TL;DR
Shih Tzus are famously charming lap dogs with flowing coats and big personalities—they deserve names as precious as they are. Female Shih Tzus particularly benefit from cute, feminine names that match their elegant yet playful nature. This list focuses on names that sound sweet when called across the yard, work well at the vet's office, and capture the breed's toy-dog sophistication. Whether you prefer classic names, food-inspired picks, or nature-based options, you'll find 50 adorable choices that suit Shih Tzu girls of all sizes and temperaments. Our top picks: Bella, Daisy, Luna, Coco, Penny. 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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BellaItalian for 'beautiful,' one of the most popular female dog names across all breeds.
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DaisyCheerful flower name suggesting innocence and brightness.
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LunaSpanish and Italian for 'moon,' evoking a calm, mystical presence.
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CocoPlayful diminutive often associated with Coco Chanel; cute and sophisticated.
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PennyEnglish origin meaning 'weaver,' but evokes innocence and vintage charm.
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 Bella 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bella | very popular | Italian for 'beautiful,' one of the most popular female dog names across all breeds. | |
| Daisy | very popular | Cheerful flower name suggesting innocence and brightness. | |
| Luna | trending | Spanish and Italian for 'moon,' evoking a calm, mystical presence. | |
| Coco | popular | Playful diminutive often associated with Coco Chanel; cute and sophisticated. | |
| Penny | classic | English origin meaning 'weaver,' but evokes innocence and vintage charm. | |
| Sophie | popular | Greek for 'wisdom,' a gentle and elegant feminine name. | |
| Molly | classic | Traditional English diminutive of Mary, friendly and approachable. | |
| Rosie | popular | Derived from 'rose,' suggests sweetness and delicate beauty. | |
| Lucy | very popular | Latin for 'light-bearing,' evoking brightness and joy. | |
| Muffin | popular | Cute food-inspired name suggesting something small and sweet. | |
| Princess | popular | Regal name befitting the Shih Tzu's imperial Chinese origins. | |
| Pixie | popular | Mythical fairy creature, suggesting small size and mischievousness. | |
| Lola | popular | Spanish diminutive of Dolores, trendy and spirited. | |
| Gigi | trending | French nickname, chic and sophisticated yet playful. | |
| Piper | popular | One who plays the pipes, suggesting a lively, musical spirit. | |
| Ruby | very popular | Precious gemstone name symbolizing passion and warmth. | |
| Zoey | popular | Greek for 'life,' upbeat and modern. | |
| Olive | trending | Botanical name suggesting peace and gentleness. | |
| Bianca | classic | Italian for 'white,' perfect for pale-coated Shih Tzus. | |
| Lily | popular | Pure white flower symbolizing innocence and beauty. | |
| Pepper | popular | Spice-inspired name suggesting a feisty, bold personality. | |
| Sweetie | popular | Term of endearment reflecting an affectionate, gentle temperament. | |
| Bonnie | classic | Scottish for 'beautiful,' cheerful and wholesome. | |
| Cocoa | popular | Chocolate-derived name suggesting warm, rich coloring. | |
| Sadie | very popular | Hebrew origin meaning 'princess,' spirited and strong. | |
| Maple | trending | Autumn tree name evoking warmth and natural beauty. | |
| Honey | popular | Sweet, golden substance suggesting warmth and affection. | |
| Bailey | very popular | Originally an occupation name, now popular unisex pet name. | |
| Dolly | classic | Diminutive of Dolores, doll-like and charming. | |
| Winnie | popular | Old English for 'fair' or 'white,' warm and friendly. | |
| Stella | popular | Latin for 'star,' elegant and celestial. | |
| Fuzzy | rare | Descriptive name celebrating the Shih Tzu's signature fluffy coat. | |
| Ginger | popular | Spice name suggesting warmth and reddish coloring. | |
| Panda | popular | Animal name suggesting black and white markings or gentle nature. | |
| Maisy | popular | Form of Daisy, cheerful and garden-inspired. | |
| Jasmine | popular | Fragrant flowering plant, exotic and elegant. | |
| Peachy | rare | Fruit-inspired name suggesting sweetness and warmth. | |
| Tinsley | trending | English surname meaning 'fortification,' trendy modern name. | |
| Mittens | popular | Descriptive name referencing white paws like mittens. | |
| Dottie | classic | Diminutive of Dorothy, vintage and sweetly old-fashioned. | |
| Ivy | trending | Climbing vine plant symbolizing growth and elegance. | |
| Poppy | popular | Bright red flower suggesting vibrancy and cheerfulness. | |
| Cuddles | rare | Descriptive name celebrating affectionate, snuggly nature. | |
| Amber | popular | Golden fossilized resin, warm and beautiful. | |
| Jewel | popular | Precious stone, suggesting rarity and value. | |
| Ruffles | rare | Descriptive of the Shih Tzu's characteristic fluffy, ruffled coat. | |
| Chelsea | classic | English place name, aristocratic and refined. | |
| Nala | popular | Swahili for 'queen,' regal and strong. | |
| Dixie | classic | American Southern reference, cheerful and spirited. | |
| Paisley | trending | Decorative textile pattern, bohemian and trendy. |
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Frequently asked questions
What are the most popular cute names for female Shih Tzus?
Bella, Lucy, and Daisy consistently rank as top choices for female Shih Tzus. These names are easy to call, widely recognized, and suit the breed's gentle, elegant nature. Ruby, Sadie, and Bailey are also extremely popular and versatile across different personalities and coat colors.
Should I pick a name based on my Shih Tzu's coat color?
Yes, many owners choose names that match their dog's coloring. For cream or white Shih Tzus, consider Daisy, Lily, or Bianca. For golden, apricot, or red coats, Honey, Ginger, Ruby, or Amber work beautifully. This adds a personal touch and helps the name feel specially tailored to your individual dog.
Are food-inspired names good for Shih Tzus?
Food names like Muffin, Cocoa, Honey, and Peachy work wonderfully for Shih Tzus and match their small, cute aesthetic. These names often reflect the breed's sweet, indulgent personality. Just ensure the name is easy to say distinctly at the park to avoid confusion with common dog commands.
What's the difference between cute and elegant names for this breed?
Cute names (Pixie, Sweetie, Fuzzy) emphasize playfulness and small size, while elegant names (Stella, Bianca, Chelsea) highlight the Shih Tzu's Chinese imperial heritage and refined nature. Many names like Coco and Gigi bridge both worlds, offering sophistication with a playful edge—ideal for the breed.
How do I know if a cute name will actually suit my Shih Tzu's personality?
Spend a few days observing your dog's temperament. Is she spunky and mischievous? Consider Pepper, Piper, or Lola. Calm and cuddly? Try Honey, Bonnie, or Sweetie. You can also try calling a few names aloud—if one naturally feels right when you say it, that's often the winner for your specific dog.
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.