The Top Dog Names for 2025: What Americans Are Called Their Pups This Year
Getting a new puppy is so exciting, but bringing them home is when the real fun begins. When they look at you with those puppy dog eyes, your heart just melts. But how do you decide what to name your new furry friend?
You need to pick a name that suits them and will stick. Some people know instantly what their dog should be called. Others spend weeks testing out different options, waiting to see what fits. It’s not easy, as you want to make sure both you and your dog are happy.
If you’re in the naming phase right now, or you’re just curious about what everyone else is choosing, the American Kennel Club just released its annual report on the top dog names for 2025.
The Top Girl Dog Names for 2025
The girls are leading with some seriously sweet choices this year, and the top two spots feature names from the movies, with both Harry Potter and Twilight represented.
No. 1 Luna
Taking the crown as the number one pick is Luna, and immediately, I think of Luna Lovegood from the Harry Potter series. Whether that’s where the popularity has come from, I don’t know, but it’s a cute name. In fact, I remember one of my brother’s rabbits was called Luna a few years back, so it’s been a popular pet name for a while
No. 2 Bella
Bella slides into second place, holding strong as a classic choice. And of course, the main character in the Twilight franchise was Bella. It means “beautiful” in Italian, and since every dog owner thinks their pup is the most gorgeous creature on earth, it works perfectly.
No. 3 Daisy
Whenever I hear this name, the phrase “fresh as a Daisy” immediately springs to mind. It’s the kind of name that makes you smile just saying it.
No. 4 Lucy
Lucy comes in fourth. My daughter’s dog is called Lucy, so I love that this is up in the top ten. I wonder if I Love Lucy helped cement this name in American culture?
No. 5 Ruby
Rounding out the top five is Ruby, a name that sparkles with warmth and energy. It’s vibrant and precious, just like the gemstone it’s named after.
No. 6 Willow
Willow lands at six, which I absolutely love. My daughter, Summer, went to school with a little girl named Willow and another little girl named Autumn; it was quite the trio.
No. 7 Maggie
Maggie sits at seven. It’s friendly and approachable, the kind of name that makes everyone smile.
No. 8 Penny
Penny comes in at eight, and it’s absolutely adorable. It’s bright and cheerful, perfect for smaller dogs or those with copper colored coats.
No. 9 Nova
Nova takes ninth place, meaning “new star” in Latin. It’s modern and unique while still being easy to call out at the dog park.
No. 10 Sadie
And Sadie rounds out the top ten at number ten, bringing that classic Southern sweetness. It’s been a favorite for years and shows no signs of slowing down.
The Top Boy Dog Names for 2025
The boys bring an interesting mix of strong classics and some more unusual ones that show how our naming trends have evolved.
No. 1 Max
Max dominates at number one, and it’s held that top spot for years. The very first dog we got when my daughter was young was called Max, and he was an absolute tearaway.
No. 2 Hank
Hank takes second place. A good, strong American name that’s easy to shout out when your pup makes a bid for freedom.
No. 3 Teddy
Teddy lands at three, and how sweet is that? It’s cuddly and warm, perfect for those dogs who love to be cuddled.
No. 4 Cooper
Cooper comes in fourth. I’ve never known a dog called Cooper, but one of my closest friends had a cat by that name, and all you ever heard was Michelle yelling COOPER. He was one naughty cat.
No. 5 Gus
Gus sits at number five. It’s short and punchy, and another one that’s easy to shout across the dog park.
No. 6 Bear
Bear takes sixth place, and I immediately think of a big shaggy dog lolloping along.
No. 7 Duke
Duke claims seventh with its regal quality. It brings dignity and presence, even if your Duke spends most of his time rolling in mud.
No. 8 Maverick
Maverick comes in at eight. Top Gun, anyone? It’s bold and confident, perfect for dogs who march to their own beat.
No. 9 Charlie
Charlie lands at nine. I’ve known several dogs called Charlie. It never seems to go out of fashion.
No. 10 Finn
And Finn rounds out the top ten at number ten. It’s short, strong, and has that cool, laid-back quality that works across all breeds.
What These Names Tell Us
Looking at this list, a clear pattern emerges. Most of these names are short, one or two syllables maximum. Shorter names are easier for dogs to recognize and respond to during training. They’re also easier to yell across a park when your dog decides that squirrel looks way more interesting than your recall command.
Finding Your Dog’s Perfect Name
If you’re still searching for the right name, don’t rush it. Spend a few days with your new dog first. Watch their personality emerge. My border collie, Lottie, didn’t become Lottie until nearly a week after we’d had her. I’m not even sure how we came up with it now, but it just seemed to suit her.
Test names out loud. Say them 20 times in a row. Call them across your house. If it feels awkward or you stumble over it, keep looking. The right name should feel natural in your mouth.
And remember, popular names are popular for a reason. They work. But if your dog is telling you their name is something completely different, trust that instinct. The bond you build with your dog matters infinitely more than whether their name trends on any list.
Why Your Dog’s Name Actually Matters
Dogs learn to recognize the sound pattern of their name, and they associate it with attention from you. A name that’s easy to say quickly and clearly makes training significantly smoother. Try shouting “Maximilian” across a field versus “Max,” and you’ll understand immediately why shorter works better.
The sound of a name matters too. Names with hard consonants like B, D, G, or T grab a dog’s attention more effectively than soft, flowing names. Notice how many top names have these sharp sounds? Bear, Bella, Daisy, Duke, Gus, Tucker. They cut through background noise.
Your dog’s name also shapes how other people interact with your pup. A dog named Killer might make people hesitant at the park, even if that dog is the sweetest soul on earth. Meanwhile, a dog named Buddy gets automatic trust. Fair or not, names create expectations.
