You might be looking for a female dog name if you’re soon to be bringing home a puppy for the first time or you’re adopting a dog from the shelter – either way, it’s an exciting part of pet ownership.
When naming your dog, you want something that is going to stick – and it's wise to choose a name you don't mind shouting across the park.
Sometimes you might be a little restricted when choosing a name. I got a rescue dog and while I didn't give her a whole new name, so as not to confuse her (and slightly out of superstition), I did alter it slightly. She came to me called "Trixie" and I swapped the ‘T’ for ‘D’, re-christening her Dixie. It was close enough to her original name that she's yet to notice the difference, a couple of years later.
One of Dixie's best friends is called Stanley and also happens to be a girl, so don't worry too much about any rules when naming your new dog. If you really want to use a traditionally boy dog name, go for it!
How to choose a name
1. Choose something you don’t mind shouting in public
When choosing a name for your new dog, not only should it fit their personality, but it needs to be something you don't mind shouting across a park from time to time.
2. Consider sounds and syllables carefully
To make things easier for your dog, choosing a two-syllable name with hard consonants will be simplest for them to pick up. Dogs also respond well to names ending in vowel sounds, which tend to be extended when we call for them.
3. Avoid anything confusing
Be aware that if your dog's name sounds similar to another word they know, they may get confused. It's best to avoid something like "Sweetie" if you want your dog to understand and respond to the word "treat".
Most popular female dog names of 2024
Here are the most popular girl dog names of 2024 according to the American Kennel Club.
- Luna
- Bella
- Daisy
- Lucy
- Willow
- Stella
- Maggie
- Sadie
- Lola
- Rosie
Cute female dog names
If you want a sugary sweet name for your little girl, look no further.
- Lulu
- Softie
- Sweetie
- Princess
- Queenie
- Angel
- Pinky
- Trixie
- Janey
- Dolly
Unique girl dog names
If you're looking for a uniquely pretty name for your new female dog, try out one of these for size.
- Isla
- Effie
- Jeanie
- Sage
- Autumn
- Honey
- Fern
- Brandy
- Fliss
- Dottie
Female dog names A-Z
If none of the above names tickle your fancy, here's an A-Z to help you choose.
- Abbie, Aster, April
- Beauty, Bean, Betty
- Carla, Cocoa, Candy
- Deedee, Darcy, Dallas
- Ellie, Evie, Esme
- Frankie, Flora, Fancy
- Greta, Gwenna, Goldie
- Heidi, Hera, Hershey
- Indi, Izzy, Ida
- Juniper, Jinx, Jazz
- Koko, Kayla, Kiwi
- Lady, Lottie, Lassie
- Minty, Misty, Maisy
- Nancy, Nala, Nutmeg
- Orla, Opal, Oona
- Penny, Paisley, Pumpkin
- Quinn, Quake, Quora
- Ronnie, Regina, Rebel
- Sammie, Sally, Stormy
- Tulip, Tess, Trixie
- Una, Ursa, Utah
- Vera, Velma, Valkyrie
- Winnie, Whisper, Wendy
- Xera, Xena, Xixi
- Yumi, Yuki, Yoko
- Zoe, Zsa-Zsa, Zara
Getting a new dog soon? Here are some first-time dog owner tips to help you on your way and here’s how you can be the best dog owner you possibly can
