Zazu is the red-billed hornbill and royal majordomo from Disney's The Lion King — the anxious, duty-bound bird who follows Simba around trying to keep him out of trouble. As a male dog name, it's one of those Disney choices that works equally on small, fussy breeds and on dogs whose personality genuinely echoes the character's watchful, slightly neurotic energy.
The Lion King Connection
Zazu, voiced by Rowan Atkinson in the original 1994 film, is one of the most memorable supporting characters in the Disney canon — distinguished, proper, and perpetually alarmed. A dog named Zazu is almost certainly a Lion King tribute, either direct or inherited through parents who grew up with the film. The 2019 live-action remake refreshed the reference for a new generation.
Sound and Personality
Zazu is two syllables, both starting with the rare Z sound — it's distinctive in a field of dog names, easy to call, and acoustically memorable. The double-Z structure gives it a slightly buzzy, energetic quality. Compare to Ziggy or Zeus in the Z-name pet category, both of which outrank it.
Breed Fit
Zazu fits small, watchful, expressive breeds: Chihuahuas, Papillons, any dog with alert, radar-dish ears. The birdlike quality of the original character translates to light, quick breeds rather than heavy ones.
The Counter-Reading: Requires the Cartoon Reference
Outside the Lion King audience, Zazu lands as a pleasantly unusual sound without specific meaning. The name does the most work for owners who want the reference understood.