Named for the Greek goddess associated with wisdom and warfare, Athena suits a girl dog who is both clever and in command. The feel is tough rather than dainty, with three strong syllables that carry real authority. It is a name for a dog who seems to assess a room first, then take her place in it confidently.
An owner who admires sharp minds and steady courage will appreciate this one. Athena fits a girl who learns quickly, holds her ground, and still has a calm, thoughtful side at home. Read the note and the name suddenly makes sense. Athena is a name of Greek origin, borrowed into dog naming the way so many good names are. Count it among the tough names. The label fits, because at heart it is gritty and self assured, impossible to say in a baby voice. That first letter, A, gives it a clear place in any alphabetical line up of the 37 names sharing it.
The prettiest name on paper still has to work at the back door. Athena asks for three beats when you call it, and pays you back in elegance every time. The spelling runs to 6 letters, short enough work for a collar tag and a vet form. If it still feels good after a week of imaginary recalls, it is probably the one.
It will not suit every household, and that is fine. Choose it if you enjoy the double take when the name is called and the dog who answers is not what people pictured. Our collection files it for girls, and it has the feel of a name chosen for a much loved female. You will say it more than almost any other word this year, so let it be one you enjoy.
Every name in the collection that begins with the letter A.
Every tough name in the collection, Athena included.
The whole collection on one page, every name linked to its own page.
Browse by letter or style, match names to a breed, or open the name finder.
The name comes from Greek roots. In our notes it is summed up as follows: Goddess of wisdom and war; clever and commanding. Everything else on this page is detail; that note is the name itself.
Girl. Athena is catalogued as a girl's name here, and its tough character is usually picked with a female in mind.
Athena is said in three syllables and spelled with 6 letters. Three syllables takes a breath longer, and many owners settle on a favourite stretch of it for everyday calls.