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When you’re trying to figure out what to name your dog, you want to give them the perfect name. But how do you choose a call name that isn’t overused, fits your vibe, and is short and sweet?

The list of the most popular dog names generally doesn’t change much from year to year, a little like the list of most popular dog breeds in America. But some names are trendier than others, though they might not make the list of most popular. to learn more about the special method to naming your dog when registering with the American Kennel Club.

Cute and Unique Puppy Names

Golden Retriever puppy being held and hugged by a woman outdoors.
FlairImages via Getty Images

We’ve compiled a list of our top 150 puppy names, inspired by the dogs that have participated in AKC dog sports and events over the years. Hopefully these names spark an idea for your new puppy!

Abby Cash Evie Josie Obie Sophie
Ace Catcher Finn Joy Ollie Spark
Addie Chaos Flash Juno Peach Spencer
Adele Chase Frankie Karma Penny Spirit
Annie Chili Frisco Kenzi Pepper Spring
Apollo CiCi Gator Kiva Piper Star
Aspen Cody Georgia Kona Prada Storm
Bailey Cole Ginger Kyra Ranger Strider
Beamer Comet Grace Lacie Raven Summer
Bear Cooper Haley Lark Reggie Tally
Belle Cruise Happy Laser Remington Tango
Bella Crush Harley Latte Riley Tank
Birdie Daisy Hattie Levi Ripley Taylor
Bling Dare Hope Lilly Riot Tease
Blue Dash Hunter Linx River Tessa
Bogey Dawson Indy Logan Roxie Token
Body Dazzle Jack Lucy Ruby Tori
Boomer Demi Jamie Luke Rumor Tripp
Bowen Denali Jax Max Salsa Trooper
Breeze Diva Jazz Mia Scarlett Tucker
Brie Dixie Jenna Mojo Scout Tux
Brody Echo Jersey Molly Shadow Whip
Buzz Eli Jet Murphy Shiloh Wyatt
Callaway Ellie Jinx Nike Skye Zeke
Casey Emmy JoJo Nova Slater Zip

Choosing a Trending Dog Name

Dog names are always trending, just like baby names. Whether you’re choosing a dog name for your boy or girl puppy, the trending names for your dog will change year over year as well.

Trending Boy Dog Names

  • Travis (of football and pop-superstar relationship fame)
  • Ken (of “Barbie” fame)
  • Allen (also of “Barbie” fame)
  • (, and Norse mythology)
  • (Marvel universe, and also Norse mythology)
  • (Disney)
  • Bruno (of “Encanto” fame)
  • Rocket or Groot (of “Guardians of the Galaxy” fame)
Australian Shepherd laying outdoors with two puppies.
Zuzule/Getty Images Plus via Getty Images

Trending Girl Dog Names

  • Elsa
  • Bella (top girl dog name year after year)
  • Stella
  • Quinn
  • Sophie
  • Ivy (maybe your puppy is part of the Beyhive?)
  • Charlie
  • Aurora (Roman goddess of dawn; a good pick for a girl puppy who gets you out of bed before the alarm clock)
  • Avery
  • Lila

The Most Popular Dog Names of 2023

We’ve compiled the top 100+ most popular boy and girl dog names from American Kennel Club’s purebred registration and mixed-breed enrollment data for 2023 to help you make the best choice.

Top Boy Dog Names

These names top the list for male dogs in 2023. See the full list of boy dog names here.

  1. Max
  2. Charlie
  3. Cooper
  4. Teddy
  5. Milo
  6. Ollie
  7. Bear
  8. Rocky
  9. Finn
  10. Leo

Two Bull Terrier puppies wrestling in the grass.
KSnumber1/Getty Images Plus

Top Girl Dog Names

These names top the list for female dogs in 2023. See the full list of girl dog names here.

  1. Luna
  2. Bella
  3. Daisy
  4. Maggie
  5. Willow
  6. Lucy
  7. Bailey
  8. Rosie
  9. Sadie
  10. Lola

Things to Consider When Naming Your Dog

Names often reflect the character of your pet. Observe your dog for a few days and see if his personality suggests a name. Is he regal? Does she always want to be the center of attention? If so, how about “King” or “Star”?

Choose a Name That is Easy

Short, sweet and easily recognizable names work best in getting your dog to be responsive. Use a name that is one or two syllables, ending with a vowel, such as “Sadie” or “Rocky.”

Don’t choose a name that is too long or difficult to say. A name such as “Sir Barks A Lot” will only confuse your dog.

Avoid Names That Are Similar to Cues

Avoid names that sound like commands. Names like “Joe” sound like “no” when called, and a name like “Kit” may sound like “sit.” This can get confusing for your dog very quickly, so try to steer clear of names that have similar sounds to cues you’ll be using a lot.

Kuvasz puppies exploring in a field.
Kuvasz puppies

Choose an Evergreen Name

Pick a name that will fit your dog regardless of their age. For example, a puppy named “Fuzzy” may not be a good fit after they grow into adulthood.

Test out the name you would like to give your dog for a day or two. Remember any name you give your dog will be a 10-to-15-year commitment for the life of the dog.

Don’t name your dog after a friend or family member without getting their prior permission. You never know who could be offended.

Practice Makes Perfect

After you chose a name for your dog make sure you use it often so they can learn it more quickly. Don’t raise your voice every time you call them, and try to use their names in positive, playful settings, such as when you feed them, play with them or pet them.

, we can help you find your dream dog. You can find AKC-registerable puppies from responsible, passionate breeders, and we provide the tools you need for every step of the process. Visit to start connecting with dog breeders in your area!

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