Howard

A distinctive pick — fewer than 35 pets share this name.

More boys
#2584

Meaning & Story

Howard is an English surname of uncertain origin, possibly from the Old Norse 'Havardr' meaning 'high guardian,' or from an occupational name related to pig herding. It became a common given name in the English-speaking world and carries associations with industrialist Howard Hughes and the colorful fictional character Howard T. Duck.

Howard is a pleasingly vintage pet name that has a warm, slightly rumpled charm — the kind of name that belongs to someone reliably good-natured and impossible not to like. It works for a medium-to-large dog with an easy temperament and a tendency to bumble into situations with cheerful obliviousness. Howard has a comfortable, old-fashioned quality that makes it feel like a genuine character name, and it is distinctive enough in the current pet landscape to stand out wonderfully.

At a Glance

#2584
Overall Rank
35
Registered
Boys
Popular With

Howard's Personality

Howard is a popular pet name with 35 registered pets. View the breed table above for matches.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Howard a good pet name?

Howard is a well-known pet name with 35 registered pets.

Is Howard a boy or girl pet name?

Howard is more commonly given to male pets, though it can be used for any pet.

Last updated May 2026 · Data: NYC & Seattle pet licensing records · Methodology