The Most Popular Dog Names of 2025 and What They Say About Pet Parents
Choosing a dog’s name is one of the most exciting moments of welcoming a new pet home. A name reflects personality, family style, and often the cultural moment we are living in. Each year, trends shift slightly as new influences emerge, and 2025 is no different.
At Paige’s In-Home Pet Care, we meet hundreds of dogs throughout Lake County every year, and certain names begin to appear again and again. While every name is special, some clearly rise to the top as favorites among pet parents.
Below is a look at the most popular dog names heading into 2025, along with the trends driving these choices and helpful resources that track naming data nationwide.
Top Dog Name Trends for 2025
Before diving into specific names, it helps to understand what is shaping dog naming trends this year.
According to data from Rover, one of the largest pet care platforms in the United States, dog names tend to follow patterns in:
Pop culture and entertainment
Human baby naming trends
Food and lifestyle influences
Short, easy to call names
Rover releases an annual dog name report that continues to influence naming choices across the country.
https://www.rover.com/blog/dog-names/
In 2025, we are seeing a blend of classic favorites and modern human style names that reflect how deeply dogs are viewed as family members.
Most Popular Male Dog Names of 2025
Many of the top male dog names remain consistent year over year, thanks to their simplicity and familiarity.
Some of the most popular male dog names for 2025 include:
Max
A long time favorite, Max continues to rank highly due to its strong sound and easy recall.
Charlie
This name mirrors human baby naming trends and feels friendly and approachable.
Cooper
Often associated with playful and energetic dogs, Cooper remains a favorite among families.
Milo
Short, gentle, and easy to say, Milo continues to grow in popularity.
Leo
Influenced by astrology and pop culture, Leo is increasingly common in younger dogs.
The American Kennel Club tracks registered dog names and shows similar patterns of popularity across breeds.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/top-dog-names/
Most Popular Female Dog Names of 2025
Female dog names in 2025 lean toward soft sounding names and human inspired choices.
Popular female dog names include:
Bella
Still one of the most widely used names nationwide, Bella remains a favorite for good reason.
Luna
Inspired by celestial themes, Luna continues to grow in popularity year after year.
Daisy
A cheerful classic that feels timeless and friendly.
Lucy
This name remains popular due to its warmth and familiarity.
Willow
Nature inspired names like Willow have gained momentum as pet parents seek softer, calming names.
According to Petfinder, nature and human baby names continue to influence pet naming trends.
https://www.petfinder.com/dogs/dog-names/
Rising Dog Names Gaining Popularity in 2025
In addition to the classics, some names are rising quickly as trends evolve.
Names gaining popularity include:
Theo
Nova
Ollie
Hazel
Maple
These names often reflect modern baby naming trends and lifestyle branding influences.
Food Inspired Dog Names Remain Popular
Food based names continue to hold strong in 2025, especially for puppies and smaller breeds.
Popular food inspired names include:
Mocha
Pepper
Biscuit
Honey
Olive
These names are playful, memorable, and often tied to a dog’s appearance or personality.
The ASPCA notes that playful names can help strengthen emotional bonds between pets and their families.
https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/dog-care
Short Names Are Still the Most Practical
From a training and pet care perspective, shorter names tend to be easier for dogs to recognize. Names with one or two syllables are often recommended by trainers.
Professional trainers often advise choosing names that:
Are easy to pronounce
Sound different from common commands
Can be called clearly in outdoor settings
This is something we see firsthand at Paige’s In-Home Pet Care, especially during dog walking and puppy visits. Dogs respond more consistently to names that are distinct and easy to hear.
How Your Dog’s Name Fits Into Daily Care
A dog’s name becomes part of their routine from day one. It is used during training, walks, playtime, and daily care. Choosing a name that feels natural to say multiple times a day makes a difference.
For families using in home pet care or professional dog walking, a clear name also helps caregivers build trust and communication quickly with your dog.
Choosing the Right Name for Your Dog
While trends are fun to explore, the best dog name is one that fits your dog’s personality and feels right to you.
When choosing a name, consider:
Your dog’s temperament
Ease of pronunciation
Longevity as your dog grows
How it sounds in everyday situations
There is no wrong choice as long as it suits your family and your pet.
Names We Hear Most Often in Our Care
At Paige’s In-Home Pet Care, we hear many of these popular names daily while caring for dogs across Lake County. Whether it is a playful Luna, a loyal Max, or an energetic Cooper, each dog brings their own personality to the name they carry.
Popular names may come and go, but the bond between pets and their families remains constant.
Final Thoughts on Dog Naming Trends in 2025
Dog names in 2025 reflect how pets continue to be viewed as true family members. Human inspired names, gentle nature themes, and timeless classics dominate the list, while playful and creative options continue to rise.
No matter what name you choose, consistency, patience, and positive reinforcement help your dog learn and respond confidently.
If you ever need support caring for your dog, whether it is daily walks, vacation care, or puppy visits, Paige’s In-Home Pet Care is always here to help.
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