Picking a name for your male puppy can be both fun and thoughtful, especially since you'll be saying it for years to come. Just like baby names, dog names come in and out of style, so while some fade away, new ones are always becoming popular.

We’ve gathered over 100 popular names for male dogs from the NYC Dog Licensing Dataset to help you find the perfect fit.

Tips for Naming a Male Dog

When picking a name, it helps to choose one that’s easy for training and bonding. Here are some expert tips:

  • Try not to pick names that sound like common commands. For example, “Kit” might sound too much like “sit”.
  • Choose a name with one or two syllables so it’s easy to say and remember
  • Use the name in positive situations so your dog associates it with good things
  • Pick a name that’s different from other family members’ names to avoid confusion

Sometimes spending a little time with your puppy can inspire the perfect name. If you’re still deciding, check out our list of the top 100+ boy dog names.

And of course, you can try out a name for a few days and switch it up later if either of you doesn't like it.

Most Popular Boy Dog Names

NameMeaning
1MaxLatin for 'greatest'; strong and brave
2CharliePlayful and charming companion
3RockySymbol of strength and courage
4TeddyFrench for 'brave'; loyal
5BuddyBeloved classic meaning 'friend'
6MiloBrings cheer and joy
7LuckyLatin for 'lion'; powerful presence
8TobyInspired by noble title
9LeoBrings happiness and joy
10OliverCourageous and fearless
11CooperMeaning 'little king'
12JackFriendly and warm
13PrinceClassic, timeless name
14OreoGreek for 'honored'
15BrunoRepresenting leadership and confidence
16BaileyPlayful and full of energy
17BenjiGentle and affectionate
18CocoSymbol of bravery
19GizmoNoble and dignified
20CodyCherished companion
21BearLatin for 'strong'
22LouieCalm and protective nature
23BentleyBrings warmth and friendliness
24OscarGreek origin meaning 'defender'
25ZeusInspired by bright star
26DukeEnergetic and full of life
27KingSign of strength and resilience
28HenryNoble and kind-hearted
29BlueStrong and courageous
30JakeLatin origin meaning 'light'
31WinstonGraceful and loyal companion
32BusterCalm and gentle
33RoccoInspired by nature; adventurous
34OllieSymbolizes royalty
35JaxCherished, playful friend
36ShadowDaring and brave
37DexterFriendly and lively
38RomeoCourageous and caring
39RexNoble-hearted
40AcePlayful and spirited
41ArchieBrave and dignified
42SimbaPlayful and full of zest
43SammyJoyful and vibrant
44NoneAdventurous spirit
45JasperStrong and kind
46RileyLoyal and protective
47GeorgeClassic, gentle name
48LokiFriendly and fun
49HunterJoyful and energetic
50BrownieNoble and caring
51RustyPlayful and charming
52ZiggyInspired by beloved companion
53JacksonClassic, friendly name
54SparkyBrings joy and warmth
55ChaseBrave and noble-hearted
56MickeyLoyal friend
57HudsonPlayful and joyful
58FrankieCourageous companion
59BennyBrings happiness
60MaximusFaithful and strong
61GusSymbolizes protection
62PeanutPlayful spirit
63SamCaring and protective
64SnoopyAdventurous and spirited
65ApolloGentle and loyal
66TuckerCalm and wise
67KobeBrave and energetic
68JoeyCourageous heart
69OtisVibrant and lively
70BanditStrong-willed and loyal
71HarryPlayful and affectionate
72ChewyBringer of joy
73MurphyDignified companion
74FinnSymbolizes kindness
75ChesterInspired by friendship
76BruceFaithful friend
77ChicoPlayful charm
78ThorBeloved companion
79NotRadiant presence
80BaxterClassic, noble name
81TysonFriendly and energetic
82Mr.Gentle and caring
83CosmoKind spirit
84SpikeCheerful companion
85DieselKnown for loyalty
86TheoPlayful heart
87LoganJoyful presence
88BeauSymbol of strength
89HarleyLoving and protective
90LukeRadiates warmth
91MarleyGentle nature
92MooseBrave and cheerful
93BrooklynFaithful and kind
94AlfiePlayful and strong
95CasperNurturing presence
96LucaFriendly and kind-hearted
97HankCalm and loyal
98ChanceSymbolizes wisdom
99OttoEnergetic friend
100RemyCourageous protector