Hands up if you’ve got a fur baby (or two) currently cuddled up next to you on the lounge or bed. Everyone who owns a dog knows that these loving loyal creatures are very much a part of the family and choosing the right name for a family member is a huge decision.
That’s why we at Farmer Pete’s decided to do the research and gather up the date for the most popular dog names of the year.
What Is The #1 Dog Name To Start 2023?
After claiming the top spot for nine years in a row, Bella was eclipsed by Luna by the end of 2022 as the most popular female dog name. Max marked ten consecutive years of earning the top spot for male dogs.
Most Common Dog Names For Boys and Girls
- Max (boy); Luna (girl)
- Charlie (boy); Bella (girl)
- Cooper (boy); Daisy (girl)
- Milo (boy); Lucy (girl)
- Buddy (boy); Lily (girl)
- Rocky (boy); Zoe (girl)
- Bear (boy); Lola (girl)
- Teddy (boy); Sadie (girl)
Top Rare Dog Names for Your Distinctive Puppy
- Astra.
- Poppy.
- Sage.
- Inky.
- Lore.
- Snowdrop.
- Uggie.
- Kiki.
Most Popular Funny Dog Names
- Groucho Barks.
- Bark Twain.
- Kanye Westie.
- Mary Puppins.
- Jimmy Chew.
- Snoop Dog.
- Dogzilla.
- Pup Tart.
Australia’s top 10 dog breeds for 2022
1. Cavoodle
2. Labrador Retriever
3. Greyhound
4. Border Collie
5. Golden Retriever
6. Goldendoodle
7. Labradoodle
8. German Shepherd
9. English Staffordshire Bull Terrier
10. French Bulldog
12 Dog Breed Names You Probably Pronounce Wrong
Rottweiler (rot-wahy-ler) ...
Lhasa Apso (lah-suh ap-soh) ...
Weimaraner (wahy-muh-rah-ner) ...
Bichon Frise (bee-shon free-zay) ...
Papillon (pa-pee-yawn) ...
Dogue de Bordeaux (dog duh bor-doh) ...
Bouvier des Flandres (boov-yay day flahn-druh) ...
Keeshond (kays-hund)
What’s In Dogs Name?
Our dogs’ names say a lot about us as fur parents, so we are increasingly taking our time picking that perfect name that not only describes our pet but also us. You can see from our list of popular dog names that choices reflect everything from traditional to trendy. So how do you make the choice? How do you name a dog that reflects it and you perfectly? What’s the secret to the perfect dog’s name? Is there actually such a thing?
Did you know there’s an art AND a science to selecting the just-right name for your pet? Dogs are more likely to respond to certain sounds.
How to Choose a Dog Name
Choosing what to name your dog is a personal journey, taking into consideration your personality as well as your pet’s. Whether you’re naming a puppy or a new to you rescue dog, a lot goes into choosing a name that works for both of you.
So, how do you pick a meaningful dog name?
- Choose a name that ends with a vowel (A.E.I.O.U) or sounds like one.
- Stay with two syllables
- Avoid creative names and negative connotations
- Don’t choose a name that could get confused with commands
- Choose a name that’s not like your other pet names
- Conduct the “Nickname test”
Test Out Your New Dogs Name
Once you have a list of potential names, it’s important to test them out. Calling the name out loud to see how easy it is to say in a variety of tones. Even calling it in your happy voice, your cranky voice, or your loud voice to see if it resonates with you.
Which one rolls off your tongue more easily? Which one feels most natural? Which one is least likely to embarrass you at the dog park? You won’t know until you try calling out “Augustus!” vs. “Gus!” vs. “Goldilicks!”
Yes, there is a dog out there named Goldilicks.
When you have chosen the name, it’s time to see if your dog approves as well. Call the name to your dog and see what kind of reaction you get. Do their ears prick up? Do you get even the slightest tail wag? These small signs could mean that this name is something your dog can be trained to respond to.
Don’t worry if you love the name but your dog does not give you the reaction you want. Many dogs go by a nickname or a fun shortening of their actual name. Such as Wills for Willow or Onny for Onyx.
Use Farmer Pete’s Treats to Teach Your Dog Their New Name
Your dog will hear their name over and over and will learn to respond to it when learning commands. Veterinary behaviourists agree that dogs recognise their names because something happens after they hear it.
In other words, it can be more of a “cue” word than a personal identifier.
That means that your dog needs to respond to his/her name and associate it with good things. You can teach them to recognise their name with—you guessed it—plenty of Farmer Pete’s treats.
Sit next to your dog and when they look at you, call them by their name and give them a special dog treat. Repeat, and eventually, they’ll learn that responding to their name brings them what they want.
Dogs Prefer “Short” Sounds For Names
The sounds within the name you choose will influence your dog as well. Several veterinary behaviourists, say that “short” and “sharp” gets them to respond quickly, while “long, slow, gentle tones” do not. “Leo” might be preferable to “Leonardo Da Vinci,” at least for your dog.
Several experts also agree that a hard consonant sound in the name, such as “c” or “k,” helps dogs distinguish it from surrounding sounds.
Then again, you’ll want to avoid names that sound too much like commands. “Ray” might sound like “stay,” for example, or “Kit” could be confused with “sit.”
People Names For Dogs: The Debate
People's names are popular choices for dogfs. Recent data shows that in the top 10 for both female and male dog names, you’ll find most human-friendly picks. Max and Bella have consistently been high choices for names. They’re joined by Charlie, Cooper, Lucy and Daisy & Lilly.
Some trainers believe that giving your dog a person’s name can lead you to assign too many human qualities to your dog. Given how popular the practice is, though, that doesn’t seem to be a concern for most dog lovers.
Should I Change a Rescue Dog’s Name?
When rescuing a dog, you may not like the name your new family member comes with. Do you change their name or not? Maybe you want something more fitting with your family and more original than “D fa (D for Dog),” or more serious than “Cutie pie” Experts say it’s perfectly fine, so go ahead!
It’s a common practice when rescuing a dog so don’t be too concerned.
However, It is really important to make sure you spend time teaching your pup to recognise his new name. Again, using positive reinforcements such as Farmer Pete’s Treats.
What Shouldn’t You Name Your Dog?
Avoid Command Words, you will also want to avoid any names that sound similar or rhyme with the most common dog commands. Names that sound like “sit,” “stay,” “heel,” “no,” and “come” could be easily confused by your pup.
What Names Do Dogs Respond to Best?
Dog trainers agree that a one- or two-syllable name (Lucky, Jack, Lucy, etc.) is best, as it's easy for dogs to remember and simple for people to say. Dogs typically learn shorter words and commands faster, so make it easy for both parties and name them something unchallenging.
What Dog Name Means Loyal?
Fido: Latin, translates to “loyal” Amin: Arabic, translates to “trustworthy” Fidel: Latin, translates to “loyal” Jeong: Korean, translates to “loyal.
What Are Clingy Dogs Called?
Velcro dogs (jokes).
Some refer to clingy dogs as “Velcro dogs” (named after VELCRO®) because it's as if your dog is attached to you. Although clingy dog behaviour can be endearing, it can also be frustrating, especially when your dog just won't leave you alone—even for a minute!
Do Dogs Know Their Owner’s Name?
Believe it or not, many dogs know the names of the humans they live with.
How to Come Up With The Best Fit For You and Your Dog
What will you choose?
At the end of the day, picking a name for your dog that you love is most important. You want to get that warm, fuzzy feeling every time you say your dog's name, just like you want your dog to respond to his/her name with joy. If it makes you happy to say it, you've found the right choice.
