The 20 Most Popular Dog Names of 2025 (You’ll Definitely Know a Few!)

Naming a new furry family member is one of the most exciting parts of bringing home a puppy. Whether you’re looking for inspiration or just curious about what other pet parents are choosing, these trending dog names of 2025 reveal fascinating patterns in our culture.

From classic favorites to surprising newcomers, this year’s list showcases names that are both meaningful and adorable for your four-legged friend.

1. Luna: The Celestial Charmer

This heavenly name continues its meteoric rise, capturing the hearts of dog owners everywhere. Meaning ‘moon’ in Latin, Luna perfectly suits those nighttime adventurers with silvery coats or mysterious personalities.

Female dogs named Luna often develop confident, independent streaks while maintaining sweet dispositions. The name’s popularity skyrocketed after appearing in Harry Potter and continues gaining momentum among pet parents seeking something magical yet simple.

Fun fact: Ancient Romans believed dogs howled at the moon because they shared a special connection with Luna, the goddess of the moon!

2. Max: The Timeless Classic

Steadfast and strong, Max remains the enduring champion of male dog names for good reason. Short, punchy, and impossible to mispronounce, it works brilliantly for dogs of all sizes and breeds.

The name derives from Maximilian, meaning ‘greatest’ in Latin – perfectly fitting for your greatest companion. Max-named pups often embody loyalty and playfulness in equal measure, making the name a self-fulfilling prophecy of wonderful dog energy.

Remarkably, Max has appeared in the top 10 dog names for over three decades, proving some classics never go out of style!

3. Bella: The Beautiful Companion

Living up to its meaning – ‘beautiful’ in Italian – Bella continues enchanting dog lovers with its melodic sound and positive associations. The name flows naturally when called across dog parks nationwide.

Bella-named dogs often showcase sweet temperaments that match their lovely name. The Twilight series initially boosted this name’s popularity, but its staying power comes from its genuine charm and elegant simplicity.

Female dogs of all breeds wear this name proudly, though it’s especially popular for breeds known for their striking appearance like Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and Border Collies.

4. Charlie: The Friendly Charmer

Cheerful Charlie brings immediate warmth and approachability to any dog lucky enough to bear this name. Originally a nickname for Charles (meaning ‘free man’), Charlie works wonderfully for both male and female dogs.

Dogs named Charlie tend to develop sociable, easygoing personalities that make them neighborhood favorites. The name’s friendly sound makes it perfect for calling across dog parks and instantly creates a sense of familiarity.

Charlie has steadily climbed the popularity charts since 2020, with Golden Retrievers and Cockapoos most frequently sporting this delightful moniker.

5. Cooper: The Trendy Trailblazer

Originally an occupational surname for barrel makers, Cooper has transformed into one of the trendiest dog names of the decade. Its peppy sound perfectly matches energetic breeds like Australian Shepherds and Border Collies.

Cooper-named dogs often display intelligence and enthusiasm that matches their name’s upbeat rhythm. The name’s rise parallels our growing preference for human-style names that give pets full family member status.

With its outdoorsy associations, Cooper particularly appeals to active families who want a name reflecting their adventurous lifestyle and their dog’s spirited personality.

6. Daisy: The Sunshine Sweetheart

Fresh as a spring morning, Daisy brings immediate cheerfulness to any dog carrying this floral favorite. The name evokes images of meadows and sunshine – perfect for brightening even the gloomiest days with your pet.

Daisy-named dogs often develop sunny dispositions that mirror their name’s happy associations. Small to medium-sized breeds like Bichons and Beagles frequently sport this charming moniker, though it suits any dog with a bright personality.

The name’s timeless appeal spans generations, making it equally beloved by children, young adults, and seniors when choosing names for their four-legged family members.

7. Buddy: The Faithful Friend

Nothing captures the essence of canine companionship quite like Buddy. This heartwarming name instantly communicates the special bond between humans and their four-legged friends.

Dogs named Buddy often live up to their name’s promise, developing especially close relationships with their owners. The name’s friendly sound makes it perfect for social situations and creates immediate warmth when introducing your dog to new people.

Interestingly, Buddy ranks especially high for adopted adult dogs, suggesting many families choose this name to celebrate their new friendship with a rescue companion.

8. Lucy: The Spirited Sparkler

Derived from the Latin word for ‘light,’ Lucy shines brightly in the 2025 rankings. This lively name perfectly captures the illuminating joy dogs bring to our lives every day.

Lucy-named dogs often develop vivacious, spirited personalities that match their name’s bright sound. The name’s popularity spans breeds but works especially well for dogs with expressive faces and energetic dispositions.

Television and film have boosted this name’s appeal, with several memorable canine characters named Lucy capturing hearts on screen before inspiring real-life namesakes in homes across the country.

9. Milo: The Mischievous Maverick

Playful and slightly impish, Milo has skyrocketed in popularity for dogs with personality to spare. The name has ancient Greek origins meaning ‘beloved’ – perfectly fitting for our cherished companions.

Milo-named dogs often develop clever, slightly mischievous personalities that keep their families laughing. Small to medium breeds frequently sport this name, though it works wonderfully for any dog with an expressive face and playful spirit.

The name’s recent surge coincides with several viral dog social media accounts featuring Milos, proving the internet’s powerful influence on pet naming trends.

10. Lola: The Sassy Sweetheart

Vibrant and full of personality, Lola continues climbing the popularity charts with its undeniable charisma. The name carries a naturally playful rhythm that perfectly suits dogs with expressive personalities.

Lola-named dogs often develop confident, slightly sassy dispositions while maintaining loving connections with their families. The name works beautifully across breeds but has special popularity among French Bulldogs and Boston Terriers.

Spanish in origin and meaning ‘sorrows,’ Lola ironically brings nothing but joy to families lucky enough to have a four-legged friend with this charming name.

11. Rocky: The Resilient Champion

Strong and steadfast, Rocky perfectly embodies canine determination and heart. The name instantly evokes the underdog spirit we admire in both our pets and ourselves.

Rocky-named dogs often develop courageous, resilient personalities that match their powerful name. Medium to large breeds like Boxers and Pit Bulls frequently sport this name, though it suits any dog with an indomitable spirit.

Beyond the obvious boxing movie connection, Rocky’s rise in popularity reflects our growing appreciation for names that highlight strength of character rather than just physical attributes in our beloved pets.

12. Sadie: The Sweet-Natured Darling

Gentle yet spirited, Sadie brings immediate warmth with its friendly, approachable sound. Originally a nickname for Sarah (meaning ‘princess’), it perfectly suits dogs with regal yet sweet dispositions.

Sadie-named dogs often develop affectionate, slightly playful personalities that balance energy with gentleness. The name crosses breed boundaries but shows particular popularity among Cocker Spaniels and Labrador Retrievers.

Interestingly, Sadie ranks especially high in southern states, reflecting regional naming preferences that continue influencing pet name trends across the country.

13. Bear: The Cuddly Powerhouse

Perfectly balancing strength and snuggliness, Bear captures the wonderful contradiction many dogs embody. The name works brilliantly for large, fluffy breeds but creates an adorable irony when given to tiny pups.

Bear-named dogs often develop gentle, protective personalities despite their potentially intimidating name. The trend toward nature-inspired pet names continues growing, with Bear leading the charge among animal-themed monikers.

Particularly popular for dogs with brown or black coats, this name has shown remarkable staying power across generations while still feeling fresh and distinctive in 2025.

14. Molly: The Heartwarming Homebody

Friendly and familiar, Molly brings immediate comfort with its warm, welcoming sound. This traditional name has Irish origins meaning ‘star of the sea’ – fitting for a dog who becomes the guiding light of your home.

Molly-named dogs often develop sweet, slightly sensitive personalities that form deep bonds with their families. The name crosses breed boundaries but shows particular popularity among spaniels and smaller companion breeds.

Despite being a longtime favorite, Molly has experienced a renaissance in recent years as traditional human names continue trending strongly in the pet naming world.

15. Leo: The Majestic Leader

Regal and commanding, Leo brings immediate nobility to any dog fortunate enough to carry this name. Meaning ‘lion’ in Latin, it perfectly suits dogs with confident personalities or magnificent coats.

Leo-named dogs often develop bold, self-assured temperaments that match their mighty moniker. The name’s popularity spans breeds but shows particular growth among golden-colored dogs and naturally confident breeds like German Shepherds.

Astrological associations have boosted this name’s appeal, with many owners born under the Leo star sign choosing to share their celestial identity with their four-legged companions.

16. Bailey: The Cheerful Companion

Bright and bubbly, Bailey brings immediate friendliness with its upbeat sound. Originally meaning ‘bailiff’ or ‘steward,’ it’s now associated with cheerful loyalty in the canine world.

Bailey-named dogs often develop sociable, outgoing personalities that make them neighborhood favorites. This gender-neutral name works wonderfully for both male and female dogs, contributing to its widespread appeal across diverse breeds and sizes.

Particularly popular for cream or golden-colored dogs, Bailey has maintained steady popularity while many trendy names have come and gone – proving its enduring charm.

17. Duke: The Distinguished Gentleman

Dignified yet approachable, Duke brings immediate stature to any dog, regardless of actual size. This noble title perfectly suits dogs with naturally regal bearing or those who simply rule your heart.

Duke-named dogs often develop confident, slightly protective personalities that balance authority with affection. Large breeds like Great Danes and Rottweilers frequently sport this distinguished name, though it creates an amusing contrast when given to tiny terriers.

The name’s steady climb in popularity reflects our growing tendency to view pets as important family members deserving of titles that reflect their elevated status in our lives.

18. Stella: The Starlight Stunner

Celestial and slightly glamorous, Stella illuminates the 2025 rankings with its heavenly charm. Meaning ‘star’ in Latin, this name perfectly suits dogs who shine brightly in their families’ lives.

Stella-named dogs often develop confident, slightly dramatic personalities that command attention. The name works beautifully across breeds but shows particular popularity among distinctive-looking dogs with expressive faces.

Pop culture references have boosted this name’s appeal, from Tennessee Williams’ famous character to modern television shows featuring memorable canine Stellas that inspire real-life namesakes.

19. Teddy: The Huggable Heartstealer

Irresistibly cuddly, Teddy captures the snuggly essence many dog parents adore in their furry friends. This endearing nickname for Theodore (meaning ‘divine gift’) perfectly describes the blessing dogs bring to our lives.

Teddy-named dogs often develop affectionate, slightly playful personalities that make them perfect cuddle companions. Fluffy breeds like Shih Tzus and Pomeranians frequently sport this adorable name, though it suits any dog with a teddy bear-like quality.

The name’s consistent rise reflects our growing preference for sweet, slightly childlike pet names that emphasize the innocent joy our dogs bring to everyday life.

20. Rosie: The Rosy-Cheeked Charmer

Blooming with vintage charm, Rosie brings immediate sweetness with its floral associations and friendly sound. The name evokes both classic elegance and approachable warmth – a perfect combination for beloved pets.

Rosie-named dogs often develop gentle, slightly playful personalities that bloom beautifully over time. Small to medium breeds frequently sport this charming name, though it suits any dog with a naturally sweet disposition.

The name’s vintage quality reflects the ongoing trend of reviving grandmother-era names for pets, paralleling similar patterns in human baby naming that celebrate timeless classics.