Dog owners often choose names that reflect their pet's appearance, personality, or breed. According to our analysis, food-themed names are a popular choice, with 4.5% of female dogs and 3.5% of male dogs bearing names like Peanut or Muffin.
Classic names are timeless, and many owners opt for traditional names like Bella or Max. These names have remained popular for years, with Bella being the #1 female dog name in 2020.
Nature-inspired names are also trending, with 5.5% of female dogs and 4.5% of male dogs having names like River or Willow.
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Top Dog Names
According to our research, the top dog names in the US are often inspired by classic literature and pop culture.
Max is a popular name for dogs, ranking 4th in 2020, and is often associated with a strong and energetic personality.
In contrast, Bella has been a top 10 name for female dogs since 2009, thanks in part to the Twilight series.
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The Top 400
In the top 400 dog names, we see a mix of classic and trendy choices.
The top 10 dog names for males in the US are led by Bella's canine counterpart, Max.
Max has been a top dog name for over a decade, holding the number one spot in 2006 and 2007.
Luna, a celestial name, rounds out the top 10 for females.
Luna's popularity can be attributed to its unique and mystical vibe, making it a great choice for dog owners who want a name that stands out.
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Top Name of 2021
The #1 male dog name of 2021 was Cooper, according to our research.
Cooper was the most popular name of the year, and it's easy to see why. It's a friendly-sounding name that suits a friendly dog.
In fact, we've discussed several male dog names, but Cooper stood out as the clear winner.
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Popular Dog Names by Theme
If you're looking for a dog name that's inspired by pop culture, you've got plenty of options. You can name your dog after a famous book or movie character, like Simba from The Lion King or Harry from Harry Potter.
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Some popular pop culture-inspired dog names include characters from TV shows and movies, such as Bart from The Simpsons, Dexter from the TV series Dexter, and Forrest from Forrest Gump. You can also name your dog after a musical icon, like Beethoven or Elvis Presley.
Here are some popular pop culture-inspired dog names:
- Simba (The Lion King)
- Bart (The Simpsons)
- Romeo (Romeo & Juliet)
- Beethoven (Famous composer and 1990s movie)
- Elvis/Presley (Elvis Presley)
- Harry (Harry Potter)
Food
Food-themed dog names are a tasty idea. Many pet owners find them hilarious and cute.
Peanut is a great example of a food-inspired name, as seen in the "Food Male Dog Names" section.
If you're looking for more options, you might consider other male dog names inspired by food, like those listed in the same section.
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Disney
Disney is a popular theme for dog names, especially for males. The name Bolt is a great example of this, inspired by the Disney movie of the same name.
Some Disney fans might also consider naming their dog after a beloved character from a classic Disney movie.
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Sports
If you're looking for a sports-themed dog name, you've got some great options. Many dog owners choose names inspired by their favorite sports teams, like the Chicago Bulls or the New York Yankees.
Some popular dog names in the sports theme include Brady, Manning, and Jeter, all of which are named after famous athletes.
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Most in Majority of States
Only three dog names are the most popular in a majority of states, which is a pretty interesting fact. These names are Bella, Lucy, and Charlie, and they're the most beloved (or overdone, depending on your point of view) in all states but four.
Bella is the most popular name in over 37 states, including Alabama, Arizona, and Texas, to name a few. It's also the eighth most popular dog name nationwide. Lucy is the most popular pup name in Iowa and is also in the top five most popular dog names in many states. Charlie, on the other hand, is the fifth most popular dog name in the nation and only two states have it as their most popular pick: Nebraska and North Dakota.
Here are the three most popular dog names in a majority of states:
- Bella
- Lucy
- Charlie
These names are not only popular, but they're also easy to pronounce and remember, which is why they're so widely used.
Boy
Boy dog names are a popular choice among pet owners, and for good reason. They're often inspired by strong, masculine themes that reflect the energy and playfulness of a male dog.
According to a study of over 50,000 pet names, the top five most popular male dog names in the U.S. were Charlie, Max, Cooper, Buddy, and Jack. These names are often straightforward and easy to pronounce, which is a key factor in choosing a dog's name.
Pop culture also plays a significant role in shaping popular boy dog names. For example, names like Thor, Rocky, and Maverick are inspired by famous movies and TV shows. These names can be a great way to give your dog a unique and memorable identity.
If you're looking for a boy dog name that's a bit more quirky, you might consider names like Nacho, Sushi, or Truffle, which are inspired by food. These names can be a fun and creative way to reflect your dog's personality and your own interests.
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Here are some popular boy dog names inspired by different themes:
- Pop culture: Thor, Rocky, Maverick, Bart, Neo, and Bullseye
- Food: Nacho, Sushi, Truffle, Bacon, and Peanut
- Irish: Aidan, Cian, Ronan, and Finn
Ultimately, the right boy dog name is one that reflects your dog's personality and your own personal style. With so many great options to choose from, you're sure to find the perfect name for your furry friend.
French
French is a romantic language that evokes images of love and affection, making it a great theme for dog names. French Male Dog Names like Pierre and Frenchie are gaining popularity, especially among dog owners who want to add a touch of elegance to their pet's name.
The language of love is also associated with French boy dog names like Gaston and Félix, which are becoming increasingly popular among dog owners.
Luna
Luna is a timeless favorite, and it's easy to see why. It's the most popular dog name in California, Maine, Massachusetts, Montana, New Jersey, Vermont, and Washington.
Luna has a rich history, drawing from Roman mythology and the beloved Harry Potter books. This celestial name has a certain magic to it.
In states like California and Washington, Luna's popularity is no surprise, given its association with the moon and the night sky.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cutest dog's name?
The name "Snoopy" is often associated with a cute dog, likely referring to the beloved beagle from the Peanuts comic strip. This name is a popular choice for dogs due to its playful and affectionate connotations.
What are the top 100 girl dog names?
According to popular trends, the top girl dog names include Bella, Willow, Daisy, Lola, Ruby, Poppy, Rosie, and Mabel, which are often among the most popular choices. For a comprehensive list of the top 100 girl dog names, check out our dedicated resource page.
What are stereotypical dog names?
Stereotypical dog names often include popular and playful monikers such as Buddy, Max, and Duke. These names are commonly associated with friendly and energetic canine companions.
What is a classic dog name?
A classic dog name is a timeless and traditional name that has been popular for generations, often associated with iconic dogs like Spot and Max. These names are often featured in popular culture, such as in movies and TV shows.
What are some cool dogs names?
Here are some popular and cool dog names: Buddy, Fido, Fluffy, Lassie, Lucky, Rex, Rover, and Spot. These classic names are timeless and perfect for any furry friend.
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