Skip to main content

These are the best boy dog names we’ve ever heard

Try out one of these male names for your dog

Dog sits in a chair wearing sunglasses
TitusStaunton / Pixabay

Charlie. Max. Cooper. These trendy yet classic boy dog names topped the list last year as the most popular among pet parents. Certainly a solid salutation for any buddy! But while there’s nothing wrong with tradition, we’re more interested in the fun, quirky, and up-and-coming monikers on the list — think unique boy dog names.

Whether you’re into football, music, or movies, we think we can help select the perfect pet alias for your family. Struggling to name your pup pup? You’re sure to fall in love with one of these cool boy dog names.

Recommended Videos

What makes a good dog name?

A Belgian Malinois leaps through a meadow of dandelions
825545 / Pixabay

The Seeing Eye has some particularly handy tips for selecting the exact right label for your new best friend when you bring him home. They recommend to:

  • Keep the name short to one or two syllables — anything longer and you’ll have trouble getting it out in a hurry.
  • Make sure the name doesn’t sound like your basic commands, so Mo and Kit won’t work well.
  • Avoid anything with a particularly unpleasant connotation, including options like Fire, Payne, and Booger.

What name should you pick for your pup?

Different dog breeds sitting together
Irina Kozorog / Shutterstock

There are so many incredible options out there that it can take a lot to narrow it down. We have a few ideas, from the fashionable to the favorites and from unique to cute boy dog names.

Travis

Yup, this has recently topped the list because of a certain quarterback’s front-page relationship with a certain pop star. If Travis doesn’t quite work for you, Kelce or Taylor would make pretty good alternatives.

Loki

Of course, Thor is also a hot name right now, so for best results, you can find two brothers and bequeath them with these god-like honorifics. That works especially well if you wind up with one dark coat and one blond, though many a furry friend will have the trickster personality that goes with the Loki name.

Zoomer

Perfect for a pandemic pup, you can bestow Zoomer on your fur baby if he loves to run or if he enjoys video chatting. This one works particularly well for calling home your loyal companion because of the long “O.”

Ken

Don’t worry — Allen has risen quickly in popularity as well. So perhaps you should suss out whether your boy dog would stick with the girls or serenade his paramour. Either way, you almost can’t go wrong with these movie handles.

Hendrix

Who doesn’t want their dog emulating one of the gods of guitar (hopefully not by literally destroying one of your instruments though). This title sticks out as a callback to another era and a unique boy dog name. Maybe you’re inspired by the music or your pooch’s ability to break boundaries, but we think Hendrix will fit many a bud.

If you’ve decided to live on the edge a little with a more stylish designation or stick with one of the standards, your animal will surely adopt his new appellation happily. No matter where you land, one of these best boy dog names will suit your little Fido like a bootie.

Rebekkah Adams
Rebekkah’s been a writer and editor for more than 10 years, both in print and digital. In addition to writing about pets…
A complete guide to the adorable teacup Chihuahua
This is what you need to know before bringing home this pint-sized pup
Wonderful teacup Chihuahua enjoys the sunshine in the garden

You may look at a Chihuahua and think it’s the tiniest dog ever, but the teacup version proves even smaller (and potentially cuter). What this buddy lacks in size, they make up for in feistiness. You will never have a boring day when you spend it with a teacup Chihuahua! Before bringing home this little guy, you need to know a bit more about their backstory and special requirements. After all, having one of the smallest dogs out there will take some extra TLC — and expertise.
What is the history of the teacup Chihuahua?

Chihuahuas originally hail from Mexico and the modern version were bred in the 1800s. Of course, their ancestors, the Techichi dog, have lived in the Americas for thousands of years and cohabitated with the Aztecs and other people in the area.

Read more
What colors can dogs see? A guide to your dog’s vision
Dogs don't see in black and white like many thought
Husky dog with blue eyes with a blue background

Even dog owners still believe many popular myths about dogs, including the myth that dogs see in black and white. Until a few decades ago, even veterinarians believed that our four-legged friends saw the world in shades of gray! It's unclear why this eye-opening discovery is still misunderstood, but learning how dogs' eyes work is fascinating, nonetheless.
So, what colors can dogs see? If they don't see in black and white like previously thought, can they see all colors of visible light like humans can? Let's look into it! Soon, you'll have the knowledge to see the world through your furry friend's eyes.

Can dogs see color?

Read more
Small dog breeds: The best options for any household
Finding the perfect little dog for your home
A black Havanese dog

Even if you're planning to find your new furry friend at a local animal shelter, researching dog breeds beforehand can be exciting and educational. It can help you decide which breeds, behaviors, and routines fit best into your life, which can mentally prepare you for the realities of pup parenthood. That's how many prospective dog owners discover that they're looking for a pet of a certain size. If you're reading this, odds are you're wondering if a small dog is right for you.
These small dog breeds each have their own sweet personalities and lifestyles, but they could all be wonderful companions for families big and small. They will all adjust well to living in a house, and they're all big balls of love in tiny packages. It doesn't get better than that!

Alaskan Klee kai

Read more