Ajax

Ajax is the Latin form of the Greek Aias, a name of uncertain origin — possibly meaning 'of the earth' or 'mourner,' or perhaps connected to the Greek aetos (eagle). Two heroes named Ajax fought in the Trojan War in Homer's Iliad: Ajax the Great, the massive warrior, and Ajax the Lesser.

Ajax is a name that arrives fully armed. The Homeric hero was the mightiest of the Greek warriors aside from Achilles — enormous, nearly invincible, the wall of the Greek army — which makes it ideal for large, powerful dog breeds who carry themselves with similar gravitas. Ajax also functions as a household name in the literal sense, being one of the most recognizable cleaning product brands, which some owners find amusing rather than deterring. The name is short enough to call across a field and weighty enough to suit a dog who deserves some mythology attached to him.