“Luna? That’s already taken.” “Max? There are three in our building.” These conversations happen daily. Many pet parents struggle with naming their new furry friends. My eight years as a dog trainer have shown me how challenging this decision can be for families welcoming a new pup.
The choices seem endless. Some people want girl dog names that capture their pet’s personality. Others search for boy dog names that make a statement. Traditional female names like “Bella” remain popular choices. Classic male options like “Charlie” never go out of style. Many pet parents look for unique names to help their dogs stand out at the local park.
Our team analyzed data from more than a million registered dogs throughout the United States. The result is this comprehensive list of 100 popular names. Each entry includes its meaning, origin, and current trends to help you choose the perfect name for your new best friend.
Luna
Image Source: Pageant Dog
Luna stands as America’s most beloved female dog name. The numbers tell an amazing story – one in every 72 dogs responds to this celestial name [1]. Luna dominates the landscape in 35 states [2], making it the most popular female dog name we’ve seen.
The magic behind Luna runs deep. This beautiful name comes from Latin and means “moon.” It belongs to the Roman goddess who represented our moon in ancient mythology [3]. Luna resonates strongly with several dog breeds:
- Labrador Retrievers
- Border Collies
- Golden Retrievers
- Cockapoos [4]
The name’s charm goes beyond mythology. Modern pop culture has amplified its appeal through characters like Harry Potter’s Luna Lovegood [1]. The name’s two-syllable structure makes it perfect to use during training sessions [2].
Luna’s widespread appeal shows in registration numbers everywhere. The American Kennel Club’s 2023 statistics confirm Luna’s position at the top of their rankings [5]. The name’s soft sound and connection to the moon make it a natural fit for dogs with gentle personalities [6].
Luna’s success becomes even more remarkable compared to other female dog names. The name has outshined traditional choices over the last several years [7]. Its perfect blend of grace, easy pronunciation, and rich meaning creates an irresistible choice for dog owners.
Max
Image Source: Pageant Dog
Max stands as proof of timeless appeal in the world of male dog names. This classic name has managed to keep its position as the second most popular dog names in recent rankings [8].
The name’s enduring popularity comes from its powerful meaning. Latin origins give us Maximus, which means “greatest” [9]. This noble name traces back to ancient Rome, where people earned it through their achievements.
My years of experience with different breeds show Max’s remarkable versatility. The name resonates especially when you have:
- German Shepherds
- Labrador Retrievers
- Chihuahuas
- Rottweilers
- Golden Retrievers [10]
Max’s worldwide appeal amazes me. The name leads popularity charts across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia [11]. Its charm has stayed strong since the 1980s [12], making it one of the most enduring favorites in dog-naming history.
This name beautifully balances historical weight with modern style. My work as a dog trainer reveals that dogs named Max tend to develop happy, fun-loving personalities and become trustworthy companions [13]. Dog parks and vet offices often echo with owners clarifying “which Max” they’re looking for [12], proof of its widespread popularity.
Bella
Image Source: Pageant Dog
The dog names Bella shows remarkable staying power in my experience as a professional dog trainer. This elegant name has done something exceptional: it has managed to keep the #1 spot for an entire decade [14] and now leads in 37 states across America [15].
Bella’s popularity amazes me with its broad appeal. The name, which means “beautiful” in Italian, suits every breed from tiny Chihuahuas to majestic Golden Retrievers. Recent data reveals that 5% of all dogs nationwide respond to Bella [15]. You’ll likely meet one at your local dog park.
My experience shows Bella resonates especially with:
- Labrador Retrievers
- Golden Retrievers
- French Bulldogs [16]
The Twilight series’ character Bella Swan [14] sparked this name’s rise to fame, but its staying power comes from more fundamental qualities. The name combines elegance with simplicity, and it works well for training because of its clear, two-syllable sound.
Bella stands out for its consistency. Other names rise and fall in popularity, but Bella remains at the top of registration lists year after year [14]. Dogs named Bella often display a perfect mix of grace and playfulness that matches their beautiful name [16].
Charlie
Image Source: Pageant Dog
The rise of dog names continues to fascinate me, and Charlie’s path to becoming the most popular name tells quite a story. Charlie has managed to keep its position as America’s favorite male dog name after dethroning the longtime frontrunner Max in 2023 [17], which signals a fundamental change in naming trends.
Charlie’s universal charm never fails to captivate me. The name comes from the Old German name Karl, meaning “free man” [18], and its rich historical legacy strikes a chord with people from different backgrounds. My experience with dogs has shown Charlie’s exceptional popularity among:
- Labrador Retrievers
- Beagles
- French Bulldogs [19]
Charlie’s special quality lies in its adaptability. The name ranks among the top 4 dog names nationwide [20], and it suits both energetic puppies and dignified senior dogs perfectly. The name’s lasting appeal comes in part from its connection to beloved cultural icons like Charlie Chaplin [18], which adds classic charm to its modern popularity.
My experience as a trainer has shown Charlie’s practical advantages. Dogs respond well to the name’s two syllables during training [21], and Charlie-named dogs tend to show loving, good-natured personalities [21]. This blend of historical meaning and practical benefits has kept Charlie leading male dog names across the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia [22].
Comparison Table
| Name | Current Ranking | Etymology/Meaning | Popular Breeds | Notable Statistics | Cultural Influences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Luna | #1 Female | Latin for “moon” | • Labrador Retrievers • Border Collies • Golden Retrievers • Cockapoos |
One dog in 72 Leads in 35 states |
Harry Potter’s Luna Lovegood |
| Max | #2 Overall | Latin “Maximus” means “greatest” | • German Shepherds • Labrador Retrievers • Chihuahuas • Rottweilers • Golden Retrievers |
Beloved since 1980s | Dominates charts across USA, Canada, UK, and Australia |
| Bella | #1 for ten years | Italian word meaning “beautiful” | • Labrador Retrievers • Golden Retrievers • French Bulldogs |
Names 5% of dogs nationwide Leads in 37 states |
Twilight series’ Bella Swan |
| Charlie | #1 Male (2023) | Old German “Karl” means “free man” | • Labrador Retrievers • Beagles • French Bulldogs |
Among top 4 nationwide | Named after Charlie Chaplin |