After a lot of research, you have finally brought the pup home. Everyone is excited. The pup is healthy, active, and loves to play. You have stocked up on the essential foods for your furry friend. You have even puppy-proofed your home and contacted a vet to get your pet examined so you can start the vaccination immediately. This is not all. You have looked around for basic dog training classes and enrolled your dog in one of the popular training centers. You have done everything – almost just one thing is still pending! You have not named your dog yet. You don’t know what to call your dog.
If you think what’s there in a name, you can call him anything – that is certainly not the case. You cannot just call your dog anything. It would help if you chose a name that goes well with the breed and your dog’s overall looks and personality. Your pet will live with you for many years to come; hence, choosing a name loved and cherished by all is essential. How about knowing what are the Most Popular Dog Names: 2023 Edition?
The American Kennel Club has created the most popular dog names for 2023. Here’s a list of the top ten names:
Top 10 Girl Dog Names of 2023
The list includes:
- Luna
- Bella
- Daisy
- Maggie
- Willow
- Lucy
- Bailey
- Rosie
- Sadie
- Lola
Top 10 Boy Dog Names of 2023
The list includes:
- Max
- Charlie
- Cooper
- Teddy
- Milo
- Ollie
- Bear
- Rocky
- Finn
- Leo
To help you find the perfect name for your dog, we have divided the names into different segments so that you can easily narrow down the choices.
- ’90s names:
The 90s and early 2000s are all about hip-hop fun and excitement. Popular artist names from that generation are slowly making their inroads in 2023. Names like Alanis, Ginger Spice, and Spice Girl are all quite popular among owners. Brad Pitt, Drew Barrymore, Halle Berry, and Winona Ryder are the other names on this list, and they are pretty high up on the popularity chart.
Hip hop completed 50 years in 2023; hence, it is no surprise that names like Tupac, Snoop, Bigge, Missy, and Peppa all made their way to this list. The *NSYNC and Backstreet Boys members have also found their pride of place here. You are sure to be spoilt for choices.
- Celebrity dog names:
If the 90s is not your scene, do not worry because you have another segment for you – celebrity dog names. Take your pick from Pedro Pascal, characters of the Game of Thrones. The dynamic duo of Martha Stewart and Snoop Dogg have made their presence felt in this list. And if you want to add a royal touch to your dog’s name, how about Markle? This name is quite sought after.
- TV-inspired names:
Many of us love our fair share of sitcoms and relate entirely to the characters in these shows and web series. Wednesday from the popular Netflix series of the same name is quite the season’s flavor. Characters from the show “And Just Like That” are equally popular. Che, Charlotte, and Carrie—the three Cs of the show—are hot favorites as dog names.
- Blockbuster names:
You can never go wrong with Barbie. Call your pet dog Barbie, and see her come running across to you whenever you call her. Ken is also an excellent name for your pet dog. If you are a die-hard lover of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, pick Deadpool, Ultra, Castle, Zemo, Mystique, Cotler, and Rooster.
- How do you select the right name for your dog?
When choosing the name for your dog, you need to keep certain essential factors in mind. These factors are vital because naming a dog is more challenging than it sounds. We have mentioned the factors below:
- Simple yet impactful name for your dog:
It is essential to choose a name that is simple to pronounce and easy to understand. If you select a problematic name, your pet might find it challenging to comprehend. Why not choose a letter that has a sharp and distinct sound? Research shows that names that start with the alphabet D, T, or K are easy for dogs to remember. Names beginning with the alphabet S or F are generally soft and are often confusing for dogs. Hence, choose a name that your dog will be able to understand and respond to.
- Size matters, literally:
If you pay attention to the commands to train dogs, you will find that most are either one or two syllables. Why do you think it is like this? The shorter the command, the easier the dog can understand and remember. The same is applicable when it comes to their name. Any name that is longer than two syllables is lost in translation. Your dog will fail to respond to it.
If you are not a fan of small names and want to use a long name for your dog, keep in mind that the name will get shortened in the long run, and your dog will be stuck with it. So, even when selecting a long name, make sure that it is relatable so that when it is shortened, it is easy to decipher.
- Don’t choose command words or those words that have a similar ring to commands:
It would help if you wanted to name your dog something that is not similar to or does not rhyme with the command words. Names like Fay and Mitt should be avoided. They are similar to commands like “stay’, and “sit.” Your dog is bound to get confused. There are so many exciting names out there. Pay attention, and you will find a cute and loving name for your pet.
- Is it great for public consumption?
Selecting a name for your pet is already tricky; don’t make it more difficult by choosing a name you are uncomfortable saying in public. Don’t forget that you will take your dog on walks and in the public park. So, you must shout your pet’s name whether you like it or not. Imagine naming your dog something weird just because you like it and then saying it publicly. It is better to avoid situations like this.
- Respect the breed heritage:
If you want your dog’s name to be unique and different from the rest, pay attention to its breed. Is your pup a German shepherd? Then, a German name will go well with it. If your dog is a Corgi, a Welsh name will be more suitable. Your dog is as good as its breed, so why not choose a name that respects its breed and pedigree?
- What you name your dog can play a crucial role in its training:
Personal choice and creativity are essential when choosing a dog name, but don’t forget that you are going to get your pet trained. Your dog will hear its name being called out repeatedly when it is accustomed to different commands. Many vets believe that dogs respond to their names swiftly because they expect a command right after their name is called out. As a result, they are more attentive and responsive. Be careful when you are deciding on your pet name.
Summing it up:
Ultimately, all these suggestions will help you select the right name for your pup. You can choose one of the trending names of 2023 or let your imagination flow and come up with a desirable name that both your pet and you will love. But make sure that the name is small, catchy, easy to pronounce, easy to remember, and effective.
Once you shortlist some names, start calling them out in different tones. See which name your dog is responding to. This way, you can determine whether the name is easy to pronounce and remember and whether your dog can comprehend it well. How can you be sure that your dog likes the name? If it perks its ears when you call out the name or wags its tail the moment it hears it, you will know whether it really likes it.
After finalizing the name, get your dog registered to get its chip so you can track its movements if it ever breaks the leash and runs away. At the same time, you need to inform your friends and family members about your pet’s name. Instead of calling up all your loved ones, why don’t you throw a welcoming party for your pet? Everyone will get the opportunity to meet your pet and learn about the name simultaneously. Your dog will also be able to interact with your close circle.
Start the brainstorming session right away. First, decide on the name and choose one that really stands out from the rest. Are you ready to name the pup? Your best friend is waiting for its name.
