GreyhoundFrom Old Yeller and Lassie to Rin Tin Tin or Lady, dog names carry powerful associations with them. As “man’s best friend,” our dogs represent not only loyalty, but also childhood innocence, unconditional love, and simple companionship. It’s no wonder many pet owners take selecting a name so seriously! Let’s take a closer look at what goes into choosing a name for our best four-legged friends.

Why We Choose Certain Names

From nostalgic to sensible, dog names run the gamut in creativity, cuteness, and tradition. However, one of the biggest indicators of naming trends is culture. We’re affected by the world around us, including aspects of culture that occur during certain decades. For example, “Peace,” “Love,” and “Flower” were all popular dog names during the late 60’s.

A distinct trend over the past decade has been to name pets after a celebrity or fictional character in pop culture (think Kobe, Paris, J-Lo, and Adele). Sometimes, we also choose names that are more humanlike, such as Toby, Molly, Max, or Sam. After all, a pet is as cherished as any of our other human family members.

Why Some Names Matter to Dogs

Although you may not think to consider your dog’s preference for a name, animal behaviorists have identified certain sounds (such as “s”) that are easier for dogs to recognize. Two syllable names – particularly those with hard consonants – are also easier for dogs to learn.

So before you choose a name, think about whether it’s something to which your dog will register and respond.

20 Popular Dog Names in 2016

Now that we’ve covered some of the logic behind choosing a name, let’s get review some of the trendiest monikers of 2016 (in no particular order):

  1. Stella
  2. Hudson
  3. Bella
  4. Cooper
  5. Bear
  6. Jack
  7. Tucker
  8. Bailey
  9. Molly
  10. Elsa
  11. Sadie
  12. Finn
  13. Taylor
  14. Frankie
  15. Comet
  16. Adele
  17. Shiloh
  18. Riley
  19. Indy
  20. Scout

The Pet Experts at Springbrook Animal Care Center are curious about which dog names you adore and why. Feel free to share your faves with us!