When choosing a dog’s name, it’s important to pick a simple and easily pronounced word. Avoid names that sound like common training commands. Keep in mind that a cute name for a puppy should still be suitable when they’re grown.
Before finalizing the name, spend some time observing your pet’s behavior and personality. Inspiration can come from cultural references, your dog’s breed origin, or names with personal significance. Ensure you’re comfortable calling this name in public, and don’t rush the decision. The goal is to select a name that you love and that suits your dog well.
Here are more great tips and ideas for choosing a unique dog name, whatever the breed, sex, or age your new dog.
Choosing A Dog Name
Cartoons, films, TV, books, hobbies, sports, foods, or famous people can all provide sources of inspiration for a dog’s name, as well as your dog’s breed or color. You may want to spend a little time getting to know your pup before deciding, or if you have children, you’ll want to make it a family affair.
If you have adopted a senior or adult dog, consider whether this baby has already bonded with and answers to a previous name before changing it. Popular dog names don’t change that much from year to year although there will always be new entries often inspired by new films or television shows, especially if a dog is one of the stars.
Who can forget “Beethoven” of St. Bernard breeds fame?
Tips Naming Dogs
Names will often hint at or reflect the personality of your pet, so if you can exert a bit of patience, observe your pooch to see if he or she has a personality trait that inspires a name.
Short and easily recognizable is ideal when working with animals. You may want to select a name or nickname that has one, or at the most two syllables.
Avoid selecting long names for command, response, and discipline as they may confuse your dog. Also, avoid names that are difficult to pronounce. Avoid names that your Pooch may misunderstand as a command. “Joe” or “Mo” is too similar to “No”, so it’s best to opt for another name.
Select a name that will accompany your pet throughout his or her life. Some cute puppy names are not necessarily ideal for adult or senior dogs.
Try your chosen name for a few days to see if he or she begins to respond and if you like it. Once you have selected the name, use it as often as possible initially so your dog will understand that you’re referring to him or her.
Use their new name initially positively without yelling during play, feeding, and cuddling so it is not identified with punishment or something disagreeable. Think twice before naming your dog after a family member or friend. Not everyone will be enthused with the idea of a dog named for them.
We’ve come up with some of the best new dog names to get you started and you’ll find ideas from the cute to the sophisticated to the classic to the original. Bailey and Bella are currently top names for male and female dogs, but we’d like to offer some classic as well as unique dog names for your consideration, so enjoy your search.
Popular Male Dog Names
- Ace
- Basil
- Bear
- Bert
- Bingo
- Blue
- Bowie
- Brando
- Buzz
- Cash
- Chase
- Cooper
- Darcy
- Darwin
- Dickens
- Duke
- Farnsworth
- Finley
- Flash
- Gator
- Gatsby
- Hudson
- Hulk
- Jack
- Mack
- Malfoy
- Marlon
- Max
- Milo
- Mowgli
- Murphy
- Mulberry
- Oliver
- Ranger
- Rocky
- Sawyer
- Scout
- Toby
- Trooper
- Tucker
- Tyson
- Whiskey
- Woody
- Zeus
- Zip
Popular Female Dog Names
- Angel
- Babe
- Bella
- Belle
- Cassie
- Chanel
- Chloe
- Cinnamon
- Clover
- Cocoa
- Daisy
- Dior
- Dixie
- Elsa
- Fricka
- Harley
- Harlow
- Hilde
- Isolde
- Ivy
- Lady
- Lily
- Lulu
- Maggie
- Mia
- Millie
- Molly
- Muffin
- Opal
- Oreo
- Peaches
- Pearl
- Pippi
- Raven
- Rose
- Roxy
- Ruby
- Sadie
- Salsa
- Sophie
- Star
- Stella
- Sweet Pea
- Trudie
- Tallulah
Popular Unisex Dog Names
- Bailey
- Casey
- Dakota
- Alex
- Riley
- Morgan
- Charlie
- River
- Sky
- Finley
- Sage
- Jordan
- Taylor
- Scout
- Sam
- Dakota
- Phoenix
- Indie
- Ziggy
- Marley
- Skylar
- Frankie
- Quinn
- Jamie
- Reese
- Rory
- Jesse
- Blaine
- Ashton
- Harper
- Peyton
- Parker
- Tatum
- Rowan
- Lennon
- Sidney
- Avery
- Dylan
- Stevie
- Kennedy
- Emerson
- Spencer
- Devon
- Riley
- Blair
- Addison
- Cassidy
- Ellis
- Morgan
- London
Best Dog Names
Often the best dog names are those which have some meaning to you – even if it’s not all that significant. For example, there is an Australian kid’s TV show called Bluey and one of the main characters is called Bingo. Our kids love the show and that’s how they decided on the name Bingo for our dog.
You can see more pics of our little man in this post answering the question can dogs eat raw chicken or in our article about keeping dogs off the couch.
What have you decided to call your pooch? Let us know in the comments below.