Maltese Dog Names: 100+ Adorable Ideas for Your Fluffy White Companion

The Maltese breed has captivated dog lovers for centuries with their silky white coats, expressive eyes, and charming personalities. Finding the perfect Maltese dog names requires consideration of their distinctive features—pristine white fur, petite size, and aristocratic bearing that dates back to ancient times. Whether you’ve just welcomed a Maltese puppy into your home or are planning to adopt one soon, our comprehensive collection of dog names for a Maltese offers inspiration that honors their unique characteristics and storied heritage.

Historically beloved by royalty and nobility across Europe, Maltese dogs deserve names that reflect their elegant nature and prestigious background. From Queen Elizabeth I to Marie Antoinette, these tiny companions have graced the laps of history’s most influential figures. Today’s Maltese owners continue this tradition by selecting names that capture their pet’s regal essence, playful spirit, or cloud-like appearance. Our carefully curated lists include options that celebrate everything from their snow-white coats to their surprisingly bold personalities, ensuring you’ll find the perfect name for your sophisticated yet spirited companion.

Classic Maltese Dog Names for Males

These timeless names perfectly suit the distinguished yet playful nature of male Maltese dogs, honoring their royal heritage and charming personalities.

Classic Maltese dog names for males balance dignity with playfulness, perfectly matching the breed’s dual nature. Winston offers a distinguished option with historical gravitas, ideal for a Maltese who carries himself with confidence and poise. Charmin pays homage to Liberace’s famous Maltese while suggesting the soft, touchable quality of their luxurious coat. Theodore provides a formal option with the adorable nickname “Teddy,” matching the teddy bear-like appearance many Maltese have when their fur is trimmed in certain styles. Buddy captures the devoted companionship these dogs offer, while Snowball directly references their pristine white appearance. For Maltese with surprising energy and spunk, Dash or Maverick acknowledges the spirited personality often hidden beneath that elegant exterior. These names honor both the Maltese’s aristocratic heritage and their position as beloved family members.

Elegant Maltese Dog Names for Females

These refined names celebrate the grace and beauty that female Maltese dogs naturally possess, from their silky coats to their princess-like demeanor.

Elegant Maltese dog names for females emphasize the breed’s natural grace and beauty. Chloe consistently ranks as one of the most popular names for female Maltese dogs, with celebrities like Lindsay Lohan and former WWE star Torrie Wilson choosing it for their Maltese companions. Pearl perfectly captures the precious, luminous quality of a well-groomed Maltese’s coat, suggesting both value and elegance. Queenie acknowledges the regal bearing these little dogs often display, strutting with confidence despite their small stature. Daisy and Sugar, both names chosen by Elizabeth Taylor for her beloved Maltese, offer celebrity-inspired options with a touch of sweetness. For a Maltese with particularly striking features, Crystal evokes clarity and brilliance, while Empress bestows the highest royal title on your tiny companion. These names celebrate the Maltese’s long history as cherished companions to nobility while remaining accessible and affectionate for daily use.

White-Inspired Maltese Dog Names

These names celebrate the Maltese’s signature pristine white coat, drawing inspiration from nature’s most beautiful white elements and objects.

White-inspired Maltese dog names celebrate the breed’s most distinctive feature—their luminous, snow-white coat that requires careful grooming to maintain its beauty. Cotton perfectly captures both the color and soft texture of a Maltese’s fur, creating an immediate visual association. Cloud suggests the light, fluffy appearance these dogs often have, especially after a fresh grooming session when they seem to float above the ground. Snowball offers a playful option that children especially love, while Blizzard might better suit a particularly energetic Maltese who creates a “flurry” of activity wherever they go. Diamond and Ivory provide more sophisticated alternatives that emphasize the precious, high-value quality these dogs have historically held. For a Maltese with an especially pure white coat, Angel acknowledges both their color and the angelic temperament many owners cherish. These names not only describe your Maltese’s appearance but celebrate the pristine coat that has made this breed instantly recognizable and beloved for centuries.

Small But Mighty Maltese Dog Names

These names celebrate the Maltese’s petite size while acknowledging their surprisingly bold personalities and confident demeanor.

Small but mighty Maltese dog names play with the delightful contradiction these dogs embody—tiny in stature but enormous in personality and courage. Titan creates an amusing juxtaposition, naming a dog that weighs under 7 pounds after the enormous deities of Greek mythology. Buttons acknowledges both their small size and the cute-as-a-button appeal that makes Maltese so irresistible. Hercules offers another ironic option, bestowing the name of history’s strongest hero on a dog that could fit in a handbag. Peanut and Nugget suggest something small but valuable, perfectly capturing the Maltese’s status as a tiny treasure. For a particularly vocal or assertive Maltese, Mighty or Pipsqueak celebrates their outsized presence and refusal to be overlooked despite their diminutive size. These names honor the Maltese’s remarkable confidence and the way they command attention in any room, proving that impressive spirit can come in the smallest packages. Owners often report that these tiny dogs have no idea how small they are—these names celebrate that bold, fearless attitude.

Celebrity-Inspired Maltese Dog Names

These names pay homage to famous Maltese dogs owned by celebrities or reference pop culture icons who embody the elegance and charm of the breed.

Celebrity-inspired Maltese dog names connect your pet to the glamorous world of stars who have cherished this breed throughout history. Chloe tops the list as a favorite among celebrities, with both Lindsay Lohan and former WWE star Torrie Wilson choosing this name for their Maltese companions. Daisy and Sugar offer a touch of Old Hollywood elegance, both names belonging to Elizabeth Taylor’s beloved Maltese dogs. For music enthusiasts, Charmin and Solo pay tribute to Liberace’s famous fluffy companions who often appeared with him during performances. Jinxie has a special place in celebrity Maltese history as Eva Longoria’s dog who participated in her wedding to Tony Parker, walking down the aisle before the bride. For a truly unique historical connection, Mafia Honey references Marilyn Monroe’s Maltese, reportedly a gift from Frank Sinatra. These names not only sound elegant but connect your Maltese to a long tradition of these dogs being cherished by entertainment royalty, from classic Hollywood to modern celebrities, reflecting the breed’s enduring appeal among the stars.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most popular names for Maltese dogs?

The most popular Maltese dog names reflect their distinctive appearance and personality. For females, Chloe tops the list (chosen by celebrities like Lindsay Lohan), followed by Bella, Daisy, and Lily. Popular male names include Max, Charlie, and Buddy. Color-inspired names like Pearl, Snowball, and Cotton are favorites for these white dogs, while size-appropriate names such as Tiny and Buttons acknowledge their small stature. Human names like Winston and Isabella are trending as they match the Maltese’s aristocratic bearing.

How should I choose a name that suits my Maltese’s personality?

Observe your Maltese’s behavior during your first few days together to find a fitting name. For energetic dogs, consider Zippy or Sparkle. If your Maltese shows regal bearing, try names with royal connections like Queenie or Duke. For affectionate companions, Honey or Angel might be perfect. Watch for unique traits—a talkative Maltese might suit Chatter, while one who prances could be Dancer. Test potential names by saying them in different tones to ensure they work in all situations. The perfect name often reveals itself naturally as you bond with your dog.

Are there special considerations for naming a Maltese puppy?

Keep these practical tips in mind when naming your Maltese puppy: Choose shorter names (1-2 syllables) like Max or Bella for easier training recognition. Avoid names that sound like common commands (“Ray” sounds like “stay”). Since Maltese can live 15+ years, select a name that will suit them from puppyhood through senior years. Consider their aristocratic heritage—these dogs have been companions to royalty for centuries. Use their new name frequently with positive reinforcement to create strong associations. The ideal name should be easy to call out and complement your Maltese’s elegant appearance.