Smart Bark is supported by its audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more
Naming your new canine companion can be extremely fun, with suggestions flying about from all family members. You may prefer the more traditional dog names, human names or something completely unique that you won’t hear anyone else yelling at the park.
This Guide outlines the trending dog names, recommends some principles to be aware of when choosing a dog name, plus has fun with some more unique dog names which may better represent your style and your pooch.
Firstly, here are some basic tips to bear in mind before settling on your name :-
🐾. Keep the name short with 1 or 2 syllables. Dogs learn and respond quicker to shorter names. You’ll also be using it a lot.
🐾 To help your dog, avoid choosing a name that sounds like a command. You don’t want them struggling to understand the basics such as sit, stay, down and fetch when you're training
🐾 If you’re planning to add more than one pooch to your family, it can be fun to think of partner names or names which go together e.g. Lennon & McCartney.
TABLE OF CONTENTS Our Picks of the Best Dog Names
Our Picks of the Best Dog Names
The trending dog names for 2024 saw some rather unique dog names make the cut.
1. Trending Female Dog Names for 2024
Bella
Luna
Poppy
Willow
Rosie
Winnie
Skye
Daisy
Mabel
Nala
2. Trending Male Dog Names for 2024
Teddy
Bailey
Milo
Buddy
Charlie
Toby
Cooper
Loki
Max
Shadow
If these choices don’t excite you, you could search for a name which is more unique whilst better reflecting you and your pooch.
Need some inspiration? Look no further, here are some pawsome ideas for unusual dog names.
3. Read All About It - Literary Dog Names
Love a good read? Take a leaf out of your favourite book (or in my case maybe one a bit more highbrow) and choose a dog name based on your favourite character or author.
Shakespeare
Harper
Orwell
Hamlet
Sherlock
Watson
Holmes
Bronte
Austen
Harry
4. Comfort Food - Edible Dog Names
It may seem a little weird, but there is a trend for naming your puppy after a food. Here are some dog names inspired by some culinary delights.
Twiglet
Cupcake
Brownie
Waffles
Muffin
Cookie
Pepper
Pickles
Biscotti
Hobnob
5. Cast a Spell - Magical Dog Names
If you’re a fan of the Wizarding World. How about considering some Potteresque inspiration for a dog name? You could combine it with a summoning charm, shouting “Accio Albus!” and your pooch magically returns to you. Sounds so much more impressive than “Freddie Come!”
Bellatrix
Fang
Hermione
Albus
Luna
Dobby
Granger
Malfoy
Sirius
Tonks
6. Music to My Ears - Musical Dog Names
Maybe you’re a music junkie. How about an iconic musical legend for a dog name? Fancy shouting the name of your favourite musician at the park? Obviously depends on you preferred genre, but here’s a few to whet the appetite.
Elton
Bowie
Ozzy
Jagger
McCartney
Billie
Blondie
Malone
Freddie
Lulu
7. Shaken, not Stirred - Bond Dog Names
Love all things cinematic? Why not take inspiration from your favourite movie when choosing a name for your dog? How about a nod to the worlds most famous Royal Naval Reserve Commander - 007?
Bond
Connery
Blofeld
Vesper
Fleming
Moneypenny
Odd Job
Drax
Seven (00)
Aston (Martin)
8. Netflix and Chill - Screen Dog Names
If James Bond isn't your thing, take some inspiration from your favourite TV show or film.
Chandler (Friends)
Baldrick (Blackadder)
Crystal (RuPaul's Drag Race)
Dexter (Dexter !)
Loki (Thor)
Simba (Lion King)
Hooper (Stranger Things)
Mulan (Mulan !)
Beth (The Queen's Gambit)
Baskin (Tiger King)
9. Faraway Destinations - Travel Dog Names
For people with travel on they minds this year, a faraway destination can make a great dog name.
Havana
Cairo
Sydney
Boston
China
Dallas
Paris
Persia
Oslo
Mali
10. Strangest Dog Names
Looking for some inspiration for a completely unique dog name? Take a look at some of the craziest names in the UK last year - there's definitely a food theme going on here !
Ham & Cheese Toastie
Albus Dumblepaws
Baguette
Banana Doughnut
Fish
Halloumi
Lieutenant Banana Legs
Obi Bun Kenobi
Captain Toebeans
Waffle House Hash Browns
Your dog's name can say so much about you and your personality as well as reflecting the personality of your dog. So take your time picking the pawfect name.
Planning on getting a puppy ? Congratulations! We have lots of articles which might help you prepare for your puppy and help with training. Take a look at our popular Dog Crates & Accessories to create that perfect safe haven, Bringing a Puppy Home for our hints and tips on that all important first car trip and discover the Best Treats for Puppy Training |
Thank you for stopping by and reading our article -
Dog Names : A Guide to Choosing a Dog Name
