It’s also commonly recommended that you avoid male dog names that sound like commands, for example, “Kit,” which sounds like “sit,” or “Bo,” which sounds like “no.” Most dog training experts recommend a one or two-syllable name that you can say quickly. How to Choose the Right Male Dog Nameĭogs have an easier time hearing hard consonants and long vowels, so a name like “Lucky” or “Benny” will be easier for him to distinguish from other sounds.
Outdoor activity-inspired names like “Moose” or “Harley” are another popular theme. Sports figures are a perennial favorite (the year Derek Jeter retired from the New York Yankees, “Jeter” was in the top 10 male dog names), so it’s not surprising to see “Kobe” on the list. Music icons sometimes influence dog names, too, with “Bowie,” “Ziggy,” “Ozzy,” and “Prince” all making an appearance.
And at least 20 percent of dogs have traditionally human names like “Max,” “Cooper,” or “Charlie,” which figure high in our list. You might meet a “Whiskey,” “Mochi,” or “Oreo” on your daily walks.
Just like baby boy names, boy dog names rise and fall in popularity. We’ve compiled the top 100+ most popular boy dog names from American Kennel Club’s purebred registration and mixed-breed enrollment data for 2023 to help you get inspired. A good boy dog name can actually enhance your dog’s responsiveness and improve communication between you over a lifetime. Choosing your boy dog’s name is important, as it’s a name you and your new puppy will be living with for a long time, so it deserves some thought.