Congratulations on Your New Dog!
You've just welcomed a loyal, playful, and endlessly adorable boy puppy into your life—now comes the fun part: naming him! Whether he's a rescue or a brand-new pup, finding the perfect name can be tricky, but it’s also a great way to bond with your new best friend.
From classic to trendy, outdoorsy to regal, there’s a name out there that’s just right for him. Ready to find the one? Let’s dive in!
How to Choose the Perfect Male Dog Name
Before we get to the list, here’s a tip: take a moment to observe your pup’s personality. Is he bold and adventurous, or more laid-back and snuggly? Does he have a unique appearance that deserves recognition? Choosing a name based on his traits can make the name feel more meaningful and personal. Plus, it’s a great conversation starter when people ask, “Why did you name him that?”
For instance, if your pup is a bundle of energy who zooms around the house at top speed, names like Flash or Jet might be perfect. If he’s a mischievous troublemaker, consider Rascal, Rebel, or Sparky. But if he’s the affectionate, snuggle-up-next-to-you type, something softer like Romeo or Fabio could suit him just right.
Outdoor-Inspired Names for Adventurous Pups
Does your pup love the great outdoors? If he’s always exploring, climbing, and hiking with you, these names are a natural fit:
- Yukon
- Trapper
- Ranger
- Scout
- Hunter
- Jag
These names evoke a sense of adventure and ruggedness, perfect for your little explorer.
Regal Names for Your Majestic Dog
Many pet owners choose names that reflect how special and adored their pups are. If your dog is the king of your household (and we all know he is), a regal name might be just what he needs to show his status:
- King
- Rex
- Prince
- Duke
- Baron
These names radiate strength and nobility, giving your dog the royal treatment he deserves.
Playful and Mischievous Names
If your dog loves to play tricks, sneak around, and keep you on your toes, consider these fun and cheeky names that capture his playful side:
- Rebel
- Sparky
- Rascal
- Bandit
- Buzz
These names suit the pup that’s always up to something—but in the most lovable way!
Old-School Charm: Classic Dog Names
Sometimes, the best names are the ones that bring a smile to your face. If your dog has a certain old-soul charm or you just love the idea of a vintage name, consider some classic options:
- Eugene
- Walter
- Albert
- Herman
- Earl
These names are especially adorable for Bulldogs, Pugs, or any dog that looks like they’ve been around the block a few times—even if they’re just a puppy!
Pop Culture-Inspired Names
Got a favorite movie, TV show, or book? Why not name your dog after a beloved character? It’s a fun way to show off your fandom and give your dog a unique name.
- Shiloh (from Shiloh)
- Benji (from Benji)
- Snoopy (from Peanuts)
- Pongo (from 101 Dalmatians)
- Clifford (from Clifford the Big Red Dog)
- Otis (from Milo & Otis)
- Marley (from Marley & Me)
Or go for modern pop culture with names like Mario, Bowie, Dexter, or Elvis.
Trendy and Modern Boy Dog Names
Are you the kind of person who stays on top of the latest trends? Why not choose a name that’s currently popular for human babies? These names are stylish for boys and boy pups alike:
- Tyler
- Oliver
- Sawyer
- Riley
- Mason
- Jackson
These names are simple, cool, and great for a dog that’s always in the spotlight.
500 Top Male Dog Names in 2023
Ready for the ultimate list? Here are the top male dog names for this year, organized alphabetically for easy browsing:
| Dog Name | Adjectives |
|---|---|
| Ace | Energetic, Brave, Loyal |
| Apollo | Majestic, Strong, Gentle |
| Archie | Charming, Playful, Curious |
| Arlo | Friendly, Outgoing, Clever |
| Axel | Adventurous, Bold, Confident |
| Bailey | Affectionate, Loyal, Happy |
| Bandit | Mischievous, Smart, Witty |
| Barney | Friendly, Fun, Easygoing |
| Baxter | Loyal, Gentle, Playful |
| Bear | Cuddly, Strong, Protective |
| Beau | Elegant, Charming, Sophisticated |
| Benji | Playful, Loving, Energetic |
| Bentley | Regal, Confident, Intelligent |
| Blue | Calm, Loyal, Trustworthy |
| Boomer | Spirited, Fun, Energetic |
| Brady | Affectionate, Kind, Gentle |
| Brody | Outgoing, Happy, Friendly |
| Bruce | Strong, Protective, Brave |
| Buddy | Loyal, Friendly, Cheerful |
| Buster | Playful, Energetic, Spirited |
| Buzz | Adventurous, Lively, Brave |
| Casper | Friendly, Gentle, Calm |
| Chance | Lucky, Adventurous, Smart |
| Charlie | Friendly, Loyal, Playful |
| Chase | Energetic, Curious, Fast |
| Chester | Friendly, Playful, Gentle |
| Chief | Strong, Loyal, Protective |
| Clyde | Easygoing, Charming, Gentle |
| Coco | Sweet, Playful, Affectionate |
| Cooper | Loyal, Friendly, Cheerful |
| Cruz | Adventurous, Bold, Curious |
| Dakota | Spirited, Loyal, Outgoing |
| Diesel | Strong, Energetic, Loyal |
| Dino | Playful, Fun, Curious |
| Duke | Regal, Loyal, Brave |
| Dusty | Adventurous, Easygoing, Friendly |
| Echo | Playful, Curious, Lively |
| Eli | Gentle, Kind, Affectionate |
| Elvis | Charming, Unique, Fun |
| Finn | Playful, Energetic, Friendly |
| Fletcher | Clever, Loyal, Friendly |
| Flash | Fast, Energetic, Lively |
| Flynn | Smart, Curious, Charming |
| Frankie | Fun, Energetic, Affectionate |
| Freddy | Friendly, Loyal, Gentle |
| Fritz | Adventurous, Brave, Clever |
| George | Gentle, Loyal, Affectionate |
| Gizmo | Energetic, Clever, Playful |
| Goose | Goofy, Fun, Energetic |
| Gus | Friendly, Playful, Loyal |
| Hank | Strong, Loyal, Friendly |
| Harley | Adventurous, Outgoing, Bold |
| Hawkeye | Alert, Watchful, Brave |
| Henry | Gentle, Loyal, Affectionate |
| Hershey | Sweet, Loving, Fun |
| Hudson | Loyal, Kind, Gentle |
| Hunter | Adventurous, Energetic, Brave |
| Indie | Independent, Curious, Playful |
| Iggy | Quirky, Fun, Lively |
| Jack | Adventurous, Brave, Playful |
| Jackson | Loyal, Energetic, Friendly |
| Jax | Confident, Brave, Spirited |
| Jasper | Charming, Gentle, Friendly |
| Jet | Fast, Energetic, Spirited |
| Joey | Friendly, Playful, Sweet |
| King | Regal, Strong, Loyal |
| Koda | Friendly, Loyal, Fun |
| Kobe | Athletic, Spirited, Brave |
| Leo | Playful, Charismatic, Friendly |
| Levi | Calm, Gentle, Loyal |
| Loki | Mischievous, Clever, Playful |
| Louie | Charming, Affectionate, Friendly |
| Lucky | Fortunate, Loyal, Playful |
| Luke | Adventurous, Smart, Fun |
| Mac | Friendly, Easygoing, Loyal |
| Marley | Fun, Playful, Loving |
| Max | Energetic, Friendly, Loyal |
| Mickey | Cheerful, Playful, Cute |
| Milo | Gentle, Affectionate, Happy |
| Moose | Big-hearted, Gentle, Playful |
| Murphy | Friendly, Loyal, Fun |
| Nash | Strong, Spirited, Brave |
| Ned | Kind, Gentle, Affectionate |
| Nico | Playful, Adventurous, Friendly |
| Nixon | Loyal, Fun, Spirited |
| Odin | Strong, Wise, Loyal |
| Oliver | Gentle, Sweet, Affectionate |
| Ollie | Fun, Playful, Loyal |
| Oscar | Gentle, Loyal, Friendly |
| Otis | Easygoing, Gentle, Loving |
| Peanut | Cute, Small, Playful |
| Percy | Kind, Friendly, Adventurous |
| Phoenix | Resilient, Bold, Spirited |
| Pip | Small, Playful, Cheerful |
| Pluto | Fun-loving, Loyal, Adventurous |
| Prince | Regal, Charming, Playful |
| Radar | Alert, Smart, Watchful |
| Ralph | Gentle, Loyal, Kind |
| Ranger | Adventurous, Brave, Strong |
| Rascal | Mischievous, Fun, Playful |
| Remi | Playful, Loving, Gentle |
| Rex | Strong, Brave, Loyal |
| Ricky | Energetic, Friendly, Fun |
| Rocky | Strong, Brave, Adventurous |
| Romeo | Romantic, Loyal, Charming |
| Rufus | Playful, Fun, Loyal |
| Sam | Loyal, Gentle, Kind |
| Samson | Strong, Brave, Protective |
| Scooby | Fun-loving, Goofy, Loyal |
| Scout | Curious, Playful, Brave |
| Shadow | Mysterious, Loyal, Smart |
| Shiloh | Gentle, Kind, Friendly |
| Simba | Majestic, Brave, Playful |
| Snoopy | Playful, Funny, Curious |
| Sparky | Energetic, Lively, Friendly |
| Spike | Strong, Brave, Loyal |
| Tank | Muscular, Strong, Protective |
| Teddy | Cuddly, Gentle, Loving |
| Thor | Powerful, Brave, Loyal |
| Toby | Friendly, Playful, Loyal |
| Tucker | Energetic, Friendly, Happy |
| Tyson | Strong, Brave, Loyal |
| Vince | Strong, Charming, Loyal |
| Wally | Playful, Friendly, Loyal |
| Walter | Gentle, Calm, Kind |
| Winston | Regal, Strong, Loyal |
| Woody | Friendly, Fun, Playful |
| Yogi | Relaxed, Calm, Gentle |
| Yukon | Adventurous, Brave, Loyal |
| Zeus | Powerful, Majestic, Loyal |
| Ziggy | Playful, Energetic, Quirky |
| Zorro | Mysterious, Brave, Clever |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What’s a great name for a playful puppy?
A: If your dog has boundless energy, consider names like Sparky, Flash, or Zoom. These high-energy names reflect your pup’s zest for life and are perfect for dogs who never seem to sit still!
Q: What are the top 20 male dog names?
A: Here are 20 names that consistently top the charts:
- Max
- Charlie
- Cooper
- Milo
- Buddy
- Rocky
- Bear
- Duke
- Oliver
- Teddy
- Finn
- Leo
- Bentley
- Oscar
- Rex
- Scout
- Moose
- Toby
- Zeus
- Brady
Q: Can I change my dog's name after adopting him?
A: Absolutely! While it may take a little time for your dog to adjust to a new name, with consistency, positive reinforcement, and patience, your dog will learn to recognize it.
Ready to Find Your Pup's Name?
No matter what name you choose, the most important thing is that it suits your dog's personality and feels right to you. Take your time, have fun with the process, and enjoy the journey of becoming a dog parent! If you want to give them a leash, collar and personalized medal trio to walk in style then take a peek at Migrou.
