Choosing the perfect name for your new pup is one of the first—and most fun—decisions you’ll make as a pet parent. Whether you’re inspired by pop culture, looking for something timeless, or want a name that reflects your dog’s unique personality, the trends of 2026 offer something for everyone.
The folks at Chewy have analyzed thousands of pet profiles to uncover the most popular dog names of the year, plus the trendiest rising stars, regional favorites, and names tailored to specific breeds. From top picks like Luna and Max to newcomers like Brisket and Andarna, here’s what pet parents are loving right now.
Top 10 Most Popular Dog Names of 2026
- Luna
- Bella
- Daisy
- Charlie
- Lucy
- Max
- Cooper
- Milo
- Bailey
- Buddy
Trendiest Dog Names of 2026
If you’re looking for something more modern, here are the names that had the biggest surge in popularity this year:
- Andarna
- Rosie
- Remi
- Gus
- Jasper
- Honey
- Poppi
- Nox
- Brisket
- Bandit
Top Dog Names by State
If your dog is named Bella, they’re in good company. Bella is the No. 1 name in almost every state in the U.S., according to the Chewy database. The only outliers:
- Massachusetts, where the most popular dog name is Joey
- Washington, D.C., where the most popular dog name is Luna
Top Dog Name Trends
Dog names often reflect what’s happening in the world around us—from pop culture to food trends. Here’s a look at the biggest naming themes pet parents embraced in 2026.
Food-Inspired Dog Names
Tasty names are on the rise!
- Tater (+450%)
- Muffin (+161%)
- Marshmallow (+150%)
- Pickles (+133%)
- Cinnamon (+92%)
Fantasy-Inspired Names
From books to shows, fantasy names are going mainstream.
- Andarna (+600%)
- Meleys (+300%)
- Draco (+61%)
- Frodo (+10%)
Nature-Inspired Names
Botanical and earthy names are in full bloom:
- Maple (+96%)
- Poppy (+95%)
- Hazel (+60%)
- Juniper (+17%)
Vintage Baby Names
Old-fashioned baby names are becoming pup picks:
- Millie (+66%)
- Winnie (+61%)
- Teddy (+41%)
- Mabel (+14%)
Baby Name Crossovers
Some of the most popular names for human babies are trending among pets too:
- Oliver (+78%)
- Olivia (+63%)
- Emma (+56%)
- Noah (+9%)
Classic Rock Music Legends
- Ozzie (+150%)
- Bowie (+135%)
Whether you want a name that’s traditional or totally out there, this year’s trends are full of options to inspire the perfect name for your pup.
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Photo Credit: Michael Kraus / Shutterstock.com