These Are The Top Dog Names In The US

Discovering the right name for your dog is one of the many joys of pet parenthood. With so many options out there, it's fun and exciting to find a name that perfectly encapsulates your pup and their personality. While there are indeed a wide variety of names people may pick for their pooch, a few have risen to the top of the popularity charts in the United States.

According to U.S. News & World Report, one of the top dog names in the U.S. is the timeless Bella. Other popular names for female pups include Luna, Daisy, and Coco. When it comes to the boys, Max and Charlie are two of the prime contenders for the trophy, with Buddy and Milo also in the running. Other top names include the gender-neutral Bailey and the cute classics Cooper and Molly. Based on these picks, it seems that giving pups so-called "human names" is a big trend for the country.

Many pet parents have decided to pay homage to a favorite fictional character. Examples of this include Chewbacca, a popular choice for "Star Wars" fans. Loki is another commonly seen dog name, potentially inspired by the Marvel character. Lots of other owners have named their dogs after their favorite desserts or foods. Cookie, Cinnamon, Cheddar, Peanut, and Mochi are just some of the commonly seen culinary picks.

The top dog names in the country also vary by region. Per U.S. News & World Report, the most favored name in New York City is Lucy. Other U.S. cities have unique names in their top spots, with Yuma taking gold in Chicago and Suki No. 1 in San Antonio. Other standouts on the list include Penny, Lola, and Oliver, all cracking the top three spots on multiple states' lists.

When you get a new dog or puppy, choosing their name is an important step. With so many possibilities, it can be hard to decide on a single name to give your unique dog. One of the most important aspects of naming a canine is choosing an option they can actually learn. If a name is too long, there's a good chance it will be hard for you to say when you call your pup.

Instead, consider choosing a short name that's only a couple of syllables so your dog can easily hear and become familiar with it. Dr. Judy Morgan, a veterinarian, told The Spruce Pets, "Animal behavioralists and trainers often recommend that you use sharp-sounding consonants in a name (think D, K, and P), since these make a sound that is a bit like a 'clicker' and dogs are therefore very responsive to them."

If you're struggling to come up with any name ideas, think about what makes your dog unique. Maybe they have a special physical feature you want to highlight, such as a silky red coat that reminds you of the cartoon dog Clifford. Perhaps you want to spotlight their spunky personality with a fun name like Rebel or Fifi. No matter the name you choose, the only thing that truly matters is that you and your dog love it.