Bringing home a new puppy is an exciting time. Once you get past the initial puppy proofing stage, one of the first things you’ll need to do is pick out the perfect name for your cute new dog. Finding the right moniker to match your dog’s looks and personality can be a fun, yet challenging process. The key is choosing cute dog names that make you smile every time you call your pup’s name.
Factors to Consider When Naming Your Dog
When browsing through the seemingly endless list of potential cute dog names, keep the following factors in mind as you make your decision:
- Your Dog’s Looks – Appearance can serve as great inspiration for naming your dog. Does your pup have adorable floppy ears? Go with something like Floppy or Flapjack. Spotty coat? Consider names like Speckles or Patch.
- Your Dog’s Personality – The name you choose should complement your new pup’s unique personality traits and quirks. Is your dog energetic and bouncy? Try names like Springer or Pounce. More of a laidback lap dog? Consider names like Snuggles or Slumber.
- Your Lifestyle – Match your dog’s name to your hobbies, favorite activities, or even favorite foods. Are you a coffee lover? Consider Java, Brew, or Bean. Enjoy camping and hiking? Trailblazer or Forest could be cute options.
- Naming Theme – A theme can help narrow down options if you’re struggling to pick just one name. Themes like food, toys, cities, colors, nature, and more can provide inspiration.
No matter what factors draw you towards certain cute dog names, follow your heart and choose the one that fits your dog best. Don’t be afraid to get creative or whimsical!
Most Popular Cute Dog Names
If you’re having trouble settling on the perfect cute name for your pup, consider one of these current popular options:
Male Dog Names
- Charlie
- Cooper
- Milo
- Teddy
- Buddy
- Jack
- Toby
- Duke
- Rocky
- Tucker
Female Dog Names
- Luna
- Daisy
- Lola
- Lucy
- Sadie
- Maggie
- Ellie
- Ruby
- Rosie
- Stella
Gender-Neutral Dog Names
Go gender-neutral if you have yet to determine if your pup is male or female:
- Charlie
- Dakota
- Riley
- Bailey
- Casey
- Alex
- Sam
- Taylor
- Jesse
- Skyler
Cute Small Dog Names
Itty-bitty dogs deserve cute names to match their petite packages. Here are some precious names for tiny pups:
- Nugget
- Bitsy
- Button
- Tinkerbell
- Pixie
- Dollop
- Peanut
- Cricket
- Lipstick
- Lulu
Cute Big Dog Names
Just because your new furry friend is on the larger side doesn’t mean you have to pick an equally oversized name. Go with something cute and ironic:
- Tiny
- Runt
- Bitty
- Teensy
- Smalls
- Half Pint
- Pipsqueak
- Squirt
- Peewee
- Dot
Cute Fluffy Dog Names
Fluffy dog breeds like Pomeranians, chow chows, samoyeds, and keeshonds definitely deserve ultra-fuzzy names. Make your new dog’s name as soft as their cuddly coat with names like:
- Fluffernutter
- Marshmallow
- Cotton Ball
- Powder
- Cloud
- Puff
- Furball
- Fuzzbutt
- Squishy
- Cotton Candy
Human Names for Dogs
Traditional human names remain a popular choice for new dog parents. If you prefer classic names, consider:
Male Human Names
- Ben
- Henry
- Louie
- Finn
- Owen
- Oliver
- Leo
- Milo
- Miles
- Jacob
Female Human Names
- Emma
- Ava
- Harper
- Mia
- Chloe
- Hannah
- Abby
- Zoe
- Lily
- Layla
Human Names for Boy or Girl Dogs
- Charlie
- Riley
- Casey
- Quinn
- Taylor
- Jamie
- Alex
- River
- Dakota
- Finley
Cute Dog Names Inspired by Food
If treats motivate your pup more than anything, pick a delicious food-inspired name like:
- Cereal
- Chip
- Nacho
- Peaches
- Peanut
- Pepper
- Popcorn
- Sprinkles
- Taco
- Waffle
Cute Dog Names Inspired by Drinks
Wet your new dog’s whistle with a cute drink-related name:
- Brewski
- Café
- Chai
- Coffee
- Fizz
- Honeydew
- Lager
- Latté
- Pinot
- Punch
Cute Dog Names from Cartoons/Movies
Choose a name from your favorite childhood cartoon character or movie to add a hint of nostalgia:
- Scooby/Scrappy
- Snoopy
- Stitch
- Toto
- Balto
- Bolt
- Dodger
- Lady
- Pongo
- Tramp
Cute Dog Names for Multi-Dog Households
If your new pup will join other pets, make sure names flow:
- Ben and Jerry
- Chip and Dip
- Peanut and Butter
- Romeo and Juliet
- Yin and Yang
- Lewis and Clark
- Buzz and Woody
- Hansel and Gretel
- Sonny and Cher
- Thelma and Louise
Questions New Dog Owners Frequently Ask About Naming Puppies
Q: How soon should I pick a name for my new puppy?
A: You’ll want to pick a permanent name for your new dog within the first couple weeks of bringing them home. Choose something cute right away for training purposes, then monitor their personality a bit before making a final decision.
Q: What’s the best way to pick a name?
A: Say potential names aloud over the course of a few days to see what rolls off the tongue best when calling your pup. Testing names out will also give you a better sense of what suits their looks and personality.
Q: How do I teach my new puppy their name?
A: Use your pup’s name positively and frequently in a higher-pitched, animated voice. Always pair their name with praise and treats to build an early association. With regular repetition, they will learn their name within a couple weeks.
Finding the perfect cute name that matches your dog’s charm and brings a smile to your face whenever you call it is one of the best parts of bringing home a new pup! Review the various categories and themes above for 250+ options to choose from.
Ultimately there are no strict rules, so have fun with the naming process. Your dog’s new moniker should simply delight you both!
