Zoro is a variant spelling of Zorro — the masked Mexican outlaw hero created by Johnston McCulley in 1919 — and those 30 registry records carry the full weight of that swashbuckling, heroic legacy. The simplified spelling may reflect phonetic preference or Spanish-language register where the double-r doesn't change the sound.
The Zorro Legacy
Zorro has been played by Douglas Fairbanks, Tyrone Power, Antonio Banderas, and most recently anchored an animated revival, keeping the character's mask-and-sword charisma continuously present in American culture. A dog named Zoro/Zorro is almost always black or masked — the naming follows the visual rather than the other way around. Rottweilers and Dobermans with black-and-tan markings suit the aesthetic most obviously.
One Syllable, Maximum Impact
ZOR-oh is punchy, memorable, and cross-cultural. The name works in English and Spanish contexts equally, which matters in multicultural American households. The human Zorro parallel is clear without requiring explanation.
The Counter-Reading: The Spelling Question
Zoro without the double-r will invite spelling corrections from people who know the character. Zorro is the canonical spelling; Zoro reads as either a variant or a typo depending on the audience. If the reference is intentional, Zorro is more defensible in writing. Browse hero names at pet names.