Good dog names are hard to come by.
In the popular television series “Columbo,” the detective played by Peter Falk was sometimes accompanied by his droopy-faced basset hound. His dog’s name: Dog. Most dog owners are a bit more imaginative when it comes to naming their pets. The list of the most popular dog names generally doesn’t change much from year to year, a little like the list of most popular dog breeds in America. But some names are trendier than others, though they might not make the list of most popular. Do you see any cute names for your pet here? Please add any suggestions or add to this list of trendy dog names in the comment section of this article.
The top ten trendy names for male dogs:
Sawyer — A fitting name for a mischievous or adventurous dog.
Jack — A solid, popular name.
Hudson — Here’s a name gaining popularity with human babies, but seems suitable for a hound.
Finn — Perfect for one of the Irish breeds.
Emerson — A fitting name for a dog of noble stature.
Bear — Good choice for the large canine; comical choice for the toy breeds.
Puppy — Colombo-esque, but it’s the name Zac Efron gave his Australian Shepherd.
Max — Another trendy name for human babies. Any dog would be comfortable with it.
Kai — It’s hip and means “ocean” in Hawaiian.
Cooper — Another solid name. Mini Cooper might be a good choice for toy breed.
The top ten trendy names for female dogs:
Elsa — It grows on you.
Bella — It was the most popular female puppy name last year.
Stella — Try shouting the name like Marlon Brando in “A Streetcar Named Desire.”
Quinn — A bit masculine, but some female dogs act like tomboys.
Sophie — Reserved for the cutest puppies.
Ivy — Yes, somewhat like Beyoncé’s kid, Blue Ivy.
Charlie — A fitting name for your little angel.
Aurora — The Roman goddess of dawn. An appropriate name for a female dog who gets you out of bed before the alarm clock does.
Avery — The name has a British ring to it.
Lila — A fitting name for a fluffy pet.
Looking for good dog names? The AKC offers the following suggestions to consider when naming your pooch:
Names often reflect the character of your pet. Observe your dog for a few days and see if his personality suggests a name. Is he regal? Does she always want to be the center of attention? If so, how about “King” or “Star”?
Short, sweet and easily recognizable names work best in getting your dog to be responsive. Use a name that is one or two syllables, ending with a vowel, such as “Sadie” or “Rocky.”
Don’t choose a name that is too long or difficult to say. A name such as “Sir Barks A Lot” will only confuse your dog.
Avoid names that sound like commands. Names like “Joe” sound like “no” when called.
Pick a name that will fit your dog regardless of his age. For example, a puppy named “Fuzzy” may not be a good fit after he grows into adulthood.
Don’t name your dog after a friend or family member without getting their prior permission. You never know who could be offended.
Test out the name you would like to give your dog for a day or two. Remember any name you give your dog will be a 10-to-15-year commitment for the life of the dog.
After you chose a name for your dog make sure you use it often so he can learn it more quickly.
Don’t raise your voice every time you call him, and try to use his name in positive, playful settings, such as when you feed him, play with him or pet him.
The AKC’s most popular dog names represent the AKC registered breeds. Have you thought about registering your dog with the American Kennel Club?