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15 Best Names For Your New Puppy

Written by: Adri Sandoval
Adri Sandoval is the Special Projects Manager for iHeartDogs and iHeartCats. Her work has deepened her love for animals, fostering a strong passion for rescue and animal advocacy.Read more
| Published on April 4, 2017

Looking for just the right name for your new fuzzy friend? You’ll want something that feels right – something that fits your pup’s personality to a “T”. The possibilities are endless, but we have some information on some of the most popular names from the last few years. Some are classics, some are inspired by pop culture, and some are just plain cute! No matter your new puppy’s manner, you’re likely to find matching moniker for him!

1. Bella

Bella means “beautiful” in Italian. This name made the list of most popular dog names in 2009 – the year after the first Twilight movie was released, and it’s popularity in the US has yet to die down!

Image Source: Jason Weaver via Flickr

2. Molly

We can’t all live in the burrow, but this name is sure to be a big hit with Harry Potter fans!

3. Charlie

This classic works great for either gender. Charlie is also the name of the cute brown dog with the big nose in the Looney Tunes cartoons!

4. Max

Short and sweet, Max was the name of Prince Eric’s lively English Sheepdog in Disney’s The Little Mermaid.

5. Ruby

This happens to be the name of the prettiest German Shepherd mix in Texas – my own pup was named Ruby for my son’s love of the color red!

Pictured: Best Floof in Texas

6. Jack

Jack is usually considered a very masculine name – but could also be a cute nickname for a playful girl puppy!

7. Buddy

A truly friendly name – naming your puppy Buddy lets everyone know who your best friend is!

8. Lucy

Lucy can be short for “Lucille” but also stands alone just fine. Lucy comes from the Latin word for “light”, as in “My Lucy is the light of my life!”

9. Oscar

Let’s hope your pup didn’t earn this name by way of a grouchy demeanor. Perhaps your dog has a remarkable sense of humor – like the famous Oscar Wilde.

10. Roxy

Roxy is the more exotic, Persian version of the name “Dawn”. A bright name for your bright puppy!

11. Coco

Is your pup particularly sweet? The name Coco could be a perfect fit!

12. Toby

Toby is a short form of Tobias – two syllables can be better than three when you’re trying to call a rambunctious dog.


13. Rosie

A Rosie by any other name is – well, some other name! You’ll know if your dog is meant to be a Rosie when you meet her.

14. Bonnie

A name meaning “beautiful, good-natured and cheerful” – what more could you want from a good pup

15. Millie

“Millicent” can be a mouthful. This diminutive version will fit puppies of all sizes.

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