As surprising as you may find it, at least 50 percent of dog names are a human name or nickname. People tend to name their dogs something they would be comfortable naming themselves. Other dog names fall into several categories that may be descriptive of the dogs color, markings, breed, size, behavior or circumstances surrounding their adoption into their human family. It is important to pick the right name, when naming your dog. You are going to be saying it at several dozen times a day to call, praise and scold your
dog.
Things to Keep in Mind When Naming Your Dog
- Pick a name that is easy for your dog to recognize. One or two syllables will be easiest.
- The name should be something that you are comfortable shouting out in public places. You don’t want to name your dog something that is embarrassing or politically incorrect. Although Fart is a cute, funny name for a tiny dog, are you going to be comfortable calling your dog that at a neighborhood park?
- Avoid naming your dog something that resembles or sounds like simple commands. No, Stay, Sit, Down, Fetch and Treat are words that you don’t want the dog to be confused about. Names like Joe, Ray, Kitt, Ron, and Mitch are examples of names that are too closely related to commands and should be avoided.
- When choosing a long name, take into consideration what the shortened or nick name will be. It might ruin the effect you’re looking for. For example, you might want to name your extremely large dog Peter the Great to emphasize how big he is; unfortunately, the nickname Petey, makes you think of something small.
- Your dog’s breed heritage can be great inspiration when naming your dog. German (Dachshunds, Schnauzers, Shepards), French (poodle), Irish (Setters, Wolfhounds), Scottish (terriers), Dutch (St. Bernard) are great sources for naming your dog.
- Study your dog for a few days to see if their behavior, affection, personality, or appearance inspires a one of a kind name.
- Pick a name that your dog won’t outgrow.
- Popular Names for Dogs
- Max or a derivative of Max is the most popular dog names, for the second year in a row. The top ten names for male and female dogs follow.
Male
- Max
- Buddy
- Jake
- Rocky
- Bailey
- Buster
- Cody
- Charlie
- Bear
- Jack
Female
- Molly
- Maggie
- Daisy
- Lucy
- Sadie
- Ginger
- Chloe
- Bailey
- Sophie
- Zoe
Picking Names Based on Personality Traits
There are wonderful, descriptive names to describe your dog’s unique characteristics and personality traits. When naming your dog based on personality, the following categories may offer you inspiration.
- Funny dogs
- Playful dogs
- Cute or beautiful dogs
- Independent dogs
- Sweet or loving dogs
- Big dogs with big personalities
- Small dogs
- Smart dogs
- Aggressive dogs
- Not so smart dogs
- Strong or fast dogs
- Ornery dogs
- Talkative dogs
- Watch dogs
- Stray or Rescued dog
When naming your dog, remember to keep it a family affair and let it be fun. Sometimes a child can come up with the cutest or most appropriate name for the family dog.
