Cute dogs deserve the cutest pet names, don’t they? If you’re searching for the perfect cute dog name, Rover is here to help. We searched through our database of dog names nationwide to find the cutest options around. These cute dog names are sweet, sparkly, and sure to tug on your heartstrings, just like your new dog.
Cute dog names are perfect for small dog breeds, fluffy puppies, and really, any family dog—because dog people know that every dog is cute.
Cute dog names, sweet dog names, precious dog names: call them what you will, all the names on this list will make you swoon a little. Have fun, use your imagination, and be sure to check out other ideas from our wide selection of dog name lists.
Cute Girl Dog Names
We handpicked these great name ideas for your pet by digging through millions of names chosen by dog owners in the last few years, going way beyond the top 100 dog names to find the most adorable choices for your new family member.
- Abby
- Allie
- Annie
- Angel
- Apple
- Bailey
- Bamm-Bamm
- Bella
- Bluebell
- Bonnie
- Callie
- Caramel
- Cherry
- Chloe
- Clover
- Coco
- Cricket
- Dixie
- Dolce
- Ellie
- Flower
- Frankie
- Gigi
- Goldie
- Grace / Gracie
- Harper
- Izzy
- Josie
- Katie
- Kiki
- Lily / Lillie
- Lottie
- Lucy
- Lulu
- Maggie
- Marley
- Molly
- Nala
- Nessie
- Pancakes
- Pansy
- Peaches
- Poppy
- Pumpkin
- Queenie
- Rhubarb
- Rosie
- Sadie
- Sophie
- Stella
- Sugar
- Tillie
- Violet
- Winnie
- Zoe / Zoey
- Zuzu
Cute Boy Dog Names
- Amos
- Archie
- Beau
- Biscuit
- Bolt
- Boots
- Buddy
- Charlie
- Colby
- Cooper
- Dash
- Eddie
- Finn
- Frankie
- Frodo
- Goose
- Gulliver
- Gus
- Henry
- Herbie
- Hershey
- Jack
- Jojo / Joey
- Kai
- Lennon
- Leo
- Marshmallow
- Moose
- Mowgli
- Oliver
- Otis
- Otto
- Oscar
- Pepe
- Pippin / Pip
- Pluto
- Quinn
- Riley
- River
- Sawyer
- Sprout
- Toby
- Tucker
- Waffles
- Winston
Human Names for Dogs
You’ll notice that many of the names on this list are people names as well, and would sound equally at home on a baby as they do on a puppy. Why is that? Our data shows that each year, dog lovers increasingly turn to human names for their pets. This reflects the larger cultural trend that embraces dogs as full-fledged family members rather than “just” pets.
In the past, male dog names and female dog names alike were less likely to be personalized to the dog. For instance, a boy dog might have been named Rex, Duke, or Rover, while a girl dog might have been called Lady or Princess.
Nowadays, however, you’re more likely to hear Oscar, Zoey, or Emma called out at the local dog park. And who can resist a cuddly Teddy or a precious Mimi?
Cute Dog Naming Advice
Are you still uncertain about which moniker to choose? You’re not alone. Some dog owners just know their pet is a Bailey or Cooper as soon as they make eye contact, but many other pet parents need time to try out various options. If you’re having trouble deciding, keep in mind that a cute dog name can come from many different sources of inspiration, such as your favorite foods, books, celebrities, your heritage, or even dog breed history.
For example, a French bulldog puppy might sport a French-inspired name like Chloe, while a German dog breed could carry a name like Bruno. Try to imagine the name you want to display proudly on an adorably customizable collar.
Another consideration when choosing your dog’s name? Dog training. This is of particular importance for puppies. When you’re teaching your new dog to respond to commands like sit, stay, or come, you’ll want to be sure their name isn’t a source of confusion. In other words, avoid puppy names that sound like a common dog training cue, such as “Bit,” which could easily be misheard as “sit.”
Many dog experts recommend choosing a name with at least two syllables and a sing-song or vowel sound at the end.
Of course, what matters most is that the dog name you choose rolls off your tongue with ease. You’ll want to select a name that you feel comfortable repeating because you’ll be saying it…a lot. Your dog’s name should make you happy! We’re fans of the “backdoor test” for dog name selection.
It’s pretty much what it sounds like: stand at the back door and call out your new dog‘s potential new cute dog name. Saying “Goose, it’s time for dinner!” or “Zuzu, leave it!” helps take the name out of your imagination and into reality.
The Takeaway about Adorable Dog Names
Good luck, have fun, and be sure to check out our other dog name coverage. As dog lovers through and through, we find dog names absolutely fascinating, and we love searching our data on the topic to discover hot trends, quirky choices, and unique twists on classics. Over the years, we’ve compiled plenty of names for you to peruse!
To start, check out our list of the most popular dog names, and then jump over to unique dog names to see the contrast. But that’s only the beginning.
More Dog Name Inspiration
- Irish Dog Names
- Romantic Dog Names
- Popular Names for Hunting Dogs
- Small Dog Names
- Black Dog or White Dog Names
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Hero image via flickr/haquintero
