Anyone who considers their furry counterparts members of their family may prefer human names for dogs instead of conventional pseudonyms such as Fluffy, Scruffy or Patch.
Even though the personification of pets is a controversial subject for some, Rover’s 2017 Dog Name Study found that 44% of owners prefer human names for dogs. In fact, the top three male dog names of 2017 were Max, Charles, and Cooper. Five of each of the top male and female dog names listed were also highly rated on the Top 100 Baby Name list from the US Social Security Census. The research shows that people see their furry companions as more than just pets. 94% of Americans consider their dogs a part of their family. Do you?
Part of the fun of picking human names for dogs is being able to personify your pup to bring their character to life. Does your dog have the personality of a grumpy old man or a pampered diva? Maybe they’re loyal and obedient, or perhaps a little mischevious, but sweet. They could be a perky pup that is full of energy and always bouncing off the walls or a total couch potato. Is it possible that some of their traits remind you of someone? A friend or relative? A musician or on-screen personality? This is all great inspiration when trying to choose the perfect name for your dog.
Just like people, dogs have distinctive characteristics and personalities. If you watch their mannerisms, you can pinpoint the features that stand out and use them to help you find the perfect name. There are so many choices that it can be tough to decide when it’s time to name your own dog. It takes some pet owners longer than others to decide. It really is a big decision choosing the name they will have for the rest of their lives.
Don’t worry if you’re having a hard time choosing because we’ve carefully selected 100 of the best human names for dogs to help you pick the perfect one.
Ladies, first!
Our list of girl names has a little bit of everything from famous females to leading ladies to old-fashioned names with a wee bit of charm. If you’re looking for something different for your pretty lady, then you’ve come to the right place.
- Amelie
- Annie
- Beatrice (or Bea)
- Chloe
- Daphne
- Darla
- Eleanor (or Ellie)
- Elsie
- Ethel
- Fiona
- Frida
- Gracie
- Harriet
- Hattie
- Hazel
- Ivy
- Josie
- Lillian (or Lily)
- Lola
- Lucy
- Mabel
- Maggie
- Marcy
- Miranda
- Natasha
- Olive
- Pearl
- Penelope (or Penny)
- Piper
- Regina
- Rosey
- Roxy
- Sadie
- Shirley
- Stella
- Tegan
- Vada
- Vivian (or Vivie)
- Winifred (or Winnie)
- Zoe
That-a-boy!
Maybe you’re inspired by the classics or maybe want something a little more hip and alternative. Have no fear; There are plenty of options for your good boy!
- Angus
- Artie
- Barnaby
- Bradley
- Bruce
- Cecil
- Chester
- Dax
- Ezra
- Floyd
- Gary
- Geoffery (or Jeffrey depending on how you want to spell it)
- George
- Henry (or Hank)
- Howard (or Howie)
- Hunter
- Jefferson
- Julian
- Kevin
- Larry
- Leonard (or Lenny)
- Milton
- Nathaniel (or Nathan)
- Norman
- Oliver
- Oscar
- Phillip
- Quincy
- Roger
- Rupert
- Sawyer
- Seymour
- Silas
- Simon
- Theodore (or Teddy)
- Truman
- Vincent (or Vinnie)
- Walter
- Winston
- Wyatt
Keep it neutral.
Gender doesn’t have to play a role in which human names you choose for your furbaby. There are plenty of great names available that are versatile enough for every dog.
- Alex
- Andy
- Billy
- Blake
- Bobbie/Bobby
- Casey
- Charlie
- Elliot
- Frances/Francis
- Frankie
- Harley
- Marley
- Max
- Murphy
- Oakley
- Parker
- Quinn
- Riley
- Sam (or Sammy)
- Sydney
While some human names may not stand out as traditionally cute, they can be adorable when assigned to a dog. Picture a French Bulldog named Walter or a timid, but large Mastiff named Frances. What about a sweet little chihuahua named Pearl? Sounds pretty darn cute to me!
Don’t you agree that human names make some of the best dog names? Share some of your favorite dog names in the comments below.
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