Corgi with Tongue Out

One of the biggest dilemmas a new dog owner has is what to name their new pup. Do you let the kids pick and end up with a dog named Dora, Thomas or Waldo? Do you choose a name based on a character from your favorite movie, book or television show? Or do you go the more traditional route with the basics like Fido or Fluffy?

Looking at the top 10 most popular names for both male and female dogs from 2016, it looks like the choices in dog names is a mix of traditional and new. This list, compiled by dogtime.com, shows that when it comes to popular dog names, there is still a wide array of interesting names perfect for anyone looking for a moniker for their new puppy.

Top 10 Female Dog Names

  1. Bella
  2. Lucy
  3. Molly
  4. Daisy
  5. Maggie
  6. Sophie
  7. Sadie
  8. Chloe
  9. Bailey
  10. Lola

Top 10 Male Dog Names

  1. Bailey
  2. Max
  3. Charlie
  4. Buddy
  5. Rocky
  6. Jake
  7. Jack
  8. Toby
  9. Cody
  10. Buster

Teaching your dog their name? Remember to pick a quiet place and repeat the name in a happy tone, and don’t forget treats for positive reinforcement.

Whether you go the classic route or try to come up with an original name, just remember some key points when coming up with the perfect name for your dog. Consider a name that starts with a hard-sounding letter, ends with a soft-sounding letter and doesn’t sound like dog command words like “sit” or “stay.” Keeping that in mind will help your dog learn and understand their name as quickly as possible.

If you are picking a name for your dog that is a tribute to your Aunt Agnes, be sure to check with Aunt Agnes first. She may not appreciate having a dog named after her (no matter how cute that pup may be).

Overall, naming your dog is a personal choice. Just be sure that whichever name you choose, it’s one that everyone can live with, including your pup.