According to the American Kennel Club, here are the top 20 male and female dog names in the U.S. right now. So for most of us … it’s a list of names to AVOID. While I’m dancing in victory over choosing Ginko for my big boy, I’m consoling myself that Lilly is at least NOT in the top 10. I did not mean to be SUCH a cliche.
Top 20 Male Dog Names
- Bear
- Blue
- Max/Maximus/Maxwell
- Duke
- Buddy
- Jack
- Prince
- King
- Bailey
- Rocky
- Harley
- Jake
- Shadow
- Lucky
- Hunter
- Dakota
- Lou
- Midnight
- Cooper
- Buster
Top 20 Female Dog Names
- Lady
- Belle/Bell/Bella
- Princess
- Mae/May
- Rose
- Daisy
- Grace/Gracie
- Baby
- Molly
- Maggie
- Sadie
- Ann/Annie
- Star
- Lily/Lilly
- Angel
- Coco/Cocoa
- Sophie/Sophia
- Lucy
- Abby/Abigail
- Marie
I came across this advice for choosing a dog name recently. While I think most of the suggestions are decent, the part about NOT renaming rescued dogs is total baloney.
I named our dog, Shakespeare in respect to the late playwright. 🙂
I think it’s important to pick a name you like. But, in the circles I run, we’re keen on picking clever, unique dog names. In fact … we know a dog named Keen.
I have a rescue named Jake, a 9 year old German Shepherd. Honestly the name fits him perfectly. He had actually been named Cosmo originally, but even though Jake is on the list I like it a lot better than Cosmo. I also have a Weimaraner who the people had named Kimba. I didn’t like that either and changed her name to Lucy. OK Lucy is on the list too but I think its a perfectly good name for a female Weim.
We’ve almost always renamed our rescues or at least modified the name they came with to better suit us … especially since clearly I’m pretty picky about names too.
I haven’t ever re-named any of my rescues, mostly because I liked the names they came with okay. But I can’t help wondering if, when looking for a dog to adopt, I am more drawn to dogs that have been given names that I like. I remember seeing an available dog that I might have been interested in, but it was named Pickles, which was a big turn off for me (even though I know I could have changed it.)
Thanks for the information, some really good names on there
Oh dear, I had a Jake (but he came named and it fit him) named an Abagail and have a horse named Lucy. But I agree with you about renaming rescues. Most of mine came with dreadful names I couldn’t live with a Brighty, a Lacey, a Furby or Slanty (don’t ask).They (and I) were much happier as Poppy, Erin, Quat and Murray.