TL;DR
Shih Tzus were bred as imperial lap dogs in ancient China, making them naturally suited to names with legendary gravitas. Mythology offers a treasure trove of dignified, memorable names that match the breed's noble bearing and compact stature. Whether you prefer Greek goddesses, Egyptian deities, Norse warriors, or figures from world mythology, these names elevate your Shih Tzu's presence while honoring ancient stories. The breed's long silky coat and regal temperament pair beautifully with names of gods, goddesses, and mythological creatures across cultures. Our top picks: Athena, Zeus, Artemis, Apollo, Ares. 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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AthenaGreek goddess of wisdom and warfare; associated with strategic intelligence and strength.
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ZeusKing of the Greek gods, ruler of the sky and thunder; symbol of authority and power.
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ArtemisGreek goddess of the hunt, wilderness, and moon; independent and fierce.
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ApolloGreek god of music, poetry, healing, and the sun; represents beauty and harmony.
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AresGreek god of war and conflict; bold and aggressive energy.
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 Athena 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Athena | very popular | Greek goddess of wisdom and warfare; associated with strategic intelligence and strength. | |
| Zeus | very popular | King of the Greek gods, ruler of the sky and thunder; symbol of authority and power. | |
| Artemis | popular | Greek goddess of the hunt, wilderness, and moon; independent and fierce. | |
| Apollo | very popular | Greek god of music, poetry, healing, and the sun; represents beauty and harmony. | |
| Ares | popular | Greek god of war and conflict; bold and aggressive energy. | |
| Aphrodite | popular | Greek goddess of love, beauty, and desire; embodies elegance and grace. | |
| Hera | classic | Queen of the Greek gods, goddess of marriage and family; regal and commanding. | |
| Hermes | popular | Greek god of messages, travel, and commerce; clever and quick-witted. | |
| Poseidon | classic | Greek god of the sea, earthquakes, and horses; powerful and unpredictable. | |
| Hades | popular | Greek god of the underworld and death; mysterious and introspective. | |
| Demeter | classic | Greek goddess of harvest, grain, and nature; nurturing and grounding. | |
| Iris | popular | Greek goddess of the rainbow; messenger between gods and humans. | |
| Juno | popular | Roman queen of gods and goddess of protection; regal and protective. | |
| Mars | classic | Roman god of war; symbol of courage and martial strength. | |
| Venus | very popular | Roman goddess of love, beauty, and fertility; elegant and alluring. | |
| Diana | popular | Roman goddess of the hunt and moon; independent and fierce. | |
| Neptune | classic | Roman god of the sea; mysterious and commanding presence. | |
| Minerva | classic | Roman goddess of wisdom and handicraft; intelligent and strategic. | |
| Ra | popular | Egyptian sun god; represents power, life, and rebirth. | |
| Bastet | rare | Egyptian goddess associated with cats, protection, and fertility; feline grace. | |
| Isis | classic | Egyptian goddess of magic, motherhood, and restoration; mystical and powerful. | |
| Anubis | rare | Egyptian god of mummification and the afterlife; protective and solemn. | |
| Thoth | rare | Egyptian god of wisdom, writing, and knowledge; intellectual and mysterious. | |
| Odin | popular | Norse god of wisdom, war, and magic; all-seeing and powerful. | |
| Freya | popular | Norse goddess of love, beauty, and fertility; strong and sensual. | |
| Thor | very popular | Norse god of thunder and strength; bold and protective. | |
| Loki | very popular | Norse god of mischief and trickery; cunning and unpredictable. | |
| Fenrir | rare | Monstrous wolf from Norse mythology; wild and fierce. | |
| Sigyn | rare | Norse goddess of victory and devotion; loyal and steadfast. | |
| Balder | rare | Norse god of light, joy, and beauty; fair and beloved. | |
| Nyx | popular | Greek goddess of night; mysterious, dark, and primordial. | |
| Echo | popular | Greek nymph cursed to repeat others' words; melancholic and haunting. | |
| Persephone | popular | Greek goddess of spring and underworld; dual nature and transformation. | |
| Medusa | rare | Gorgon with serpents for hair; powerful and feared. | |
| Phoenix | very popular | Mythical bird that rises from its own ashes; resurrection and renewal. | |
| Griffin | popular | Mythical creature combining eagle and lion; noble and majestic. | |
| Sphinx | rare | Mythical creature with human head and animal body; enigmatic and wise. | |
| Pegasus | popular | Winged horse from Greek mythology; free, swift, and legendary. | |
| Centaur | rare | Creature hybrid of human and horse; balance of civilized and wild. | |
| Siren | popular | Mythical creature who lures sailors with enchanting song; seductive and dangerous. | |
| Hecate | rare | Greek goddess of magic, witchcraft, and crossroads; powerful and mystical. | |
| Morrigan | rare | Irish goddess of battle and fate; fierce and otherworldly. | |
| Arjun | rare | Warrior prince from Hindu epic Mahabharata; noble and skilled in battle. | |
| Hanuman | rare | Hindu monkey god representing courage, strength, and devotion. | |
| Kali | rare | Hindu goddess of time, transformation, and fierce protection; powerful feminine energy. | |
| Draco | popular | Dragon constellation and mythology across cultures; ancient and powerful. | |
| Thalia | popular | Greek muse of comedy and festive celebration; joyful and lively. | |
| Clio | rare | Greek muse of history; keeper of stories and memory. | |
| Calypso | popular | Greek nymph who detained Odysseus; enchanting and isolating presence. | |
| Nimue | rare | Arthurian enchantress and Lady of the Lake; mystical and powerful. |
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Frequently asked questions
Why are mythology names good for Shih Tzus specifically?
Shih Tzus were bred as imperial palace dogs in China, giving them inherent nobility and dignity. Mythological names—especially goddesses and gods—match their regal bearing, small stature that belies their confidence, and the breed's long history of royal significance. The names also highlight the contrast between the breed's tiny size and their commanding personality.
Should I pick a male or female mythology name based on my dog's gender?
Mythology offers names across the gender spectrum, but you have flexibility. Many names (like Odin, Zeus, Ares, Ra) are traditionally masculine, while others (Athena, Artemis, Freya, Kali) are feminine. However, personality often matters more than gender—if your male Shih Tzu is graceful and elegant, Artemis or Aphrodite could work beautifully regardless of traditional gender associations.
What's the most popular mythological dog name for Shih Tzus?
Zeus, Thor, Athena, and Apollo are consistently the most popular mythology names across all dog breeds, including Shih Tzus. These offer instant recognition, strong meanings, and work well with the breed's confident temperament. However, lesser-known options like Loki, Nyx, and Freya are gaining traction among owners seeking uniqueness.
Are mythology names easy to call out in public or at dog parks?
Most are clear and pronounceable, especially Greek and Roman gods (Zeus, Athena, Apollo, Venus). Some lesser-known names like Thoth, Sigyn, or Morrigan may need explanation but are still manageable. One-syllable options like Nyx, Ra, or Thor work best for quick commands and easier public calling.
Can I use a mythology name if my Shih Tzu has a serious personality?
Absolutely. Names like Hades, Odin, Medusa, and Hecate suit serious, introspective dogs beautifully. The mythological depth adds gravitas to their already dignified demeanor. Conversely, playful Shih Tzus can have fun juxtaposition with serious mythology names like Thor or Zeus.
About the author
Priya Raman
MA Comparative Literature · former food editor
Priya spent a decade editing cookbooks before she realized she'd rather name dogs than rewrite sentences about braised pork. Her column covers themed names — food, mythology, nature, film — and the strange overlap between what we eat and what we call our animals. Dog of record: a twelve-pound Cavalier King Charles named Miso.