Top girl puppy and dog names
Choosing just the right name for your new girl puppy can be a difficult decision. There are so many girl dog names to choose from … classical dog names, human names, famous females (and female dogs), themed names (movies, food, nationality, etc)… the options are practically endless.
According to the Pet Survey Report 2019, the most popular names for pets are human names, reflecting the idea that owners often view their pets as members of the family. According to the survey, other common naming conventions include borrowing from popular culture, literature and even ancient mythologies.
Whatever name you decide on, you and your new puppy will be living with it for a long time, so it deserves some careful deliberation. If you’re looking for inspiration, we’ve collected the very best female dog names — from the most popular to themed to unusual and unique. Read on to find out the do’s and don’ts of choosing a name and our top 10 lists of female puppy names.
Female dog names – How to choose the right one
A good dog name can enhance your dog’s responsiveness and improve communication between you. Consider the following when choosing:
- Dogs have an easier time hearing hard consonants and long vowels, so a name like “Becky” (hard consonants) or “Queenie” (long vowels) will be easier for her to distinguish from other sounds.
- Most dog training experts recommend a one or two-syllable name that you can say quickly.
- Avoid names that sound like commands, for example, “Kit,” which sounds like “sit,” or “Po,” which sounds like “no.”
- You’ll be saying your puppy’s name a lot for the foreseeable future, so pick a name you like to say out loud (and that you won’t be embarrassed to yell across the park or put on a dog tag).
- You don’t have to decide on a name right away, so if you prefer, take your time and get to know your new puppy before deciding what to call her – in time, her personality, behaviour or appearance might point you to the perfect name for her.
- Read more pet naming tips to make sure you’ve covered all the bases.
Puppies are very adventurous and highly accident prone, and often end up hurting themselves whilst they are still growing. Their underdeveloped immune system means they are also vulnerable to getting infections and catching diseases.
It is important to take out pet insurance from the very start, to ensure that your puppy is always covered and before any pre-existing conditions are diagnosed. Get 2 months free pet insurance for your puppy2!
Most popular female puppy names
Just like baby names, dog names rise and fall in popularity. For the past few years there has been an unwavering trend to choose human names for our canine family members and at least 20 percent of dogs currently have human names like “Bella” or “Luna”, according to Rover.com. In line with this trend, human names consistently make up the most popular female puppy names that we at Bow Wow Meow process each year.
Our current top 10 girl dog names in Australia
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- Bella
- Luna
- Coco
- Ruby
- Molly
- Frankie
- Daisy
- Rosie
- Lucy
- Lola
For the sixth year in a row, the name Bella claimed the title of Australia’s most popular dog name. Apart from Victoria, in which Charlie proved to be the top dog name, Bella earned the top ranking in every state and territory.
Use our pet name search tool to find the perfect female dog name from the thousands in our database!
Popular-culture themed girl puppy names
Does your girl dog remind you of a film or TV character, either human? Do you, your partner or your kids have a favourite famous female that you would love to name your new pup after? Never fear, many dogs are named after their owner’s (or their owner’s kids’) favourite celebrity, villain, or hero. Apparently, the number of dogs named after “Frozen” characters rose 900 percent the year after the movie came out!
Disney girl dog names
Traditionally and more recently, many names from the Disney universe of characters have helped inspire girl dog names such as:
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- Minnie (Mickey Mouse)
- Ariel (The Little Mermaid)
- Belle (Beauty and the Beast)
- Moana (Moana)
- Nala (The Lion King)
- Elsa (Frozen)
- Anna (Frozen)
- Jasmine (Aladin)
- Gamora (Guardians of the Galaxy)
- Nebula (Guardians of the Galaxy)
Pop culture inspired cool girl dog names
In fact, a third of pet owners have named their dog after a character or dog from a TV show, video game, movie, or book, Rover.com found. Here are some more popular famous names to consider for your female pup:
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- Arya (Game of Thrones)
- Buttercup (The Princess Bride)
- Luna (Harry Potter)
- Harley (Harley Quinn)
- Leia (Star Wars)
- Scout (To Kill a Mockingbird)
- Xena (Warrior Princess)
- Dorothy (Wizard of Oz)
- Annie (Annie)
- Bella (Twilight)
Canine pop culture girl dog names
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- Lady (Lady and the Tramp)
- Perdita (101 Dalmatians)
- Marley (Marley & Me – although Marley is a male dog in the movie, the name is unisex)
- Samantha (I am Legend)
- Annabelle (All Dogs go to Heaven)
- Beatrice (Best In Show)
- Daphne (Look Who’s Talking Now)
- Lolabelle (Heart of a Dog)
- Daisy (John Wick)
- Lassie (Lassie)
- Cinnamon (The Big Bang Theory)
Famous female historical figures for female dog names with meaning
Pop-culture names – whether dog or human – not tempting to you? Female puppy names with meaning and gravitas can be found throughout human history, whether Cleopatra or Delilah from ancient times, or a host of authors, musicians, scientists and world leaders from our more recent past. Here are some of our favourites to choose from:
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- Laika (the first dog in space)
- Amelia (Amelia Earhart)
- Joan (Joan of Arc)
- Flo or Florence (Florence Nightingale)
- Theresa (Mother Theresa)
- Rosa (Rosa Parks)
- Di, Lady Di or Diana (Princess Diana)
- Marie (Marie Curie)
- Liz, Lilibet or Elizabeth (Queen Elizabeth)
- Sheba (Queen of Sheba)
Cute girl dog names by theme
Food-themed cute girl puppy names
Pop-culture and famous names don’t appeal to you? You might want to turn to your favourite food or drink for inspiration – apparently, twelve percent of pet owners do so, according to Rover.com. Here are some of the cutest we’ve come across recently:
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- Jelly Bean
- Cinnamon
- Ginger
- Crumpet
- Muffin
- Pudding
- Nugget
- Cupcake
- Pumpkin
- Popsicle
Flower themed cute girl puppy names
Another source of inspiration for female puppy names is flowers. If this theme is up your alley, there are many options to choose from, or you could always pick your favourite blossom. The following are popular choices as well as some of our personal favourites:
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- Bluebell
- Clover
- Rose
- Daisy
- Blossom
- Buttercup
- Sweet Pea
- Pansy
- Petunia
- Marigold
Popular small dog names girl
You’ve got a tiny girl and are looking for a cute and cuddly name to suit? Without a doubt, many names are more suited to small dogs than their much larger relatives, even though some diminutive gals act like they are big deals! Here are the current top 10 names for small girl dogs:
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- Trixie
- Lulu
- Pixie
- Pickles
- Wiggle
- Angel
- Snuggles
- Sparkle
- Topsy
- Roxy
List of cute girl dog names
Don’t want to follow the masses but still looking for something that cries out “cute and adorable” for your little girl? These cute female dog names will be sure to fit the bill and attract attention:
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- Tinkerbell
- Maisie
- Angel
- Snuggles
- Cricket
- Gracie
- Pebbles
- Sweetie
- Tilly
- Wiggles
Strong female dog names
You’ve got a big, strong dog, and want a big, strong name to match? Big dogs often have big personalities, but some can be softies at heart, so you may want to consider the breed and your dog’s personality before deciding whether she’s a Harriet or a Hobbit, a Tabatha or a Toffee. Here are some more popular power names to think about for your big girl:
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- Matilda
- Beatrix
- Athena
- Maggie
- Dakota
- Hermoine
- Briana
- Pepper
- Sheena
- Venus
Unusual female dog names
The name you choose is not always about size but also breed and personality. Generally, you are more likely to find a Pomeranian called Pickle than a Rottweiler, or a Poodle called Snuggles than a German Shepherd. To make your girl dog stand out from the crowd, how about switching things up? Here are some ideas for coming up with some unusual girl dog names that may be perfect for your pooch:
- Give your little girl a big girl name from the strong female dog names list; or,
- Give your big girl one of the cute girl dog names above that is more common among the tiny tots.
- Choose one of the classic girl dog names that is rarely heard in dog parks and puppy school anymore; or,
- Choose a traditional human female name that has gone out of fashion among both humans and canines.
- Combine two names or words or make a minor change to an existing name, concept or word to create a new name such as Flopsy Mopsy (from Peter Rabbit), Blinky Belle (from Blinky Bill) or Lady Sadie (from Sadie the Cleaning Lady).
Unique girl dog names
Somewhat ironically, there are hundreds of internet searches each day for unique girl dog names. To come up with a truly unique female dog name, you’ll need to get your creative juices flowing and think outside of the box, rather than pick one from a list. To get you started, here are some of the more unique female dog names we’ve come across lately:
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- Gummy Bear
- Queen Bee
- Cherub
- Sparkplug
- Hera
- Zanzibar
- Rapunzel
- Valkyrie
- Sashimi
- Zelda
Unusual girl dog names – less common human names
You’re a fan of a human name but don’t want to follow the masses with another Bella, Coco or Luna? Here are some human names you won’t find on the “best girl dog names 2021” list:
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- Agatha
- Camilla
- Prunella
- Griselda
- Thandi
- Amanda / Mandy
- Jackie
- Catherine / Kitty / Katie
- Ellen
- Natalie
Unusual female dog names – non-human names
Still not inspired? Don’t fancy a human name for your new little girl? Here are a few more non-human names that definitely don’t feature on the “most popular female dog names 2021” list:
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- Boodle
- Stunner
- Destiny
- Tsarina
- Camomile / Cami / Camo
- Jingle
- Spiffy
- Rococo
- Charmer
- Flamingo
Funny girl dog names
Looking for a name that draws attention and puts a smile on faces? These are genuine dog names that other quirky and pun-loving dog owners have selected (or invented). If you think of an even funnier one, please let us know!
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- Elle McPup
- Clawdia Sniffer
- Angelina Collie
- Snootchie Pootchie
- Mary Puppins
- Kate Barkingsale
- Miss Chevious
- Virginia Woof
- Sarah Jessica Barker
- Megan Dog
More themed lists of best girl dog names
The best black girl puppy names
Wanting a name that suits your dog’s colouring? How about Copper or Sienna for your brown- coated girl or Pearl or Bianca if she’s white? There are also many options for black girl dogs – you may fall in love with one of the following:
- Indigo
- Blackberry
- Cocoa
- Dusky
- Midnight
- Pepsi
- Pepper
- Ebony
- Liquorice
- Velvet
Hawaiian girl puppy names
While it’s highly unlikely that you are looking to name a Hawaiian Poi Dog – the breed is sadly now extinct – perhaps you are a fan of the islands, their culture and language? If so, these Hawaiian girl puppy names may appeal:
- Akela (lucky)
- Kala (princess)
- Akua (spirit)
- Lani (sky)
- Keiki (child)
- Koa (fearless)
- Hula
- Kina
- Lilo
- Aloha
Best female dog names – traditional
If all else fails, there are always the traditional girl dog names that have held their appeal to generations of dog owners. You can’t go wrong with any of the following, regardless of breed, size, colour or even personality:
- Gypsy
- Goldie
- Sadie
- Lucky
- Missy
- Princess
- Queenie
- Betsy
- Duchess
- Fifi
Final word…
In the end, there are no rules for naming your female dog. Whether a human name, a classical dog name or something completely unique, whatever name you choose will most likely soon become a good fit. Pick a name, try it out, and see how you like it—as well as how your dog responds (although she certainly won’t be voicing any complaints about it). If the name seems not quite the perfect match for your pooch, you can always consider changing it for another one.
Puppies are very adventurous and highly accident prone, and often end up hurting themselves whilst they are still growing. Their under-developed immune system means they are also vulnerable to getting infections and catching diseases.
It is important to take out pet insurance from the very start, to ensure that your puppy is always covered and before any pre-existing conditions are diagnosed. Get 2 months free pet insurance for your puppy2!