Bourbon appears 65 times at rank 1587 on male pets. The spirit-derived name signals a specific owner aesthetic — the whiskey-and-dogs, Southern-gentleman, craft-spirits enthusiast — and the warm amber color of bourbon makes it a visually apt name for dogs with golden or reddish-brown coats.
The Whiskey Name Trend
Bourbon belongs to the spirits-naming category alongside Whiskey, Rye, and Jameson. This is a coherent owner-type segment: men (and women) who care about craft spirits, who have strong regional pride about Kentucky bourbon specifically, and who want a name that signals their lifestyle without being too on-the-nose. The craft cocktail revival of the 2010s drove significant growth in this name category.
Color and Breed Fit
Bourbon's amber color makes it visually accurate for golden-toned dogs. Golden Retrievers, Chesapeake Bay Retrievers, and red Irish Setters match the color register directly. The name also fits larger, sturdier male dogs generally — breeds that project warmth and substance rather than delicacy. Bloodhounds fit the Southern whiskey aesthetic particularly well.
The Counter-Reading
Bourbon is a deliberate lifestyle signal that reads clearly to other people who share the owner's interest and slightly quirky to those who don't. The name carries no meaningful downside except that it will prompt whiskey conversations at every dog park. Most owners who chose it consider that a feature.