The Most Popular Dog Names in Each US State

Alabama's top dog name is Bella, which is a clear favorite among Golden Retriever owners. In fact, Golden Retrievers are the most popular breed in the state.

Bella's popularity is mirrored in other Southern states, where classic names like Max and Lucy also rank high. These timeless choices are perfect for families with young children.

Looking at the data, it's clear that certain names are more popular in certain regions. For example, in the Northeast, you'll find more Labs and Retrievers with names like Cooper and Daisy.

Recommended read: Dogs Most Popular Breeds

Bella is the clear winner, topping the list as the most popular dog name nationwide, and claiming the top spot in over 37 states, including Washington D.C.

The name Bella is so popular that it's the most popular name in five percent of all dogs in the U.S.

Pet-sitting platform TrustedHousesitters looked at over 50,000 pet names to find out the most-popular dog names in the U.S. in 2023, and Bella was at the top of the list.

A different take: Dog Names That Start with U

The five most-popular male dog names were Charlie, Max, Cooper, Buddy, and Jack, but no matter what name you choose, it's clear that the right name can make a big difference for your furry friend.

According to dog researcher Stanley Coren, a dog's name is the "single most important word" a canine will ever learn, and it's a signal that tells them which words are directed at them and which are not.

Coren suggests that two-syllable names tend to "roll off" the tongue easier and "produce a better response", which is something to consider when choosing a name for your dog.

In some states, like Louisiana, the most-popular pet names were influenced by the Cajun and Creole French culture and language, with Beignet being the 10th most-popular dog name.

Other states, like Colorado, took plenty of influence from the Mountain State, with Bear ranking as the 20th most-popular dog name.

Expand your knowledge: 100 Popular Female Dog Names

The most popular dog names in the U.S. vary by state, but some names stand out as particularly popular.

Take a look at this: Most Popular Dog Names in the Us

Charlie is the most popular male dog name in the U.S., followed closely by Max and Cooper.

In fact, the five most popular male dog names are Charlie, Max, Cooper, Buddy, and Jack.

Choosing the right name for your dog is important, as it's likely to be one you'll be calling out in public for a long time.

From a dog researcher's perspective, a dog's name is the single most important word it will ever learn.

Dogs are capable of understanding more than 150 human words, but their name is the one that holds the most importance.

Some popular dog names have a strong influence from pop culture, including Winnie, Zeus, Gizmo, Thor, and Mickey.

In Louisiana, the Cajun and Creole French culture and language influenced the most popular pet names, with some unique names like Beignet making the list.

In Colorado, dog names took influence from the state's mountainous landscape, with names like Bear, Scout, and Rocky making the top 50.

Related reading: Dog Names Cooper

Pop culture has a significant influence on dog names, with Winnie, Zeus, Gizmo, Thor, and Mickey all among the most popular.

A dog's name is the single most important word they'll ever learn, according to dog researcher Stanley Coren. It's the signal that tells them the next sounds from their owner are meant for them.

Two-syllable names tend to roll off the tongue easier and produce a better response, as Coren has experienced with his own dogs.

The most-popular dog name in the U.S. is Charlie, and it's one of the top five most-popular male dog names in many states, including Colorado and Louisiana.

A fresh viewpoint: Girl Dog Names That Start with B

Two-syllable names are easier to call out in public, according to dog researcher Stanley Coren.

Pop culture has a strong influence on dog names, with names like Winnie, Zeus, and Thor being among the most popular.

In Louisiana, the Cajun and Creole French culture and language influenced the most-popular pet names.

The state of Colorado took inspiration from its natural surroundings, with Bear ranking as the 20th most-popular dog name.

Aspen is a popular name, not just in Colorado, but also as a city a dog is named after, coming in as the most popular.

Beignet, a deep-fried pastry associated with New Orleans, is the 10th most-popular dog name in Louisiana.

In recent years, it's become increasingly common for dog owners to get creative with their pup's name. Many are opting for names that reflect their dog's appearance, with 1 in 5 owners choosing a name that references their dog's color or coat pattern.

The rise of unique names like Aurora and Sage suggests that owners are looking for names that are both stylish and meaningful. These names often have a natural or celestial theme, which may be why they're so popular.

Some owners are even choosing names that reference their dog's breed or ancestry. For example, a Bulldog might be named Winston, a nod to the breed's English heritage.

Related reading: Dog Names Female Start with S