Names That Will Have Your Dog's Tail Wagging
Looking for the perfect name for your dog? Look no further. Instead of coming up with uninspired ones that will have even your pup judging you, it's time to think up better, more unique names that help your pet stand out from the rest. So, if you need help deciding or brainstorming, we've got the article for you: here are the 10 most common dog names you should avoid—and 10 creative ones to consider.
1. Cooper
What's up with pet owners giving their pets a human name? Call your doggo Cooper and the next time he's off and running down the park, you might get about 30 heads turning if you start shouting after him. That's how common Cooper is as a name.
2. Bear
Okay, we'll admit—Bear is kind of cute. But your dog is: one, not a bear; and two, actually a dog. Jokes aside, owners may be tempted to name their doggo Bear because they're fierce, protective, and have the body of one (questionable), but we think you can do better.
3. Charlie
Yes, instead of naming your dog Snoopy, name him Charlie for Charlie Brown instead. While heartwarming and nostalgic, Charlie is a pretty common name. You'll probably run into the Cooper scenario we mentioned before, where you'll have 50 heads turning when calling out for your dog.
4. Bella
"Bella" means "beautiful" in Latin, which may explain why it's such a popular name for babies and pets. And if your doggo exudes grace and charm, Bella is rather fitting. But this name is so commonly used, it might come off too unoriginal.
5. Milo
Does your doggo have a chocolatey coat? Then we understand why you'd name them Milo. But if we follow that logic, that's likely why a bunch of other pet owners have also named their dog Milo—which probably isn't the most reassuring thing to hear if you want your pet to stand out from the pack.
6. Lola
Lola is another popular pup name and it definitely fits those with a bit of sass. It's a bit reminiscent of Lilo & Stitch as well, if you're a particularly big fan of the series and film. But again, as cute as this name is, it's not exactly the most original.
7. Bailey
Bailey is a great name for your dog—if you want them to have an uninventive name, that is. Again, we're not sure why people love to give their pets human names when there's so much more creative freedom than naming a baby, but maybe it's just because people like following the crowd.
8. Rocky
Rocky is a tad more unique than Cooper or Bella, but it's another name you'll probably find other pet owners down the street using. Unless you have a good reason or personal story behind naming your dog Rocky, it's best to come up with something else.
9. Willow
Does your dog like playing under Willow trees? If that's the case, then this name can be a fitting one. Otherwise, it might seem as banal and lacking just like the rest of the other commonly used names we've already mentioned.
10. Toby
Come on. Your dog deserves a cool name. A unique name. Michael from The Office would rate this name -1/10. Sure, Toby is a fine and dandy pick for a human, but unless you have a good reason why you've given your pet this name, it's probably best to choose something else.
Looking for more creative dog names? Here are 10 we highly suggest.
1. Rune
Whether you're naming your doggo after the tennis star or you just want to pick something that sounds mysterious and cool, Rune is a great choice. This time, heads will be turning at the park when you call out "Rune" for another reason: they're envious of your dog's cool name.
2. Marigold
Are marigolds yours or your dog's favorite bloom? Then why not name them after the flower? Not only is this name adorable, it also opens up other alternatives if you've got more than one pet: one can be Tulip, another Daisy, Poppy, Buttercup—you get the picture.
3. Juno
And the Juno Award for the best dog name goes to... Juno! You might only understand the reference if you're Canadian, but that doesn't make this choice any less cute, especially if your doggo is also a big music lover.
4. Taffy
If Caramel seems like too common and unoriginal a name for a dog that's, well, caramel-colored, then Taffy might be the next best fit! You might be inspired to name them after other candies or brands, like Maltesers if you have a Maltese.
5. Hazel
If you're tired of coming up with names related to your dog's fur coat or specific breed, you can also look to their eye color for inspiration. Hazel is a great name, for example, as is Cobalt or Sage. Want something even more unique? Hit the thesaurus.
6. Jimmy Chew
Looking for a funny pun to name your dog? Why not Jimmy Chew? This is unique in that you have both a first and last name, which already helps your pet stand out from the rest. Plus, this name makes for a great icebreaker when you're out and about with your doggo.
7. Nyla
Okay, even though we said adapting human names for pets is uninventive, you have to admit: Nyla is a great name that's both unique and has a bit of a bold kick. Plus, you definitely won't see many dogs out there with this name.
Celine Sayuri Tagami on Unsplash
8. Godzilla
Is your dog menacing enough to be deemed beastly? Then Godzilla might make a perfect name! Honestly, even if your dog just looks threatening but is actually a harmless, scaredy-cat fluff ball, the irony makes the name fit all the better.
9. T. Rex
Does your dog bark loudly for hours on end and is more menacing than Godzilla? Then name them after the most frightening extinct dinosaur: T. Rex. (Or, conversely, if they're a giant with a soft heart, you might choose to name them Barney.)
10. Kitty
Speaking of ironic names, why not name your dog something that will confuse everyone else, like Kitty? The next time you call out for your doggo at the park, people will be throwing you odd looks when they realize the Kitty you're calling for is a big dog.
