The Unwritten Rules of Naming Your Dog (and Why You Can Totally Break Them)

Getting a new dog is one of my favorite things. Seriously, if I weren’t held back by budget and space (and social stigma), I’d adopt a dog every time I drive past a shelter. But as awesome as dogs are, integrating them into your life comes with a lot of stress. Especially when it comes to naming your new pack member.

Think about it. You will be saying that name hundreds of times a week for YEARS, so you have to like it. You want the name to fit the pup, but it can take a while for their true personality to shine. And what happens if the name you pick turns out to be at the top of a friend from high school’s baby name list?

The good news? There are no dog-naming police. You really can do whatever you want. But there are plenty of unwritten “rules” that you can consider. Here’s a little guide, from one dog owner to another.

Rule 1: Wait to Get to Know Them…or Not

Some people swear by the “wait-and-see” approach, meaning you should wait until your dog’s true personality shows itself before naming them. Especially if you’re adopting from a shelter, it may take a while for your dog to adjust and show their true nature. And this approach makes sense! Maybe you would later regret naming your couch potato of a dog Rocket. (Or maybe not, if you prefer the ironic.)

(If I had waited to get to know Pepper’s true personality, I would have named her something like Hurricane or Devil or Insanity.)

But other times, you just know. Maybe you saw a pic of your soon-to-be dog and the name hit you instantly. That’s how it was for me when I adopted Luke. I can’t explain why, but Luke Skywalker and Cool Hand Luke both seemed perfect for this dog I had just met at the local shelter.

Rule 2: Don’t Steal a Friend’s Dog’s Name

Etiquette suggests that you avoid copying the names of your friend’s dogs. After all, it can get confusing when you’re all hanging out together, and, in the real world, it can lead to a lot of hard feelings. We all know our dogs are uniquely the best dogs in the world, so when someone close uses the same name, it can feel…personal.

That said, no one actually owns a name. And it would be impossible to avoid all overlap. There are thousands of Coopers, Bellas, and Maxes out there living their best lives. And don’t get me started on Scouts. I thought I was being so original when I named my hound mix, but turns out there are Scouts everywhere.

If you love a name that happens to belong to your neighbor’s pup, I say go for it. Your dog will make it their own.

Rule 3: Human Names Are 100% Allowed (But…)

Some people think dog names should sound, well, dog-like. Think Spot or Rex. And those names can be perfect for certain dogs.

But in reality, human names can be just as perfect and can even make them feel more like a part of your family.

Just be prepared for some funny moments. One day, I told a coworker that I had to leave soon to pick up Luke from daycare. The look on his face! He had no idea that I was talking about my canine child, not a human child.

Another complication: when names overlap. My parents adopted a dog who came with the name Jack, and that name perfectly suited to this little Dachshund mix. Except that one of our closest family friends had a son named Jackson, often shortened to Jack. When they were in the same house, it could get confusing.

Rule 4: You Can Always Change a Dog’s Name

Don’t ever feel stuck with your dog’s name. Maybe your adopted pup came with a name that doesn’t make sense (Luke’s shelter name was Snowball, which led me to think he was a girl for a while), or you just realize your first choice was a mistake.

Dogs are incredibly adaptable, even older dogs. With a little consistency and many treats, they’ll respond to a new name within days. Especially if that name is paired with all kinds of good things.

The biggest risk? You may have to replace all the personalized dog gear you already ordered…

The one exception: If your pup came to you after spending years in a stable and loving home, it may be kinder to keep their name. Familiar names can carry comforting associations.

Rule 5: Keep it Short (If You Want)

From a training standpoint, most experts suggest that short names (1-2 syllables) with hard consonants are easier for dogs to recognize. And dogs may respond more to names that have a vowel sound at the end, like Charlie vs Charles.

But if your heart is set on “Sir Wigglebottom,” then own your truth. You can always use a nickname day-to-day. Or not — you do you.

The true test is if you love the name. Will it make you smile when you’re yelling it across the yard for the hundredth time that week? If yes, then go for it.

Rule 6: Looks Matter

Does your dog have insane amounts of hair? Or a distinctive marking or build?

There are reasons that names like “Fluffy,” “Blaze” or “Tank” work so well.

In fact, that’s how I picked Pepper’s name. With her black-and-white coat, she looks like someone emptied a pepper grinder on a white plate. And, as a bonus, the name fits her personality perfectly.

Rule 7: Choose Something You Love

At the end of the day, this is the only rule that matters.

Remember that you won’t just be cooing this name during couch cuddle sessions. You’ll be using it at the vet, in front of strangers, and at the dog park. You’ll be shouting it at the top of your lungs and muttering it in frustration.

The best dog name is the one that makes you happy and helps you bond with your new pack member. Dogs neither know nor care if their name is cool, trendy, human, silly, or downright bizarre.

They’ll love whatever name you pick because you’re the one who will be saying it the most.

Still stumped on a name for your new best friend?

Here’s a quick list to spark your creativity. Remember: no rules, just inspiration.

Want even more suggestions? Download our complete list of 200 dog names — from classic to quirky — and find the perfect name for your pup! No catches, no email required. Totally free. (Though if you do want to sign up for our newsletters, scroll down to the bottom of the page!)

Now tell me — what’s the best (or weirdest) dog name you’ve ever heard? I’d love to hear about it in the comments. Or even yet, submit your pup to be featured in our Dog of the Week series so we can get to know them properly!

P.S. For Dog-Loving Humans

If you’re the kind of person who overthinks dog names because you really love your pup, check out our Canine Crush collection, featuring colorful designs that proudly proclaim you’re “Just a Girl Who Loves Her Dog” or “Just a Boy Who Loves His Dog.”