Picking the Perfect Name for Your Pet Dog  

Introduction 

Getting a dog is both exciting and overwhelming! Talk to any dog owner and they will probably tell you that picking out their dog’s name was no easy task. After all, there are so many name possibilities out there!  

Unlike a baby, you can name a dog anything you’d like. It’s not uncommon to see a dog named ‘Taco’ or ‘Basil’ – but it sure would be uncommon to meet a person with those names! All the freedom you have can be overwhelming, but this article will teach you how to use it to your advantage and craft up a pet name that’s perfect for your new pooch.  

Helpful Hints to Consider Before Naming Your Pet 

When naming your pet, you might go directly to a search engine and pull up lists of thousands of dog names. It’s helpful to get inspiration from others, but you might also find it overwhelming to look at so many names. Too many options can make it harder to choose one name. How do you narrow it down? 

Below are some helpful tips to consider when coming up with the perfect pet name!  

Family Matters 

If you have a partner, family, kids, or even roommates who will share a home with the new pet, make sure to ask their opinion. You can even have everyone write their name ideas down on a piece of paper and drop them in a box!  Read all the suggestions together and get some great ideas (and some great laughs)! 

Visit Your Pup 

If you’re still waiting to bring your new pup home but want to decide on a name ahead of time, go visit the pup (if possible). 

Hanging out with your dog and watching their silly personality and mannerisms can help you think up the perfect name with ease. 

Keep It Simple 

As a logistical suggestion, consider what the implications of a dog’s name are. You will be calling your dog several times per day. Your dog will need to be able to easily recognize its name. 

For this reason, you might want to avoid names that rhyme with common commands. Given how common the command “No!” is, a dog named “Moe” might find itself confused frequently!  

You also might want to avoid lengthy names or names that require an obscure pronunciation. The practical use of a dog’s name is to get the dog to look up and listen right away. Try to keep it simple, distinct and short.  

Create a Theme 

If this isn’t your first pet, you can always link your new pup’s name back to a central theme that bonds all the pets. For example, if you love Disney movies and already have a pet named “Minnie,” perhaps the new dog’s name could be “Mickey.” A theme is a cute way to bind all the pets together!  

Most Popular Female Dog Names in 2021 

Now that you’ve read our tips and tricks for creating a unique name, look at what other dog owners are naming their pets for more inspiration. 

The below were the top five most popular female dog names in 2021, according to Rover’s database of dogs.  

Most Popular Male Dog Names in 2021 

What about the boys? 

The below were the top five most popular male dog names in 2021, according to Rover’s database of dogs.  

Trending Pop Culture Names 

Our dogs’ names may also reflect trends in entertainment and pop culture. According to Rover’s analysis, these names gained some popularity in 2021. 

Dog Names that Trended After Popular Movies: 

Dog Names that Trended After Popular TV Shows: 

Dog Names that Trended After Sports Stars and Athletics: 

Conclusion 

There is lots of room for creativity and expression when naming your dog. This can make it hard to decide, but remember, this should be a fun process! Hopefully, reading our tips and tricks, plus seeing all the creative trends for dog names in 2021, has helped you think up some great names for your new pet.  

Shakespeare said it best: “A rose by any other name would smell as sweet.” Your dog is going to love you and the name you picked out for them – regardless of what it is! What really matters is enjoying the journey you embark on when you welcome a new furry family member into your life. Enjoy naming and raising your new pet!