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Popular Dog Names

Updated: October 06, 2023

      When brainstorming for a dog name you can gain a lot of insight from previous owners and the names that they have selected. The value in this trendy list doesn’t come from the names themselves but from the naming factors that lead them to the top. It is a combination of meaning, cleverness, cuteness, and usability that have made these names favorites for a new puppy. Our popular name list consists of the most used names of today along with some timeless classics.

      Popular puppy names come from the media not the neighbors. Many trends spread like wildfire through a neighborhood. Your neighbor Mike gets a microwave, so now you get a microwave. Your other neighbor Lisa got a new LCD TV. Now you either hang out at Lisa’s house or get your own. However, if your neighbor Mike names his dog Jake, you don’t name your dog Jake for obvious reasons. So how exactly does a dog’s name gain popularity? One of the primary amplifiers of name favorability is the media. The names of dogs with starring roles in television, movies, cartoons, and books are great candidates for popularity. Not only do they have a wide reach, but they also have some associated characteristics in your mind.

      Max, which means ‘great’, is one of the most popular male dog names of all time. Max has gained favor for being short and having a positive meaning. The ease with which the name can be vocalized is a huge selling point to a new owner. Max is the dog on ‘The Little Mermaid’ and also from 'How the Grinch Stole Christmas’. Belle is a top choice for a female puppy. Belle means ‘a beautiful girl’ and, like Max, has a single syllable. Belle is Snoopy’s sister from the famed comic strip ‘Peanuts’.

Name Reason to Choose
Abby Frequently chosen due to its sweet and simple nature
Ace Perfect for a dog who's number one in your heart
Angel Used for dogs with a gentle and kind demeanor
Annie Chosen for its friendly and approachable sound
Bailey unisex appeal
Bandit Reflects mischievous nature of dogs
Barney Derived from popular TV shows and characters
Baxter Commonly used in pop culture
Bear Popular for large, fluffy dogs
Beau Means beautiful in French
Bella inspired by Twilight series
Belle French for beautiful, chosen for beautiful dogs
Bentley Associated with luxury, sophistication
Bingo A fun and playful name for an energetic dog
Blue Ideal for dogs with blue eyes or a blue coat
Boomer Depicts playfulness, high energy
Boots Typically used for dogs with distinctively colored paws
Brandy Named after the rich-colored liquor, suits brownish dogs
Bruno Popular due to famous dogs in media
Buddy dogs are best friends
Buster Evokes playful, energetic image
Casey Unisex, suits both male and female dogs
Charlie Charlie Brown's popularity
Chelsea Associated with elegance and sophistication
Chester A classic name for a loyal and dependable dog
Chloe popularity in baby names
Coco Named after the famous fashion designer, Coco Chanel
Cody Modern, trending among new pet owners
Cooper Gender-neutral
Daisy A classic name for a sweet and gentle dog
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Names Based on Famous Dogs

There are many famous dogs from movies, television, books, and history that can inspire dog names. Examples include 'Lassie', 'Beethoven', or 'Snoopy'.
Name Description
Balto In memory of the heroic Siberian Husky who led the final leg of the 1925 serum run to Nome
Beethoven Chosen in honor of the Saint Bernard from the well-loved family movie series
Bella In honor of the loyal and brave dog in the movie A Dog's Way Home
Benji From the scruffy and clever mixed breed dog in the movie Benji
Bolt Inspired by the super dog from the Disney movie Bolt
Boomer After the adventurous dog in the movie Far From Home: The Adventures of Yellow Dog
Buddy Named after the Golden Retriever who played basketball in the movie Air Bud
Chance From the American Bulldog in the movie Homeward Bound
Cujo Named after the Saint Bernard in Stephen King's novel
Gidget From the sassy Pomeranian in The Secret Life of Pets
Hachi From the loyal Akita in the movie Hachi: A Dog's Tale
Hooch Inspired by the French Mastiff from the movie Turner & Hooch
Lady Honoring the graceful Cocker Spaniel from Lady and the Tramp
Lassie This name is derived from the famous television Collie
Marley From the mischievous Labrador in the movie Marley & Me
Max Inspired by the loyal dog in the movie The Secret Life of Pets
Old yeller After the brave and loyal dog in the novel and movie Old Yeller
Perdita The brave mother in 101 Dalmatians
Pongo The heroic Dalmatian from 101 Dalmatians
Rin Tin Tin A popular name, after the heroic German Shepherd from the television series
Scooby From the lovable Great Dane in the Scooby-Doo series
Shadow Taken from the wise old Golden Retriever in Homeward Bound
Snoopy Paying tribute to the iconic dog character in the Peanuts comic strip
Toto From the adventurous little dog in The Wizard of Oz
Tramp Taken from the scruffy, street-smart character in Lady and the Tramp
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Names Based on Personality

Many dog owners choose to name their pet based on their personality or demeanor. For example, a hyperactive puppy might be named 'Bouncy' or 'Zippy'.
Name Description
Barker This name is a great fit for a dog who loves to make their voice heard
Bouncer A fitting name for a dog who loves to jump
Chaser Ideal for a dog who loves to chase after toys, balls, or even their own tail
Chewie Ideal for a dog who loves to chew on toys and bones
Digger A fitting name for a dog with a penchant for digging holes
Fetch A great name for a dog who could play fetch all day
Gobbler A suitable name for a dog who eats their food in seconds
Howler A good fit for a dog who loves to howl at the moon
Jumper Perfect for a dog who loves to leap and bound
Licker A great name for a dog who loves to give kisses
Napper A great name for a dog who enjoys frequent naps
Nibbler Ideal for a dog who can't stop nibbling on toys and treats
Pouncer Perfect for a dog who enjoys pouncing on unsuspecting toys
Racer A suitable name for a dog who loves to run fast
Roamer Perfect for a dog who loves to explore
Scratcher A good fit for a dog who enjoys a good scratch
Shadow A suitable name for a dog who follows their owner everywhere
Sniffer Perfect for a dog with a keen sense of smell
Snoozer This name suits a dog that enjoys long, uninterrupted naps
Snuggler Perfect for a dog who loves to cuddle up close
Sprinter A good fit for a dog who loves to run
Squirt Ideal for a small dog with a big personality
Tugger A good name if your dog can't resist a game of tug-of-war
Wiggles Perfect for a dog with a constantly wagging tail
Zoomer Ideal for a dog who can't resist zooming around the park
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Names Based on Color

The color of a dog's fur can often inspire their name. For example, a black dog might be named 'Shadow' or 'Midnight'.
Name Description
Amber Ideal for a dog with a warm, golden coat
Ash A great name for a gray dog
Caramel A sweet name for a dog with a warm, light brown coat
Cherry A perfect choice for dogs with a red-toned fur
Cocoa For dogs with a rich, chocolate-colored coat
Copper Inspired by the reddish-brown metallic color, perfect for dogs with a similar hue
Goldie A classic name for a golden-coated dog
Hazel Ideal for a dog with a coat that is a mix of brown, green, and gold
Indigo This name would suit a dark-coated dog, as 'Indigo' is a deep color between blue and violet
Ink This name is perfect for a dog with a very dark, black coat
Ivory Best suited for a dog with a pure white coat
Jade A unique name for dogs with a greenish tinge in their fur, often seen in certain lighting
Jet This name is ideal for a glossy black dog
Licorice A fun name for a black dog
Olive Perfect for a dog with a coat that has a greenish-brown tint
Onyx A great name for a black dog, as 'Onyx' is a type of black gemstone
Pearl A fitting name for a white or cream-colored dog
Raven An apt name for a dog with a glossy black coat, just like the bird
Ruby Ideal for a red or mahogany-coated dog
Rusty This name is suitable for a dog with a reddish-brown coat
Sandy This name is great for dogs with a light brown or beige coat, like the color of sand
Shadow An apt name for a dark-colored dog
Smokey This name is a great fit for a dog with a gray or bluish coat
Snowy An obvious choice for a white dog
Topaz Suitable for a dog with a golden-brown coat, resembling the gemstone
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Names Based on Breed

Certain breeds have names that are particularly popular or fitting for them. For example, certain German names might be popular for German Shepherds.
Name Description
Bear This name is fitting for a Newfoundland, as they resemble bears in both size and appearance
Bella Many Labradors are named Bella because of the breed's beautiful and charming nature
Buddy A common name for Golden Retrievers due to their friendly and companionable nature
Charlie Poodles are often given this name as it reflects their intelligent and sophisticated nature
Chloe Many French Bulldogs are named Chloe to reflect their chic and fashionable appeal
Daisy This name is popular for Dalmatians, reflecting their spotted coat that resembles daisy flowers
Duke Labradors, known for their loyalty and friendliness, are often named Duke
Finn Many Australian Shepherds are named Finn, symbolizing their adventurous and energetic spirit
Jack This name is popular for Parson Russell Terriers, reminiscent of their origin in fox hunting
Leo This name is a great choice for a Bulldog, reflecting their strong and courageous nature
Lucy This name suits Beagles due to their gentle and affectionate demeanor
Luna This is a common name for Siberian Huskies, reflecting their mystical and enchanting aura
Maggie This is a common name for English Bulldogs, reflecting their lovable and companionable nature
Max This name is often chosen for German Shepherds because of their strong and protective characteristics
Milo This name is popular for Jack Russells due to the breed's playful and lively nature
Molly This is a common name for Cocker Spaniels due to their gentle and sweet temperament
Oliver This name is often chosen for Shih Tzus, symbolizing their regal and dignified demeanor
Rocky Boxers are often named Rocky, symbolizing their strength and toughness
Rosie This name suits a Bichon Frise, reflecting their fluffy and adorable appearance
Roxy Roxy is a name often given to Rottweilers, symbolizing their strong and determined spirit
Rusty This name is a great choice for Irish Setters due to their distinct rust-colored coat
Sadie This name is popular for Cavalier King Charles Spaniels because of their royal and elegant demeanor
Stella Many Boston Terriers carry this name, reflecting their spunky and lively spirit
Tucker Many owners of Border Collies choose this name because of the breed's energetic and active nature
Zeus Great Danes are often named Zeus, reminiscent of their grand stature and majestic presence
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Names Based on Size

Many dog names are derived from their size, with smaller dogs often having cute, diminutive names, and larger dogs having more powerful, strong names.
Name Description
Atom A tiny particle, great for small dogs
Bear Resembles a large, strong creature
Bulky Emphasizes on the dog's size and build
Bumblebee A small but significant creature
Colossal A term used to describe something very large
Elf A mystical creature known for its small size
Giant Perfect for huge breeds like the Great Dane
Goliath A biblical giant, suitable for large dogs
Grizzly A large and powerful wild animal
Hercules An ancient mythological hero known for his strength and size
Jumbo A term meaning extremely large
Mammoth A prehistoric creature known for its large size
Minion A small, lovable character from an animated movie
Moose A great name for a dog as large as a wild animal
Munchkin Inspired by small-sized fictional characters
Peanut A cute option for small, adorable dogs
Pippin A name borrowed from a small character in a popular fantasy series
Pixie A small, magical creature, great for tiny dogs
Rex Latin for king, suitable for large, majestic dogs
Shorty A fun choice for dogs that are closer to the ground
Tank Imitates the size and strength of a military vehicle
Tater Tot A small, bite-sized food, perfect for small dogs
Teacup Used for dogs small enough to fit in a teacup
Tiny Reflects the small stature of the canine
Whopper Suggests a dog's large size
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Bentley Photo of bentley for Popular Dog Names
Beau Photo of Beau for Popular Dog Names We rescued him and he came with the name Bo, but we liked the French spelling for beautiful better 'Beau.' He is truly a beautiful pup, so it describes him very well.
Bentley Photo of Bentley for Popular Dog Names
Guinness Photo of Guinness for Popular Dog Names

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Riyo Beautiful name children love this name
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Ace: A Popular Dog Story

Once upon a time, in the bustling town of Barkington, there lived a remarkably talented dog named Ace. Ace was a handsome and athletic Border Collie who had a natural talent for just about everything he did. With his piercing blue eyes, glossy black and white coat, and charming personality, Ace was the talk of the town.

Ace attended Barkington High School, an esteemed institution known for its outstanding dog students. From the very beginning, Ace excelled in all his classes, quickly earning a reputation as the smartest dog in school. His teachers were amazed by his intelligence, and his classmates couldn't help but be impressed by his incredible ability to grasp even the most complex subjects.

Ace's prowess wasn't limited to academics. He also had a remarkable talent for sports. As the star quarterback of the Barkington Bulldogs, Ace led his team to victory after victory. His agility, speed, and uncanny ability to read the movements of the opposing team made him a formidable presence on the football field.

It wasn't long before Ace's fame spread beyond the walls of Barkington High School. Dogs and humans alike marveled at his accomplishments, and he quickly became a local celebrity. With his dashing good looks and undeniable charm, Ace had no shortage of admirers, both male and female.

Ace enjoyed the attention and admiration, but he knew that his success came with a responsibility. He made it his mission to set a positive example for his fellow students, encouraging them to work hard, stay focused, and never give up on their dreams. Ace also devoted his time to various charitable causes, using his fame to raise awareness and funds for animal shelters and rescue organizations.

Despite his numerous achievements, Ace remained humble and grounded. He understood that his talents were a gift, and he was determined to use them for the greater good. He never let his success go to his head and always made time for his friends and family, who were his biggest supporters.

After graduating from Barkington High School as valedictorian, Ace received a full scholarship to attend the prestigious Canine University. He continued to excel in both academics and sports, earning a degree in canine psychology and leading the Canine University football team to a national championship.

As Ace's legend grew, so too did his impact on the world. He went on to become a motivational speaker, inspiring countless dogs and humans to pursue their dreams and reach their full potential. Ace dedicated his life to helping others, using his talents and charm to make the world a better place for all.

And so, the story of Ace, the remarkable dog who was top of his class, played quarterback, and won the hearts of many, became a symbol of hope, perseverance, and the power of believing in oneself. His tale served as a reminder that with hard work, determination, and a kind heart, anyone can achieve greatness and make a lasting impact on the world.

We would like to take this time to thank all of our visitors that make DogNamed.com the best dog naming resource on the web. Our site would not be where it is today without your suggestions, ratings, and photo submissions. So pat yourselves on the back for a job well done and keep up the good work! If you have any comments, suggestions, or ideas for the this page or any part of our site, don't hesitate to drop us a line on our Contact Page. Thank you! -The DogNamed Team

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