fun and have a sense of adventure!

Rhodesian ridgebacks may well be born with their ridge, but they’re certainly not born with a name, so let’s get stuck into our lists of the most popular Rhodesian ridgeback names.

Sit back, we’ve got you covered because we’ve compiled a list of over 1,000 names to help inspire you.

Top Rhodesian Ridgeback Names

Aaron
Abby
Abeeku
Abel
Addae
Adeben
Adika
Adofo
Adom
Agyei
Amar
Amber
Ane
Angel
Annie
Apollo
Athena
Atlas
Attila
Baby
Bailey
Baron
Bear
Beau
Bella
Belle
Bentley
Bheka
Bismarck
Blu
Bodhi
Boomer
Boone
Bosun
Brandy
Brawler
Brawny
Brody
Bruce
Bruno
Brutus
Buddy
Buffalo
Burly
Buster
Buyisiwe
Callie
Candy
Captain
Cassie
Ceres
Chaga
Chakide
Chaos
Charlie
Chase
Chebe
Chelsea
Cheyenne
Chief
Chloe
Chubby
Chunky
Cinder
Cleo
Coco
Cooper
Copper
Crimson
Cupid
Daisy
Dakota
Damien
Delani
Dexter
Diesel
Dinah
Dixie
Dragon
Duchess
Duke
Dylan
Earl
Ellie
Emma
Empress
Finn
Flora
Frank
Frankenstein
Georgia
Ginger
Gizmo
Gladiator
Godzilla
Goliath
Gotham
Gracie
Grail
Grendel
Gunnar
Gus
Hank
Hannah
Harley
Hazel
Hercules
Holly
Honcho
Honey
Hooch
Hulk
Hunter
Ibubesi
Indy
Izzy
Jabba
Jack
Jackson
Jake
Jasmine
Jaws
Jax
Jett
Jumbo
Juno
Jupiter
Katie
Khaya
Koa
Koda
Kona
Kong
Lady
Layla
Leia
Leo
Lexi
Lily
Lincoln
Lois
Loki
Lola
Louie
Lucky
Lucy
Luke
Luna
Lurch
Lydia
Mac
Maddy
Maggie
Magnum
Major
Manley
Mara
Marley
Max
Maxi
Maya
Mercy
Mhambi
Mia
Milo
Minzi
Missy
Misty
Molly
Mondli
Moose
Moyo
Muscles
Nala
Nikki
Ninna
Obi
Ode
Odin
Ogbo
Okra
Olee
Olive
Oliver
Ollie
Olympas
Oscar
Otis
Penny
Pepper
Persis
Pharaoh
Phila
Phoebe
Piper
Precious
Prince
Princess
Raadi
Ragnor
Rain
Raptor
Rave
Reba
Rebecca
Red
Redneck
Remi
Rex
Rhodie
Riley
Rocco
Rocky
Rogue
Roho
Roman
Roro
Rosie
Roxy
Ruby
Rugby
Ruger
Rusty
Ryder
Sable
Sabre
Sadie
Safari
Sam
Samantha
Sammy
Samson
Sarge
Sasha
Sasquatch
Sassy
Satan
Satin
Saturn
Scarlet
Scooby
Scout
Sergeant
Share
Shark
Sheba
Shelby
Simba
Sipho
Sisa
Sophie
source
Stella
Stryker
Sudi
Sunny
Talon
Tank
Tarita
Tasha
Tehotu
Tempest
Tex
Thabo
Thando
Thor
Thulani
Thunder
Tiifu
Timber
Tindo
Titan
Titi
Toby
Tracker
Trapper
Trojan
Tucker
Tyson
Uje
Venisha
Wandile
Willow
Winston
Wolf
Yafeu
Yukon
Zeke
Zephyr
Zeus
Zia
Zoe
Zuri
Zurie

Choosing a name for your Rhodesian Puppy Dog

Rhodesian ridgebacks are usually strong, independently minded dogs. We’ve selected names that try to fit that aspect of their personality.

Top Male Rhodesian Ridgeback Names

Aaron
Abel
Apollo
Attila
Bismarck
Boomer
Boone
Boss
Brawler
Brawny
Brazen
Bruno
Buddy
Buffalo
Burly
Chaos
Charlie
Chubby
Chunky
Cooper
Copper
Damien
Dragon
Duke
Dylan
Frankenstein
Gizmo
Gladiator
Godzilla
Goliath
Gotham
Grail
Grendel
Hercules
Hickory
Homer
Hooch
Hulk
Ignis
Jabba
Jaws
Jett
Jumbo
Jupiter
Kellan
Kennedy
Kong
Leo
Lincoln
Lion
Lurch
Mac
Magnum
Manley
Mars
Max
Maxi
Moose
Muscles
Oscar
Peanut
Pharaoh
Ragnor
Raptor
Rave
Red
Redneck
Regal
Rhody
Ridges
Riley
Rocky
Rogue
Roman
Rosso
Rugby
Rusty
Sabre
Safari
Samson
Sasquatch
Satan
Saturn
Scotch
Sergeant
Shark
Stryker
Talon
Tamer
Tank
Tanner
Tater
Tau
Tempest
Tex
Thunder
Titan
Tracker
Trapper
Trigger
Trojan
Tucker
Wheaty
Winston
Wolf
Woody
Yukon
Zane
Zephyr
Zeus
Zim

Deciding on a Rhodesian Ridgeback's Name

While female dogs are also strong and characteristically mischievous, they also have a loving side. We feel these names are perfect for female ridgebacks.

Top Female Rhodesian Ridgeback Names

Abby
Ada
Afric
Africa
Amber
Angel
Annie
Baby
Bella
Belle
Birdie
Blush
Brandy
Buttercup
Candy
Caramel
Cassie
Ceres
Charlie
Chelsea
Cheyenne
Cinder
Cinnamon
Cleo
Coco
Crimson
Cupid
Daisy
Dakota
Dandelion
Dinah
Dixie
Duchess
Ebba
Empress
Flora
Goldie
Gracie
Hannah
Holly
Honey
Jamila
Jasmine
Juno
Kali
Katie
Kwini
Lily
Lioness
Lois
Lola
Lucy
Luna
Lydia
Maddy
Maggie
Maple
Mara
Maya
Mercy
Missy
Misty
Molly
Nala
Nikki
Ninna
Olympas
Pattie
Penny
Pepper
Persis
Phoebe
Precious
Princess
Rain
Reba
Rebecca
Regina
Rosy
Roxy
Ruby
Sable
Sadie
Samantha
Sandy
Sasha
Sassy
Satin
Scarlet
Sheba
Shelby
Stella
Tarita
Tasha
Tawny
Tehotu
Terra
Trudy
Venisha
Zia
Zoe
Zurie

Rhodesian ridgebacks were originally bred in Rhodesia, (formerly Zimbabwe). These African names are good suggestions to reflect that part of their history.

African Names for Male Rhodesian Ridgeback Dogs

Aaliyah
Abeeku
Abel
Abidemi
Abimbola
Abioye
Abrafo
Adegoke
Adeola
Adetokunbo
Adongo
Adowa
Adwoa
Affrica
Afolabi
Akinyi
Akoko
Akua
Akusua
Akwasibah
Alaba
Alala
Amaka
Anyim
Asante
Asha
Ata
Ayounle
Azubuike
Baako
Baas
Baayo
Baba
Bahati
Bamidele
Barasa
Bbwaddene
Beka
Bheka
Bhekizitha
Biopuso
Boipelo
Boitumelo
Bolanile
Bujune
Butannaziba
Buziba
Ceba
Cebo
Chafu
Chakide
Chana
Chebe
Chiamaka
Chidi
Chigaru
Chika
Chimola
Chinaza
Chinedu
Chitemo
Congo
Dada
Dayo
Dede
Delmar
Djembe
Domme
Dubaku
Dube
Duma
Dumisa
Dumisani
Duna
Dunga
Dwanh
Ekua
Ekundayo
Ekwueme
Emeka
Emmanuel
Ffumbe
Fiskal
Fudu
Fumbe
Fungai
Gacheru
Gazini
Gebhuza
Gero
Getura
Giconi
Githinji
Gwala
Hadiya
Hlengiwe
Ibo
Idowu
Imamu
Imani
Isingoma
Isoba
Isoke
Isooba
Jabu
Jambo
Jelani
Jengo
Jhabali
Kagiso
Kamadia
Kamau
Karibu
Kibwe
Kifaru
Kirabo
Koa
Kobe
Kubwa
Kumbuka
Kunto
Kuume
Lebo
Lusala
Masika
Masozi
Mchumba
Mhambi
Mosi
Nala
Nani
Nawvlee
Ndefu
Nia
Nkosana
Noah
Obi
Ogechi
Ojiambo
Olayinka
Oluchi
Olufemi
Olwenyo
Oni
Onyeka
Paki
Polo
Qinisela
Quanda
Sango
Semi
Simba
Simisola
Sithembile
Ssanyu
Swazi
Tapiwa
Tau
Thabo
Thando
Tiifu
Titi
Uje
Wekesa
Zuberi
Zula
Zulu
Zuri

And now for the ladies!

Here’s some inspiration for naming your Female Rhodesian ridgeback puppy dog.

African Names for Female Rhodesian Ridgeback Dogs

Abebi
Abena
Abeni
Abidemi
Adaeza
Adanna
Adede
Adhiambo
Adisa
Adjoa
Afia
Akello
Amar
Amara
Anan
Ane
Apio
Apiyo
Apunda
Arjana
Ashanti
Atieno
Atodele
Awiti
Awotwi
Ayo
Ayoo
Ayotunde
Aysi
Baako
Babirye
Bahati
Bamidele
Bapoto
Benya
Blessing
Bohlale
Boipelo
Boitumelo
Bolade
Bolah
Buluu
Candace
Chibuzo
Chidiebere
Chidimma
Chiemeka
Chinwe
Chinwendu
Chioma
Chipo
Chizoba
Damba
Dambudzo
Dayo
Dula
Duma
Ebele
Efua
Ekene
Ekundayo
Eniola
Enitan
Enu
Enyi
Ephigenia
Eshe
Esi
Farai
Femi
Folami
Fumbe
Fumnanya
Funanya
Gbemisola
Gugu
Ife
Ifunanya
Indla
Jambo
Jayde
Joycelin
Kalisha
Katlego
Khata
Kidogo
Kidoko
Kienyeji
Kijani
Kuaminika
Leena
Leo
Lesedi
Lindiwe
Lungile
Maji
Makeda
Makena
Mala
Malaika
Manyara
Marjani
Mbogo
Mchumba
Mirembe
Mojisola
Monifa
Mosa
Moto
Mudiwa
Mwanajuma
Nakato
Nandi
Ndidi
Ngozi
Ngumu
Nia
Nkechi
Nkemdilim
Nkiruka
Nkosazana
Nkruma
Nomusa
Nosizwe
Nsia
Nsonowa
Nthanda
Ntombi
Nubia
Nyah
Nyepesi
Nzito
Ogechi
Olabisi
Opeyemi
Osumare
Patience
Pauline
Penina
Polepole
Pula
Qelhatat
Qhikiza
Racheal
Rahisi
Refilwe
Rehma
Remla
Rudo
Rufaro
Rumbidzai
Rutendo
Salina
Sallinge
Samanya
Sethunya
Shani
Shanika
Sheena
Shukura
Shupavu
Sipho
Sizwe
Soni
Subira
Sumaki
Suzanna
Sylvia
Tafadzwe
Tafari
Tamake
Tamela
Tamu
Taonga
Tapiwa
Tatenda
Tcholofelo
Tendai
Thandiwe
Themba
Tinashe
Titilayo
Totit
Tulivu
Udo
Uzochi
Worknesh
Yejide
Zee
Zimbabwe
Zola

Strong African Male and Female names for Rhodesian Ridgebacks

Finally, a roundup of the strongest names for naming Rhodesian ridgeback pups. We think these can be used for any gender of dog.

Strong Rhodesian Ridgeback Names

Adede
Adhiambo
Adisa
Adjoa
Afia
Akello
Amara
Anan
Apio
Apiyo
Apollo
Apunda
Ares
Argo
Artemis
Athena
Atlas
Atodele
Awiti
Awotwi
Ayo
Ayoo
Babirye
Bahati
Bamidele
Bapoto
Boipelo
Boitumelo
Bolade
Dante
Ebele
Echo
Ekene
Ekundayo
Esi
Farai
Femi
Fenris
Folami
Freya
Fumbe
Fumnanya
Funanya
Gaia
Hera
Hercules
Juno
Jupiter
Kienyeji
Lungile
Makeda
Makena
Manyara
Mars
Mchumba
Mirembe
Mojisola
Ngumu
Nkiruka
Nkosazana
Nkruma
Nomusa
Ntombi
Nubia
Nyah
Odin
Ogechi
Olabisi
Opeyemi
Osumare
Polepole
Samson
Shani
Tendai
Thandiwe
Themba
Titan
Tulivu
Zeus

And there we have it. We hope you didn’t find that too exhaustive.

Good luck deciding what to call your new Rhodesian ridgeback!