Welcoming a new puppy is exciting – and the very first big decision is picking the perfect dog name! A great dog name reflects your pet’s personality and even your own interests, and you’ll be saying it every day for years. In 2024–2025, name trends range from classic favorites (Luna, Bella, Max) to pop-culture picks and even foodie-themed monikers. Whether you love traditional or creative names, this guide will help first-time dog owners find inspiration and choose a name that fits your pup. We’ll cover current naming trends, give practical naming tips, and share examples of popular and unique dog names.
Many of today’s favorite dog names are inspired by movies, nature, food, and other fun themes. For example, Luna has reigned as a top dog name for years, and classic picks like Bella, Charlie, Max, and Lucy remain perennial favorites. Camp Bow Wow reports that “Luna reigned supreme for the third year in a row” in 2024. Pet-sitting services and registries (AKC, Rover, Embark) all show Luna, Bella, Daisy, Charlie, Max, Bailey, Sadie and similar names consistently in the top charts.
Current trends also show lots of playful new names. Here are some of the most popular naming categories and examples:
Pet parents often pick names from TV, movies, books or celebrities. For example, Bluey (the cartoon dog) jumped 58% in popularity in 2024. Names like Elsa or Leia come from hit franchises, and characters from recent films (e.g. Maverick, Goose from Top Gun, or Poppy from Trolls) are on the rise.
Many dog names reflect the natural world. Celestial names like Luna (“moon”), Nova, Stella, and Orion are very popular. Earthy and floral names like Willow, River, Aspen, Daisy, or Bear (for a big fluffy dog) are also trending.
Hungry naming parents choose tasty names! Food-themed names like Mochi (a sweet treat), Biscuit, Pepper, Olive, and Cocoa are fun choices. In fact, one trend report notes that “food-inspired names” such as Peanut, Olive and Biscuit are common.
Of course, tried-and-true names remain beloved. Timeless picks like Max, Bella, Charlie, and Lucy have “classic canine charm” and rank high year after year. These simple names are easy to say and instantly feel familiar.
One or two syllables are best. Short names are easy for a dog to recognize and train to respond to. Use strong sounds – hard consonants (like b, k, t, d) make the name stand out.
Don’t pick a name that sounds like a common command. For example, Kit can sound like “sit,” and Poe can sound like “no.” Using such a name could confuse your puppy during training.
Avoid choosing a dog name that is very similar to the names of people or other pets in your household. If you name your dog Charlie and you also have a nephew Harley, it could confuse everyone!
Think about your dog’s look and character. A tiny, lively puppy might suit a cute name like Peanut or Zippy, while a large gentle dog might be Bear or Tank.
Naming your new puppy is a fun first step in your lifelong friendship. Whether you choose a popular favorite or a one-of-a-kind name, make sure it’s easy to say, positive for training, and a reflection of your pet’s character.We’ve seen that dog names inspired by pop culture, nature, food, and classic themes are all in vogue. Remember, the bond you share with your dog goes beyond words. When the time comes to honor their memory, visit our Pet Memories page for compassionate resources to keep their spirit alive.
What will you call your new furry friend? Share your favorite dog names in the comments below! We’d love to hear how you chose your pup’s name and any creative name ideas you have.
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