Our dogs’ names say a lot about us, so it’s okay to take your time picking the perfect moniker for your pup. As it turns out, choosing the perfect name for your dog is a mix of art and science. And it’s a name you’ll be calling for years to come. So no pressure, right?
Whether you’re welcoming a new puppy or adopting an older dog, finding the right name for your pup can feel like a big decision. Should it reflect their personality or their looks? Or should it just be something that rolls off the tongue? What are some of the best names for a female dog and the best names for a male dog? And what if your dog doesn’t respond to the name you pick?
Don’t worry, we’ll cover all of these questions and more with the help of Jill Beitel, CPDT-KA, owner of Courteous Canine.
How To Pick a Dog Name
Choosing what to call your dog is a personal journey, taking into consideration your personality as well as your pet’s. So, how do you pick a name that both you and your dog will love? Here are a few things to keep in mind.
- Keep it short and sweet. When it comes to picking a dog name, shorter is usually better. Dogs typically respond best to names that are one to two syllables long. You can always have a longer formal title for your dog but use a shorter nickname for everyday interaction (e.g., Maximilian → Max).
- Use hard consonants and vowel endings. “Dogs do seem to respond best to names with a nice uplift at the end, rather than a dull/abrupt ending (e.g., Folly vs. Fred, Charlie vs. Charles),” says Beitel.
- Avoid confusing sounds. Try to steer clear of names that sound too much like common commands. For instance, “Kit” might be cute, but it sounds a lot like “sit,” which could confuse your dog during training.
- Avoid offensive names. You’ll be saying your dog’s name a lot, both in private and in public, so choose something you won’t be embarrassed to shout across the dog park.
- Consider longevity. Your dog’s name should fit them throughout their life, from puppyhood to adulthood. Something like “Tiny” might be adorable for a puppy, but it could feel out of place when your dog grows into a 90-pound adult.
- Avoid similar names. If you have other pets or family members, try to choose a name that doesn’t sound too similar to theirs. Calling out “Maggie” when you have a “Maddie” in the house might get confusing.
- Get consent when naming after a person. If you’re thinking of naming your dog after a friend or family member, make sure to get their blessing first. While your best friend might be flattered that they inspired you, it’s always better to check.
This video covers heart-warming stories from real pet parents about how they found the perfect name for their best friend.
How To Come Up With a Unique Name
Now that you’ve got the basics down to brainstorm a name for your dog, you’re ready to start getting creative. After all, naming your dog is like writing the opening line of their life story with you, so why not make it stand out? We’ve seen pet parents choose dog names that reflect everything from heritage to favorite sports teams and celebrities.
Here are some ideas to guide you.
Match the name to their personality or appearance
After you spend some time observing your dog’s personality or appearance, you might get inspired by their quirks. Do they have unique markings on their coat? Or a sassy temperament?
Below are a few examples to kickstart your imagination:
- Blaze – For a dog with a red or orange coat color, or a high-energy dog that zips around like a lightning bolt.
- Shadow – For a dog with dark fur or one that follows you around everywhere you go, just like your shadow.
- Tank – For a dog with a strong, sturdy build who moves with confidence.
Play on their breed heritage
Want to honor your dog’s breed origins? Or perhaps you’ve traveled there, have ancestry there, or simply admire its culture? Either way, here are some name ideas to celebrate your pup’s heritage:
- Gwyn (meaning “white” or “blessed” in Welsh) – For breeds like a Corgi, Welsh Terrier, or Welsh Springer Spaniel.
- Hoshi (meaning “star” in Japanese) – For breeds like a Shiba Inu, Japanese Akita, or Japanese Chin.
- Chanel (after the famous French fashion brand) – For breeds like a Poodle, French Bulldog, or Papillon.
Name your dog after something you love
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Your dog’s name can be a reflection of who you are and what you love, like books, music, or movies. Georgijevic via iStock
Many people turn to pop culture for dog names, whether they’re a fan of books, movies, TV shows, or fashion.
“I always recommend that you take your time and choose a name for your dog that has some meaning and significance to your life,” says Beitel. “For example, are you a musical person? You could choose something from your favorite band, musical, or song.”
Here are a few pop culture names that might capture your dog’s personality:
- Lennon – After John Lennon, the founder, co-lead vocalist, and rhythm guitarist of the Beatles.
- Toto – After Dorothy’s dog in the film The Wizard of Oz.
- Hagrid – After the gamekeeper of Hogwarts in the Harry Potter series.
Avoid common names if you live in a heavily populated dog area
If you live in an area with a lot of dogs, it’s a good idea to avoid overly common names. Some names are popular because they’re cute, but in a dog park filled with Maxes and Bellas, you and your dog might get confused. Try thinking outside the box. That way your dog will have a title as unique as they are.
Additional Tips for Naming Your Dog
Still feeling stuck on what to call your dog, or have additional questions about the dog naming process? Don’t worry—we’ll cover some commonly asked questions below.
What should I do if I’m still stuck finding the right name for my dog?
The name options are endless, so it’s okay to feel overwhelmed. Try looking through a few name lists or give our dog name generator a try.
Once you’ve narrowed your options down to only a few contenders, try calling your dog by each name and see how they respond. Do their ears perk? Do you get a tail wag? Sometimes, the right name just clicks, and you’ll know when you’ve found the one that fits.
If I’m adopting a dog who already has a name, can I rename them?
The short answer—yes, you can! But it’s worth thinking about your reasons.
Most shelters assign new names to dogs when they arrive, so if your dog only spent a few weeks there, they likely didn’t become attached to their shelter name. However, if a dog was surrendered after spending years in a stable and loving home, it’s sometimes better to keep their original name or choose a new one that sounds similar to help them adjust.
“Also, if you know there have been no positive associations with the existing name, and/or the dog has a history of abuse or neglect, plan to change the name and start fresh,” adds Beitel.
There’s really no age limit for changing a dog’s name. Just remember to be patient and use positive reinforcement to help them learn it. “I often tell my clients that it just takes 10 minutes and a handful of chicken to easily and happily change your new dog’s name,” says Beitel.
What should I do if my dog is having trouble learning their name?
To teach your dog its name, reward them each time they respond to it. NickyLloyd via iStock
Many pet parents believe that by saying their dog’s new name again and again, their pup will learn to respond to it. But if there’s no positive association with the new name, your dog will likely just ignore it.
“If a dog hears their name repeatedly followed by no particular response or reward, they learn to ignore it, as it clearly has no significance or associated reinforcement,” says Beitel. “This is called learned irrelevance, and it’s quite common.”
Patience, positive reinforcement, and consistency is key to helping your dog learn their new name. Reward your pup with their favorite thing, like a treat or a toy, each time you say their name and they respond to it. If you practice this training a few times a day, your pup will master their name in no time.
