TL;DR
Shih Tzus are small, affectionate companion dogs with big personalities—and they deserve names that match their charm. L-names work particularly well for this breed because they're punchy, easy to call out, and often carry a luxurious or playful vibe that suits their regal yet mischievous temperament. Whether you prefer classic, trendy, or quirky options, L-names offer a strong range for both male and female Shih Tzus. This list includes the most popular real names people are actually using for Shih Tzus, with meanings and context to help you find one that fits your dog's personality. Our top picks: Lucky, Luna, Leo, Lola, Lily. 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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LuckyA fortunate or blessed dog; classic name reflecting good fortune.
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LunaMoon in Spanish and Italian; symbolizes calm and mystique.
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LeoLion in Latin; represents courage, strength, and confidence.
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LolaSpanish diminutive of Dolores; means 'sorrows' but feels playful and spunky.
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LilyFloral name symbolizing purity, innocence, and elegance.
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 Lucky 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lucky | very popular | A fortunate or blessed dog; classic name reflecting good fortune. | |
| Luna | very popular | Moon in Spanish and Italian; symbolizes calm and mystique. | |
| Leo | very popular | Lion in Latin; represents courage, strength, and confidence. | |
| Lola | very popular | Spanish diminutive of Dolores; means 'sorrows' but feels playful and spunky. | |
| Lily | very popular | Floral name symbolizing purity, innocence, and elegance. | |
| Liam | trending | Irish origin meaning 'strong-willed warrior'. | |
| Liberty | rare | Freedom and independence; patriotic American feel. | |
| Levi | trending | Hebrew origin meaning 'joined' or 'attached'; suggests loyalty. | |
| Lexi | very popular | Greek origin meaning 'defender' or 'protector'. | |
| Linus | classic | Greek origin meaning 'flax'; soft and gentle connotation. | |
| Lacey | classic | From a lace pattern; suggests delicacy and refinement. | |
| Lincoln | trending | Place name meaning 'lake settlement'; stately American feel. | |
| Lorelei | rare | German mythology; means 'alluring' or 'enchantress'. | |
| Louie | very popular | German origin meaning 'famous warrior'; friendly, approachable feel. | |
| Louise | classic | Female form of Louis; means 'famous warrior'. | |
| Loki | trending | Norse mythology; trickster god—mischievous and clever. | |
| Latte | trending | Coffee drink; suggests warm brown color and comfort. | |
| Lennox | trending | Scottish origin meaning 'with many elm trees'; sturdy feel. | |
| Laurie | classic | From laurel tree; symbolizes victory and honor. | |
| Lucas | very popular | Latin origin meaning 'from Lucania'; bright and light-giving. | |
| Lucia | classic | Latin origin meaning 'light-bringer'; luminous feel. | |
| Legend | rare | A famous or celebrated story; suggests prestige. | |
| Lava | rare | Molten rock; suggests heat, energy, and intensity. | |
| Logan | very popular | Scottish origin meaning 'small hollow'; nature-inspired. | |
| Lydia | classic | Greek origin meaning 'from Lydia'; classic literary feel. | |
| Lotus | trending | Aquatic flower symbolizing purity and enlightenment. | |
| Lux | trending | Latin for 'light'; minimalist and sleek. | |
| Lambert | rare | German origin meaning 'bright land'; stately. | |
| Lawson | trending | English origin meaning 'son of Lawrence'; surname turned first name. | |
| Lucille | classic | Female form of Lucius; means 'light'. | |
| Lindy | classic | Scandinavian origin; variant of Linda meaning 'beautiful'. | |
| Layla | very popular | Arabic origin meaning 'night'; dark and mysterious. | |
| Laurel | classic | Evergreen shrub symbolizing victory and honor. | |
| Ludo | rare | Latin for 'to play'; playful and fun. | |
| Lena | very popular | Greek origin meaning 'hospitable' or 'welcoming'. | |
| Lorenzo | classic | Italian/Spanish origin meaning 'from Laurentum'; classic romance. | |
| Laude | rare | Latin 'praise'; suggests excellence. | |
| Lark | trending | A songbird; suggests joy and lightness. | |
| Landon | trending | English origin meaning 'long hill'; sturdy. | |
| Lipton | rare | Place name; surname turned first name. | |
| Lynne | classic | Welsh origin meaning 'lake'; tranquil feel. | |
| Lanai | rare | Hawaiian for 'porch'; tropical and relaxed. | |
| Lancia | rare | Italian car brand; sophisticated and sleek. | |
| Laban | rare | Hebrew origin meaning 'white'; biblical name. | |
| Lyme | rare | English place name; literary and unique. | |
| Lego | rare | Building blocks; playful and constructive. | |
| Lavender | trending | Purple flower symbolizing calm, grace, and serenity. |
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Frequently asked questions
What are the most popular L-names for Shih Tzus?
Lucky, Luna, Leo, Lola, and Louie are the top five L-names for Shih Tzus. These names are easy to call out, suit the breed's small but spirited temperament, and have stood the test of time across dog registrations and breed communities.
Are there specific L-names better for male vs. female Shih Tzus?
While many L-names work for both genders, Leo, Liam, Logan, and Louie lean masculine, while Luna, Lola, Lily, and Lexi are popular for females. However, Shih Tzus have personality beyond gender, so choose based on your dog's temperament and look.
Do L-names match the Shih Tzu breed personality?
L-names work well for Shih Tzus because they're punchy and easy to call, which suits this breed's responsive, affectionate nature. Names like Luna or Loki also evoke the breed's combination of playfulness and regal dignity.
Should I consider my Shih Tzu's coat color when choosing an L-name?
Absolutely. Names like Latte, Lava, and Lotus can reflect coat color and personality. Luna works beautifully for dark-coated dogs, while Lily suits white or cream Shih Tzus, but ultimately your dog's personality matters more than color-matching.
Are shorter L-names better for training a Shih Tzu?
Shorter names like Leo, Lux, Loki, and Lena are easier for training because they're quick to say and distinct sounding. However, longer names like Lincoln or Lorelei can work fine if you use them with consistent tone and enthusiasm.
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.