TL;DR
Shih Tzus are known for their luxurious coats, affectionate personalities, and dignified bearing—and they deserve names that match their charm. S-names offer a sweet spot between playful and sophisticated, making them ideal for this breed. Whether you're drawn to elegant choices like Sterling or fun-loving options like Snickers, names starting with S tend to flow naturally when calling across the yard. This list features 50 real Shih Tzu names beginning with S, from timeless classics to modern favorites, all suited to this beloved companion breed. Our top picks: Sage, Samson, Sandy, Scooter, Shadow. 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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SageA wise, gray-haired character; also an herb with calming properties.
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SamsonBiblical name meaning 'sun'; associated with strength and boldness.
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SandyDiminutive of Sandra; evokes beach sand and playful energy.
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ScooterA small motorized vehicle; implies quick, energetic movement.
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ShadowDark silhouette or a loyal companion who follows closely.
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 Sage 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sage | trending | A wise, gray-haired character; also an herb with calming properties. | |
| Samson | classic | Biblical name meaning 'sun'; associated with strength and boldness. | |
| Sandy | classic | Diminutive of Sandra; evokes beach sand and playful energy. | |
| Scooter | very popular | A small motorized vehicle; implies quick, energetic movement. | |
| Shadow | very popular | Dark silhouette or a loyal companion who follows closely. | |
| Sheldon | rare | Old English origin; means 'steep valley shelter.' | |
| Shelly | moderate | From the seashore or rocky beach; indicates nature and resilience. | |
| Simba | very popular | Swahili for 'lion'; associated with courage and royalty. | |
| Simon | classic | Hebrew origin; means 'he has heard' or 'listener.' | |
| Snickers | very popular | A chocolate candy bar; evokes playfulness and sweetness. | |
| Snowball | very popular | A sphere of snow; implies purity, whiteness, and gentle fun. | |
| Solomon | moderate | Hebrew for 'peaceful' or 'peaceful man'; symbol of wisdom. | |
| Sophia | very popular | Greek for 'wisdom'; sophisticated and elegant. | |
| Sophie | very popular | Diminutive of Sophia; wise and graceful. | |
| Sparky | very popular | Full of energy, liveliness, and electric personality. | |
| Spice | moderate | A seasoning that adds flavor and zest to life. | |
| Spot | classic | A small mark or dot on the coat. | |
| Stanley | moderate | Old English; means 'stony clearing' or strong presence. | |
| Stella | very popular | Latin for 'star'; implies brightness and beauty. | |
| Sterling | trending | British currency; also means excellent quality or genuine. | |
| Stevie | moderate | Greek for 'crowned one'; implies confidence and independence. | |
| Stud | rare | A fastener or a horse of exceptional quality. | |
| Sugar | very popular | Sweet substance; implies sweetness and affection. | |
| Sully | moderate | To damage or tarnish; also a friendly, roguish character. | |
| Summer | very popular | The warm season; implies brightness, warmth, and joy. | |
| Sunny | very popular | Bright, cheerful, and full of warmth and light. | |
| Sweetie | very popular | Term of endearment; implies affection and gentleness. | |
| Swifty | moderate | Quick and speedy; implies fast movement. | |
| Sylvester | rare | Latin for 'wooded' or 'wild'; a forest dweller. | |
| Sylvia | moderate | Latin for 'from the forest'; nature-inspired. | |
| Sable | moderate | Dark brown or black; also refers to a type of marten fur. | |
| Sachmo | rare | Nickname of Louis Armstrong; implies jazz and coolness. | |
| Sailor | moderate | One who sails; implies adventure and freedom. | |
| Sakura | trending | Japanese for 'cherry blossom'; delicate and beautiful. | |
| Salvador | rare | Spanish for 'savior'; implies protection and strength. | |
| Sammy | very popular | Diminutive of Samuel; friendly and approachable. | |
| Sancho | moderate | Spanish diminutive of Sancho; loyal and honest. | |
| Sasha | very popular | Russian diminutive of Alexander; defender of people. | |
| Scout | very popular | One who explores or surveys; implies bravery and curiosity. | |
| Scrappy | moderate | Small, feisty, and willing to fight; plucky and tough. | |
| Serenity | moderate | State of being peaceful and calm; tranquility. | |
| Shady | rare | Of questionable nature; also implies a cool, laid-back vibe. | |
| Shammy | rare | Soft leather cloth; implies smoothness and gentleness. | |
| Sherman | rare | Occupational surname; originally meant 'cloth shearer.' | |
| Shiloh | moderate | Hebrew for 'peaceful one' or 'gift'; biblical and serene. | |
| Shimmer | moderate | To shine with a soft, wavering light. | |
| Skippy | moderate | To move by hopping; implies playful, bouncy energy. | |
| Smokey | very popular | Gray or smoky in color; implies mystery and cool calm. | |
| Snooker | rare | A cue sport; implies precision and strategy. | |
| Snuggle | moderate | To cuddle close; implies warmth and affection. |
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Frequently asked questions
What S-names work best for male Shih Tzus?
Masculine S-names like Samson, Simon, Stanley, Sterling, and Smokes suit male Shih Tzus well. Strong, dignified names like Solomon and Sheldon fit the breed's regal bearing. Playful options like Scooter and Snickers work for spirited boys.
Are there elegant S-names for show-quality Shih Tzus?
Yes—Stella, Sophia, Sterling, Sakura, and Sable offer sophistication suited to groomed, championship-quality Shih Tzus. These names reflect the breed's luxurious coat and dignified presence.
What S-names match a Shih Tzu's small size?
Sweet, small-sounding names like Snuggle, Sweetie, Sugar, Snowball, and Snickers emphasize their tiny, cuddly nature. These tend to feel proportional to the breed's compact, toy-dog frame.
Which S-names are trending for Shih Tzus right now?
Sakura, Sterling, Sage, and Sunny are currently popular choices. Asian-inspired names like Sakura appeal to Shih Tzu owners honoring the breed's origins.
Can unisex S-names work for Shih Tzus?
Absolutely. Names like Sasha, Scout, Sage, Shadow, and Sunny work for any gender. Unisex S-names offer flexibility if you're unsure of preference.
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.