Every dog has unique traits, especially colors that help set them apart and can make finding the perfect name challenging, especially if you can’t narrow your choices down quickly. Even though a lot of names are popular, you might prefer an option that’s a bit more unusual and attention-getting.
One of the best things to know about picking dog names is that there are many sources of inspiration. Even if you are looking for the best female dog names.
The right name is a lot easier when you consider all these traits as a group and anything else that catches your attention, especially about his personality.
The best male dog names for 2020 include names from specific categories that are always popular and provide an impressive list to choose from among for a name that matches your dog perfectly. Some of the groups that are popular for male names include names for some of your favorite characters from TV or movies.
Names related to outdoor hobbies like hunting have remained popular, especially for specific breeds, along with literary and mythological figures.
Popular Male Dog Names
- Max
- Bailey
- Charlie
- Toby
- Teddy
- Rocky
- Oliver
- Jax
- Oscar
- Leo
- Winston
- Gus
- Jax
- Rudy
- Woody
- Louie
- Cody
- Bailey
- Buster
- Jasper
- Beau
- Reggie
- Bobby
- Marley
- Dodger
- Simba
- Gizmo
- Papi
- Milo
- Duke
- Harry
- Finn
- Diesel
- Bandit
- Shadow
- Chance
- Chewy
- Archie
- Dexter
- Blue
- Ollie
- Koda
- George
- Hank
- Juno
- Logan
- Rocco
- Sparky
- Bear
- Moose
- Copper
- Ranger
- Scout
- Benji
- Boomer
- Harley
- Angus
- Remington
- Hunter
- Oakley
- Ruger
- Ranger
- Tank
- Ace
- Remi
- Zeus
- Loki
- Thor
- Apollo
- Odin
- Merlin
- Arthur
- Robin
- Gandalf
- Frodo
- Pippin
- Sam
- Thorin
- Monte
- Snoopy
- King
- Wizard
- Joey
- Peanut
- Murphy
- Brodie
- Indy
- Archer
- Ginger
- Stanley
- Nova
- Barley
- Wagner
- Shadow
- Johnny
- Chico
- Max
- Brutus
- Brady
- Jimmy
- Otis
- Colt
- Winchester
- Blackie
- Tommy
What Are 2019’s Best Dog Names?
Popular male names for both men and boys provide several options for dog names in 2019, as many of these names are perfect for any dog, no matter what the breed.
Max has always been a leading name for dogs, but Bailey is a name that’s become very popular in recent years, along with Colt, especially for more active, sporty breeds.
Charlie has remained a popular name, as well as Toby and Teddy, and these names are perfect for any breed, regardless of their size.
Naming Dogs After TV or Movie Characters
Finding the right name for your male dog is probably easy when there are movies or TV shows you’re passionate about since you might think of one quickly. Dodger can be a good name for a dog who likes to steal toys or other objects, and Simba is a good name for a dog who acts like a lion cub and possibly has a tawny coat.
Rocky is an excellent name for a dog with a fighter’s personality, and Gizmo is a fun name for a small dog, especially one with a fuzzy coat with brown and white markings.
You have a great selection of names to choose from when you think about movies or TV programs that have been part of popular culture for many years. Snoopy has been a favorite name for years and is ideal for dogs known for their curiosity, especially Beagles and mixes.
Other choices from the movie and literary world worth considering include Frodo, Sam, Merry, and Pippin, all of which are perfect names for small but brave dogs with an adventurous spirit.
Naming Dogs by Hobbies/Outdoor Activities
Outdoor enthusiasts, especially those who own hunting breeds, might name their dogs after wildlife, especially animals that share traits in common with their dogs.
A big furry dog with a bit of a resemblance to a grizzly might appropriately be named Bear, especially with a full brown coat. Another fun name option for a very large dog is Moose, especially for one of the giant breeds that stands tall.
Hunting-related names are popular for hunting breeds that are used for pointing and retrieving, such as Labs, Weimaraners, and spaniels. Scout has always been a favorite choice among hunters, as is Hunter. Ruger and Remington are also top sporting dog names, especially for sporting breeds considered gun-dogs that enjoy being out in the field.
Naming Dogs After Literary or Mythological Characters
Your favorite books can be a source of inspiration for male dog names.
If you’re a fan of the Harry Potter books, as well as movies, Harry can be a great choice, especially if he’s wizard-like in his ability to do tricks. If your dog is a perfect breed for being out on the open range and you enjoy Westerns like Lonesome Dove, consider Gus as a name for your pooch, after the former Texas Ranger character.
The mythological world can provide a lot of inspiring names for dogs that lean towards the more unusual. Names like Apollo and Zeus are Greek names fit for a deity, perfect if your dog stands out from the crowd and has a majestic appearance that goes along with their name.
Thor and Loki are Norse mythological names of deities that have become far more popular since the rise of the Thor and Avengers franchises.
When you’re picking the best name for your male dog, you have a universe of options available to you that range from old favorites to the most unusual.
You never need to settle on a mundane name that doesn’t suit your dog’s personality with the popular choices that are currently trending.