A Gentle Reminder: As we near the holiday months, and think ahead if you’re like me. People, or maybe yourself, are considering or looking for dogs/puppies and/or cats/kittens as gifts for family members or friends. For the love of all creatures, I beg you to look at a local animal shelter or dog rescue in your area first! Many pure and mixed breeds are looking for a loving home. Dogs and cats that end up at shelters are perfectly healthy when ready to be adopted; their parents (at the time) may have fallen on hard times, and they ended up at the shelter at no fault of their own. Plus, it’s 2024, and it’s the most ethical way to source a pet for your family. If you live in SoCal, here is a resource page to help you navigate through the journey of pet adoption.
Welcoming a new dog or cat into your family
Picking the perfect name is one of the most fun (and sometimes challenging) parts, am I, right? Whether you want a trendy name inspired by pop culture, a classic name that never goes out of style, or something unique that stands out, we’ve got you covered.
Specific names seem to take off each year, often influenced by pop culture, social media, and global trends.
Here are dog names that are trending now:
- Loki – Inspired by the popular Marvel character, Loki remains a top choice for dogs and cats, thanks to his mischievous and clever persona.
- Daisy – A timeless classic that saw a boost thanks to movie and TV references.
- Nova – Short, celestial, and beautiful, Nova has been climbing the ranks as a favorite for both male and female dogs.
- Maverick – Strong and bold, this name suits dogs with a daring spirit and has stayed relevant thanks to popular action films.
- Luna – Continuing from last year, Luna (meaning “moon”) is perfect for gentle, ethereal, and lovable pups.
- Rocky – Whether it’s for a strong pup or an underdog with a fighting spirit, Rocky remains a strong contender for dog names in 2024.
Pop Culture-Inspired Dog Names
As always, pop culture has a huge influence on dog names. In 2024, expect to see names inspired by TV shows, movies, and celebrity pets.
- Journey – Name after your favorite band! And so cute for a newly adopted doggo!
- Wednesday – Thanks to Netflix’s Wednesday series, this name has gained popularity for dogs with creative and individualistic personalities
- Arya – Still going strong from the Game of Thrones craze, Arya is a favorite for independent and energetic dogs.
- Yoda – From the Star Wars film, a wise mentor for the smart senior dog newly adopted.
- Jim – Name after your favorite actor/celebrity, Jim Carrey for the funny and nutty doggo
Dog Names Inspired by Nature
For nature lovers, these dog names take inspiration from the world around us:
- Rose – At the cottage, lay on the porch with an elegance, calm dog.
- River – Ideal for water-loving pups or dogs who have a free-spirited nature.
- Maple – A sweet name, perfect for fall, just like the syrup! It’s a great option for dogs with a golden or brownish coat.
- Blossom is a beautiful dog name that brings life and happiness wherever she goes.
Dog Names That Are Unique:
If you’re after something truly unique
- Food-Inspired – Cupcake, Blueberry, Kiwi, Peanut, Sprout
- Food-Inspired Italian Names – Canoli, Meat Ball, Pepperoncini (Pepper)
- Based on your Dogs Markings or Size – Boots, Mini, Biggie, Mr. Big, Socks, Tux
- Angus– Perfect for dogs who have a little bit of a rock n roll edge
- Food-Inspired Japanese Names – Wasabi, Uni, Miso, Toro, Sushi
Dog Names That Are Classic
You just can’t go wrong with the timeless favorites. These names have been cherished for generations and continue to stand the test of time.
- Maxine – A birken bag-type classic name that suits any dog.
- Bella – Meaning “beautiful” in Italian, Bella is perfect for a dog with a gorgeous personality.
- Buddy – Great for friendly, loyal dogs who become your ultimate best friend.
- Charlie – Whether for a male or female dog, Charlie remains a charming choice.
- Rex – Latin for “king,” Rex is ideal for dogs with a regal or dominant personality.
The Naming Process
- Personality Match – Observe your dog’s personality for a few days before choosing a name. A lively dog might suit a name like “Dash,” while a calm one might be better off as “Willow.”
- Ease of Pronunciation – One or two-syllable names work best for training and recall.
- Inspiration Everywhere – From your favorite TV show to your hometown’s landmarks, inspiration for names can come from anywhere!
When considering adopting, maybe choose a name that symbolizes the new journey and unconditional love you’re about to share with your dog for years to come. Have fun and happy naming!
