Spock is one of the most direct pop culture pet name choices possible — it names the dog after Mr. Spock from Star Trek, the half-Vulcan science officer whose pointed ears, logical reasoning, and quiet dignity made him one of the most beloved characters in science fiction history. The name works particularly well on dogs with large, pointy ears.
The Star Trek Association
Mr. Spock, played by Leonard Nimoy, appeared in the original Star Trek series from 1966 to 1969 and in subsequent films and series through the decades. His combination of intelligence, loyalty, and slightly alien emotional remove has made him a persistent cultural reference. A dog named Spock is almost always honoring that character specifically.
The Ear Connection
The physical joke makes Spock particularly apt for breeds with large, erect, pointed ears: Siberian Huskies, German Shepherds, Corgis, Chihuahuas. A dog that looks like it could be half-Vulcan earns the name visually as well as culturally.
The Logic Angle
For owners who appreciate the Spock reference, there's a gentle irony in applying his name to a creature that operates entirely on instinct and emotion. The gap between the logical, unemotional Spock and the enthusiastically irrational dog is part of the humor.
The Counter-Reading: Single-Reference Lock-In
Spock is entirely owned by Star Trek. There's no other reading of the name, no way to use it neutrally. That commitment either appeals or doesn't — there's no middle ground.