The Most Popular Dog Names in the United States

If you’re a new dog owner, congratulations! We’re so happy for you and your furry friend. When you adopt or shop for a dog, they may come with a name, but if not you’ll have to think of a fitting one!

If you’re unsure about what to name your newest family member, check out our list of the most popular dog names. Feel free to use it for inspiration as you begin your journey with your new pet!

Why It’s Important to Give a Pup’s Name Some Thought

While you shouldn’t feel pressure when giving your dog a name (it’s supposed to be a fun experience, after all!) you should be aware that it will have an impact on your pup’s life. From communication to expression and beyond, a dog’s name affects many areas, so be sure to give it a little thought. Here are some common situations where your dog’s name plays a role:

• Communication – Your pup’s name is a vital aspect of communication because it helps get their attention, allowing you to effectively give commands.
• Training – If your dog needs to be trained, a well-chosen name provides a consistent cue for desired action and behavior.
• Identification – When you take your dog to a park or other destinations, a unique name helps differentiate them from others.
• Expression – Your dog’s name can reflect their personality, appearance, or characteristics. You can choose one of the most popular dog names, or pick something unique and meaningful to you!

Without Further Ado, Here Are Some of the Most Popular Names for Dogs from 2023

Here are the top 10 most popular dog names in the United States as of 2023:

Now, let’s separate them by sex. According to the American Kennel Club, here were the most popular dog names for each sex in 2023:

Female Dog Names

Male Dog Names

Along with the most popular names for dogs, we came across some relevant facts that were both fun and interesting:

• Buddy ranks #7 in the list of most popular dog names across the United States, but it ranked in the top 5 names for 18 different states individually (U.S. News & World Report).
• Copper is the most popular dog name in Alaska, which is where the Copper River is located. Despite its high ranking in Alaska, it did not make the list of the most popular dog names in the U.S. overall (U.S. News & World Report).
• Copper is obviously very similar to the name Cooper, though, and Cooper is #11 on the list of the 100 most popular names for dogs in the United States (U.S. News & World Report).
• A total of 5% of dogs in the United States are named Bella, and Bella is the most popular dog name in 37 states, as well as Washington, D.C. (U.S. News & World Report).

What Are Some Things to Be Aware of When Choosing My Dog’s Name

While getting a new dog is wonderful, it’s not uncommon for fears or doubts to arise when trying to think of a name for them. Here are some of our best tips for naming your dog that should help make the process easier:

• Avoid confusion – Be sure to avoid names that sound similar to training commands or cues. Common phrases include “sit,” “stay,” and “no.” Doing so will help prevent problems during training and later when giving commands.
• Future-proof it – Similar to naming a baby, you want to choose a name for your dog that will fit them as they grow and mature. Be sure to consider how the name you choose will age with them.
• Test it out – Before finalizing a name, try calling your pup by the name to see how it feels and how your dog responds to it. If they respond positively and it fits their character, you might have found the perfect name.
• Do a little research – Some dog owners will look at lists of the most popular dog names or unusual dog names to get some inspiration. Take note of what works and what doesn’t and compile your own list based on your preferences if you can’t decide right away.
• Have fun with it! – Don’t overly stress about what your dog’s name should be. Try out a few, poll your friends and family, and go with something that feels right!

Frequently Asked Questions About Picking a Dog Name

How do I choose the right name for my dog?

When you select a name for your pup, you might consider various factors like their personality, appearance, and breed characteristics. You should also consider your own preferences, then make a list of potential names that sound appealing to you.

Checking out lists of the most popular names for dogs may serve as good inspiration, as you could find the perfect option on one of those!

Can I use a human name for my dog?

Absolutely! Some of the most popular names for dogs are human names, and they can be a fun, offbeat alternative to a traditional dog name. Luckily, dogs can learn and respond to almost any name with consistent training.

Should I consider the meaning of the name?

Some people choose names based on their meaning or symbolism, while others prioritize uniqueness or sound. If meaning is important to you, you can certainly take it into consideration when selecting a name, but if it’s not, that’s ok, too.

What are some of the trending names for dogs in 2023?

So, you may be wondering what dog names are more unique but still popular. According to a study by The Hill, the top 10 trending dog names in 2023 included:

I just adopted a small dog and need inspiration for the name. What are some cute names for a little pup?

Here are some of our favorite names for small dogs:

We just adopted pup siblings. What are some fun names that go together?

If you have sibling dogs, or dogs with similar attributes, and you want to incorporate such aspects into their names, here are some ideas for your canine dynamic duo:

• Salt and Pepper
• Chip and Dale
• Scooby and Shaggy
• Romeo and Juliet
• Mario and Luigi
• Timon and Pumbaa
• Lilo and Stitch

Another fun option is to find names that start with the same letter. For example, Bear and Brodie or Trixie and Tucker. However, be sure to choose names that aren’t too similar or could cause confusion with communication.

Once You Find a Name for Your Pup, Take Them to the Best Pet Boarding and Grooming Facility in Town!

We hope this post of the most popular dog names inspired you while naming your new pup and maybe put a smile on your face. At Pet Palace, we work with dogs of all different sizes, breeds, and ages on a daily basis, and we love learning each pup’s name.

Our team can provide the best care for your pet during grooming, boarding, and day care, so no matter what you’re looking for, we’re ready to help. For more information about our services, please reach out to our team!

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