Tips for Naming Your New Puppy

Name Selection Tips and the Most Popular Dog Names

Aug 7, 2008

Learn the best types of names for a pet, how to decide on a moniker, things to consider when picking a new dog name, along with the top 100 names for dogs.

Picking a name for your new dog or puppy - it’s one of the first decisions that many pet owners will make when they bring a new puppy or adult dog into the home. But selecting the perfect dog name can be difficult and overwhelming and many new dog owners are left wondering, “Where do I begin?”

Selecting a dog name is a very personal process. Some pet owners like to select a name before they bring their new puppy home. And others prefer to see what name best "fits" their new dog, and therefore these pet parents will opt to get to know their new canine friend before deciding on a name.

Whatever method you select, be sure that the name is one that you and your new dog can live with. What are the most common nicknames? What does the name mean? What images, thoughts or feelings does the name conjure for you and other family members? Is there a popular culture reference involving the name? “Caroline” may be a nice name, but if you can’t stand the thought of strangers singing the song Sweet Caroline, then maybe another name would be a better choice. These are all things that new dog owners will need to consider.

Pet owners who are planning to have children in the future should also keep their favorite baby names in mind during the puppy naming process. If your favorite baby name is "Isabelle," then you'll want to avoid naming your dog "Annabelle" or "Bella." Not only will these similar names be confusing to both pet and child, but many parents will not want to give their child a name that they associate with their pet.

Experts also recommend two-syllable names for dogs, since training commands tend to be one syllable, and names that are more than two syllables can be difficult to teach to a dog.

Starting a list of favorite possible pet names is a great start for soon-to-be dog parents. Other family members who are also going to be involved in the puppy naming process can also compile a list of their favorite names. The lists can then be compared for common names that are present on both lists and a debate can ensue on the benefits or disadvantages of certain names.

Purchasing a baby name book is another good option, particularly for dog owners who are looking for a more unique name. Baby name books and even some baby name websites feature lists of nicknames, information on each name's meaning and origin, and even recommendations for similar names that soon-to-be dog owners may also like.

The Most Popular Names

Every year, the Veterinary Pet Insurance Company, or VPI, releases a list of the top dog and cat names. The most popular names are compiled from VPI’s insurance policies.

The Top 50 Female Dog Names

The Top 50 Male Dog Names