American Kennel Club Announces Top Dog Names of 2022

Naming your dog is one of the first and most important decisions you make as a pet parent. After all, your pup’s moniker is going to follow them for their entire life. But should you choose a popular name or a unique one? How do you even know which category your favorite name falls under? Well, the American Kennel Club (AKC) makes answering those questions easier by releasing the most popular dog names every year, and the 2022 list is out!

American Kennel Club Announces Most Popular Dog Names for 2022

The AKC, which is based in Raleigh, North Carolina, has enlightened dog lovers with its ranked list of the most popular names for both female and male dogs. (Yes, we still live in a heavily gendered society, but feel free to name your dog whatever you like, regardless of their biological sex.) While there were 100 names on the list, we’re sharing the top 10 for female and male dogs.

Without further ado, here are the top 10 female dog names for 2022:

1. Luna
2. Bella
3. Daisy
4. Lucy
5. Willow
6. Penny
7. Sadie
8. Maggie
9. Rosie
10. Ruby

The three most popular names – Luna, Bella, and Daisy – will probably come as no surprise to avid dog lovers, as they’ve been vying for the top spot for the past several years.

And here come the top 10 male dog names for 2022:

1. Max
2. Milo
3. Cooper
4. Charlie
5. Teddy
6. Tucker
7. Buddy
8. Bear
9. Rocky
10. Leo

Unlike the female dog names list, the male dog names list has been in flux over the years, though Bear, Max, and Cooper have remained favorites among parents of male dogs.

Choose Your Dog’s Name Wisely

American Kennel Club executive secretary Gina DiNardo acknowledged the momentous task of picking a moniker for your pup.

“Dogs are an important part of our families, and people take great care in choosing a name,” she said in a media statement. “It’s fun to see if a dog’s personality is reflected in its name.”

If you’re wondering how to choose among all the awesome dog name options, the AKC offers some guidance. It says you should avoid names that sound too much like commands, like “Poe” (which can sound like “no” to a pup) or “Kit” (which might get confused with “sit”).

Obviously, don’t name your dog something that you’d be embarrassed to shout out loud in a public place. No one wants to hear you yell “Booger” over and over again as you roam around the dog park.

Remember, your dog must endure its name for its entire life, so choose a good one!