150+ Great Dog Names: Popular & Top Ranked Names in 2025

You’ve finally brought home the dog of your dreams and know they’re going to be your friend in no time. Once you get home, though, you realize that they can’t be called “Puppy” forever. Of the thousands of names for you to choose from, it starts to feel a little bit impossible to narrow it down. While you may have some that are already on your mind, you also don’t want to choose something that doesn’t fit their personality.

If you don’t know how to come up with a name suitable for your new furry friend, don’t fret! We’ve got a few tips to help you name your adorable new family member. Your sweet pup will be responding to their new name before you know it and, over time, it’ll become a part of who they are.

How to Name Your Dog

Picking out a name for your new dog isn’t as easy as many new dog owners think it is going to be. Some people are dead set on a name before they even bring the dog home, only to find out that the name doesn’t suit them at all. You want to be able to honor your dog’s personality and find something that you both enjoy. After all, neither of you want to get sick of hearing it after repeating it a few dozen times.

Choosing a name is easier to do when you consider their gender, personality, and how unique you want the name to be. Remember that a name often feels like a good fit when it suits their personality or quirks. Pay attention to the first words that come to mind when you look at or interact with them. A lot of times, our dogs are giving us clues as to what suits them without even knowing it. If you’re truly coming up blank, then scan through our list of over 150 dog names and see if any stand out. Pretty soon, you’ll have narrowed down the list and have a handful of great dog names to choose from.

Kangal Dog — Photo Credit: klenger, Shutterstock

Most Popular Male Dog Names

One of the best ways to start choosing a dog’s name is to narrow it down by gender. Some of the top male dog names are ones that you have heard a dozen times. Don’t look down on these names, though. They’re popular for a reason and often fit better than you’d think. Here are some of the most popular dog names for males:

Ace
Archie
Arlo
Axil
Bailey
Bandit
Baxter
Bear
Benji
Benny
Bentley
Blaze
Blue
Bo
Boomer
Bowie
Buster
Cash
Charlie
Chip
Coco
Cooper
Diesel
Duke
Finn
George
Gunner
Hank
Harley
Harry
Henry
Jack
Jackson
Jake
Jasper
Jax
King
Kobe
Leo
Louie
Mac
Marley
Max
Milo
Murphy
Oakley
Odin
Oliver
Ollie Buddy Rocky
Oreo
Oscar
Ozzy
Peanut
Rambo
Remi
Rex
Riley
Rocco
Rocket
Romeo
Rudy
Ruger
Rusty
Ryder
Sam
Scout
Simba
Tank
Teddy
Thor
Titan
Toby
Tucker
Tyson
Walter
Winston
Zeke
Zeus
Ziggy

Great Dane by the beach — Image Credit: everydoghasastory, Shutterstock

Other Top Dog Names

There are a lot of great dog names out there. Still, some people are looking for names that are a bit more original and that not everyone out there has used at some point or another. Here are some of the most popular dog names that are a little more unique:

Acorn
Alfie
Bambam
Brooklyn
Brownie
Carmela
Chili
Coconut
Crash
Cricket
Hemi
Indi
Keira
Klaus
Knight
Melody
Moon
Oslo
Pickle
Posey
Rain
Rookie
Seymour
Socks

Female hiker and dog at Jordan Pond and The Bubbles, Acadia National Park, Maine — Image Credit: Michael Carni, Shutterstock

Conclusion

We know how important a name can be. You must use this name for years to come, so finding one that works for you and your new dog means a lot. Take your time when picking out a name. If you’re unsure, it’s okay to test out a few to see what sticks. We know that with a little time, you’ll find the perfect name for your new best friend.

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Featured Image Credit: HarryStueber, Pixabay