Cute dogs deserve the most adorable pet names, don’t they? If you’re searching for the perfect name for your furry family member, Rover is here to help. We searched through our database of dog names to find the cutest options around. These 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.
If you’re looking for a name that stands out, too, look no further. We’ve handpicked these great name ideas for your pet by digging through millions of names chosen by dog owners in the last few years. Whether you’re drawn to classic choices like Rosie, Jack, Ellie, and Molly, or trendsetters like Chloe, Finn, and Leo, you’re sure to find a cute dog name that fits the bill.
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 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 personalised 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.
Cute Girl Dog Names
- Abby
- Allie
- Annie
- Angel
- Apple
- Bailey
- BammBamm
- 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
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 Bruce 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 favourite 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.
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. And 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 name. Saying “Marley, it’s time for dinner!” or “Ellie, leave it!” helps take the name out of your imagination and into reality.
More Dog Names
Good luck, have fun and make sure to check out our other dog name coverage. Over the years, we’ve compiled plenty of names for you to peruse—and we keep our lists updated with new dog name data each year. You can also check out our list of unique dog names, or take a look at our list of food-themed dog names and celebrity dog names.
The Dog Name Generator
If you need some more name inspiration, check out our Dog Name Generator! We’ll delve into our huge Rover database of dog names and based on the information you provide, we’ll give you some dog-name-related intel. We’ll tell you the two most popular dog names for your dog’s breed and gender, and if you’re looking for a name that stands out from the pack, you’re in luck! We’re throwing in a third, decidedly random option that’s just for fun. That’s right, we won’t just give you one result, we’ll give you three whole dog names to choose from! Then we’ll leave it up to you to decide if your new addition is more of an Alfie or a Captain Merrylegs. Good luck and have fun choosing the perfect name for your new wee friend.
Once you’ve found the perfect name, find the perfect dog sitter who can provide your dog with all the love and attention they deserve when you can’t be around on Rover.com.
