Most Popular Dog Names in America Right Now in 2025
Ever wonder what names other people are giving their pups? A recent study by TrustedHousesitters dug into 100,000 U.S. pet names and uncovered some interesting trends.
From timeless classics to pop culture surges, here’s what’s hot in 2025 and what you might want to keep in mind before naming your next best friend.
Top Names Taking the Lead
According to the study:
#1 most popular pet name overall (dogs and cats): Luna
Other top female‑leaning names: Lucy, Bella, Daisy, Rosie
Top male‑leaning names: Charlie, Max, Leo, Cooper, Bailey
Dog Names vs. Cat Names: What’s Shared, What’s Unique
There’s a lot of overlap between dog and cat name trends. For example:
Shared names (popular for both): Luna, Charlie, Lucy, Bella, Leo
More dog‑leaning names: Buddy, Penny, Olive, Scout, Finn
More cat‑leaning choices: Shadow, Oscar, Kitty, Frankie (though many of these are now unisex)
Trends That Are Growing Fast
There are also some newer or emerging trends worth noting:
Pop culture impact: The name Wednesday staged a big leap (1400% jump!), likely thanks to Netflix’s Wednesday.
Book and fantasy influences: Names like Violet, Onyx, Feyre, Azriel, and Rowen are rising, inspired by fantasy novels and series.
Food‑inspired names: Pet parents love names like Olive, Pepper, Ginger, Mochi, and Honey.
Regional & City Flair
It’s not just national trends—where you live seems to influence names, too:
In New York City, names like Biggie, Brooklyn, Cannoli are popping up, reflecting its culture, food, and musical heritage.
In states with striking natural features, names inspired by nature or local geography show up (e.g., Aspen in Colorado)
What This Means When You’re Choosing a Name
Here are some takeaways and tips if you’re thinking of naming (or renaming) your dog:
Avoid the “everyone’s using this one” trap, if you want something unique. If you name your dog Luna or Bella, chances are there are several in your neighborhood. Not bad—but if you want originality, dig into those less common but meaningful names.
Think about pronunciation and recall: Short, clear names tend to work better at the dog park or when training. Will your dog respond if you call “Onyx” vs “Max”?
Personality + inspiration: Using pop culture, nature, favorite foods, books—these can give a name that extra personal punch. Just make sure it matches your dog’s vibe.
Future‑proof it: Dogs get older, grow gray, and sometimes change in energy. Pick a name you’ll still like calling at 12!
Avoid the “everyone’s using this one” trap, if you want something unique. If you name your dog Luna or Bella, chances are there are several in your neighborhood. Not bad—but if you want originality, dig into those less common but meaningful names.
Top 25 Dog Names in 2025
Here are the top names people are choosing for dogs based on the TrustedHousesitters study:
- Luna
- Bella
- Lucy
- Charlie
- Daisy
- Rosie
- Cooper
- Sadie
- Bailey
- Max
- Lola
- Ruby
- Buddy
- Penny
- Stella
- Molly
- Coco
- Scout
- Maggie
- Lily
- Sophie
- Teddy
- Olive
- Finn
- Ollie
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