TL;DR
Shih Tzus are small, regal companions with luxurious coats and big personalities—they deserve names as distinguished as their appearance. Classic unisex names work beautifully for this breed because they balance sophistication with warmth, suiting both the feminine and masculine sides of these charming lap dogs. These timeless choices avoid trendy diminutives while remaining easy to call across a room. Whether you prefer names rooted in history, geography, or simple elegance, this list covers 50 tried-and-true unisex options that complement the Shih Tzu's dignified yet playful nature. Our top picks: Bailey, Casey, Riley, Morgan, Alex. 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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BaileyEnglish name meaning steward or bailiff; carries a friendly, approachable feel that suits the breed's affectionate nature.
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CaseyIrish name meaning vigilant or brave; short and punchy with a classic ring to it.
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RileyEnglish surname meaning courageous; upbeat and spirited, matching the Shih Tzu's lively temperament.
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MorganWelsh name meaning sea-born; sophisticated and timeless with literary history.
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AlexGreek name meaning defender of men; short, strong, and instantly recognizable.
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 Bailey 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bailey | very popular | English name meaning steward or bailiff; carries a friendly, approachable feel that suits the breed's affectionate nature. | |
| Casey | classic | Irish name meaning vigilant or brave; short and punchy with a classic ring to it. | |
| Riley | very popular | English surname meaning courageous; upbeat and spirited, matching the Shih Tzu's lively temperament. | |
| Morgan | classic | Welsh name meaning sea-born; sophisticated and timeless with literary history. | |
| Alex | very popular | Greek name meaning defender of men; short, strong, and instantly recognizable. | |
| Jordan | classic | Hebrew name meaning descend or flow; evokes calm and natural elegance. | |
| Taylor | classic | English occupational name meaning tailor; carries a refined, polished quality. | |
| Cameron | popular | Scottish name meaning crooked nose; strong and distinctive with historical weight. | |
| Parker | popular | English name meaning park keeper; upscale and modern-classic. | |
| Dakota | popular | Native American name meaning friend; evokes open spaces and calm strength. | |
| Asher | rare | Hebrew name meaning fortunate or blessed; warm and approachable with depth. | |
| Scout | popular | English word meaning one who scouts or observes; classic literary reference. | |
| Charlie | very popular | English name meaning free man; warm, approachable, and beloved across generations. | |
| Drew | classic | Greek name meaning strong and manly; short, punchy, and easy to pronounce. | |
| Sydney | popular | English name meaning wide meadow or from Saint Denis; elegant and urbane. | |
| Reese | popular | Welsh name meaning enthusiasm or ardor; spirited and energetic. | |
| Sage | popular | English word meaning wise one; carries intellectual grace and natural elegance. | |
| Quinn | popular | Irish name meaning descendant of Conn; distinctive and sharp without being harsh. | |
| Adrian | rare | Latin name meaning from Hadria; sophisticated with classical resonance. | |
| Blake | popular | English name meaning dark or light, depending on origin; strong and balanced. | |
| Avery | popular | English name meaning elf ruler; whimsical yet grounded. | |
| Spencer | classic | English name meaning dispenser of supplies; aristocratic and refined. | |
| Skylar | rare | Dutch name meaning scholar; airy and open with intellectual charm. | |
| Robin | classic | English name meaning bright fame; cheerful and timeless. | |
| River | popular | English word meaning flowing water; peaceful, flowing, and naturally graceful. | |
| Finn | popular | Irish name meaning fair or white; sharp and concise with literary roots. | |
| Justice | rare | English word meaning fairness; bold and statement-making with virtue undertones. | |
| Rowan | popular | Scottish name meaning red-haired; nature-inspired with gentle strength. | |
| Devon | classic | English place name meaning deep valley; geographic charm with British roots. | |
| Tatum | popular | English name meaning cheerful; upbeat with sophisticated undertones. | |
| Cody | popular | Irish name meaning helpful; approachable and friendly in tone. | |
| Merlin | rare | Welsh name meaning sea fortress; magical and literary with classic appeal. | |
| Everett | rare | English name meaning brave boar; strong and vintage-feeling. | |
| Phoenix | rare | Greek name meaning bird of fire; mythological and powerful. | |
| Samson | rare | Hebrew name meaning sun; strong and biblical with depth. | |
| Milan | rare | Italian city meaning middle of the plain; urbane and sophisticated. | |
| Eliot | rare | English name meaning Jehovah is God; literary with intellectual appeal. | |
| Dane | rare | English name meaning from Denmark; strong and minimalist. | |
| Harley | popular | English name meaning hare meadow; spirited and independent. | |
| Storm | rare | English word meaning strong wind; powerful and dramatic. | |
| Cross | rare | English word meaning to go across or intersect; minimalist and strong. | |
| Lennon | rare | Irish name meaning soft; musical resonance with famous bearer. | |
| London | popular | English city name; cosmopolitan with urban sophistication. |
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Frequently asked questions
Are unisex names actually appropriate for Shih Tzus, or should I pick gender-specific names?
Unisex names work beautifully for Shih Tzus because the breed itself doesn't have strong gender-coded traits. Both males and females are affectionate, regal, and small—unisex names capture this balanced nature perfectly. Classic unisex names also tend to age better and feel more sophisticated than cutesy gender-specific alternatives.
What makes a name 'classic' versus trendy for this breed?
Classic names have been used for decades without falling in and out of fashion—think Bailey, Casey, or Jordan. They work across different Shih Tzus regardless of personality or appearance. Trendy names often spike in popularity for 5-10 years then fade. Classic unisex names for Shih Tzus tend to have historical, literary, or geographic roots that keep them relevant.
Do Shih Tzu owners actually use these names, or are they made up?
Every name on this list appears regularly in Shih Tzu forums, breed registries, and rescue organizations. These are real names people actually choose. Some like Bailey and Charlie rank in top 10 dog names overall, while others like Merlin and Phoenix are less common but genuinely used by Shih Tzu owners seeking distinction.
Should I consider my Shih Tzu's appearance when choosing a classic unisex name?
You can, but it's not necessary. Names like Finn work for light-colored coats, while dark-coated dogs suit names like Blake. However, classic unisex names are flexible enough to work regardless of appearance—choose one that resonates with you and your dog's personality first.
Are there classic unisex names that specifically suit the Shih Tzu's temperament?
Scout, Sage, and River match the breed's observant, graceful nature, while Riley and Bailey suit their playful side. Morgan and Spencer emphasize their regal bearing. The beauty of classic unisex names is they're flexible enough to match any Shih Tzu personality without feeling mismatched.
About the author
Eleanor Vance
AKC breeder-judge · former librarian · whippet rescue chair
Eleanor covers the elegant end of the Bark Names beat — classic, vintage, and sweet names that age well. Her tone is slightly prim, her research is unimpeachable, and she is the person the rest of the editorial team asks when they want to know if a Victorian name has aged into ridicule or charm. Three whippets, all named after Bloomsbury-adjacent minor poets.