If you’re brainstorming names for your new dog, these lists of the most popular and most unique puppy names will give you lots of great ideas.
From choosing a crate to picking out squeaky toys, there are a lot of decisions a pet parent needs to make when getting a new puppy. At the top of the list is finding the perfect name for your pup. If you’re brainstorming names for your new dog, these lists of the most popular and most unique puppy names will give you lots of great ideas.
Would a puppy by any other name be as sweet? Probably. But having a cute name certainly helps!
Whether you prefer something tried and true or want a name that will stand out at the dog park, you’re in the right place.
Below, we’ve compiled lists of popular and unique puppy names based on the more than five million pets we’ve tested.
Are you bringing home a new furry friend and feeling totally stumped on what to call them? Don’t worry – we’ve been there! Finding the perfect name for your puppy can feel like a huge responsibility. After all you’ll be calling this name across dog parks for years to come!
We’ve put together this mega-list of puppy names to inspire you. Whether you want something classic, unique, food-inspired, or just plain cute, we’ve got you covered with over 300 puppy names that never go out of style.
Most Popular Puppy Names in 2023
Let’s start with the crowd favorites! According to the American Kennel Club these names topped the charts for puppy names in 2023
Top Boy Dog Names
- Max
- Charlie
- Cooper
- Teddy
- Milo
- Ollie
- Bear
- Rocky
- Finn
- Leo
Top Girl Dog Names
- Luna
- Bella
- Daisy
- Maggie
- Willow
- Lucy
- Bailey
- Rosie
- Sadie
- Lola
I gotta say, Luna has really skyrocketed in popularity! I remember when classic names like Buddy and Lady were everywhere, but now Luna is the queen of doggy daycares across America.
Cute Puppy Names That Never Fail
Who can resist an adorably cute name for an adorably cute puppy? These names are perfect for those little furballs that make you say “awww” every time you look at them:
- Muffin
- Peanut
- Cuddles
- Bubbles
- Cookie
- Sprinkles
- Peach
- Twinkle
- Sugar
- Honey
- Marshmallow
- Toffee
- Shortcake
- Angel
- Cutie-Pie
- Bunny
- Birdy
- Candy
- Cocoa
- Berry
My neighbor just got a tiny Yorkie and named her “Sprinkles” – it fits her perfectly! The way she bounces around like a little cupcake topping is just too precious.
Classic Puppy Names That Stand the Test of Time
Some names just never go out of style. These classic puppy names have been popular for generations:
- Buddy
- Max
- Charlie
- Lady
- Bailey
- Rocky
- Sadie
- Jack
- Daisy
- Sophie
- Molly
- Duke
- Lucy
- Tucker
- Maggie
- Sam
- Riley
- Scout
- Toby
- Rosie
Male Puppy Names With Personality
Looking for the perfect name for your boy pup? Here are some awesome male puppy names grouped by personality type:
For the Tough Guy
- Rocky
- Tank
- Diesel
- Hunter
- Ace
- Bruiser
- Spike
- Ranger
- Duke
- Thor
For the Gentleman
- Winston
- Oliver
- Henry
- Theodore
- Archie
- Maxwell
- Chester
- Spencer
- Oscar
- Walter
For the Playful Spirit
- Ziggy
- Ollie
- Cooper
- Milo
- Charlie
- Jasper
- Finn
- Riley
- Tucker
- Gus
I’d probably name my next male puppy something like “Moose” even though he’d probably be a tiny little thing. The irony of a miniature pup with a big name always cracks me up!
Female Puppy Names Full of Charm
For your girl puppy, these names bring all the sweetness and sass:
Floral Inspired
- Daisy
- Lily
- Rose
- Violet
- Poppy
- Jasmine
- Willow
- Ivy
- Lavender
- Blossom
Princess Vibes
- Bella
- Luna
- Sophie
- Lola
- Stella
- Charlotte
- Chloe
- Ruby
- Ellie
- Zoe
Sweet & Spunky
- Pepper
- Sadie
- Roxy
- Piper
- Mia
- Molly
- Bailey
- Abby
- Ginger
- Nala
My friend just got a female Border Collie and named her “Piper” – it’s perfect because she literally makes little excited piping sounds when she sees you!
Unique Puppy Names That Stand Out
Want something different? These unique puppy names will definitely turn heads at the dog park:
- Apollo
- Kona
- Indigo
- Echo
- Ripley
- Koda
- Zephyr
- Denali
- Jinx
- Onyx
- Tango
- Nova
- Dash
- Laika
- Birdie
- Zelda
- Remington
- Rumor
- Frisco
- Juno
Food-Inspired Puppy Names
Foodies, rejoice! These delicious puppy names are inspired by all things yummy:
- Mocha
- Oreo
- Pepper
- Ginger
- Peanut
- Cookie
- Waffles
- Pickle
- Mochi
- Kiwi
- Taco
- Nacho
- Mango
- Biscuit
- Chili
- Brownie
- Peaches
- Latte
- Maple
- Cinnamon
I almost named my last dog “Taco” but got vetoed by my family. Still think it woulda been perfect!
Tips for Choosing the Perfect Puppy Name
Picking a name isn’t just about what sounds cute – there’s strategy involved! Here are some tips to help you choose:
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Keep it short and sweet – One or two syllable names are easier for your pup to recognize and respond to.
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Avoid names that sound like commands – Names like “Kit” sound like “sit” and can confuse your dog during training.
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Watch your puppy’s personality – Sometimes waiting a few days to observe your puppy’s quirks can inspire the perfect name.
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Consider their appearance – Physical traits like color or size can inspire names (like “Spot” or “Tiny”).
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Test it out loud – Will you feel comfortable yelling this name across a dog park? If not, maybe reconsider!
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Think long-term – That tiny puppy will grow up! Names like “Fuzzy” or “Baby” might not fit when they’re fully grown.
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Use positive associations – Choose names that have happy connotations and avoid names with negative meanings.
Popular Trending Puppy Names in 2024
The trendiest names right now include:
Boy Puppies
- Travis (thank you, football and Taylor Swift!)
- Ken (Barbie movie made this popular again)
- Loki (Marvel fans represent!)
- Thor
- Bruno (Encanto influence)
- Rocket
- Groot
Girl Puppies
- Elsa (still going strong years after Frozen)
- Bella (always a favorite)
- Stella
- Quinn
- Ivy (Beyoncé fans love this one)
- Aurora
- Charlie (increasingly popular for girl dogs)
Name Your Puppy by Category
Still stuck? Try picking a theme:
Nature-Inspired Names
- River
- Sky
- Storm
- Willow
- Bear
- Ash
- Brook
- Forrest
- Ocean
- Maple
Royal Names
- King
- Queen
- Duke
- Princess
- Prince
- Duchess
- Baron
- Queenie
- Regent
- Royal
Mythology Names
- Zeus
- Apollo
- Thor
- Athena
- Loki
- Juno
- Odin
- Artemis
- Atlas
- Clio
Final Thoughts on Naming Your Puppy
Naming your new best friend is one of the most fun parts of getting a puppy, but it can also feel like a lot of pressure! Remember that whatever name you choose, your puppy will make it their own through their unique personality and the special bond you’ll share.
Don’t stress too much – I’ve known people who changed their dog’s name after a few weeks because something better fit, and the dogs adapted just fine! The most important thing is that the name feels right to YOU, and that you use it consistently with lots of love and positive reinforcement.
So whether you go with a popular name like Luna or Max, or something completely unique like Keikilani or Ziggy, your puppy will learn to love hearing their name because it means YOU are talking to THEM – and that’s their favorite thing in the world!
What puppy names are you considering? Have you found the perfect one from our list? We’d love to hear your thoughts and suggestions in the comments below!
Happy naming!
100 most unique puppy names
On the hunt for a truly creative puppy name? Here are several we’ve seen only a handful of times among our customer records.
Again, we’ve sorted them into “boy” and “girl” categories for easier browsing. But many of these names would be adorable for either.
50 unique girl puppy names:
50 unique boy puppy names:
Must-have items for your new pup
Provide the best possible care for your new puppy.
Though important (and fun), naming is only one of many things you should do when you get a dog. As the worlds leading dog DNA service, Wisdom Panel™ can help you know more about your pups breeds, traits, and health so you can give them the best life possible.
The Most Popular Dog Names
FAQ
What are the most popular dog names?
To help you out I’ve put together a list of 500 popular dog names. From classic and old fashioned dog names like Lady, to mythology inspired names such as Apollo, this list has a wide variety to choose from. So if you’re looking for the perfect name for your new best friend here’s 500 of the most popular dog names to help get you started.
What is a good dog name for a twinkly-Eyed Dog?
In the book the “Odyssey,” Homer describes Athena as having sparkling eyes, making Athena a cute dog name for your twinkly-eyed pup. The titan who holds up the world in Greek mythology would make a perfect big dog name.
What is a good name for a dog?
Consider naming them Rascal. This awesome name for a strong-willed dog comes from Raven, a superhero from “Teen Titans.” Another Irish name meaning “little king,” which pretty much describes any tiny male dog. Your four-legged family member deserves a sweet name, and this one is the same as the inventor of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, H.B. Reese.
Are boy puppy names easy to choose?
Boy puppy names are also fun to choose from, and many people consider them easier than a female name. Like girl dogs, boy names often reference their appearance, especially their color.
What is a good dog name for a country dog?
Mickey Mouse’s pal and a truly classic Disney character. A name of English origin that means “Grace of God.” A name that means “bold warrior,” which is what you want your country dog to be. There’s no greater dog name than the dog name that simply means “great!”
What is a good dog name for a pug?
Dixie could be a fun dog name! The loyal house-elf who’ll do anything for Harry Potter. Another classic game, this one played with tiles, doubles as a great black-and-white dog name. This might be suitable if your dog has spots, too. A super cute dog name for a Pug. (Get it? Doug the Pug!) Does your dog love to nap?
What is a good name for a puppy?
What are some unique dog names?
What is the #1 dog name?
What are 100 boy dog names?