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List of the Best Dog Names

Breeding Business is passionate about all sorts of domesticated pets. They have written dozens of articles across the web.
best dog names

Discover thousands of popular dog names handpicked for new puppy owners. To make it more meaningful, we have broken down our curated list of puppy names into multiple categories ranging from unique pup name ideas to yellow dog names.

Picking a name for a dog is no easy task – it is a choice that’ll last for over a decade! In fact, it is close to a science. It needs to be memorable yet original, short but unusual, etc. From dog names of kings to Alaskan cities, we’ve got your new puppy’s name covered!

Dog name ideas we offer you generally come with an explanation of their actual meaning. Indeed, you do not want to name your amazing dog some random name that might actually mean something offensive. Every one of our dog names is placed in a category for a reason and we’ll let you know why (unless it’s obvious or inherently vague).

5 Tips When Choosing the Right Dog or Puppy Name

The Internet has hundreds of lists of perfect dog name ideas for cute dogs, large dogs, small dogs, toy breeds, aggressive dogs, and so on. Although you could, you should never pick a new puppy name just because “it sounds great”. This is the perfect recipe for a disaster to come!

Here are five golden rules when you are in the process of deciding on a dog name for your new puppy.

1. Never Use an Offensive Word

Going eccentric is fun and exciting. Going offensive is a questionable behavior for any pet parent. Try to stay conservative with your shortlisted dog name ideas and even more with the final choice. We call our dogs several times every single day, and it’s often done in public.

While you may enjoy “Fatty” for your future bulldog, you may be near an overweight person in a park the next time you’ll call your dog. It may lead to unnecessary stress for you and potentially to some arguments.

So make sure you don’t cross that offensive line and leave some padding!

2. Research Shortlisted Dog Name Ideas

Especially when dogs are puppies, so many random people casually approach you in the streets. They will ask you for the meaning of your dog’s name and they may be aware of something related that you did not know about.

For example, having a German Shepherd called Adolph would be a terrible idea. And if you do not see why a lot of people will. Such uncanny coincidences will inevitably lead to awkward moments. Therefore, go ahead and spend some time researching your favorite dog names to make sure they are great ideas with no hidden unfortunate meaning.

3. Keep It Short, Even When It’s Long

Long names can evoke so much more than short names. I agree. But even when you decide on the best long name for your dog, come up with a shorter dog name that will actually be used daily. Trust me, you won’t call your dog Angus Von Wigglebottom every day but you might call him Bitty, or Angus.

The dog’s registration paperwork and pedigree will show the long version, but people in the know will use the intimate version of your pup’s name. By doing that, you can feel lighter when picking the official and formal name of your dog and go as crazy as you truly want! Just make sure you have a shorter name to go with it.

4. Don’t Pick Common Names

One day at a park, a fellow dog owner called his dog – “Rex, come!” and three other dogs stopped playing, and turned around. True story.

You need to consider uniqueness and originality in your final dog name. Avoid Max, Rex, Charlie, Bob, Bella, Luna, etc. Look up the most popular dog names and perhaps avoid all of them as a starting point, ha! If you mainly spend time alone with your dog then you won’t have the same issue as that pet parent in the park. But if you are constantly out and about mingling near other dogs, you may want to be a little more original and less common than initially planned.

5. Dog Names Should Evoke Something

While our Dog Name Center offers dozens of puppy name categories, you do want to browse only the ones that your dog can relate to. For example:

If you just went through a tough ordeal like losing a parent or sibling, you could name your new puppy after them. If you love and miss the city you lived in previously, that could be a good idea too. Just make sure you don’t just pick a random word and turn it into a pet name. While this is totally doable and fine, it’s a little less meaningful.

What’s Your Favorite Category of Dog Names?

This page contains our top categories of amazing name ideas for your new dog or puppy. What’s your favorite, and why?

If there are some dog name idea categories you would want us to thoroughly research and add, please email us and we’ll work on it right away!

best dog names

There is no right or wrong dog name idea when you have finally have a shortlist. You then need to go with your heart and perhaps ask your friends, and even more, your family and children. Remember that a dog’s name lasts for over a decade, and it is used every single day – at home, at the vet, at the cafe, in public spaces, etc! And I have yet to hear from a dog owner who changed their dog’s name during the dog’s lifetime – so make the right decision!

Dog Names – FAQ

Choosing amongst so many puppy name ideas can be challenging. We have compiled a list of the most common questions pertaining to dog naming and answered them as briefly and clearly as possibly.

Feel free to leave a comment below if you have further questions!

Are short dog names better than longer ones?

According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), you should pick shorter names for your dog rather than longer, confusing ones. It’s recommended to select a mono or disyllable dog name for your pooch.  

Contrary to long dog names, short names for dogs help in training and socializing your pooch. Your dog’s name should be simple and meaningful enough to catch its attention without sounding gibberish. What’s more, shorter pup names make training sessions a lot easier as your dog would swiftly register its command and follow it. A dog that doesn’t correctly recognize its name is impossible to train.

Regardless, if you’re not into common dog names, you can come up with a unique one by taking your dog’s appearance and character into account. However, If you’re in search of a few common short names for dogs, here’s a list that might help:

  • Atom
  • Argos
  • Bond
  • Coco
  • Dante
  • Ernie
  • Yang

What is the best dog name in the world?

According to the American Kennel Club, Max and Bella are the best dog names in terms of popularity. Charlie and Lucy are right behind in the runner-up spots.

It’s hard to answer questions like, “what is the best dog name?” as the answer entirely depends on you. However, you can undoubtedly name your lovely male dog, “Max” or a variant like Maxie. Also, to reminisce about your youth, you can revert to pop culture dog names from your childhood or adolescence. In that case, Buffy, Willow, and Kurt are popular options for the 90s kids. Other than that, TV shows or movies like Wolf or Summer, internet sensations like Oprah, and social media influencers; all are sources of inspiration for puppy name ideas.

Should I put my dog’s name on his tag?

According to the American Kennel Club, you should definitely put your dog’s name and other personal information on its tag. So, if your dog gets lost, chances are that people would return it to the address mentioned on its collar.

Filling your dog’s tag with important information can be very helpful in locating your pooch if it’s lost. So, you should buy tags that offer more space for your doggo’s information. Other than the dog and guardian’s name, the most important piece of information for dog tags is your contact number. If your dog’s lost, then your contact number can prove to be a lifesaver for him.

Can dog names be only one syllable?

Ideal dog names should be one syllable or two syllables at max. Longer dog names cause problems in registering orders as they are incredibly confusing for dogs.

At first, there might not be an apparent drawback for selecting a longer dog name. But your dog might get confused if its name is a common word, a relative’s name, or a chore. So, you should always pick a dog name which is short, concise and befitting for the personality of your wonderful dog. Short names will help your dog distinguish between similar words easily, making training easier. Some trendy options include Ann, Abe, Bella, and Max. However, you certainly have the right to choose your best friend’s name as per your own choice.

Should my puppy’s name be unique?

It’s always good to have personal and unique puppy names. Using common words would only lead to more confusion for your pup when it tries to follow your orders. Unique pup names are often registered a lot faster by pooches, which helps in training.

Now that you’ve got yourself a cute pup, it’s time to name it. Using commonly used names, commands, or gibberish would only lead to troubles when training your dog. You can definitely avoid this by choosing a name that speaks for the individuality of your pooch. While naming your dog, notice its personal traits, facial features, skin color, and hobbies.

Regardless, there’s no right or wrong here and your choice of name for your puppy completely depends on you. You can choose a name that you hold close to your heart or a puppy name idea that you found in a book; it’s all up to you. Arlo, Beau, and Capo are a few trending unique puppy names for you to choose from.

Is it OK to use an inappropriate or offensive name for a dog?

You should never pick an offensive, inappropriate, or a cheekily humorous name for your dog. If you do, then going out for walks can be problematic as calling out an offensive dog name would infuriate many people.

Naming your dog can be a wee bit difficult, but the hassle is certainly worth it. The dog name you choose should reflect the personality of your new pup, and shouldn’t be a silly term which the general public frowns upon. Since dogs need to be tended emotionally, they appreciate their trips to the park and their walks around the block. Calling them with an offensive dog name can offend many people. Contrary to popular belief, dogs are an intelligent species and can sense moods around them; a room full of laughter or fingers pointed at your dog could stress it out. There are hundreds of short, unique names that you can use to avoid these problems.

Can you rename an old or adult dog?

Through consistent training, renaming an adult or old dog is easier than you think. With time, your dog would’ve caught on and begin answering to its new name. However, you should avoid reusing its old name during the training period, otherwise, your pooch would get confused.

If you’ve made the decision to change your dog’s name, be patient as your dog would be a bit baffled in the beginning. And who’d blame the poor soul? The first step to teaching your dog its new name is by picking one that is short and unique. Also, don’t forget to ask your friends and family to call your dog by its new name. There’s nothing more confusing for a dog than not knowing when to answer calls and orders. With two different dog names being bombarded on your pooch, this situation can end in his inability to relate to any of them.

If your dog is registered with the American Kennel Club, then you can submit this form to officially rename your pooch. However, a dog’s official name doesn’t hold much significance in day-to-day life.

What is the best dog name generator?

The AKC hosts a dog name generator that you can use to find great puppy names. With this ultimate dog name generator, you can choose names starting with a particular letter and even browse through name types like “Disney” and “Techy.”

If you find it hard to decide a name for your dog, then you should consider using dog name generators. The “Name Finder” feature in the AKC name generator allows you to get a look at some of the best dog names according to the gender, personality, and appearance of your dog.

Pro tip: Simple and short dog names are easier for dogs to register and hence vital for maintaining a fun relationship with them. Regardless, the final decision lies completely on you.

Where to find inspiration for original dog names?

Dog name generators provide great inspiration for original dog names. However, you can also take inspiration from popular TV shows, movies, books, or pop-cultural references. Always make sure you pick a name that best resonates with your doggo.

If you’ve ever sat down and racked your brains for choosing a dog name, then you’ll know how hard it is. But to make it easier, you can use a few dog name generators for inspiration. Often, the names suggested by dog name generators are the right length which makes them helpful for training a dog. If looking up names doesn’t help in your case, you can also take inspiration for dog names from pop-culture references, books, movies, or fictional characters. Conclusively, you can choose any name you like for your dog as the final decision is entirely on you.

It is quite normal to feel perplexed while naming a new male dog. According to the AKC, this is the list of the most popular dog names that you can use for your male pooch:

  • Sawyer
  • Hudson
  • Finn
  • Emerson
  • Bear
  • Puppy
  • Ma
  • Kai
  • Cooper 

These names are designed to fit male dogs of every personality, be it an adventurous or calm dog. Properly naming your dog is essential as your dog’s name is a vital part of its character. However, good male dog names are often hard to come by. You can find inspiration for male dog names through books or TV shows. But if being creative isn’t your thing, then using the AKC’s list of the most famous dog names for males might be a sound choice for you. In the end, it is you who decides. So, make sure you take your time and make a sound decision.

What are the dog names that can be boy or girl?

Unisex dog names are trendy as puppy names and can also be used for renaming adult dogs. Here’s a list of some of the most unique dog names for boys and girls:

  • Aspen
  • Ari
  • Ash
  • Bronte
  • Blaine
  • Beau
  • Cheerio
  • Chevy
  • Claude
  • Chewie
  • Dot
  • Emery
  • Fluffy
  • Hayden
  • Harper
  • Ivory
  • Kal
  • Laika
  • Link
  • Linden
  • Lior
  • Micah
  • Muffin
  • Nova
  • Ora
  • Payton
  • Pepper
  • Pinot
  • Rory
  • Zen

Although it comes down to personal preference, unisex dog names are one of the go-to options for many dog owners. Boy and girl dog names offer flexibility in which gender-specific dog names don’t since the latter are dependent on the sex of your dog. However, when choosing the name of your dog, ensure that you consider its personality and looks. Say, if you name your furry Cocker as “Fluffy,” it would sound great. But the same name for an Italian Greyhound would certainly be a poor choice.

What are the best dog names for German Chihuahuas?

Here’s a list of the best dog names for German Chihuahuas:

  • Atilla
  • Bella
  • Coco
  • Hugh
  • Jet
  • Lexa
  • Lola
  • Paco
  • Pip
  • Spike
  • Max
  • Peanut
  • Lilly or Lily
  • Chico
  • Zoey or Zoe

One of the sassiest dogs of all time; the German Chihuahuas! But their small size and a truckload of cuteness aren’t all that Chihuahuas stand for. In fact, their petite sizes are no competition for their personalities. The names mentioned above are in accordance with their popularity as the best chihuahua dog names. However, some are far common than others. If none of these names interests you or suits your dog, you can always pick a name that you hold dear to yourself. Considering the unique personality of Chihuahuas, their name should befittingly be unique as well. Using a unique name for a Chihuahua will complement its exciting aura. Regardless, most Chihuahua dog names are based on their small.

What are the best dog names for German Shepherds?

To help you out, here’s a list of some of the best dog names for German Shepherds:

  • Ada
  • Apollo
  • Cleo
  • Chip
  • Ella
  • Erm
  • Ethel
  • Liz
  • Tazz
  • Xen
  • Zorro

Congratulations on becoming the proud parent of a German Shepherd! Now, you must be anxious to name your new pup. Only a few dog breeds compare to German Shepherds when it comes to beauty. So, many dog names for German Shepherds revolve around their physical appearance. However, if you’re not into those kinds of names for German Shepherds, you can also pick one based on the personality of your dog. To complement the nobility and calm temperament of this beautiful breed, you should pick a name that completely resonates with your pup. If your dog is fancy and loves to play around, you can pick a goofy name to match its nature. Regardless, the best names for German Shepherds are those that are a source of happiness for their owners.

What are the best dog names for Beagles?

Selecting a name for a newborn Beagle is an important step for raising it. So, to provide you with some inspiration, here’s a list of some of the best dog names for Beagles:

  • Ace
  • Alex
  • Benji
  • Blu
  • Bell or Bella
  • Bailey
  • Coco
  • Finn
  • Gus
  • Iggy
  • Lou
  • Misty
  • Nikki
  • Snoop
  • Wallace
  • Zoe  

Names for Beagles revolve around their impressive looks, curious personality, and silky ears. But more than that, you need a beagle name that’s short and easy for your dog to remember; extra points for creativity and uniqueness. Our list of names for Beagles provides dog names that click all those boxes and contains some of the best names you could come across for Beagles of both genders. Feel free to choose a dog name from our list or find inspiration from your life.

What are the best dog names for German Labradors?

Here’s a list of the best dog names for German Labradors. With this list, you can finally choose a name for your pup and train it.

  • Addy
  • Abe
  • Adonis
  • Amos
  • Bax
  • Calder
  • Casper
  • Cosmo
  • Dalia
  • Drew
  • Ivy
  • Indy
  • Link
  • Lila
  • Leo
  • Rags
  • Silas
  • Tuff
  • Zoe
  • Zeke

Since the right choice of name is entirely dependent you, there’s no perfect answer to what the best name for German Labradors is. You can come up with a name based on its personality or pick one from our list of dog names for German Labradors. The thing is, you should choose a name which best suits your likings and your dog’s personality. The best name for your German Labrador would undoubtedly be one that’s important and meaningful to you. However, mono or disyllable names are generally preferred as they are incredibly easy for your dog to remember and for you to call out.

Let’s have a look at some names for female dogs. According to the AKC, here’s a list of the 10 most popular female dog names:

  • Bella
  • Lucy
  • Daisy
  • Luna
  • Lola
  • Sadie
  • Molly
  • Baily
  • Maggie
  • Sophie

I’m sure you must be excited to get your new bitch. However, when naming a female dog, don’t rush into it. To find the best name for a female dog, watch it play around, bark, sleep and perform its daily activities to get a feel of its personality. But if you hate coming up with dog names for females, you can pick a name from our list of the 10 most popular female dog names.

What are the best dog names for Pugs?

Here’s a list of some of the best dog names for Pugs:

  • Aboo
  • Ace
  • Halo
  • Inca
  • Koda
  • Lacie
  • Mugsy
  • Mopsy
  • Quinto
  • Reco
  • Reese
  • Reggie
  • Saber
  • Silo

So, you just can’t stop admiring your cute Pug? Great, but do take out the time to name it so you can finally call it a part of your family. Pugs are hilariously cute dogs that make perfect partners-in-crime. Anyhow, the name you choose for your pug will generally affect its training and become a part of its personality. So, you should always try to pick the best dog name for pugs which highlights their fun nature. Pugs are intelligent and can sense the mood in their environment. The pug names which are listed above are some of the most unique ones on the internet. However, if they don’t cut the deal for you, look for inspiration in the people, media, and books around you. You never know when inspiration might strike to help you find the best name for your pug.

What are the best dog names for Bulldogs?

Bulldogs are well-known for their bulky bodies, prominent jaws, and flat noses. Given below is a list of some of the best names for Bulldogs:

  • Brutus
  • Buffy
  • Bingo
  • Caesar
  • Dex
  • Felix
  • Reggae
  • Rufus
  • Nyx
  • Otto
  • Otis
  • Pepe
  • Paws
  • Pugsley
  • Rex
  • Rocky

Bulldogs are incredibly friendly and calm with their owners. Keeping their temperament in mind, the best name for a bulldog would be a word that complements their nature and the unique looks they possess. Since your Bulldog is going to be an integral part of your life for the years to come, the final choice of its name is completely in your hands. However, spend a little time with your pup and notice the quirks in its personality. A few minutes of keen observation will provide you with lots of ideas to pick the best dog name for your Bulldog. And if you can’t come up with one, you can always refer to our list of the best Bulldog names.

What are the best dog names for Huskies?

If TV shows and movies have inspired you to get a cute Husky dog, it’s time you name it so you can start its training and socializing. Here’s a useful list to help you find the best dog name for Huskies:

  • Ace
  • Atlas
  • Apache
  • Apollo
  • Aspen
  • Balto
  • Bolt
  • Dash
  • Jet
  • Koko
  • Sky
  • Sesi
  • Ulva

Huskies are one of the most loved dog breeds because of their exuberant character and mesmerizing eyes. If you’re asking yourself, “How can I name my Husky?” then these are some of the personality traits and characteristics of this breed that you should have in mind. Since Huskies originated in Siberia, it’s a great idea to choose a Siberian name for them. Also, you might even use dog names from foreign languages that you like, regardless of whether or not you know how to speak them. The options for dog names for Huskies are endless and that often makes it that much more confusing. So, you can take a look at our list or hunt for one which you can truly call the best dog name for your Husky.

What are the best dog names for Poodles?

To help you name your Poodle, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best poodle names for your doggo:

  • Alcott
  • Alfred
  • Asher
  • Aspen
  • Blake
  • Duke
  • Daisy
  • Edwin
  • Harper
  • Hank
  • Jax
  • Josie
  • Lux
  • Louie
  • Max
  • Oliver
  • Stella
  • Spud

Poodles are an exquisite yet sassy breed of dogs which is said to have originated from Germany and France. With their active nature and an eager personality, Poodles have some of the fanciest dog names ever. The list we’ve just provided has some fantastic names. However, what you consider to be the “best dog name for Poodles” completely relies on your taste and preferences. Since Poodles have a long lifespan, always choose names that would look good on them through every phase of their life.


Published on
Friday 7 June 2019
Last updated on
Monday 9 December 2019

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Breeding Business is passionate about all sorts of domesticated pets. They have written dozens of articles across the web.

One comment on “List of the Best Dog Names”

  1. Jenny Sfeir

    Thanks for this incredible guide on naming puppies! I am facing an issue… My three children all love a different name for our new puppy, and my partner and I also want a different name. How to pick one that would please all of us?

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