Avon is a Celtic river name meaning simply "river" — the name of several British waterways, most famously the one beside Shakespeare's Stratford. For a pet, it carries the cool geographic distance of a place name applied to a living creature: slightly unexpected, quietly evocative.
The Place Name Aesthetic
Geographic names on pets have a particular appeal for owners who think of their animals as characters. Hudson, Rio, and Savannah occupy the same space. Avon adds a distinctly British literary note without being precious about it.
Breed Fit
Two syllables, soft consonants: Avon sits well on Border Collies and Whippets. The name doesn't project aggression or goofiness; it projects quiet intelligence.
The Counter-Reading: The Cosmetics Brand
In North America, Avon reads primarily as a cosmetics company. That association fades quickly in conversation, but it's worth acknowledging. Some owners find the overlap funny; others find it slightly deflating on a male dog. At 39 registrations, the brand shadow probably contributes to the low numbers.