Skip to main content

Rover is out: These were the most popular dog names in 2022 (plus how to pick the right one for your pup)

Find the perfect name for your dog by choosing from the AKC's 2022 top names list

What’s in a pup’s name? More than you would think! The American Kennel Club has released its most popular dog names list from 2022, including plenty of beloved favorites and a few newcomers. While you might tilt your head at a few of the top dog names from last year, they actually have a number of key elements in common.

There’s no such thing as a bad name in our opinion, but we do know that dogs respond to certain things better than others. If you’re choosing a name for your pup, take a look at the list and follow the rules for picking something they’ll understand.

Girl with two puppies
Image used with permission by copyright holder

What were the top names of 2022?

In first place, we have Luna for girls and Max for boys. Believe it or not, these two monikers have been popular for years. They’re joined by Willow, Sadie, Milo, and Tucker (plus 12 more that you can see on the list by the American Kennel Club).

The trending boy dog names include Marvel characters, such as Thor and Loki, as well as Disney favorites like Simba. Both Maverick and Goose got on the list last year as well, possibly as a result of the latest Top Gun movie. On the girl side, Nala and Leia have been popular for years, and both got into last year’s top 100. You’ll see Arya, Xena, and Zelda there, too.

What makes a good dog name?

You might not notice at first glance, but many of these follow a few simple rules. When picking out the perfect word to describe your beloved pet, stick to a couple of these patterns.

Keep it short

Dogs respond best to names with one or two syllables. If you want to bestow a longer one, use a nickname for practical purposes. That will make it so you can easily call out to them or give a quick command.

Start with a consonant

Putting a really sharp sound at the beginning helps them to learn and identify their own name. But we know some of the best dog names begin with an “S” or a vowel. In that case, try to at least make sure there’s a good K or T in there that they can hear easily.

End with a vowel

We love a good pup name with a long vowel at the end and that’s why you see a lot of “ee” sounds in them. This too helps dogs hear when you call them from the rest of the mumbo jumbo that you speak.

Avoid mix-ups

You don’t want to name your dog Kit, Slayer, or Rum because they sound too much like Sit, Stay, and Come to your beastie. Plan your command words in advance before you choose your pup’s handle.

At the end of the day, there’s no such thing as the best names and worst names, just the one that fits your animal perfectly (though do avoid anything that could be offensive or sound close to it). By following these steps or picking one from the top name list, you’ll figure out the exact right thing to make your best friend feel special.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
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…
No fuss, all love: Meet the top breeds of low-maintenance dogs that will steal your heart
Looking for a canine breed that won't overwhelm you with work? These low-maintenance dogs are best
A brown and white basset hound sleeping in a blue chair.

Owning a dog can be a fulfilling experience, but it also requires time, effort, and commitment. If you're leading a busy life, struggle with mobility issues, or prefer a more laid-back approach to being a dog parent, low-maintenance dogs can be the perfect companions.

These dogs offer all the love and affection without the fuss and extensive care requirements. Let's talk about what makes a furry friend a low-maintenance one and introduce you to the top breeds of low-maintenance pups that will steal your heart.
What are low-maintenance dogs?
When it comes to choosing a dog, different breeds have varying needs and characteristics. Some breeds demand constant attention, regular grooming, and extensive exercise, while others are more independent and require minimal care. Low-maintenance canines fall into the latter category. They're generally independent, adaptable, and easygoing, making them suitable for busy individuals, seniors, or those who prefer a more relaxed pet ownership experience.

Read more
Smooches or stress? There are a few reasons your dog might lick you
Why dogs love to lick their owners
A pit bull terrier licks a woman's face

Licking is such a fundamental part of dogs, and dog ownership, that we frequently take it for granted. Whether you tolerate or hate it, it’s impossible not to notice your pup’s wet tongue when they decide it’s time to give you a bath -- though it’s not always clear what exactly they’re up to. You might get tongue kisses every day from your pooch, but that doesn't mean that this behavior always indicates a good thing.
Specifically, why do dogs lick their owners’ faces? This is a common phenomenon that nearly all pet parents will experience at one time or another, and it’s easy to see why it raises some questions. Face licking — or licking in general — can range from completely random and infrequent to constant and obsessive, so it’s important to pay attention to your furry friend’s specific behaviors when asking why. Here’s what to consider when your dog starts licking your face.

Where does licking come from?
It's thought that humans kiss on the mouth because it was an old method of feeding children. The principle remains the same in pups. Dog moms lick their puppies and the babies lick their littermates and sometimes mamas as well. This is a natural part of play, and it's a good way to discover the world for a fresh beast.

Read more
Ditching the pure breeds? Here’s how to find the right mutt for your family
Here's why a mixed-breed dog might suit you perfectly
A Chihuahua mix looks at the camera

We talk a lot about the official breeds around here, including the recently crowned most-popular dog, the Frenchie. But that ignores a huge subset of the pup-ulation: the mutts. You've probably met (and loved) all kinds of mutt dogs in your life. In fact, they make up a little over half of the dogs in the U.S., so you likely see more of them in your day-to-day life. Whether they're designer or pound pups, you might discover the perfect fit for your family in a mixed breed.

What is a mutt dog?
A mutt is any dog that is not an official pure breed, meaning one that has registered papers with two parents of the same breed. In the U.S., we have the American Kennel Club that determines which dogs fall under official breed guidelines and can ultimately compete or go on to make official baby dogs.

Read more