If you’re adopting or buying a dog soon, you’ll want to have a list of names ready. Do you want to go with something popular, or are you trying to think outside of the box? Naming a new puppy isn’t easy, but finding a list of this year’s most common dog names is. Read on to explore some of the most common dog names and discover other name ideas to help with the naming process.
AKC Top Girl Dog Names
The American Kennel Club released their top girl dog names for 2023.
- Luna
- Bella
- Daisy
- Lucy
- Willow
- Penny
- Sadie
- Maggie
- Rosie
- Ruby
AKC Top Boy Dog Names
The American Kennel Club released their top boy dog names for 2023.
- Max
- Milo
- Cooper
- Charlie
- Teddy
- Tucker
- Buddy
- Bear
- Rocky
- Leo
Popular Dog Names in the UK
If you want to seek inspiration from abroad, look to the UK! Many people in the United Kingdom get inspiration from the late Queen’s corgis. You’ll find a lot of dogs named Queen, Duchess, Duke, Prince, and Princess. Harry, Piper, and Fergus are also incredibly popular dog names.
Common Food-Inspired Dog Names
Human names aren’t the only things pet owners name their dogs after. Foods also strike inspiration! What are some common food dog names, you ask? Taco and Nacho are two of the top names from Mexico. The popular food items from Italy to name your dog after include Cannoli, Gelato, and Pesto.
Do you love the small furry green fruit from Australia? Consider naming your dog Kiwi! Baguette is a delicious dog name inspired by the yummy bread from France. Meanwhile, Spain is famous for its delectable sangria, and many will name their dog after this lovely drink.
Other common food dog names include Soba, Pretzel, Blini, Pimiento, and Cookie. If you have a favorite food, feel free to name your dog after it!
Dog Name Inspiration from Pop Culture
Many dog owners will continue to find inspiration in pop culture for dog names. Many television shows, movies, books, and singers help dog owners discover delightful names for their pups. Let’s explore some of the recently released films and shows that could inspire you.
Veterinary offices will see an increase in the name Maverick thanks to the hit movie Top Gun: Maverick. Ariel and Sebastian will likely become more popular when children everywhere enjoy The Little Mermaid live-action remake, which Disney plans to release in May 2023.
All three movies in the Lord of the Rings trilogy were hits, and fans rejoiced when Amazon released The Rings of Power. Many dog owners will name their dogs after the characters of this hit franchise—fun names to consider include Finrod, Galadriel, and Nori.
Cinematic Universes like Marvel and Star Wars inspire a large list of dog names as well. People want to display their love for these incredible characters, after all. The name Loki saw an increase in popularity after Disney released the show in 2021. Other popular Marvel names include Thor, Wanda, Hawkeye, Falcon, Hulk, and Gamora.
Finding the Best Dog Name
How do you determine which dog name is best for your pup? Naming your dog is almost as nerve-wracking as naming a baby! You want to find the perfect one that fits your pup’s personality. If you’re looking for unique options, think past your furry friend’s physical attributes. Rusty and Oreo are adorable names, but they’re incredibly popular, and you may want your pup’s name to be as unique as their personality.
Look to your family’s hobbies, interests, and passions to come up with cool and unexpected pet names. Do you have a favorite travel destination? London, Maui, and Hollywood are all out-of-the-box and cute name options. If you want your pet’s name to be a cute pun, something like Barkcelona could be a huge hit among the staff at the vet office. Plus, it would look adorable on a custom dog tag!
Speaking of puns, it’s always fun to take your favorite sports player, team, or pop culture icon and add a punny twist. For example, Kim Korgi-dashian and LeBark James are unique, fun, and comical dog names that will leave everyone loving your pup. Here are some other pun ideas to get your gears turning:
- Michael Houndan
- Captain Jack Shih Zhu
- Queen Elizabark
- Chewbarka
- Fuzz Aldrin
- Indiana Bones
- Winnie the Pooch
- Woof Bader Ginsburg
Those ideas should get your creative juices flowing so that you can come up with your own! Let your imagination run wild!
Popular Dog Breeds
Of course, there’s no need to pick out the perfect name if you’re yet to pick the perfect pup. There are many popular dog breeds out there to consider. The top spot goes to the Labrador retriever, which has remained the most popular dog breed since 1991. Labs make excellent family pets because of their friendly personality and excellent temperament.
Goldendoodles are another popular breed in the United States. They are an incredibly social dog breed that can sometimes suffer from separation anxiety. Goldendoogles make wonderful pets for families and are enthusiastic and friendly.
Golden retrievers are next on the list, and it’s easy to see why. Families or individuals who love being outdoors will find that the golden retriever makes an excellent companion. They’re a joy to be around and have tons of energy. Fetching and swimming are two of their favorite activities.
If you’re looking for a smaller popular breed, the French bulldog, Chihuahua, Yorkshire terrier, Cavalier King Charles spaniel, and shih tzu are the smallest. The Cavalier King Charles spaniel is the most family-friendly of the small dog breeds. They have a sweet and gentle disposition that makes them excellent for children of all ages and affectionate.
Shih tzu is another breed that’s good for families, but they’re not as active as the Cavalier King Charles spaniel. These small dogs also require a lot of grooming, so you’ll want a trustworthy groomer if you want a shih tzu. That said, it’s the perfect city dog since they don’t need much exercise!
Do you feel ready to invite a dog into your family? Use any of 2023’s most common dog names, or come up with something brand new! It’s a good idea to spend some time with your dog first to see if inspiration strikes. If you’re adopting a dog, changing its name is OK. A new name can feel like a fresh start for a pup and create a bonding experience for you both.
