The Most Popular Dog Names of 2024

In 2024, over 86.9 million households have a pet. And just like you, 97 percent of those folks consider their dog a family member. The name you give your rescued pup is a pretty important first step. That name may reflect how you dote on your dog’s appearance, speak to their idiosyncratic personality, or be an homage to something else you love. Because who isn’t inspired by the world around them? If you’re stuck on a name for your new canine adoptee (trust us, we’ve been there), below you’ll find this year’s most popular dog names and more to provide you with fresh inspiration.

Top 10 popular dog names 

From wistful and romantic to sweet and approachable, these are the most popular dog names of 2024.

1. Luna 

2. Charlie

3. Bella

4. Lucy

5. Cooper

6. Daisy

7. Max

8. Milo

9. Bailey

10. Sadie

More popular male dog names

These may not have made the Top 10, but they were still omnipresent in 2024.

• Bear

• Finn

• Ollie

• Teddy

• Toby

• Tucker

More popular female dog names

These lovely names also emerged as favorite canine names in 2024.

• Lola

• Maggie

• Rosie

• Stella

• Willow

Popular names for small breeds 

What is the most popular dog name if your pup is small? There are several, all of which capture their lovable sizes, lively attitudes, and an adorable sense of whimsy. Whether you’re obsessed with your Chihuahua, Terrier, Dachshund, or another petite breed mix, we’ve got just the name for you.

• Roxy

• Coco

• Baxter

• Peanut

• Penny

• Bugsy

• Izzy

Popular names for medium-sized dogs

Naming a pup that’s neither pint-sized nor formidably built can be challenging if you’re leaning on physical cues. Thankfully, your pet-parent peers have done some of that out-of-the-box thinking for you. Check out these popular name ideas for your medium-sized Cocker Spaniels, Cattle Dog, Beagle, and more. 

• Brody

• Lola

• Gus

• Jade

• Louie

• Molly

• Oliver

Trending names for large breeds

These monikers evoke many large dogs’ gentle strength and coolness. They’re also popular names for goofy Husky dogs, handsome Pitty or Shepherd mixes, and loyal Boxers alike.

• Adonis

• Astro

• Bo

• Hendrix

• Oakley

• Koda

• Molly

Creative and unique naming trends for dogs

Sometimes, when a dog name is just too basic for you, you have no other recourse than to get creative. Here are a few names trending with like-minded pet parents. 

Food and drink-inspired names 

You like food. Your dog likes food. Here are some savory treats (with a few drinks to wash them down) that speak to your pup’s greatest love: eating.

• Mimosa

• Pork Chop

• Taco

• Pickles

• Cheddar

• Miso

• Bud

Nature and element-based names

What better way to capture your pup’s energy level and physical presence than through one of these names?

• Birdie — after the graceful, airborne animal

• Cirrus — wispy cloud formations

• Clover — as in the possibly lucky plant

• Cricket — the chirping creature

• Ruby — as in the precious gem

• Sky — the endless expanse above us

• Storm — for the dog who’s a force of nature

Popular celebrity dog names 

Actors and musicians love showing off their dogs, and most of those pups happen to have pretty cool names. Here are a few of the most well-known.

• Asia — one of Lady Gaga’s beloved trio of French Bulldogs 

• Boomer — of course Snoop Dogg has pups, including this Labradoodle

• Chopa — Simu Liu’s rescue, proudly “living her best Hollywood life”

• Colombo — the Husky-Shepherd often seen on walks with mom Emily Ratajkowski

• Kuma — the Pit Bull rescue who captured Justin Theroux’s heart

• Pilaf — Demi Moore’s teacup pup who’s often her plus-one at events

• Shark — one of Billie Eilish’s adopted dogs is this adorkable Pit Bull

Popular sporting dog names

From Spaniels to Pointers to Retrievers, these quick, dexterous dogs often inspire vivid, energetic names.

• Blaise — or Blaze, in appreciation of their speed

• Bolt — for a dog with superheroic speed

• Dakota — a name from the Dakota people, meaning “friend”

• Duke — a classic name for an athletic dog

• Hunter — an obvious, if a pretty cool name

• Scout — for a sniffy, snoopy, hyper-alert dog

• Sierra — a nod to the great outdoors

Popular Japanese dog names

There is something about the crisp sound of Japanese words that lend themselves to a punchy but soulful dog name. 

• Miso — the umami paste used in cooking

• Mochi — a chewy rice cake, sometimes in ice-cream form

• Hiro — a proper name meaning “abundant” or “prosperous”

• Sakura — which means “cherry blossom”

• Kenzo — a proper name meaning “wise”

• Suki — a proper name meaning “beloved”

• Koji — a food item, but also a proper name meaning “happiness”

Popular dog names in movies 

Some movies are timeless, and so are the dogs in them.

• Marley — Jennifer Aniston’s sweet, trouble-making rescue from Marley & Me

• Toto — the scruffy, elder statesman of all cinema dogs from The Wizard of Oz

• Gromit — Wallace’s intelligent sidekick in the Wallace and Gromit film series

• Darling — the “Lady” half of Disney’s classic Lady and the Tramp

• Dug — the affectionate, talking dog obsessed with squirrels from Pixar’s Up

• Pongo — the affable canine dad in 101 Dalmatians

• Hooch — the buddy-cop partner to Tom Hanks’ investigator in Turner & Hooch

Commonly asked questions

What is a creative dog name?

A creative dog name is not so obvious — and usually requires a bit of brainstorming. For instance, the name could reference a favorite food item, a movie, a cool foreign-language word, or anything that inspires you. See above (“Creative and Unique Naming Trends for Dog”) for some creative dog name ideas.

How do I change a dog’s name?

To change a dog’s name, you’ll need to use positive reinforcement training. Start by introducing the new name alongside the old name. Then, continue to use the new name only while rewarding the pup anytime they respond to this new name.

Should I adopt a puppy or dog?

Consider the time you can invest in training when you are thinking about adopting a puppy versus a dog. Puppies sure are cute, but they require a lot more attention, training time, and patience. In contrast, adult dogs are usually already house-trained, will require less overall training, and will have less energy to expend. 

How to prepare for an adoption home visit? 

To prepare for an adoption home visit (or a rescue checking out your home environment as part of the adoption process), you need to prepare your home first with all the supplies a new dog requires (a leash, bed, crate, food/water bowls, and so on). Also, prepare to answer questions about your home and work lifestyle and (if you rent) approval to have a pet. The rescue will also want to meet and speak with other household members who live with you, so don’t forget to prep them for this visit.

References

City Reports Boston’s Most Popular Dog Names

The Most Popular U.S. Dog Names by City

Move Over, Max! American Kennel Club Reveals Most Popular Dog Names of 2024

The Top Ten Names for Dogs and Cats in Bellevue and Newcastle