Skip to main content

You won’t believe what the top names for girl dogs are

Whether you’re welcoming a new family member, working at a shelter, or just imagining your dream pet, naming a dog can be downright difficult. Everyone in your home is bound to have their own opinion, so we don’t blame you if you need to resort to a list of top dog names in order to make a decision that sticks.

From today’s top names to the cutest monikers you ever did hear, we’ve listed them all below. Feel free to use these as inspiration for your fur baby’s name, whether you come up with something similar or use the exact spelling and pronunciation you see here. With any of these top girl dog names, though, you can’t lose! Keep on reading for more adorable and unique ideas.

Recommended Videos

Unique names for girl dogs

When it comes to uniqueness, there really are no limits. You can make up a name for your dog that’s one-in-a-million, or you can borrow one from the American Kennel Club’s list of 71 Unique Dog Names For Girls and Boys. A fair note — there are a lot of traditionally “human” names on this list, but they’ll fit like a glove for a number of four-legged friends.

A few of our favorite unique names from this list are Aurora, Daphne, Darcy, Denny, Iggy, Josie, Kit, Millie, Ophelia, Tess, Thelma, Vida, and Zara. If you’re a literary fan you may notice a few Shakespearian names — another classic, and dare we say sophisticated, way to go!

A portrait of a yorkie wearing a red bow
seregraff / Adobe Stock

Cutest names for girl dogs

What passes as “cute” is truly up to you, but there are many memorable names that are just as sweet as they are fitting for a furry friend. Take your time to make sure the name is perfectly suited to your best buddy. After all, it’s going to stick for a while!

A few celestial-inspired names that appear on the American Kennel Club’s list of Top 100 Girl Dog Names include Luna, Star, Angel, Skye, Nova, Misty, and Storm.

There are even some plant-, fruit-, and food-inspired names! You can try Pepper, Honey, Poppy, Coco, Willow, Sugar, Peaches, Oreo, Ginger, Lilly, Rose/Rosie, Cookie, and Maple.

If you’re looking to get more creative with your pet’s moniker, why not gather inspiration from some of your favorite TV shows, video games, or books? Whether popular or not, it would be a name that has special meaning to you. And that’s pretty cute!

A young woman holds her Jack Russell Terrier as he licks herTop girl dog names

Whether your style is more cute and girly or edgy and unique, there’s bound to be the perfect name for your pup somewhere out there. Until you find a few ideas, why don’t you browse Rover’s Top Female Dog Names for 2021 … in order!

  1. Bella
  2. Luna
  3. Lucy
  4. Daisy
  5. Zoe
  6. Lilly
  7. Lola
  8. Bailey
  9. Stella
  10. Molly

Though their list only goes up to 10 names, there are many honorable mentions that were trending throughout 2021 (via Rover). This includes Olympic-inspired names like:

  • Simone
  • Suni
  • Katie
  • Naomi

Also included are travel-related monikers such as:

  • Eiffel
  • Baguette
  • Champagne
  • Gabanna

As you can see, there are lots of French and Italian influences. As if that isn’t enough, there are even some dogs named after celebrities — Aretha Franklin and Doja Cat were two of the most popular monikers in 2021.

Have you noticed anything that these names have in common? They are all two syllables long, which is a pet’s ideal name length according to dog trainer and veterinary assistant Adrienne Farricelli. A name longer than two syllables will be difficult to call in a hurry, and one-syllable names might not be as attention-grabbing to a busy pup.

Choose a name that feels right to you

Also, don’t be discouraged from using a name just because it is on this list. Your pup’s moniker needs to feel right to you, whether it’s fairly common or one-in-a-million. As long as it’s fitting and easy to say — go for it!

No matter what inspired your dog’s name, don’t forget to be proud of the progress they make every day. Remember to practice recall and obedience using their name; not only will they get used to it faster, but they’ll get a little better every day, too.

Topics
Gabrielle LaFrank
Gabrielle LaFrank has written for sites such as Psych2Go, Elite Daily, and, currently, PawTracks. When she's not writing, you…
Dog sounds explained: What each bark, whine, and growl means
This guide will help you decode everything your dog says to you
Small dog howls at the sky while outside in the dirt

Our dogs talk to us. No really, they use a form a communication called "referential signaling," which means they give clues without words. Interestingly, this is also how babies and apes interface as well, though it's rare cross species. Dogs combine body language with vocalizations to get their point across and let us know what they need.

Our brains immediately go to the iconic bark when we think about a pup speaking, but it doesn't end there. Fido also whimpers, whines, growls, and sighs to ensure you know just what he's saying. It's up to us to decode dog sounds and suss out the messages.
What sounds do dogs make?

Read more
A complete guide to the adorable teacup Chihuahua
This is what you need to know before bringing home this pint-sized pup
Wonderful teacup Chihuahua enjoys the sunshine in the garden

You may look at a Chihuahua and think it’s the tiniest dog ever, but the teacup version proves even smaller (and potentially cuter). What this buddy lacks in size, they make up for in feistiness. You will never have a boring day when you spend it with a teacup Chihuahua! Before bringing home this little guy, you need to know a bit more about their backstory and special requirements. After all, having one of the smallest dogs out there will take some extra TLC — and expertise.
What is the history of the teacup Chihuahua?

Chihuahuas originally hail from Mexico and the modern version were bred in the 1800s. Of course, their ancestors, the Techichi dog, have lived in the Americas for thousands of years and cohabitated with the Aztecs and other people in the area.

Read more
What colors can dogs see? A guide to your dog’s vision
Dogs don't see in black and white like many thought
Husky dog with blue eyes with a blue background

Even dog owners still believe many popular myths about dogs, including the myth that dogs see in black and white. Until a few decades ago, even veterinarians believed that our four-legged friends saw the world in shades of gray! It's unclear why this eye-opening discovery is still misunderstood, but learning how dogs' eyes work is fascinating, nonetheless.
So, what colors can dogs see? If they don't see in black and white like previously thought, can they see all colors of visible light like humans can? Let's look into it! Soon, you'll have the knowledge to see the world through your furry friend's eyes.

Can dogs see color?

Read more