Video games used to be only acceptable for young children and adolescents. But more and more adults are finding video games to be a useful and therapeutic outlet.
This growing acceptance of adult gamers is nowhere more apparent than in names for the family dog. Rex and Fido have been replaced by pop culture references.
If you’ve gotten a new pup, you’re probably thinking of a good name for them. That’s why we’re presenting you with the top 10 dog names for video game lovers.
Who Plays Video Games
There have been lots of ideas in the past on how playing video games can affect someone. In years past, adults would tell their children that games would “rot their brains” to try and dissuade children from playing.
Today, we see an emergence of esports where people can compete oftentimes for a cash prize or other recognition. Gaming has become so mainstream that there are over 125 colleges that have an esports team.
While gaming has become legitimized in the mainstream, many still think the “classic” gamer is some guy sitting in his mother’s dark basement alone. This could not be further from the truth, however. Research from the Pew Research Center shows that “this assumption is wrong: A nearly identical share of men and women report ever playing video games (50% of men and 48% of women).”
10 Dog Names for Video Game Lovers
Now let’s move on to what you’ve been searching for. You’ve likely gotten yourself a new pup and are looking for a fun name that will show others how unique they are. Take a look at this list of 10 dog names for video game lovers for some inspiration.
Zelda
Zelda is a great name for a girl puppy. While Zelda is not the main character in the series “The Legend of Zelda,” she is there to assist Link, the game’s hero, in stopping Ganon. Ganon has his sights set on ruling the land of Hyrule. Zelda holds one of three parts of the Triforce that keeps the world in balance.
Luigi
Luigi is more than just “green Mario.” While he does assist Mario and Peach from time to time, he’s been given his own games as well. In Luigi’s Mansion, Luigi has to search for Mario while dealing with ghosts. He uses his special vacuum to snatch up the ghosts and make the mansion safe again.
Bowser
Bowser is the main antagonist of the Mario franchise. He can be seen stealing away Princess Peach and causing all sorts of havoc for Mario. This reptilian creature is known to slither just out of Mario’s reach and causes Mario to go searching in another castle.
Yoshi
What better way to fight a reptile than with a dinosaur? Yoshi debuted as Mario and Luigi’s sidekick in Super Mario World and has been in many Mario spin-offs including Yoshi’s Island, Yoshi’s Story and was even one of the original playable characters in the ever-popular Super Smash Bros.
Peach
Princess Peach is the famous damsel in distress that Mario had to go from castle to castle to find. Bowser’s obsession with her is rivaled only by gamers’ obsession. Peach has been voted one of the most influential female game characters of all time. So, if you’ve got a pooch who you think is royalty, Peach might be a great name.
Vivi
Vivi comes from the world-famous series Final Fantasy series. You start Final Fantasy IX as Vivi and follow him as you search for information about your past and question your existence. As a magic user, it might be the perfect name for a dog who can always cast Laughter
D.va
D.va is one of the most popular characters that came from the hugely successful game Overwatch. Is the game’s lore, D.va was an esports gamer who was recruited by the Korean Army to fight a robot uprising. In the game, she’s a “tank” character meaning she’s able to take a lot of damage.
Cloud
This is certain to be a popular dog name for video game lovers for the next year or so. Cloud was originally the protagonist of Final Fantasy VII, but has also appeared in many films and spin-off games. While Final Fantasy VII was originally released in 1997, Sony is currently producing a full 3D remake of the game. The original is considered by many to be one of the best Final Fantasy games of the series, so the anticipation is palpable!
Ganon
If you’ve got a pup who’s always getting into trouble, Ganon might be the perfect name. This is the main villain from The Legend of Zelda series and is the holder of the Triforce of strength. Zelda and Link are in an eternal battle against Ganon to save the land of Hyrule from destruction. This might be an apt name if you’re constantly cleaning up after your dog!
Kirby
Kirby is easily one of Nintendo’s most iconic characters. He’s known for his round, pink appearance and for his ability to inhale enemies and copy their powers. If you’ve got a dog who is a soft cuddle bug, or maybe one who inhales food, Kirby might be the right name.
If you’re a gamer looking for inspiration for your next pup’s name, hopefully, this list of 10 dog names for gamers has helped you out. A dog, just like games, has the ability to get us out of the day-to-day routine and take us on an adventure.