Barkley

Barkley is an English surname derived from the Old English beorcleah, a place name meaning 'birch wood clearing.' It came to prominence as a given name through the Philadelphia 76ers basketball star Charles Barkley, whose nickname 'Sir Charles' added a regal layer to an already sturdy name. For dogs, the name has an irresistible built-in pun: a dog who barks, named Barkley.

Barkley is one of those pet names that arrives with its own built-in charm — partly the Old English woodland roots, partly the basketball legend, and entirely the delightful fact that it contains 'bark.' It suits a vocal, outgoing dog with a personality as big as his voice, the kind of companion who announces arrivals enthusiastically and has opinions about squirrels. Barkley is warm and approachable with just enough swagger to feel like a name this particular dog earned rather than was simply given.