The Most Popular Dog Names of 2025 (and the Names That Ruled the Past Few Years)

 


If you’ve ever called out “Luna!” at the dog park and watched three heads turn… you’re not alone.

To keep this list consistent, I’m using the American Kennel Club (AKC) annual rankings (based on purebred registrations + Canine Partners mixed-breed enrollments). (American Kennel Club). I’m also sprinkling in Rover’s annual pet-name report to show what’s trending across everyday pet profiles. (Rover.com)

2025’s most popular dog names (AKC Top 10)

Top 10 girl dog names of 2025

  1. Luna

  2. Bella

  3. Daisy

  4. Lucy

  5. Ruby

  6. Willow

  7. Maggie

  8. Penny

  9. Nova

  10. Sadie 

Top 10 boy dog names of 2025

  1. Max

  2. Hank

  3. Teddy

  4. Cooper

  5. Gus

  6. Bear

  7. Duke

  8. Maverick

  9. Charlie

  10. Finn 

Rover’s 2025 snapshot: #1 female dog name Luna, #1 male dog name Charlie, and the #1 trending name was Elphie (up 244%). (Rover.com)

The past few years: what’s stayed popular (AKC Top 10 by year)

2024

Girls: Luna, Bella, Daisy, Lucy, Willow, Stella, Maggie, Sadie, Lola, Rosie
Boys: Milo, Max, Teddy, Charlie, Cooper, Bear, Toby, Finn, Tucker, Ollie 

2023

Girls: Luna, Bella, Daisy, Maggie, Willow, Lucy, Bailey, Rosie, Sadie, Lola
Boys: Max, Charlie, Cooper, Teddy, Milo, Ollie, Bear, Rocky, Finn, Leo 

2022

Girls: Luna, Bella, Daisy, Lucy, Willow, Penny, Sadie, Maggie, Rosie, Ruby
Boys: Max, Milo, Cooper, Charlie, Teddy, Tucker, Buddy, Bear, Rocky, Leo 

The “always-on” names (the ones you hear everywhere)

Across 2022–2025, the repeat champions are basically:

  • Girls: Luna, Bella, Daisy, Lucy, Willow, Maggie (plus Sadie/Ruby/ Rosie often close behind) (American Kennel Club)

  • Boys: Max, Cooper, Charlie, Teddy, Milo, Bear (and Finn/Rocky/Leo showing up a lot) (American Kennel Club)

Translation: Luna and Max/Charlie are not going anywhere.

Why the same names keep winning

A few reasons these names stick year after year:

  • They’re easy to say, easy to yell, and easy for kids (and tired adults) to remember.

  • They match human naming trends (short, friendly, “family member” names).

  • Pop culture shifts the trending list fast (Rover is especially good at capturing those surges). (Rover.com)

Rescue-friendly naming tips (because we do this a lot)

If you’re naming a new rescue dog (or renaming one kindly):

  • Try a “nickname bridge.” Example: Bella → Bella Boo → Boo.

  • Avoid soundalikes with common cues (Ray/Stay, Kit/Sit).

  • Pick something you won’t mind repeating 5,000 times (because you will).

Trendiest dog names of 2026 (the fastest risers)


If you love a name that feels current (but isn’t already on every other leash at the park), these are the dog names with the biggest surge in popularity for 2026 (per Chewy’s analysis of Chewy pet profiles):
  1. Andarna 
  2. Rosie
  3. Remi
  4. Gus
  5. Jasper
  6. Honey
  7. Poppi
  8. Nox
  9. Brisket
  10. Bandit (Chewy)
2026 vibe check: food names are still having a moment (Brisket), sweet-and-cozy names are climbing (Honey), and fantasy/pop culture influence is showing up (Andarna). (Chewy)
Rover’s 2025 trend report also includes a “pop-prediction for 2026” and specifically calls out names like Elphie, Fieyro, Glinda (Wicked-related) and others they expect to keep climbing. (Rover.com)

 


MEET SYSY







Sysy

Hound Mixed Breed

Meet Sysy, a sweet, loving girl whose life almost ended far too soon. She was surrendered by her owners, and with no space left at the Georgia shelter, she was scheduled to be euthanized. We stepped in just in time and Sysy has been nothing but grateful and gentle since. She’s affectionate, friendly, and ready to start fresh with a family who will love her forever. Sysy has so much love to give, please consider making her part of your home.

All dogs will be altered, microchipped, and receive age-appropriate vaccines prior to adoption. Please note that the listed location for this dog may not be accurate due to technical limitations of this database and we have transportation options available within 6 hours of NYC (so don't let location hold you back)!

Interested in fostering or adopting?  Need more info on this dog?  The first step in the process is filling out an application on our website.

Adoption Application:  https://nycsecondchancerescue.org/dog-adoption-application

Foster Application:  https://nycsecondchancerescue.org/dog-foster-Application

Adoption Process & Fees:  https://nycsecondchancerescue.org/adopt

Upcoming Adoption Events: https://nycsecondchancerescue.org/adoption-events

For a full list of our available dogs and current adoption promotions, visit https://nycsecondchancerescue.org/adoptable-dogs

Not what you were looking for? You can adopt a different pet by using our search feature and adjusting the radius. Thank you for helping our animal shelters and rescue groups with pet adoption. 

NameSysy
Adoption Fee$350.00- Dog Adult
Age1 years, 1 months
GenderFemale
SizeMedium
Shots up to dateYes
OK with kidsNot Sure
HousetrainedNot Sure
HypoallergenicNo
Spayed / NeuteredYes
OK with dogsYes
OK with catsYes
If you have questions about Sysy please contact 

NYC Second Chance Rescue

Transporting dogs is our passion but passions come at a cost.

 With the price of everything increasing, (gas, tolls, supplies, etc) 
we could use some help! 

If you can, we would graciously accept some donation assistance. 
Venmo @dalind31 


THANK YOU!!

Thinking it's time to expand your family? Want to explore rescuing a dog of your own? 

Check out Second Chance Rescues available pups  --> CLICK HERE <--

Thinking maybe fostering is more your speed? --> CLICK HERE <--

Maybe you can't adopt or foster but can help in another way? 
To donate to Second Chance Rescue... --> CLICK HERE <-- Every bit helps!

Remember to, #adoptdontshop #becausetheymatter.
There is no love like the love from a rescue!

Location: Jersey City, NJ 07302, USA

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