Grateful Dead has captured the attention of legions of fans since its formation in 1965[1] with its unique fusion of rock, folk, jazz, and countercultural appeal.
The group’s devoted fans — known as “Deadheads” — were known to follow the group on tour, with the Dead promising a unique show every night.
They played a different song set at each concert, leaving the audience in anticipation for what they’d hear next.[2]
Even if they couldn’t get into the show, masses of fans would show up at each venue, gathering in the parking lot to share food, buy shirts and other merchandise, and try to snag spare tickets.[2]
Many Deadheads continue to show up for concerts of related acts and cover bands.
They often name their cars, guitars, social media and gaming accounts, children, and pets after the Dead, too.[3]
Below, we have more than 70 Grateful Dead dog names, plus tips to help you choose the perfect moniker for your furry friend.
Stella
inspired by the song “Stella Blue”
Iko
inspired by the song “Iko Iko”
Ripple
Althea
Cassidy
Terri Garcia
for a terrier; inspired by Jerry Garcia
Sugar Magnolia
August West
inspired by the song “Wharf Rat”
Stella Blue
Sugaree
Weir
after guitarist Bob Weir
Mr. Charlie
Esau
inspired by the song “My Brother Esau”
Bobby McGee
inspired by the song “Me and Bobby McGee”
Pigpen
after multi-instrumentalist Ron “Pigpen” McKernan
Casey Jones
inspired by the song “Ballad of Casey Jones”
Cosmic Charlie
Rose
inspired by the song “Ramble on Rose”
Sunshine
inspired by the song “Sunshine Daydream”
Dupree
inspired by the song “Dupree’s Diamond Blues”
Black Peter
Lucy
inspired by the song “Loose Lucy”
Franklin
inspired by the song “Franklin’s Tower”
Sage
inspired by the song “Sage and Spirit”
Picasso
inspired by the song “Picasso Moon”
St. Stephen
Rosalie
inspired by the song “Rosalie McFall”
Muddy
inspired by the song “Black Muddy River”
Rooster
inspired by the song “Little Red Rooster”
Katie Mae
Delilah
inspired by the song “Samson and Delilah”
Garcia
after vocalist/guitarist Jerry Garcia
Reuben
inspired by the song “Reuben and Cherise”
Uncle John
inspired by the song “Uncle John’s Band”
Clementine
Boss Man
inspired by the song “Big Boss Man”
Jerry
after vocalist/guitarist Jerry Garcia
Tennessee Jed
Peggy-O
Blues
after the 1975 album “Blues for Allah”
Bertha
Liberty
Samson
inspired by the song “Samson and Delilah”
Corrina
Hart
after drummer Mickey Hart
Jack Straw
Mars
inspired by the 1974 album “From the Mars Hotel”
Prophet
inspired by the song “Estimated Prophet”
Stagger Lee
Anthem
inspired by the 1968 album “Anthem of the Sun”
Pearly Baker
inspired by the song “Wharf Rat”
Catfish John
Bonnie Lee
inspired by the song “Wharf Rat”
Cream Puff
inspired by the song “Cream Puff War”
Rosemary
Dew
inspired by the song “Morning Dew”
Solomon
inspired by the song “King Solomon’s Marbles”
Sailor
inspired by the song “Lost Sailor”
Viola Lee
inspired by the song “Viola Lee Blues”
Wharf Rat
Constanten
after keyboardist Tom Constanten
Boogie
inspired by the song “New Speedway Boogie”
Cherise
inspired by the song “Reuben and Cherise”
Jimmy
inspired by the song “Row Jimmy”
Johnny B. Goode
Gray
inspired by the song “Touch of Gray”
Terrapin
inspired by the 1977 album “Terrapin Station”
Dire Wolf
Mindbender
Alice D. Millionaire
China Doll
Passenger
River
inspired by the song “Big River”
American Beauty
after the 1970 Grateful Dead album; “A.B.” for short
Candyman
Lesh
after bass guitarist/vocalist Phil Lesh
Chino
reference to a lyric from “Friend of the Devil”
Grateful Dead Dog Name Generator
How to Choose the Perfect Grateful Dead Dog Name
Choosing a great name for your dog means choosing something that suits your tastes, your dog’s personality… and your love for the Grateful Dead.
Keep these tips in mind to whittle down your options and find the perfect Grateful Dead-inspired dog name for your pup:
- Make a list of your favorite songs. It might be hard to narrow your list down to just a few, but your favorite songs are a very easy starting point for finding the perfect name. You can get inspiration from the song’s title, a specific lyric, or even a name mentioned within the song (as there are many throughout GD’s discography)!
- Consider the dog’s looks and personality. A name like “Muddy” might be perfect for a chocolate lab or a dog that loves to play in the dirt, while “Stella Blue” might be perfect for an anxious rescue pup — your “broken angel.”
- Get inspiration from the members of the band. Each member’s name opens up a world of options. From Jerry Garcia alone, you can create at least six names — Jerry, Garcia, Jerry Garcia, Jerome, Captain Trips, and even Father Christmas (a name once bestowed upon him by Sting).[4]
