The Art and Trends of Naming Our Canine Companions in 2025
In a heartwarming revelation of how we choose to identify our four-legged family members, Chewy, the popular online pet supply retailer and pharmacy, has released its comprehensive report on dog naming trends for 2025. By analyzing countless pet profiles in their system, Chewy has uncovered fascinating insights into what we’re calling our canine companions this year. The timeless “Bella” has claimed the throne as the number one name across both genders, outshining all others in popularity. This classic name, meaning “beautiful” in Italian, perfectly captures how many of us see our beloved dogs – as beautiful beings that enhance our lives. Following closely behind in the top ten are Luna, Daisy, Lucy, Max, Charlie, Bailey, Cooper, Buddy, and Sadie. Interestingly, Charlie, which was crowned the most popular male dog name in 2024 according to Rover’s annual report, has slipped to sixth place overall, demonstrating how quickly preferences can shift in the world of pet naming.
The way we name our dogs often reflects broader cultural movements, mirroring both contemporary pop culture references and parallel trends in human baby naming. This synchronicity between pet names and baby names speaks volumes about how deeply integrated dogs have become in our family structures – they’re not just pets; they’re family members deserving of names with similar thought and care. While many pet parents gravitate toward the popular classics listed above, creating a world where dog parks are filled with Bellas and Charlies calling to each other across grassy fields, others seek more distinctive identifiers for their canine companions. These unique names stand out at the veterinarian’s office and create memorable introductions at dog meetups, reflecting the individual personalities of both the dogs and their human companions who selected these special monikers.
Food-inspired names continue to capture the imagination of dog owners across America, with delectable choices showing significant growth in popularity. Ciara Lavelle, Chewy’s resident pet expert, notes that names like “Cheeto” and “Pickles” have seen approximately 25% increases in usage since 2024. Even more impressive is “Brisket,” which has experienced a remarkable 68% surge in popularity, suggesting our collective love affair with barbecue extends to our naming practices. The creativity doesn’t stop there – some particularly memorable food-themed names include “Coco Puffs,” “Mac-n-Cheese,” “Garbanzo Bean,” “Spicy Sausage,” and the royally delicious “Prince Tater Tot.” This culinary naming trend isn’t entirely new; last year, Rover reported that “Calzone,” “Chive,” and “Provolone” were tied as the top trending food names for dogs, each showing a 211% increase compared to 2023. This continuing trend suggests our kitchens and dining experiences remain fertile ground for inspiration when welcoming new pups into our homes.
The beauty of naming a dog lies in the unlimited possibilities for creative expression. As Lavelle wisely observes, “You can take inspiration from just about anything as you’re naming your dog — their color, their personality, or your favorite movies or musicians.” This freedom has led to some truly innovative names that reflect not just the dog’s characteristics but also their owners’ passions, humor, and worldview. Rock music fans might appreciate “Penny Lane the Great Dane,” while movie buffs might chuckle at “Pawpeye” or “Chewbarka,” clever puns that merge pop culture with canine wordplay. Literary and mythological references appear in names like “Lilliput” and “Gandalf the Grey,” demonstrating how our cultural touchstones influence even our pet-naming practices. These unique identifiers become part of each dog’s identity and story, often serving as conversation starters that bring joy to everyone who hears them.
The diversity in dog naming trends reveals much about our collective creativity and the deep emotional connections we form with our pets. Some owners choose names that hint at their dog’s personality traits, like “Trouble” or “Lady Beast,” while others opt for grandiose options such as “Marie Antoinette” or descriptive choices like “Bull Dozer.” The cosmic “Milky Way,” the festive “CJ (Christmas Joy),” and the emphatic “Super Duper Cooper” all demonstrate the boundless imagination pet parents bring to this important decision. These names aren’t just labels; they’re expressions of hope for who these dogs might become, reflections of their unique quirks, or simply sources of daily delight as we call them across the living room or at the dog park. In many ways, the names we choose for our dogs are as meaningful as those we might select for human children – they carry our values, our humor, and our affection in their syllables.
As we move through 2025, these naming trends will continue to evolve, influenced by new movies, books, cultural phenomena, and shifting social values. What remains constant is the thoughtfulness behind the process – whether choosing a popular name that has stood the test of time or crafting something uniquely suited to a particular pup. From “Bella” to “Prince Tater Tot,” each name represents a bond between human and dog that begins the moment we decide what to call our new family member. This seemingly simple act of naming actually carries profound significance, marking the start of relationships that will bring years of companionship, joy, and unconditional love. In a world that sometimes feels increasingly complex and divided, the simple pleasure of naming a dog – and the creativity, humor, and affection that process reveals – reminds us of our shared humanity and the universal joy that our canine companions bring to our lives.
