In choosing a name for your dog, you want something that’s simple for the dog to understand – preferably two distinct syllables (like the popular “Buddy”) – and won’t embarrass you when you’re calling the name in public (remember those adolescent “Freeshow” jokes).
Take a moment to reflect on the dog’s personality and appearance for some cues (Spot, Patches, Bandit, etc.) If it’s just a pup, remember to choose something your pet can grow into. There are a number of online lists of popular pet names from pet insurers and adoption sites to guide you.
As of January 2012, a U.S. pet insurer announced “Bella” was the most popular name for both dogs and cats. The Twilight-inspired moniker has reigned as top dog since 2009, and in 2011“Bella” trumped “Max” as the prime choice for cat owners, too.
Top dog names
1. Bella
2. Bailey
3. Max
4. Lucy
5. Molly
6. Buddy
7. Daisy
8. Maggie
9. Charlie
10. Sophie
Source: Veterinary Pet Insurance Company.
The tendency toward selecting human names for pets appears to continue with nearly every name on the top 10 dog names list doubling as a popular name for people. Of the nearly half a million pets insured by VPI, only 13 were named “Fido,” and just 17 came running to the name “Spot,” which indicates a decrease in the popularity of traditional dog names.
Everybody needs a buddy according to Petfinder.com, the largest online database of adoptable pets, which created the 2011 ranking of the most popular and most unusual names, with an extra category for celebrity “name-a-likes.” For the fifth year in a row, “Buddy” barks at the top as the most trending name for adoptable dogs in 2011.
More popular dog names
1. Buddy (15,184)
2. Max (13,810)
3. Daisy (12,948)
4. Bella (11,773)
5. Lucy (11,418)
6. Molly (11,049)
7. Charlie (10,607)
8. Jack (9,949)
9. Sadie (9,232)
10. Rocky (8,475)
Source: Pet adoption website petfinder.com.
Because they’re just too cute to ignore, Petfinder.com also handpicked the most unusual names of adoptable pets for 2011 from nearly 300 submissions by shelters and rescue groups across North America. Creativity honors go to “Fluff Dog Millionaire” and “Jimmy Chews.”
2011 Best Celebrity Name-A-Likes
1. Barry Meow-nilow
2. Katy Purry
3. Ally McBeagle
4. Brad the Pit
5. Rascal Catts
6. Ringo Starr
7. Cindy Clawford
8. Cindy Dogford
9. Vera Fang
10. Lady Gaga
Source: Pet adoption website petfinder.com.
According to Betsy Banks Saul, co-founder of Petfinder, if you "…can’t imagine yourself hollering for ‘Polly Picklepuss’ at the dog park, never fear. Animal behaviorists tell us it’s okay to change their names. Here’s how: Add their new name to their old name for a few weeks, then gradually phase out the old one.”