A Guide to Choosing Cute & Unique Dog Names

One of the most exciting parts of bringing home a new pet is coming up with the perfect name. After all, it’s something you’ll be calling out for years to come. Finding the right name is more than just choosing something that sounds good—it should also embody your pet.

Perhaps there’s a part of their personality that inspires you, or you’d like something honoring the breed’s origin. That perfect name may take time to find, but this collection of cute and unique dog names can help you give you some ideas.

The Science Behind Naming

A dog’s name is more than just their identity. It’s also an important part of training and communication. Even then, experts agree that certain names work better for dogs. Part of this is because dogs don’t hear words in the sense that people do—they recognize sounds and expectations that follow from them.

Certain hard consonants in names, like k, p, and d, all create sounds that are more likely to catch a dog’s attention^[1]. Likewise, choosing a name with a vowel at the end is likely to be heard better than something ending in a consonant^[2] because dogs have a vowel bias.

Another consideration is the length of the name—one or two syllables are often considered ideal^[3] because they can be said quickly and easily when paired with commands, making communication easier.

Trending Choices: Most Popular Dog Names

There are some popular names^[4] that people choose more often than others for their dogs. These are great dog names for different breeds.

Most common male dog names include:

• Max
• Charlie
• Cooper
• Milo
• Buddy

For female dogs, the most common names include:

• Luna
• Bella
• Daisy
• Lucy
• Lily

Diving Deeper: Some of the Coolest Dog Names

If you’re looking for a name that you won’t hear other people shouting at the dog park, choosing something rarer may be the way to go. Some unique dog names come with some interesting inspiration. This list of cool and rare dog names may have the perfect pick.

• Granger: This surname means farmer, making it suitable for all sorts of working dogs. It could also be a reference to a character in Harry Potter.
• Stark: Of German and English origins, Stark means strong or sturdy. It’s also one for Game of Thrones fans.
• Drake: This name is derived from the Old Norse name Draki, meaning dragon.
• Cleo: This name is taken from the Greek Muse Clio, patron of history.^[5]

Cute and Unique Breed-Specific Names: Great Dog Names for Different Breeds

Some names are just well-suited for certain breeds. While there are no rules about what you can name your dog based on breed, these are some great ideas. 

Corgis are known for their fluffiness and silly gaits. Originating from Wales, they often earn dignified, sophisticated names from their owners.^[6]

• Winston: Meaning “joyful stone” and of British origin, it’s a suitable name for a corgi dedicated to bringing you joy for years to come.
• Charlie: The diminutive form of the regal name Charles, this could be the perfect pick between sophisticated and cute enough for your corgi.
• Stella: Stella is both cute and regal for a girl corgi, meaning star in Latin.

Siberian huskies have an almost mischievous streak to them and are known for their immense intelligence and penchant to escape. These working dogs originated in Siberia and have a rich history in sled dog racing in Alaska since 1909.^[7]

• Houdini: This is a true testament to a husky’s ability as an escape artist. 
• Blaze: Known for their speed in racing, Blaze could be a perfect pick for a sleek husky who’s quick on their feet.
• Storm: As a testament to their origin in the snowy tundra of Siberia, and a nod to their chaotic personalities, this name embodies a husky’s nature.

Shiba Inus originate from Japan, serving as the smallest native dog. These beautiful pups are known for their stubborn, almost cat-like nature. 

• Foxy: These dogs have a fox-like appearance, from the red fur to their pointed ears and thick tails.
• Mochi: Mochi is a Japanese rice cake. They’re sweet and round, just like a shiba inu’s face.^[8]
• Loki: Naming a devious dog after the famous Norse trickster god is fitting when considering the chaos they’re capable of making.

Gender-Specific Inspiration

While gender-neutral names are quickly becoming popular, there are plenty of gendered names available if you want people to know if your dog is a boy or girl just by name.

If you want unique male dog names that will make a statement, try:

• Arlo
• Ike
• Jasper
• Orion

Some cute female dog names may include mythological references or diminutive forms of names, such as:

• Athena
• Callie
• Juno
• Rosie

The Little Ones: Cute Names for Puppies

When you first get a puppy, they’re often so small and adorable. While older dogs will still have some of their inherent cuteness, there’s something special about the playful, innocent nature of puppies, and choosing a name to embody this time may be just right for you.

For baby girl pups:

• Abby
• Bambi
• Daisy
• Ellie
• Gigi

For the baby boy pups:

• Alfie
• Baxter
• Brownie
• Felix
• Ollie

Choose the Perfect Name for the Perfect Dog, No Matter the Breed

Choosing a dog’s name may be one of the biggest decisions you make after picking out your family’s newest companion. It should resonate with you while still fitting the dog’s personality, or potentially, their breed. If you’re unsure what breed your dog is, Ancestry^® can help. Order your Know Your Pet DNA kit today and learn more about what makes your dog so unique.