Most Popular Dog Name Revealed – Max is Gone, Here’s the New No. 1
By Christina Williams
Most Popular Dog Name Revealed – Max is Gone, Here’s the New No. 1

Shakespeare once asked, ‘What’s in a name?’ According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), quite a lot goes into a name, apparently.

For all the dogs named Max, it no longer meant being the Top Dog with the best name. But for pups named Milo, it was now their time to shine. With a jump from 5th place to No. 1, now the top name for male dogs was known.

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The AKC is a nonprofit and is considered to be the largest purebred dog registry in the world. By looking at AKC registration statistics, as well as enrollments in the AKC Canine Partners, the organization was able to narrow down the Top 10 names for male dogs, as well as female dogs.

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Max, which held the No. 1 spot for 2 years, slipped down one spot. Another new name that popped up on the list – Toby, at spot 7. But female canines saw their top name holding on for the third year. Luna stayed No. 1.

Here are complete lists of the most popular dog names of 2024.

Top 10 Females

1. Luna

2. Bella

3. Daisy

4. Lucy

5. Willow

6. Stella

7. Maggie

8. Sadie

9. Lola

10. Rosie

Top 10 Males

1. Milo

2. Max

3. Teddy

4. Charlie

5. Cooper

6. Bear

7. Toby

8. Finn

9. Tucker

10. Ollie

“Dogs are an extraordinary and important part of our lives, and choosing a pet’s name is a fun part of the process,” AKC executive secretary Gina DiNardo said about why the release the list each year. “People put a great deal of thought into naming their dogs and often spend hours trying to pick the perfect name to fit their new pet.”

Data on the history of dog names comes from a unique place – the Hartsdale Pet Cemetery in New York. More than 80,000 pets have been buried there, ranging from dogs, cats and rabbits, to even a lion cub and a Bengal tiger. Hartsdale’s data was compiled using records from 1905 to current burials. Each decade seemed to have its own popular name. It was Queenie in the 1930s, Lady in the 1960s, and then it landed on Max, which was the most popular dog name from the 1980s–2000s.

No matter what your dog is named, my guess is that each of these animals all share one simple thing – they are good doggies and deserve all the treats and special rewards. After all, there is a reason they are considered man’s best friend. Watch below as a group of dogs show, they do know what their names are.

Sources: People | American Kennel Club