When it comes to bringing a new dog into your life, there are a lot of decisions to make. You may already know what breed you want and whether you want to adopt a puppy or an adult dog, but have you thought of a name for your new pooch?
Picking a name for your dog might come easy for some, but it can be a daunting task if you haven’t already thought about it. Choosing the perfect name that reflects your dog’s personality, stature, and overall vibe can be tough.
Think about how often you’ll say your dog’s name
Some people opt for silly, ironic, or over-the-top names for their dog. This is fine, but before you name your dog something like “Gary Busey” or a profanity, remember that you will be saying your dog’s name out loud frequently. If you do decide to go with a funny name, make sure it’s one you feel you’ll still enjoy laughing about even 10 or 15 years down the line.
Be sure the name you pick is something you would feel fine saying in front of your parents, to a partner, in front of kids, at the dog park, or to your vet as you describe your dog’s health.
Think twice before naming your dog after a fast-fading trend
We live in a world where jokes and memes enter and exit the news cycle quicker than ever. While you may think it is hilarious to name your dog after a brand new show, YouTuber, or a newsworthy moment, your dog is going to be around longer than any trending topic on Twitter. That isn’t to say you can’t name your dog after your favorite piece of pop culture. If you are a lifelong Star Trek fan and feel compelled to name your dog Spock, go for it!
Consider your dog’s personality
You know when you meet someone for the first time and their name just doesn’t fit? It’s a hard feeling to describe. Fortunately for you, you get to pick your pup’s name, and you don’t have to do it as soon as you adopt them, either. If you are stuck on a name for your dog, take some time to get to know your new furry friend’s personality so you can give them a proper name.
Another great way to find a name for your new pup is to look up the meanings behind popular names. If you’ve always wanted a Sadie, but your dog doesn’t fit the meaning, you may want to look for something better that feels right. Finding a list of popular names can also help you narrow down what you’re looking for.
Keep the name short
A dog’s names is a reflection of their personality, but it also acts as a cue. Keeping it to one or two syllables makes it easier for your dog to understand that you’re trying to get their attention so they can perform a command. Experts also suggest that names should have something with “a sibilant consonant or blend (an ‘s,’ ‘sh,’ or ‘zh’) or, better still, a crisp, commanding consonant (a ‘k’ or hard ‘c’).” This helps distinguish their name from ambient noises.
Now that you know some of the basics for finding the perfect name, check out some of these lists that can help you find the right one, such as the top 100 names for dogs. Or, find the best names by breed that will get your pup’s tail wagging.
