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Boy name

Dexter

Dexter ranks #39 out of 6,032 boy dog names in our data (the #1 boy dog name is Charlie). Across all 15 places, 915 dogs carry the name. It's also a cat name: #43 among boy cat names.
Dexter's popularity trend

Dexter's share of dogs, year by year — or toggle to its yearly rank. Peak year by share: 2022.

0.1%0.2%0.3%200720112015201920232025
Dogs in our data
915
across 15 places
Popularity rank
#39
of 6,032 boy dog names
5-year rank move
−5
2020 → 2025
Gender split
99% boys
1% girls99% boys
What does Dexter mean?
/ˈdɛkstɚ/2 syllablesOrigin: a surname

Dexter comes from the Latin word dexter, meaning "right-handed," which over time extended to also mean "skillful" or "adroit" — the same root behind the English word "dexterity." It became an English surname and later a popular first name, valued for its confident, capable connotation.

Dexter has a sharp, clever sound, fitting for a pet who's quick-witted and a little mischievous. It suits a companion with an alert, agile energy.

Etymology & pronunciation from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0).

Where Dexter shows up

Dexter's share of each place's counted dogs. Places count differently — hover a Share figure for the basis. Click a heading to sort.

TorontoCanada0.4%
Maple RidgeCanada0.4%
PlayfordAustralia0.3%
Port Adelaide EnfieldAustralia0.3%
DarwinAustralia0.2%
WorcesterUnited States of America0.2%
Allegheny CountyUnited States of America0.2%
BurnsideAustralia0.2%
New York CityUnited States of America0.1%
Surf Coast ShireAustralia0.1%
Noosa ShireAustralia0.1%
CambridgeUnited States of America0.1%
SeattleUnited States of America0.1%
ZürichSwitzerland0.1%
Basel-StadtSwitzerland0.1%

Names like Dexter

DexBusterHunterBaxterChesterWalterScooterCarterPeterMisterPorterJeter

Dexter appears on

Cute Boy Dog Names