Shih Tzu Names: 90 Cute & Regal Ideas for Your Shih Tzu
The name "Shih Tzu" literally means "little lion" in Mandarin — and once you meet one of these fluffy, dignified, affectionate little dogs, it makes perfect sense. Bred for centuries as cherished companions of Chinese royalty (they lounged in the imperial palaces of the Ming dynasty!), Shih Tzus carry themselves with a sweet, regal confidence, all flowing coat and proud little topknot. But they're also playful, friendly, and devoted lap-lovers who live to be near their people. So naming a Shih Tzu is a delight — you want something that honors their royal Chinese heritage, captures their fluffy cuteness, or matches their affectionate, charming personality. There's a perfect name here for your little lion.
Here are the best Shih Tzu names — adorable cute picks, regal and Chinese heritage names, and personality-matched ideas for boy and girl Shih Tzus. I've also added tips for naming this affectionate, lion-hearted breed. Let's find your Shih Tzu a name as charming as they are.
🏮 Chinese & heritage names
Honor the Shih Tzu's imperial Chinese roots with beautiful, meaningful heritage names:
For boys: Bao (treasure), Tao, Ming, Jin, Lin, Han, Kublai, Chang, Niko, Po, Shen, Tian, Wei, Long (dragon), Chen.
For girls: Mei (beautiful), Lotus, Jade, Suki, Lin, Lulu, Mai, Yuki, Ling, Hua (flower), Xia, Nuo, Bao, Lan (orchid), Ping.
Bao ("treasure"), Mei ("beautiful"), and Jade are the standout heritage picks — meaningful, lovely, and a fitting tribute to the breed's Chinese origins. Lotus and Long ("dragon") are gorgeous, distinctive options.
👑 Regal & noble names
As former companions of emperors, Shih Tzus suit dignified, regal names beautifully:
For boys: Emperor, Duke, Prince, Sultan, Caesar, Royal, Baron, Noble, King, Augustus (Gus), Rex, Winston, Leo (lion!), Sir, Maximus.
For girls: Empress, Duchess, Queenie, Lady, Princess, Pearl, Jewel, Tiara, Royal, Reign, Diva, Mei, Crown, Regina, Bijou.
Emperor, Leo (the "little lion"!), and Empress are the standout regal picks — they perfectly honor the breed's royal palace heritage. Pearl and Bijou ("jewel") are lovely, elegant options for a treasured girl.
🥰 Cute & fluffy names
For a Shih Tzu's irresistibly fluffy, sweet charm — these adorable names suit them perfectly:
For girls: Lulu, Mimi, Coco, Daisy, Honey, Poppy, Pixie, Bella, Lola, Maple, Hazel, Suki, Bea, Rosie, Button, Peaches, Bonnie, Gigi, Olive, Cookie.
For boys: Milo, Teddy, Gizmo, Mochi, Bean, Ollie, Pip, Boo, Toby, Bao, Otis, Bertie, Wally, Bo, Niblet, Nugget, Marbles, Bingo, Fluffy, Mango.
Gizmo, Mochi, and Teddy are the standout cute picks — they suit a Shih Tzu's fluffy, teddy-bear-like adorableness perfectly. Lulu, Mimi, and Button are sweet for a little girl. Fluffy is a fitting (if classic) nod to that gorgeous coat.
Understanding the Shih Tzu personality (and what it means for naming)
The Shih Tzu was bred for one noble purpose: to be a beloved companion. For over a thousand years, these little lion-dogs lived in the laps of Chinese emperors and palace nobility, prized not for work but for their beauty, charm, and devoted affection. That regal companion heritage runs deep, and it shows in their personality today — Shih Tzus are sweet, dignified, and deeply attached to their people, happiest when they're cuddled up close. This loving, lap-dog nature is exactly why heritage names (Bao, Mei) and regal names (Emperor, Empress) feel so fitting.
Despite the "little lion" name and their dignified bearing, Shih Tzus aren't fierce or yappy — they're famously friendly, gentle, and good-natured. They tend to get along with everyone (other dogs, cats, kids, strangers) and have a cheerful, playful streak beneath all that elegant fluff. They're not big on intense exercise or work; they'd much rather be your shadow, your lap-warmer, and your devoted little companion. This affectionate sweetness is why cute, warm names (Teddy, Mochi, Gizmo) suit them so well.
So the perfect Shih Tzu name usually celebrates one of these qualities: the imperial Chinese heritage, the regal-companion dignity, or the fluffy, affectionate cuteness. There's also lovely meaning to be found — choosing a Chinese name like Bao ("treasure") or Mei ("beautiful") honors the breed's roots while describing exactly what they are. Spend a few days with your little lion lounging royally in your lap, and the right name — regal, heritage, or sweet — will reveal itself.
Tips for naming your Shih Tzu
A few friendly, breed-specific pointers:
- Honor the Chinese heritage. Names like Bao, Mei, Lotus, and Jade are beautiful, meaningful nods to the breed's imperial roots.
- Lean into the regal vibe. As former royal companions, Shih Tzus suit dignified names (Emperor, Leo, Empress, Pearl) beautifully.
- Or go fluffy and cute. Teddy, Mochi, and Gizmo celebrate their adorable, teddy-bear-like fluffiness.
- Keep it short for training. Shih Tzus are smart but a touch stubborn, so a snappy name (Bao, Lulu, Gizmo) plus treats helps name-learning.
- Avoid command clashes. Skip names that rhyme with cues (Bo sounds like "Whoa"). Say the name next to your commands and listen.
A Shih Tzu's name should be as charming and dignified as this little lion-dog — whether that's a meaningful Bao, a regal Leo, an elegant Pearl, or a fluffy Mochi. Whatever you choose, your affectionate, lion-hearted little companion will wear it with all the grace of a true palace darling.
Names inspired by that gorgeous coat
One of the most distinctive things about a Shih Tzu is that flowing, silky, endlessly groomable coat — and it makes a wonderful source of naming inspiration. Shih Tzus come in a beautiful range of colors and combinations, often with charming markings, so a coat-matched name feels especially personal:
- Gold/tan: Honey, Goldie, Caramel, Amber, Biscuit, Toffee, Marigold.
- Black: Onyx, Shadow, Coal, Salem, Pepper, Olive, Noir.
- White/cream: Pearl, Coconut, Marshmallow, Snow, Yuki, Ivory, Bianca.
- Brindle/multi: Marble, Patches, Mocha, Mochi, Cocoa, Domino, Cookie.
- Liver/brown: Cocoa, Mocha, Hershey, Brownie, Truffle, Hazel, Coffee.
Many Shih Tzus also sport that adorable little topknot and a face full of expression, which invites sweet, dainty names (Bow, Ribbon, Pixie, Bijou). Whether you nod to the color, the markings, or that famous fluffy elegance, the coat is a lovely place to start. Combine the look with the breed's affectionate, regal-companion personality, and the perfect name — heritage, regal, cute, or coat-inspired — will come into focus.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are good Shih Tzu names?
Top Shih Tzu names include Bao, Leo, Mei, Mochi, Gizmo, and Pearl — a mix of Chinese heritage names, regal picks, and cute fluffy names that suit this affectionate little lion-dog breed.
What does "Shih Tzu" mean?
"Shih Tzu" means "little lion" in Mandarin Chinese, reflecting the breed's lion-like appearance and its revered status. This makes lion-themed names like Leo and regal names especially fitting.
What's a good Chinese name for a Shih Tzu?
Beautiful Chinese Shih Tzu names include Bao (treasure), Mei (beautiful), Jade, Lotus, Jin, and Mai — meaningful nods to the breed's imperial Chinese heritage.
What's a cute name for a Shih Tzu?
Cute Shih Tzu names include Gizmo, Mochi, Teddy, Lulu, Mimi, and Button — adorable picks that suit the breed's fluffy, teddy-bear-like charm.
What should I name a girl Shih Tzu?
Lovely girl Shih Tzu names include Mei, Lulu, Coco, Pearl, Lotus, and Daisy — a charming mix of heritage, regal, and cute names for a little female lion-dog.
Are Shih Tzus easy to name-train?
Shih Tzus are intelligent but a bit stubborn, so use a short, clear name (Bao, Lulu, Gizmo) with consistent treats and praise. They're eager to please their people, which helps a lot.
🔗 More Pet Name Guides You'll Love
Ready to name your Shih Tzu?
Whether you choose a meaningful Bao, a regal Leo, an elegant Pearl, or a fluffy Mochi, there's a perfect name here for your Shih Tzu — one as charming, dignified, and lovable as your affectionate little lion.
👉 Open the free Pet Name Builder and match the perfect name to your Shih Tzu's look and personality — hundreds of ideas, instant matches, no signup. 🐾
Which name suits your Shih Tzu? Trust your gut — and go give your little lion their name!