It can be tough to pick out a name for your dog! You want that name to be special. But you also don't want your pooch to end up with the same name as someone you know. Dog names are trickier, too, because trends are always changing when it comes to names — even animal names. Finding the cutest dog names takes some work!
Luckily, the internet always comes in handy for inspiration! People are downright inventive, and that means dogs have some of the most fun and creative names ever these days.
We scoured our sources to find out what the top doggy names of 2022 are. These names will surely get more than a few wags, a couple of licks, and maybe even some snuggles.
If you have a new pup who needs a name, look no further! These are the best dog names of 2022, and we're guessing there's something for just about every breed and every personality. From pits to Dalmatians, the shy to the outgoing, we've got names to suit your pup's needs.
Ace
If you want an adorable name that's totally fitting, go with Ace. Ace is everybody's buddy! But for some, it might also be a reminder of one of our favorite Aces of all time — Ace Ventura, Pet Detective. That's OK, though, because that Ace was a total animal lover, so it's even more fitting. Ace would probably work best for a male dog, though it could be gender-neutral. Either way, you really can't go wrong with this one.
Bella
Bella is one of the most popular dog names out there these days. So if originality is a high priority on your list, you might want to go with something different. But that doesn't change the fact that it's a beautiful name, obviously. After all, Bella means beautiful! This name would likely work best for female dogs, but just about any breed. It's even a popular name for human girls. If it's good enough for humans, it's good enough for pups!
Bacon
It's every dog's favorite food … unless you happen to be raising a vegetarian mutt. No judgment. But seriously, bacon is loved by dogs, so why not give your pup a name they'll really love? Bacon is pretty cute and cheeky, yet it's totally fitting. It's definitely gender-neutral, too. And you'll score points with your pooch, and all your neighbors, for originality.
Casper
Casper is a friendly ghost. Why can't it also be a friendly dog? Chances are, you won't find any other pups on your block with a name like this. It's especially fitting if you have a dog who is so quick, he disappears on the regular — just like the ghost. We don't know about you, but we've never encountered a dog with this totally cute and original name before.
Corona
Believe it or not, Corona is becoming a popular name this year … and for kids! While people definitely have mixed feelings about giving human babies this name, it might be a bit more fitting for a dog born this year. I mean, you'll always remember how old your dog is with this name, that's for sure. Still, some people would rather go with something a bit lighter altogether. And we totally get that.
Cash
This dog name has us counting our change. After all, dogs can cost a pretty penny! Between vet bills, food, toys, and more, having a pet can definitely get expensive. Still, this name lets our pup know they're totally worth it. And if you're a music fan, it might remind you of singer-songwriter Johnny Cash. If you had another dog named June, that would be even cuter.
Flair
Some dogs just have so much personality. From the moment they come into your house for the first time, it's like they own the place. They're always trying to impress friends and neighbors and making dog friends by the dozen. For a pup that special, you'll need an adorable name like Flair. No, it's not on the top 100 list. But that just makes it all the more special.
Harley
Harley is a name that packs a punch! It makes us think of so many things, from motorcycles to a supervillain, Harley Quinn. It doesn't really matter what the association is, though. When it comes to a perfect dog name, Harley is a tough one to beat. It would be adorable for a male or female dog with a strong personality. Harleys are definitely intense! But then again, so are some doggos!
Kobe
If you were a fan of the late Kobe Byrant, naming your dog Kobe would be a super-sweet tribute to the late NBA star. It doesn't even matter if you like basketball or not — there were many reasons to admire him. Kobe Bryant was a larger-than-life figure, and he deserves to be remembered in any way people can think of. This name will likely be a popular one for dogs this year. But the way we see it, the more Kobes, the better.
Lucky
It makes us think of Britney Spears' famous song "Lucky." But it's also a total good luck charm. Naming your dog Lucky definitely would be a great omen. It's one of those classic names that will never go out of style. If your dog seems to be a bit unlucky, though, you could totally use the name Lucky ironically! Hey, if the hipsters are doing it …
Oliver
It's become a super-popular kid name in recent years, which makes a lot of sense. Oliver is an adorable name! But it's not just cute for kids; it's totally perfect for dogs, too. Olivers are clever and silly and totally march to the beat of their own drum. Do you know a dog who needs this special name? We're guessing you just might.
Rex
Rex is an absolute classic dog name. It will never go out of style, and it's tough to forget. You don't even need to think of cute nicknames because Rex is just perfect like it is! If you have dinosaur-loving kids, they will definitely be all about a dog named Rex. After all, the T. rex was king of the Jurassic period. Maybe your Rex is the king of your house!
Slimer
If you have a pup with an exceptionally drooly mouth, or maybe just a pup who loves giving kisses, Slimer would be a perfect name. It would also be a great choice if you're a Ghostbusters fan! Either way, Slimer is a hilarious and adorable name, and those are hard to find. Plus, you probably won't meet any other dogs with this fun name.
Lady
Lady and the Tramp is a classic film, which means that Lady will forever be a classic dog name. It makes us think of Lady, the sweet cocker spaniel in the Disney classic. But that doesn't mean your pup has to be the same breed. It would definitely work best for a girl dog, though. But Lady will always be a strong choice for pups. You can thank Walt for that one.
Ziggy
Ziggy is a perfect dog name for so many reasons. I mean, we all know a dog who loves to run circles around us! Ziggy has us thinking of trying to keep up with all those zigzags! Ziggy has become a popular name for kids, too, but likely for different reasons. It's been featured on a few popular TV shows. But we just love it for its totally playful nature. Ziggy is a ball of energy, that's for sure.
