Picking the Perfect Pup Name: Tips & Inspiration

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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

1. Trending Female Names for 2024

2. Trending Male Names for 2024

3. Read All About It - Literary Dog Names

4. Comfort Food - Edible Dog Names

5. Cast a Spell - Magical Dog Names

6. Music to My Ears - Musical Dog Names

7. Shaken, not Stirred - Bond Dog Names

8. Netflix and Chill - Screen Dog Names

9. Faraway Destinations - Travel Dog Names

10. Strangest 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

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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