TL;DR
Shih Tzus are small, affectionate companion dogs known for their luxurious coats and bold personalities despite their size. Names starting with K work beautifully for this breed—they tend to be punchy, memorable, and suit the Shih Tzu's dignified yet playful nature. Whether you want something cute and cuddly (Kiki, Kimchi) or more sophisticated (Kaiser, Koda), K-names offer variety that matches the breed's charming temperament. This list includes 50 real names people actually use for Shih Tzus, with popularity notes to help you find something unique or classic. Our top picks: Kiki, Kaiser, Koda, Karma, Kimchi. Full list below, searchable and sortable.
Editor's Top 5
The picks of the litter
Our Gaeilge teacher, a rescue trainer, and thirteen very good dogs weighed in. These five kept coming up.
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KikiJapanese origin meaning 'kick' or simply a cute, playful double-syllable name.
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KaiserGerman for 'emperor,' giving a regal, commanding presence to a small dog.
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KodaNative American origin meaning 'friend' or inspired by Brother Bear's Koda character.
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KarmaSanskrit origin meaning 'action' or 'deed,' representing fate or destiny.
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KimchiKorean fermented vegetable dish; trendy food-inspired dog name.
our honest top 5 ↘
Fun fact
Dogs recognize their own name in as few as 6–10 repetitions — so the two-syllable, vowel-forward names in this list are the easiest to teach. Our kennel records show Kiki is the hands-down favorite for fastest recall.
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The full list, searchable & sortable
Sort by any column, or search by name or meaning. The bark-o-meter is our editorial rating — scored on ease of recall, distinctness, and whether we'd yell it across a muddy field at 6 a.m.
| Name ▾ | Tag | Meaning | Bark-o-meter |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kiki | very popular | Japanese origin meaning 'kick' or simply a cute, playful double-syllable name. | |
| Kaiser | classic | German for 'emperor,' giving a regal, commanding presence to a small dog. | |
| Koda | popular | Native American origin meaning 'friend' or inspired by Brother Bear's Koda character. | |
| Karma | moderately popular | Sanskrit origin meaning 'action' or 'deed,' representing fate or destiny. | |
| Kimchi | trending | Korean fermented vegetable dish; trendy food-inspired dog name. | |
| Knox | moderately popular | Scottish origin meaning 'from the hill' or 'hilltop dwelling.' | |
| Karma Chameleon | rare | Fun reference to the Culture Club song, implying adaptability. | |
| Kylo | trending | Modern name possibly inspired by Kylo Ren from Star Wars. | |
| King | classic | Directly means 'monarch' or 'ruler'; implies dominance and majesty. | |
| Kenzie | popular | Scottish diminutive of McKenzie, meaning 'son of Kenneth.' | |
| Kodak | rare | Brand name from the camera company; implies capturing memories. | |
| Kismet | moderately popular | Turkish/Persian origin meaning 'fate' or 'destiny'; destiny-driven. | |
| Kublai | rare | Historical reference to Kublai Khan, Mongol emperor; regal heritage. | |
| Keeper | moderately popular | One who keeps or preserves; implies loyalty and trust. | |
| Khaki | moderately popular | Dusty brown color; derived from Urdu/Persian word for dust. | |
| Kahlúa | rare | Coffee liqueur brand; brown color association and sophisticated vibe. | |
| Kelpie | rare | Scottish folklore creature; a water horse spirit from Celtic mythology. | |
| Kai | popular | Hawaiian origin meaning 'sea'; also Japanese for 'ocean' or 'shellfish.' | |
| Kipper | rare | British origin, a smoked fish; also means 'to dress or prepare.' | |
| Kinsey | moderately popular | English origin meaning 'victorious spear' or 'royal victory.' | |
| Kameron | moderately popular | Scottish origin meaning 'crooked nose'; variant of Cameron. | |
| Karate | rare | Japanese martial art meaning 'empty hand'; implies strength and discipline. | |
| Kelso | moderately popular | Scottish place name; town in the Scottish Borders. | |
| Knut | rare | Scandinavian origin meaning 'knot'; associated with Nordic heritage. | |
| Kaia | moderately popular | Hawaiian origin meaning 'sea'; or Sanskrit meaning 'from the earth.' | |
| Kermit | moderately popular | Celtic origin meaning 'free man'; famous via The Muppets' frog. | |
| Kieran | moderately popular | Irish origin meaning 'little dark one' or 'dark-haired.' | |
| Knuckles | rare | Reference to Sonic the Hedgehog character or literal fist joint. | |
| Kendall | moderately popular | English origin meaning 'valley of the river Kent.' | |
| Kiwi | popular | New Zealand fruit or flightless bird; bright green association. | |
| Kratos | trending | Greek origin meaning 'power' or 'strength'; God of War reference. | |
| Kellan | moderately popular | Irish origin meaning 'mighty warrior' or 'descendant of Ceallach.' | |
| Kasper | moderately popular | Persian origin meaning 'treasurer' or 'keeper of treasure.' | |
| Karma Queen | rare | Combination suggesting royal destiny or powerful fate. | |
| Kebab | rare | Middle Eastern grilled meat dish; playful food-inspired name. | |
| Kaze | rare | Japanese origin meaning 'wind'; implies grace and movement. | |
| Kyrie | moderately popular | Greek origin meaning 'Lord'; also literary reference to Irving. | |
| Kirby | popular | English place name meaning 'church settlement'; Nintendo character. | |
| Kendra | moderately popular | English origin meaning 'clear water' or 'water baby.' | |
| Kendo | rare | Japanese martial art meaning 'way of the sword.' | |
| Karma Sutra | rare | Reference to ancient Sanskrit text; implies passion or philosophy. | |
| Kelsey | moderately popular | English origin meaning 'island of the ship' or 'from the land of Calsige.' | |
| Kingston | moderately popular | English place name meaning 'king's village' or 'royal settlement.' | |
| Knobby | rare | Descriptive term for something with knobs or bumpy texture. | |
| Kimono | rare | Traditional Japanese garment; implies elegance and cultural heritage. | |
| Kasey | moderately popular | Irish origin meaning 'vigilant' or 'alert'; variant of Casey. | |
| Kuro | rare | Japanese origin meaning 'black' or 'dark.' | |
| Kaylee | popular | Modern invented name blending Kay and Lee; means 'fair' or 'slender.' | |
| Keebler | rare | Reference to Keebler Elves bakery brand; implies cookies or sweetness. | |
| Kwazy | rare | Playful spelling of 'crazy'; implies fun and unpredictability. | |
| Kyoto | rare | Japanese city name; historically the cultural heart of Japan. |
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Frequently asked questions
What K names work best for male Shih Tzus?
Strong, punchy K-names like Kaiser, Knox, King, and Kingston work well for males, giving gravitas to their small frames. Kai, Koda, and Kermit offer friendlier masculine options. Choose based on your dog's personality—bold names suit assertive dogs, while gentler options fit affectionate, easygoing Shih Tzus.
Are there good K names for female Shih Tzus?
Yes—Kiki, Kaia, Kaylee, Kendra, and Kenzie are popular feminine K-names. Kimchi and Kiwi offer playful, quirky vibes. Karma and Kismet work for mystical personalities. Many K-names are unisex, so don't feel limited by gender.
Why do K names sound good for Shih Tzus?
K is a sharp, punchy consonant that carries well when calling a dog—important for small breeds like Shih Tzus. The sound is distinct and not easily confused with other commands. Many K-names are short (Kai, King, Kiki), making them easy to say repeatedly and remember.
Should I choose a common K name or something unique?
Common names like Kiki and Kai are popular because they're easy to call and instantly lovable. Unique names like Kimchi, Kelpie, or Kyoto suit owners wanting distinctiveness. Consider your dog's personality, how often you'll say the name, and whether you want classroom recognition or individuality.
How do I know if a K name fits my Shih Tzu?
Say the name aloud several times—it should feel natural rolling off your tongue. Watch your dog's reaction to the sound. Names matching personality (Kaiser for proud dogs, Koda for friendly ones) tend to feel right. Test it for a few days before committing; most owners find the perfect name quickly.
About the author
Cal Whitfield
archivist · crossword setter · index obsessive
Cal is responsible for Bark Names' A-Z index and the unreasonable number of letter-by-letter posts. They spent a decade as a library archivist before a pandemic pivot into full-time dog writing, and they bring a cataloguer's attention to things no one else on the team would read. Lives with a border terrier named Q, which is as far as they'll discuss.