by Janet Grischy

Created on: February 22, 2009   Last Updated: January 02, 2012

A dog's name is important. It should suit the dog's personality and be one he or she will respond to readily, as well as one an owner will enjoy calling every day. This eliminates long complicated names, unless the dog will have a nickname too. Remember that puppy names will someday be dog names, and avoid names meant for a small cute animal, unless yours will always be a small dog.

A dog's name says something about him or her, so use care to match the name to your dog's appearance, character, and breeding. A name says something about the dog's owner too; it may show that she is well read, or that he has a silly side. Choose the name wisely.

Popular Male and Female Dog Names

Different names are popular in different areas, and at different times. Widely chosen names are popular for a reason, but you may want a name for your dog that is slightly unusual. Besides the evergreen Rover, Fido, Spot, and Spike, some other popular male dog names are Max, Buddy, Lucky, Jack, and Blue.

Many female dogs are called Princess or Lady; these have been popular names for years. Lady probably came from the Disney movie, and Princess stems from the way some owners intend to treat their pet. These are still good female dog names today. Some other popular female names include Lucy, Polly, Daisy, Sadie, Ginger, and Sugar.

Generating Ideas for Unique Dog Names

To think of unique dog names, go through the list of people you used to really like or dislike, but not, for harmony’s sake, anyone who is in your life now. Perhaps a teacher you liked had a pleasing name. Your dog may somehow remind you of the way a former boss or co-worker looked or moved. Does he or she act like an old neighbor or schoolmate?

If you are in a relationship, you and your partner could include both of your names or initials in a name for your pup. Kaycee(K.C.) and Bobbin(Bob Ann) are fine names for dogs. Or, ask your favorite child or children to come up with names. Keep veto power though; you have to like it too.

Give your dog a name that relates to his breed's origin, perhaps, or name her for the place where you got her. A Labrador Retriever might be called Fundy for the nearby bay, or Prince Edward for the neighboring island. A poodle might be named Paris, while an Irish Setter might respond to Kerry or Cork.

Some great names relate to the dog's appearance, like Domino and Spot. Other possibilities for dog names include heroes from sports or books, like Peyton, Billie Jean, or Bond. Hollywood offers dog names like Zazu, Harrison, Harpo, and Theda Bara.

Once you have come up with a name or two, try them out. Does your pet seem to respond to the name? Does it seem to fit? If the dog likes it, you have finally found the right name.

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