Bowser

Bowser likely derives from the German Bausch, meaning 'puff' or 'swell,' or alternatively from Middle English bouse, related to excessive drinking. As a pet name it is best known from Nintendo's King Bowser Koopa, the fearsome but lovably persistent villain of the Super Mario franchise.

Bowser is a name that promises personality. Whether the reference is the Nintendo villain or simply the sound of a dog who means business, pets named Bowser tend to be characters — opinionated, larger-than-life, and completely impossible to ignore. It's especially popular for big, imposing-looking dogs with soft interiors: the kind of bulldog or mastiff who looks terrifying until he rolls over for a belly rub. The Nintendo connection also makes it an instant conversation-starter at any dog park.