Get

In Your Inbox

Dogster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

Best Dog Names Of 2025: Inspiration for Your New Pup

Dogster_Best Names

Naming your dog is one of the most fun parts of adoption and often the most frustrating. You and your family will delight in running through the endless list of potential names, but landing on the best encapsulation of your pet’s personality can seem downright impossible if you’re a perfectionist.

And that’s where we come in! We’re always hunting for fun, quirky, and thought-provoking names to share with avid pet parents, and this past year has offered plenty of inspiration. Find the ultimate up-to-date idea for your new pup in this rundown of the best dog names this year.

divider dog paws 3 oct 2024

Fun Movie and TV-Inspired Dog Names

Between the writers’ and actors’ strikes, we’ve experienced a strange, slow year in movies and TV. But the gears never stop turning in Tinseltown, and despite a relative lull, inspiration still runs strong this year. From timeless classics to recent blockbusters, Hollywood hits still give pet owners great ideas for their furry friends. Here are some of the top movie and TV-inspired dog names this year.

  • Barbie
  • Bingo
  • Bluey
  • Boba
  • Carmy
  • Chef
  • Cobb
  • Colter
  • Connor
  • Ellie
  • Falcon
  • Gerri
  • Greta
  • Grogu
  • Groot
  • Hawkeye
  • Hulk
  • Jabba
  • Joel
  • Ken
  • Kendall
  • Lasso
  • Logan
  • Loki
  • Marcus
  • Maverick
  • Mystique
  • Pedro
  • Sansa
  • Shiv
  • Sugar
  • Thor
  • Wanda
  • Wednesday
  • Zava
  • Zemo
bichon frise dog sitting on a wooden surface
Image Credit: Spill Photography, Shutterstock

Trending Pop Culture Dog Names

Pop culture figures are far more than the work they produce. Some connect with us on personal and emotional levels, and others perfectly personify the zeitgeist, putting deep layers of meaning behind their names and providing pet owners with numerous excuses to pull inspiration from them. Can you find your new dog’s name among today’s business, politics, and entertainment icons?

  • Archie
  • Beyonce
  • Billie
  • Bowser
  • Cardi
  • Celtic
  • Ciara
  • Doja
  • Donna
  • Elon
  • Elton
  • Gaga
  • Ganon
  • Harry
  • Ice Spice
  • Kelce
  • Kyrie
  • Lilibet
  • Link
  • Luka
  • Megan
  • Morgan
  • Nikola
  • Olivia
  • Princess Peach
  • Queenie
  • RiRi
  • Rito
  • Rodrigo
  • Shohei
  • Snoop
  • Swifty
  • Taylor
  • Trae
  • Yoshi
  • Zelda

Food & Drink-Inspired Dog Names

Cuisine is one of the best sources of suitable, silly, and adorable dog names. Your pet might have a spicy personality, or maybe it’s the sweetest you’ve ever seen. You could have a favorite meal with a special meaning, or your dog’s mixed coat may make you think of a certain dish whenever you see it. We can almost guarantee you’ll find a perfect food and drink-themed dog name, especially when you have ideas like these to inspire you.

  • Apple
  • Bacon
  • Basil
  • Biscuit
  • Brie
  • Butter
  • Cheddar
  • Cheerios
  • Chili
  • Chutney
  • Cinnamon
  • Cocoa
  • Corncob
  • Cupcake
  • Curry
  • Ding Dong
  • Donut
  • Dunkaroo
  • French Fry
  • Froot Loop
  • Frosted Flakes
  • Gin
  • Green Bean
  • Hot Pocket
  • Ice Cream
  • Jelly
  • Latke
  • Martini
  • Milkshake
  • Omelet
  • Parsley
  • Peaches
  • Peanut
  • Pepper
  • Pesto
  • Pickles
  • Pop Tart
  • Pumpkin
  • Quince
  • Schnapps
  • Snickers
  • Sundae
  • S’more
  • Taco
  • Tater
  • Twinkie
  • Waffles
akita inu dog
Image Credit: Malen Billoni Ahum, Pixabay

What Were the Most Popular Dog Names of Last Year?

The AKC, Rover, and other pet-centric organizations love to stay on top of trending animal names, helping us find excellent ideas for lists like these. What are the top picks for dogs this past year? Let’s look at the most popular male and female dog names of last year, according to Rover.

Top Male Dog Names

  • Charlie
  • Max
  • Cooper
  • Milo
  • Buddy
  • Teddy
  • Rocky
  • Bear
  • Leo
  • Duke

Top Female Dog Names

  • Luna
  • Bella
  • Daisy
  • Lucy
  • Lily
  • Lola
  • Zoe
  • Sadie
  • Stella
  • Bailey
Bankhar dog sitting in the grass
Image Credit: Lisa Parsons, Shutterstock

More Great Male Dog Names

If the top ten aren’t yielding any ideas, there’s plenty more where that came from. Dig into this collection of clever and cute dog names to see if one stands out from the pack.

  • Beau
  • Bentley
  • Blue
  • Buster
  • Canelo
  • Carl
  • Cash
  • Chance
  • Chico
  • Clyde
  • Cole
  • Frank
  • Gizmo
  • Hank
  • Jack
  • Jasper
  • Jax
  • King
  • Lucky
  • Luke
  • Marley
  • Neil
  • Oliver
  • Oreo
  • Prince
  • Remy
  • Rex
  • Roscoe
  • Sasha
  • Shadow
  • Toby
  • Tucker
  • Tyson

More Great Female Dog Names

  • Angel
  • Anna
  • Bonnie
  • Cameron
  • Carvel
  • Cassie
  • Darla
  • Diamond
  • Emma
  • Grace
  • Harley
  • Jasmine
  • Jewel
  • Joy
  • Lady
  • Layla
  • Layne
  • Lulu
  • Millie
  • Penny
  • Riley
  • Ruby
  • Sally
  • Scout
  • Sophie
  • Tina
Training German Feist Terrier dog running in the grass
Image By: SATRIA NANGISAN, Shutterstock

divider dog paws 3 oct 2024

Conclusion

We have another big year to look back on, and while many classic dog names held their status at the top last year, pop culture and current events have inspired plenty more newcomers to challenge the old guard. Have you found the perfect fit for your new dog? No list will have the answer for everyone, but with these dog names to help flex your creativity, you shouldn’t have any trouble figuring out a fun and fitting choice for your new best friend.

 

Featured Image Credit: Svetlana Khoruzhaia, Shutterstock

Want content like this delivered to you?

Sign Up For Our Newsletter

News, insights, expert advice, and everything dog

* By submitting, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy & Cookies Policy.

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

Help us improve Dogster for pet parents!

Your feedback really matters.

What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

Join the conversation

Leave a Reply

You’re very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let’s have a positive and constructive conversation.

Talk With A Vet Online

Peace of mind,
anywhere, anytime

Affordable vet advice

Can Dogs Eat Guava? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts & FAQ

While not every kind of fruit is suitable for dogs, some are safe to feed in moderation and can even offer a nutritional...

18 Vet-Approved Gift Ideas for Beagle Lovers (2025 Update)

Beagles are lovable hunting dogs that make excellent pets. They are friendly, sociable, and easy to maintain. Beagles are a small breed and...

Why Does My Dog Stare at the Wall? 5 Vet-Verified Reasons Explained

Our dogs do all sorts of things that make us go, “Hmm.” If your dog seems to be staring at the wall, you...

4-Legger Dog Shampoo Review 2025: Our Final Verdict

4-Legger makes a wide array of natural dog shampoo products that do a great job of cleaning your pup. There are many scents...

More related

Where Is Taste of the Wild Dog Food Made? Manufacturing Locations

With growing concerns surrounding the safety of pet food and some countries lacking laws that apply to the regulation of pet food manufacturing,...

Can Dogs Eat Seaweed? Vet-Verified Facts & FAQ

Sharing some types of seaweed with your furry friend is okay in moderation. Seaweed is an excellent source of iodine, antioxidants, and vitamins,...

Why Are My Dogs Eyes Watering? 8 Vet Reviewed Reasons

Our dogs are more than just pets. They are members of the family. Like with any member of our families, when we see...

What Breed of Dog Is Buddy in Cruella? Popular Movie Pup

One of the best-known Disney villains is the evil fashionista Cruella De Vil. She’s sinister, destructive, and always looks fabulous. But most importantly,...

Keep reading

Meridian Dog Food Review 2025: Pros, Cons, Recalls, and FAQ

Review Summary Meridian is a holistic pet food company that is made by Midwestern Pet Foods under the parent company Nunn Milling Co. Meridian makes four different dog food recipes with an aim at high quality, natural nutrition. We all...

Dogster_Meridian Dog Food Review

Can Dogs Drink Wine? Vet-Verified Risks & FAQ

If you enjoy relaxing with a glass of wine in the evenings, you might feel inclined to give your dog some. Their adorable begging as you sip the wine could make you question whether a small sip could do them...

Can Dogs Drink Wine

Coconut Oil Dog Treats: 8 Vet-Approved Homemade Recipes

Coconut oil seems to be a miracle cure and go-to for many things these days. This nutrient-dense ingredient can easily replace other less-healthy oils in meals, and we can even safely share this neutral, hypoallergenic substance with our canine counterparts....

coconut oil in a glass

Why Does Dog Food Smell Bad? Vet-Verified Facts & FAQ

Most pet food smells, and there’s no way around it. Any person who has ever owned a dog or cat can attest to the fact that opening a new bag of kibble or cracking open a can of wet food...

male dog owner covering his nose because his dog smells bad

Can Dogs Eat Chayote? Vet-Verified Facts & FAQ

Chayote (or mirliton/choko) is a fruit that belongs to the gourd family and was first cultivated in Mexico and Honduras. These fruits are a great snack for dogs; they can eat them without any issues. Chayote is nutritious and versatile,...

Can Dogs Eat_chayote

Shameless Pets Dog Treats Review 2025: Our Expert’s Opinion

Review Summary Shameless Pets is a pet food company that makes both dog and cat treats out of upcycled ingredients — meaning they use surplus and misfit produce (think jumbo blueberries and leftover post-Halloween pumpkins) to make their products. This...

Dogster_Shameless Pets Dog Treats Review

11 Best Dog Foods Made in the USA in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

With so many quality dog foods on the market today, dog owners rely on several criteria to help them decide between them. For some, the first question to answer is where the food is manufactured. With several high-profile incidents of...

brown dog sniffing a dog food

How Long Will It Take for a Dog to Digest a Bone? Vet-Verified Facts & Risks

Dogs and bones seem like a match made in heaven, but should you be worried if your dog swallows a bone? And can dogs digest a bone if they do eat one? The answer is pretty complicated. Dogs can digest...

red border collie dog chewing on a bone