The Most Popular Dog Names For 2020
- Last Updated on: February 3, 2020
A new pet dog has just joined your family, and everyone is so excited about getting to decide what to call it. However, the list of options seems to be endless, and it can get quite nerve-wracking. So, is there a way to make the best choice in just a couple of quick steps?
To start with, we can have a look at the current trendings and predictions regarding the most popular dog names for 2020.
An ideal option is not so easy to pick. It seems that owners usually get inspiration from their favorite TV shows, movies, or the world of showbiz. Statistics show that every fifth pup got their name in this way. Disney, Marvel, Twilight, or Downton Abbey are only some of the sources on which dog owners have been relying.
Top 10 Most Popular Dog Name Predictions in 2020
Charlie
We all probably know someone whose dog is called Charlie. No wonder it has been the most popular moniker over the past two years. The release of Charlie’s Angels significantly contributed to this trend.
Loki
For years, Marvel has been offering plenty of ideas to make use of, and Loki [1] has been the favorite choice of a vast number of pet parents.
Harley
February 2020 will see the release of The Birds of Prey [2], another American superhero movie based on the DC comics team. The name of the female supervillain, Harley Quinn, is expected to grow even more popular among dog-lovers.
Elsa
With the long-awaited premiere of Frozen 2, it is not surprising to find a vast number of female dogs called Elsa. The compelling character of the ice-princess makes her name extremely popular.
Bella
This is one of the few options which have maintained their popularity over a long period and never seem to get out of fashion. Dog owners opted for it more frequently following the growing number of fans of the Twilight series.
Ladie
The lovely, almond-eyed character from Lady and the Tramp cartoon by Disney is likely to win the hearts of many people once again, following its November 2019 premiere [3]. It has remained one of the favorite picks of many owners of female dogs.
Simba
Many pet puppies are called this way because of this lovable character from Lion King. After the release of the animated movie in summer 2019, there seems to be a revival of this cute moniker.
Millie
Millie Bobby Brown gave an excellent performance in one of the favorite Netflix fiction horror series – Stranger Things. It is her name that many dog owners find to be the best match for their pooch.
Maggie
keeping up with the events and characters from Downton Abbey for almost ten years, a famous English TV show, the fans were thrilled to see the premiere of the Movie in September 2019. Maggie is expected to be another highly-ranked, frequently chosen moniker for pet dogs.
Importance of Choosing The Right Puppy Name
You are looking at your new puppy friend, and dozens of possible ideas are crossing your mind. You are aware that the one you pick will be called out so many times in the future. The choice can sometimes be rather tough, and you should never take this matter for granted.
The way you call your pet will have a significant role in establishing a strong, friendly relationship between you and your pal. It will mainly be the case during the training process. Whenever your pet dog hears it, they should create a positive association to praise and reward.
It should, therefore, be a word that will trigger positive emotions in your pup and help you build a stronger bond.
How to Choose a Name for Your Pooch
1.
Choose a Two Syllable Name
An ideal pet dog’s moniker will be short and catchy. In practice, this means that you should go for one consisting of no more than two syllables.
If you are wondering why this is so, picture yourself shouting out a four or five-syllable word such as “Maximillian” across the park. Sounds a bit silly, doesn’t it?
That is why shorter words make a more convenient option. Just say “Max” or “Milly,” and the next thing you know will be your best friend darting across a lawn towards you.
2.
See if it Fits Your Puppy's Personality
Once you start considering what to call your lovely little puppy [4], a couple of the most common ideas like Buddy or Lola will pop up in your head. Moreover, your first impulse may be to name your pooch based on the way they look – so Snowflake, Ginger, Blackie, or Nero are some of the likely outcomes.
But, how about taking your pup’s personality into account? ‘’Thunder’’ will, for example, be a perfect match for a loud barker full of energy, always up to some action.
3.
Avoid Names With Negative Associations
“Hey, Killer! Come over here, buddy. ” Shout this sentence out loud in a park swarming with people. You would probably provoke a lot of frowning faces and many awkward looks!
Even if your pet is the cutest and the most amicable dog ever and you might find it pretty amusing, avoid giving it a name associated with something negative.
4.
Be Consistent With One Name
Switching between different monikers for your pet dog is not advisable, as this may result in them feeling baffled. In some situations, though, you will want to change it – especially when adopted pets are concerned. If this is the case, try to make this transition within a short interval. Be consistent once you make up your mind.
5.
Choose a Name Ending with a Vowel
You might be wondering what difference the final letter of a puppy’s name makes. If the one you picked for your furry friend has a vowel at its end, the frequency of your voice ranges to a greater extent every time you call it.
Dogs are extremely sensitive to these changes in the tone, and such ordering of letters will help get their attention quickly.
6.
Avoid names Rhyming With Commands
It takes a lot of effort to train your pooch and teach them the main principles of obedience. Getting your pup to learn how to respond to commands such as “stay” or “no” is the primary goal of the training process.
A moniker that is too similar to these words will often get in the way and leave your buddy feeling puzzled. A puppy called ” Bo” could often misinterpret it as a reproaching “No”. In the same way, “Ray” would be stuck in place – hearing the command “stay” instead.
7.
Conduct a "Nickname Test"
As time goes by, your pet’s name may undergo considerable transformation. You and your family members are likely to come up with several nicknames or variations to their original moniker. As a result, longer ersions often tend to be shortened.
To make sure your pet friend is keeping up with these variations, perform a “nickname test”. It will prove that your pup understands they are being called – or not.
8.
Choose Dissimilar Names from Other Pets
As time goes by, your pet’s name may undergo considerable transformation. You and your family members are likely to come up with several nicknames or variations to their original moniker. As a result, longer ersions often tend to be shortened.
To make sure your pet friend is keeping up with these variations, perform a “nickname test”. It will prove that your pup understands they are being called – or not.
Conclusion
Dogs come in all shapes and sizes. Plus, each one has a specific set of personality traits. In other words, no two dogs are the same, and the choice of a suitable name should be given a lot of attention.
A couple of basic guidelines may come in handy when making this choice. The alternative you pick for your beloved pet should be easy for them to identify with, brief and snappy. Moreover, you should be able to articulate it with ease.
The upcoming year will bring some new trends and favorites. So, if a new puppy is waiting to join your family soon, feel free to refer to our list of options. It may well contain the one that will tick all the boxes for you and your furry little friend.
References:
• [1] Find the best meaning of dog name Loki – 123tinki.com
• [2] Birds of Prey release date, cast and story – www.looper.com
• [3] Disney’s lovestruck dogs come to half-life – www.theguardian.com
• [4] The Art of Naming a Dog – www.nytimes.com
