The name of a pet is a family tradition delivery. If you are looking for inspiration, here is a list of the most popular dog names in 2025, according to Trusted Housesitters.
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Dogs, as domesticated companions, have evolved with humans for thousands of years. Their dedication, social intelligence and their emotional resonance are incomparable in the animal kingdom. Thus, it is not surprising that when families take a dog, it is called more than a wording – it becomes a ritual, it is often reflected by culture, psychology and social trends.
According to data Of the reliable housesitters, these are the 10 most popular dog names in the United States in 2025:
Top 10 most common dog names in 2025
- Moon
- Maximum
- Bacon
- Charles
- Daisy
- Barrel
- Apple
- Sabei
- Fellow
- Lucy
Let’s decompress what this list reveals.
Luna takes the lead
The top of the list in 2025 is Luna, a name derived from Latin, which means “moon” – and also the Spanish word for it.
“Luna” has gained attraction thanks to pop culture influences and has increased steadily in the classroom since the end of 2010.
What changed over time?
Some names – such as Max, Bella and Buddy – have held fixed positions on this directory for over a decade. They are simple, vocal and easily understood by dogs. This last point is not insignificant. Research in animal communication suggests that dogs respond more easily to names with harsh symphony and separate syllables. The “Max” and “Buddy” also fit the bill, which can explain their constant popularity.
Others, such as Milo and Sandy, have only been popular in the last 5-10 years.
Particularly absent from the top 10 in 2025 are ex -favorites such as Rocky, Bailey and Bear, which were once connected to the name diagrams. This displacement could be partially attributed to the generational turnover-owners Gen Z Pet (now a dominant force in the demographic possession of pets) prefer more “aesthetics”, peculiar or emotionally echoed names.
Name Differences in State
The regional differences in the names that give more light to what inspires us when we make this decision. In states such as Colorado and Vermont, nature names such as Willow and Maple often break in the top five. These areas are also associated with higher levels of outdoor activity and dog breeds such as retrievers and breeding dogs. Those who thrive in active, rich in nature environments.
At the opposite end in this spectrum, states with larger urban populations, such as California and New York, show a higher frequency of names such as Luna, Milo and Coco. When it appears through this “environment” lens, it becomes clear that these names reflect the cultural diversity as well as the cosmopolitan and modern influences that surround them.
I would also like to argue that the names we choose for our dogs reflect the pressures of our cultural environment. Owners of urban pets can prioritize courtesy, innovation or trend, while pet owners can touch traditional or nature names that reflect their environment and lifestyle.
The role of pop culture
Pop culture is one of the greatest drivers of trends called pets. Consider how names like Milo tend after appearance The mask.
There is also the “pet phenomenon”. When influences or celebrities share the names of their pets, these names often become viral. For example, Tiktok accounts with dogs called “Milo”, “Cooper” and “Sadie” have millions of fans. This creates a kind of feedback loop: the name becomes desirable, leading to more pets given this name, which then enhances its visibility.
The biology of the name
What do they all do with biology? Quite little, in fact.
People form bonds with biological indications – neoteny, vocal tone and social mimicry. The name plays a role in strengthening the social contract between a pet and owner. Studies in behavior biology show that dogs recognize their names as a gradual acoustic signal, often combining with positive reinforcement.
In addition, the name of a dog is a signal in the wider social group – in evolutionary terms, it is a form of expensive signaling. Choosing a name such as “luna” or “coco” can indicate a person’s aesthetic expectations, values or cultural relationships. In other words, pet names are a form of social currency.
The names we give to our pets can look fantastic or personal, as unique as the experience of our own lives. We can, however, realize that these decisions, like our lives, have roots in a complex web of biology, culture and psychology. As our relationships with dogs evolve, and the symbols we use to define them.
Luna can surpass the charts in 2025, but this does not diminish the fact that we call our dogs not only to recognize them, but to reflect something important to ourselves – whether it is our stories, our environment or our values.
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