Isle of Dogs: Where Did the Name Come From?

Located in East London, the Isle of Dogs is a peninsula surrounded on three sides by a dramatic loop of the River Thames. It sits within the London Borough of Tower Hamlets and is home to the modern financial hub of Canary Wharf. With its mixture of gleaming skyscrapers, historic docks, and residential areas, the Isle of Dogs offers a fascinating blend of old and new, making it one of London’s most dynamic districts. But where exactly does the name come from? As with many things in London’s history, the answer is murky, with a mix of theories—some plausible, others delightfully eccentric.

Isle of Dogs, London, UK, aerial photograph. The Isle of Dogs in east London includes extensive office buildings around the Canary Wharf Tower (top, middle) and residential housing along the river banks. The Millennium Dome (also known as the O2) is situated on the far right. Photographed in 2011.

The Royal Kennels Theory

One of the most widely accepted explanations is that the Isle of Dogs was once home to the royal kennels of King Edward III or Henry VIII. Given that Greenwich Palace, a favourite residence of Tudor monarchs, sat just across the Thames, it’s entirely possible that the land on the opposite bank was used to house the king’s hunting hounds.

A Dutch Misunderstanding?

Another theory suggests the name has nothing to do with dogs at all but is actually a corruption of the word dock. The Dutch were heavily involved in the drainage and engineering of the Thames marshlands, and some historians believe that their word for dock may have evolved into dog over time. If true, it’s yet another example of London’s history being shaped by linguistic accidents.

Wild Dogs Roaming the Marshes

Before the Isle of Dogs became home to the gleaming towers of Canary Wharf, it was largely undeveloped marshland. Some accounts claim that wild or stray dogs were a common sight in the area, leading locals to associate the land with its four-legged inhabitants. Whether this is fact or folklore remains uncertain, but it adds to the area’s rugged past.

Isle of Ducks?

Looking at historical maps, some references point to the area once being called the Isle of Ducks, possibly due to the abundance of waterfowl. Could a simple spelling mistake or misinterpretation have transformed ducks into dogs? Given London’s long history of quirky name changes, it wouldn’t be the most far-fetched possibility.

A Pub, a Business, or Something Else Entirely?

A less glamorous but still plausible theory is that the name originated from a local business or tavern. Many London districts have taken their names from old pubs or landmarks, and it’s possible that an early establishment with a dog-related name left a lasting impression on the area’s identity.

The Verdict?

While no single theory has been definitively proven, the royal kennels explanation remains the strongest contender. But whether you believe in Tudor hunting dogs, Dutch mispronunciations, or a marshland teeming with strays, the Isle of Dogs continues to be one of London’s most intriguingly named locations.