You’ve met your new dog, and you already know who they are. The one who flops onto your lap. The one who runs laps around the coffee table at 9 p.m.
So why not pick a name that fits? These cute dog names are grouped by personality, with options for boys, girls and everyone in between. Say a few out loud and see which one makes your dog’s ears perk up.
Quick tips before you choose
A cute name is great. A cute name your dog can actually learn is better.
- One or two syllables are easiest to call across a park.
- Avoid names that sound like commands. “Kit” sounds like “sit,” and “Beau” sounds like “no.”
- Don’t match family names. Two “Bellas” in one house gets confusing.
- Picture saying it at the vet. If you’d be embarrassed, maybe keep looking.
Names for the cuddle bug
For the dog who follows you room to room and leans their whole weight against your legs.
- Teddy, Snuggs, Hugo, Mochi, Bear, Cozy, Huggy, Pudding
- Velvet, Marshall, Ollie, Blossom, Toasty, Wren, Benny, Lovey
- Cuddles, Baloo, Sweetpea, Fuzz, Bobbin, Hazel, Pumpkin, Duffy
Bonus points if they also steal your spot on the couch the second you get up.
Names for the goofball
The dog who trips over their own paws, sneezes when excited and makes everyone laugh.
- Works for puppies, adults, rescues and seniors
- One page per problem, step by step
- Printable PDF, free
- Wally, Bingo, Doodle, Scooter, Goober, Wiggles, Bosco, Pickle
- Noodle, Zigzag, Bonkers, Tater, Wobbles, Chewie, Dudley, Ruckus
- Bloop, Ozzy, Hiccup, Kazoo, Bubba, Fritz, Pogo, Jinx
Names for the zoomie machine
Endless energy, one speed, zero brakes. These names are fun to shout on the trail.
- Dash, Rocket, Zippy, Turbo, Bolt, Nitro, Flash, Comet
- Blaze, Jet, Sprocket, Rally, Skye, Scout, Jumper, Zephyr
- Bandit, Rascal, Zoom, Racer, Arrow, Spark, Ace, Zuri
High-energy dogs need more than a good name. Our indoor enrichment ideas help on days you can’t get outside.
Names for the couch potato
For the dog who considers a walk around the block a major expedition.
- Snooze, Mellow, Lazlo, Dozer, Sleepy, Napoleon, Lounge, Slippers
- Pillow, Bodhi, Sunday, Chill, Lullaby, Dreamer, Couchie, Sloth
- Floppy, Sundae, Drowsy, Hammock, Snoozy, Rumple, Dusty, Waylon
Names for the fluffball
Samoyeds, Pomeranians, doodles and anyone who looks like a walking cloud.
- Cloud, Yeti, Puff, Wooly, Fluffy, Snowball, Cotton, Fuzzball
- Dandelion, Bunting, Furby, Puffin, Lamb, Flurry, Tuft, Nimbus
- Mop, Pom Pom, Muppet, Shaggy, Fleece, Bristle, Swirl, Feather
All that fluff takes work, too. Plan on regular brushing so the cute look doesn’t turn into mats.
Names for the gentle giant
Big dogs with tiny-dog hearts. There’s something extra cute about a 120-pound dog named Peanut, but these fit too.
- Moose, Bruno, Tank, Gus, Hank, Boulder, Atlas, Grizzly
- Bjorn, Thor, Rufus, Brutus, Goliath, Titan, Hercules, Otis
- Ursa, Maple, Juno, Gretel, Magnolia, Athena, Willow, Dahlia
Names for the little diva
For the small dog with big opinions about which pillow is theirs.
- Duchess, Prince, Gigi, Coco, Baroness, Royal, Majesty, Chanel
- Princess, Sir Pounce, Bijou, Lady, Marquis, Tiara, Ritz, Diamond
- Countess, Duke, Fancy, Glitter, Posh, Bentley, Fendi, Regina
Names for the shy sweetheart
Quiet, gentle and a little cautious at first. These soft names suit a dog who’s still warming up to the world.
- Whisper, Shadow, Juniper, Pippa, Hush, Mittens, Dove, Clover
- Fern, Ember, Misty, Lark, Bashful, Ivy, Poppet, Faye
- Echo, Sage, Breezy, Robin, Meadow, Gentle Ben, Tulip, Wisp
Rescue dogs often start out shy. Give them time, keep things calm, and use their new name with treats and kind moments.
Names for the smarty-pants
The dog who learned “shake” in one afternoon and figured out how to open the treat cabinet.
- Einstein, Sherlock, Newton, Watson, Tesla, Darwin, Professor, Socrates
- Ada, Curie, Minerva, Plato, Genius, Edison, Hermione, Wiz
- Yoda, Gizmo, Bookie, Marple, Cosmo, Quill, Riddle, Pixel
Names for the foodie
The one who sits next to you at every meal with the saddest eyes in the world. (These are just names. Several of these foods aren’t safe for dogs to eat.)
- Taco, Burrito, Falafel, Meatball, Bagel, Pretzel, Tofu, Gnocchi
- Churro, Paprika, Basil, Pierogi, Ramen, Sushi, Poutine, Brisket
- Biscotti, Crumpet, Nacho Libre, Mochiko, Gravy, Tamale, Scone, Fig
Cute name pairs for two dogs
Bringing home two pups, or adding a sibling? Matching names are adorable, as long as they don’t sound too alike when you call them.
- Salt and Pepper, Mac and Cheese, Bonnie and Clyde
- Peanut and Jelly, Sonny and Cher, Milo and Otis
- Ziti and Penne, Thunder and Lightning, Bert and Ernie
- Luna and Sol, Rosie and Jack, Lewis and Clark
Pick pairs that start with different sounds. “Mac” and “Max” in the same house means two dogs come running every time.
Looking for more?
If you’ve got a girl pup, our list of girl dog names has 300 more ideas, from classic to unique.
How to teach your dog their new name
Picking the name is the fun part. Teaching it takes a few days of easy practice.
- Say the name once in a happy voice.
- The moment your dog looks at you, give a small treat.
- Repeat a few times, several sessions a day.
- Slowly try it with more distractions, like in the yard.
Never use their name to scold. You want it to always mean something good is about to happen.
Common questions
What is the cutest dog name?
The one that fits your dog. A short, happy name like Teddy, Mochi or Ollie is a crowd favorite.
Should a dog’s name end in a vowel sound?
Many trainers like names ending in a vowel sound, like Milo or Coco, because they’re easy to call. It’s not a rule, though.
Can I rename an adopted dog?
Yes. Most dogs learn a new name within a couple of weeks if you pair it with treats and praise.
How long does it take a puppy to learn their name?
Often just a few days of short, regular practice. Some catch on in a single afternoon.
Is it okay to give a dog a human name?
Absolutely. Names like Hank, Ollie and Pippa are popular, just avoid naming them after someone in the house.
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