Top Dog Names of 2026: From Hank to Luna and Everything In Between
- kissamo
- 7 days ago
- 3 min read
Updated: 1 hour ago
Finding the perfect name for your new pup is more than just a fun weekend task—it’s an identity. At Kissamo, we have the unique privilege of seeing these naming trends come to life in real-time. Every day, we engrave thousands of pet ID tags, and while we still see plenty of the "classics," 2026 is bringing some truly delightful surprises to our studio.
To give you the best inspiration, we’ve crunched the latest data from the last 12 months (including the national kennel clubs and municipal registries across the North America). Whether you’re looking for a name that stands out or one that fits right in at the dog park, here is the state of dog naming in 2026.
The 2026 Leaderboard: Most Popular Names
While some names seem to have a permanent lease on the top spots, 2026 is seeing a major "return to the classics" for the boys and a continued celestial obsession for the girls. Luna remains the undisputed Qweeen of the registries for the fifth year running. However, the boys saw a massive shake-up. Max reclaimed his #1 throne after a brief hiatus, and Hank made the single largest jump in history: leaping from #35 all the way to #2!
Top girl dog names for 2026
Luna
Bella
Daisy
Lucy
Ruby
Willow
Maggie
Penny
Nova
Sadie
Moly
Lilly
Rosie
Bailey
Lola
Top boy dog names for 2026
Max
Hank
Teddy
Cooper
Gus
Bear
Duke
Maverick
Charlie
Finn
Rocky
Milo
Leo
Oliver
Buddy
2026 Insights: What’s Influencing Our Pets’ Names?
Our research uncovered three distinct "vibes" that defined dog naming this year. If you're looking for a name that feels now:
1. The "Future Retro" Surge
Pet parents are increasingly leaning into "Grandpa-core." This explains the meteoric rise of Hank, Gus, and Otis. These names feel sturdy, timeless, and slightly quirky. And no surprise our studio has also seen a peak in our grandpa and cowboy-theme pet tags.
2. Canadian "Nature-First" Naming
In our home base of Canada, registries from Toronto to Whitehorse are seeing a spike in botanical names. Cedar (up 96%) and Willow have become staple favourites. It seems we’re all looking to bring a bit of the Great Outdoors back into our living rooms.
3. The "Main Character" Energy
Even names further down the charts, like Nala (#14) and Maverick (#10), show that we love naming our dogs after the heroes of our favorite stories. At Kissamo, these are some of our favourite custom tags to create because they tell such a specific story about the bond between a human and their four-legged co-star.
Why Your Choice Matters (And How to Protect It)
According to the experts at the Horowitz Dog Cognition Lab, the best names for training are two-syllable choices that allow you to change your pitch easily (think: Lu-na! or Co-oper!).
Whatever name you choose (be it a trending star like Ruby or a rugged classic like Bear) the most important decision is making sure they can find their way home. We've seen firsthand how a beautiful, readable tag can be a lifesaver. At Kissamo, we believe that every Hank and Daisy deserves a tag that reflects their personality while keeping them safe.
Are you bringing home a "Hank" this year? Browse our 2026 Tag Collection to find the perfect match for your pup’s new moniker. And check out our guide on What to Put on Your Pet Tag and why Silence is Chic for modern pet parents.
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