The most popular baby names make the best puppy names too!
Because fur babies need a great name too!
By John Woods
Whether you’re naming a baby or a puppy, there’s a lot of pressure. You’ve got to find the right fit.
Often we take a different, more fun approach when naming a pet, but have you ever considered that flipping through a baby name list can help you find something that fits your dog’s unique personality and appearance too?!
John Woods is the founder of All Things Dogs. A publication built to educate over 40,000,000 dog owners on how to care for their dogs.
Names have a funny way of carrying a lot of meaning behind them, and humanity has recognised this importance all throughout history. We want to give our children names of important figures, idols, and gods in the hope they grow in the example of their forefathers.
That’s why we get names like Jesus, Benjamin, Mary, and Victoria; we want to honor the past while looking for a brighter future.
For dog names, it is a whole other story. Owners tend to give their pets silly names or nicknames to move away from the seriousness of human names. It really shows when people give their little Chihuahua the name Bruiser or their Great Dane the name Tiny. However, that shouldn’t stop us from giving our pets serious names, partly because that’s funny in itself.
Imagine coming home from work to greet your Pomeranian named George and seeing his little tail wag at the sound of his name coming from your mouth!
In addition, there’s also another layer of sentimental meaning in naming our pets after people. For example, using the name of a late loved one can be a great way to honour them. After all, our canine companions are an extension of the family!
Whatever you decide to engrave on your pet’s little tag, you’ll still be delighted to hear that little jingle at the end of a day! If you are looking for a name for a new member of the family, canine or otherwise, here are twenty popular baby names that might just work.
Puppy names for girls
Charlotte
It is a lovely, calm name that suggests a gentle personality, completely in line with the mum-like spider from Charlotte’s Web.
Olivia
Derived from an olive tree, symbolising a peace offering, Olivia is another gentle name for both a dog and human. It can be shortened to the nickname of Liv or Via.
Mia
Meaning ‘bitter’ this name is very fitting for a grumpy senior dog that would like to nap all day while perfectly fitting a small, hyper canine as well.
Amelia
The name is usually associated with Amelia Earhart, the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic, solidifying the name’s reputation in fame and history. It can also be shortened to Mia or Lia.
Isla
Scottish breeds and red haired dogs will represent this name very well as the name comes from the Scottish language.
Ava
For those with a bird dog breed, this is the name for you! It’s meaning derives from the Latin word ‘avis’ which means bird.
Chloe
Greek for ‘blooming’ and another name for Demeter, the goddess of the harvest, this is a cute name to give to your new spring puppy.
Grace
It is a great name for show dogs, their elegance and gracefulness on the floor is a very good role model for growing pups.
Sophia
Breeds with a history of high intelligence are fit to bear the name as it translates from Greek to ‘wisdom.’
Ella
Smaller, fluffier dogs are excellent candidates for this name as it translates to ‘fairy maiden.’
Puppy names for boys
Oliver
Another form of Olivia, this is a great name for a pup that is on the gentler side.
Noah
Meaning ‘rest’ the name is great for a dog that likes to take their time hanging out around the house. It is also a good name for a dog that is comfortable with a lot of different animals, seeing them as friends.
William
If you’re an English royal family fan, then you’ll definitely want to name your English corgi after the Duke of Cambridge, Prince William. It can easily be shortened to Will for a puppy.
Jack
This is another English name with Celtic origins that translate into ‘strong’ or ‘full of energy.’
Leo
Large, lion-like dogs are the best candidates for this name as it means lion!
Lucas
Lucas Cranach the Younger was a great Renaissance painter in Germany, it’s creative while being simple for both human and canine children.
Henry
This noble name is mostly famous for King Henry VIII, but don’t let that stop you from having all of the English royal family in your home!
Ethan
Hebrew in origin, it means ‘strong’ and should be given to large dogs but is ironically fitting for a little chihuahua.
Thomas
Between the invention of the lightbulb and one of the founding fathers of America, Thomas is a classic that stands the test of time.
James
It has Scottish and English origins within nobility, making it another great name to give to a dog that loves to be pampered with the finest things in the world.
Read more from John Woods at All Things Dogs.