If you’re getting a new dog, you know there is lots to prepare before your furry family member joins your clan! Getting ready to bring your pup home can be equally exciting as it is nerve-racking but choosing a name for your pooch is particularly fun. It’s up to you what you want to call out into your yard or across your home when your pup comes home!
There is no end to adorable girl dog names out there and landing on one as unique and charming as your pup is just one part of starting your life as a dog owner! Girl dog names, like human names, have varied in popularity throughout the years. Names once heard ringing around the dog park ten years ago might be a dime-a-dozen now. Ranging from traditional to quirky, it can give you give insight – and ideas – to see what names are most popular.
Things to consider when choosing a name
Obviously, choosing a name that you love is important, but there are some things to consider when deciding what you will be calling your pup. Many factors go into the decision, including your preferences and your pooch’s personality. But, the sound and composition of the name can also impact your puppy’s training and obedience.
You should first make sure that saying the name is easy and comfortable for you. A name like “Chrysanthemum” might not be as easy to holler at the park as “Lily.” To ensure that the name rolls off your tongue easily enough, take your list of potential dog names and take them for a test run. Practice calling them out to see if it’s feasible to use them for commands and calling them to come.
Choosing something natural for you is the first step. After this, it can be helpful to test your dog’s response. If you have your pup at home already, say some names around them. Note their reactions to different types of names and sounds and see what piques their interest. If your dog’s ears pop up to one name, it might signal that they recognize those sounds as a call to them.
Veterinary experts say that “short and choppy” names can be the easiest for your dog to register. For example, if you want to choose a name like “Penelope Rose”, shortening that to “Penny” might help your dog recognize that you’re talking to her. Longer drawn-out names are harder for your dog to pull out of a phrase. Further, experts say that names with “c” or “k” or other hard consonants are better. The sounds of those letters can be easier for your dog to differentiate from other words you are saying.
It is also crucial to avoid names that might sound like a command. Naming your dog “Ray” could sound just like “Stay”, and “Moe” sounds just like “No”. A name that sounds like a command or reprimand can cause confusion, especially in the early stages of training.
Use positive reinforcements from the beginning to teach your pup her name. Experts agree that your dog’s understanding of their name is largely rooted in what follows when you say it. Giving your puppy a treat when it comes to its name can show it that that word is used to call them, and they will be rewarded for responding. Use repetition to reinforce her name and say her name often to constantly remind her that she should pay attention when you’re using it. Keeping your tone excited and happy makes them understand that it’s a good thing when you say it! After all, your tone is the best way to convey that you’re excited to be interacting with them, as dogs operate mainly by picking up on different pitches.Â
Trending dog names
Now knowing what can be important when choosing your pup’s name – let’s look at what names are trending. Pop culture, books, and fads can cause different waves of popularity for dog names.
Whether you want to choose from this list or come up with something totally new – it can be fun to see what girl dog names are popular this year. Let’s look at a list of some names that are most loved right now.
ADDIE | CADENCE | FOXY | KIRA | PIPER |
ABBY | CASSIE | FELECITY | KONA | PHOEBE |
ALEXIS | CECELIA | FINLEY | KATIE | PEARL |
ANGIE | CHARLIE | GEMMA | KIWI | PENNY |
ANGEL | COLBY | GERALDINE | LADY | QUINN |
ANNABEL | CLEMENTINE | GIDGET | LASSIE | REESE |
ATHENA | CHLOE | GINGER | LENA | ROSE |
ALYSSA | COCO | GLORIA | LIBBY | ROXY |
ASPEN | CORA | GOLDIE | LUCY | RUBY |
AUTUMN | CRICKET | HALLE | LULU | RUTHIE |
AVERY | CHARLOTTE | HADLEY | LORELAI | REMI |
ANNIE | COOKIE | HAZEL | MABEL | RILEY |
ASHLEY | DAKOTA | HARPER | MACKENZIE | SADIE |
AUBREY | DALLAS | HONEY | MAGGIE | SALLY |
AVA | DARLA | HOLLY | MALLORY | SASSY |
ASTRA | DAPHNE | HEIDI | MARGOT | SCOUT |
BAMBI | DELILAH | HARLOW | MAZIE | SAWYER |
BAILEY | DELIA | IDA | MILEY | SUGAR |
BEA | DOLLY | INDIGO | MOXIE | STELLA |
BESSIE | DOTTIE | IZZY | NAOMI | THEA |
BETTY | DAISY | IVORY | NALA | TRIXIE |
BILLIE | EDIE | ISABELLA | NOVA | TILLY |
BLAIR | ELECTRA | JACKIE | NOEL | VIOLET |
BLAKELY | EMMA | JADE | OLIVE | VIVIENNE |
BLONDIE | EVIE | JUNO | OREO | WILLA |
BUFFY | EMBER | JOY | OPAL | WINNIE |
BLUE | ELOISE | JAMIE | PAISLEY | WREN |
BELLE | EMERY | KALI | PARKER | WHITNEY |
BIANCA | ESMERELDA | KENNEDY | PAYTON | XENA |
CALLIE | FANCY | KINLEY | PEPPER | ZELDA |
Deciding the best name for you and your dog
Anybody with a dog knows whatever name you choose will undoubtedly be made into at least a couple different nicknames. From “Pepper” to “Peps” and “Clementine” to “Clem”, you should take into consideration that you will probably use different variations of the name every day.
When you get your dog, it can be beneficial to take your time deciding their name. You can choose a name beforehand and quickly realize that your “Eloise” is much more of a “Zelda” and vice versa. Your dog’s personality can inform your decision, as each pup is unique. Their behavior might give you better insight into what name best suits them.
Ultimately, the decision is entirely yours! Choose a name you love and want to use every day for the rest of your furry family member’s life. Whether you take a name from this list or come up with something completely novel – your dog will quickly begin to pick up on it if you use repetition. Don’t fret if your pup isn’t immediately responsive. Have fun with it! There is no name too peculiar or too traditional!
Sources:
The Top 100 Girl Dog Names | akc.com
How To Choose The Perfect Dog Name (With Science) | rover.com
Naming Your Dog or Cat | webmd.com
Top Female Dog Names for 2023 | iheartdogs.com
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