Finding the Perfect Girl Dog Name
There's a moment, when you first meet your new puppy, that's pure magic. It's in the soft fur, the paws that are too big for her body, and especially in those big, soulful eyes and that irresistible button nose. It's a moment that melts hearts and promises a lifetime of love. And what better way to welcome her into your family than with a name that feels just right?
If you’re lucky enough to be welcoming a new puppy into your life, you’ve got a lot on your plate! Besides purchasing all the puppy essentials, you’ll also need to settle on a name to call your newest member of the family. At Embrace, we’re here to help you find the perfect girl dog name.
We’ve compiled this list of female dog names so that you can pick a name that suits your special pup. As you read through the names, keep an eye out for options that match your dog’s temperament and appearance. Does she look like the dog from 101 Dalmatians? Perhaps her name could be Perdita. Maybe her personality reminds you of your favorite singer? You could call her Mariah.
You’ll be calling your pup by their name for many years to come, so you want to make sure it’s the right fit for you both.
(Adopting a male dog too? Check out our article that features tons of cute boy dog names!)
Renaming Your Adopted or Older Girl Dog
Bringing an older or adopted dog into your life is a wonderful act of kindness, and sometimes, that means considering a name change. While a new name can symbolize a fresh start, it’s important to approach the process with sensitivity and understanding, especially with dogs who may have a history you’re not fully aware of. Here’s what to keep in mind when renaming an adopted dog:
Does She Already Respond?
The most important first step is to observe your new dog’s reaction to her current name. If she consistently responds to it (turning her head, coming when called), it might be less confusing and stressful for her to keep it. Even a slightly altered version of her existing name can be a good compromise. For example, if her name is “Maggie,” you could try “Meg” or “Aggie.”
Why a New Name Might Be Beneficial
If your adopted dog doesn’t seem to recognize or respond to her current name, or if her history suggests a negative association with it (e.g., if she came from an abusive situation), a new female dog name can be a positive change. It can signify a clean slate and help her build new, positive associations.
Popular Girl Dog Names
So, whether you’re looking for a fresh start or simply exploring options, let's take a look at some of the most popular female dog names of the year! Here are the top 10 girl dog names of 2024:
Luna
Bella
Daisy
Lucy
Lily
Lola
Zoe
Sadie
Stella
Bailey
Draw Inspiration from TV and Movies
When you and your precious pooch are at the dog park, you might notice some other names are especially common. When certain TV shows and movies peak in popularity, their character names do too! But even character names from some older films and series have remained popular.
Robin (Stranger Things)
Max (Stranger Things)
Gerri (Succession)
Willa (Succession)
Barbie (Barbie)
Midge (Barbie)
Skipper (Barbie)
Lassie (Lassie)
Buffy (Buffy the Vampire Slayer)
Sabrina (Sabrina the Teenage Witch)
Katniss (The Hunger Games)
Elsa (Frozen)
Anna (Frozen)
Angelica (Rugrats)
Minnie (Disney character)
Ariel (Disney character)
Tiana (Disney character)
Tinkerbell (Disney character)
Belle (Disney character)
Lilo (Disney character)
Wendy (Peter Pan)
Cute Girl Dog Names for Your New Puppy
Looking for adorable and charming girl puppy names? Channel old-school names for a sweet vibe. Here are some cute girl dog names to consider:
Poppy
Zara
Daisy
Mitzi
Audrey
Flossie
Gemma
Rosie
Gloria
Hazel
Cleo
Hattie
Mabel
Bonnie
Ginny
Dottie
Lissie
Neve
Scarlett
Charlotte
Unique Girl Puppy Names to Honor the Wilderness in Your Dog
Your dog’s ancestors were wolves who spent their lives in the great outdoors. Chances are, your new dog will love getting fresh air and running through fields, just like their distant wolf family. When choosing a name, consider names inspired by nature to keep that wilderness link alive.
Fern
River
Breezy
Pumpkin
Petunia
Willow
Lake
Rowen
Luna
Coral
Soleil
Eartha
Venus
Iris
Violet
Lily
Brooke
Aurora
Juniper
Autumn
Sandy
Jewel
Check Your Favorite Books for Girl Dog Names
Is your dog more of an indoor pet? Look to literary names for inspiration. If you’re adopting multiple dogs, you could even name them after famous literary siblings like the March sisters or the Bronte sisters.
Jo (Little Women)
Amy (Little Women)
Beth (Little Women)
Meg (Little Women)
Charlotte (Bronte sister)
Anne (Bronte sister)
Hermione (Harry Potter series)
Molly (Harry Potter series)
Shirley (Anne of Green Gables)
Galadriel (Lord of the Rings)
Arwen (Lord of the Rings)
Pippy (Pippy Longstocking)
Jadis (The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe)
Matilda (Matilda)
Beatrice (Divergent)
Alina (Shadow and Bone)
Inej (Shadow and Bone)
Meg (A Wrinkle in Time)
Ella (Ella Enchanted)
Mia (The Princess Diaries)
Liesel (The Book Thief)
Chic and Fashion-Forward Female Puppy Names
Is your new pup a little fashionista? Do you love all things stylish and trendy? Then look no further! This collection of fashion-inspired girl dog names draws inspiration from designers, models, fabrics, and more, offering chic and unique options for your fashionable furry friend:
Designer-Inspired Names
Valentina: Inspired by Valentino, ideal for a glamorous and sophisticated dog.
Dior: Elegant and sophisticated, ideal for a classic and refined pup.
Burberry: Classic and timeless, suitable for a dog with a traditional style.
Givenchy: Chic and refined, perfect for a sophisticated and elegant pup.
Hermès: Luxurious and timeless, suitable for a dog with a classic and understated style.
Model-Inspired Names
Gisele: Perfect for a long-legged and graceful pup.
Kate: Ideal for a chic and effortlessly stylish dog.
Naomi: Perfect for a strong and commanding presence.
Cindy: Perfect for a classic and all-American beauty.
Iman: Perfect for a striking and elegant pup.
Fabric/Texture-Inspired Names
Velvet: Soft and luxurious, perfect for a cuddly and gentle pup.
Silk: Smooth and elegant, ideal for a graceful and refined dog.
Lace: Delicate and intricate, perfect for a dainty and charming pup.
Cashmere: Soft and luxurious, perfect for a pampered and cuddly pup.
Denim: Casual and cool, perfect for a laid-back and easygoing pup.
Suede: Soft and supple, ideal for a gentle and affectionate dog.
Style/Trend-Inspired Names
Couture: High-fashion and exclusive, perfect for a truly special pup.
Trendsetter: For a pup who's always ahead of the curve.
Boho: Free-spirited and eclectic, perfect for a dog with a unique personality.
Vintage: Classic and timeless, suitable for a dog with an old-soul charm.
Female Dog Names from Mythology
Maybe your pup gives off major goddess vibes. In that case, you can turn to mythological names for ideas. All cultures have myths, so there are endless names to choose from.
Athena (Greek mythology)
Minerva (Greek mythology)
Electra (Greek mythology)
Thalia (Greek mythology)
Freya (Norse mythology)
Sif (Norse mythology)
Skadi (Norse mythology)
Izanami (Japanese mythology)
Kishimojin (Japanese mythology)
Marishiten (Japanese mythology)
Brigid (Celtic mythology)
Morrigan (Celtic mythology)
Danu (Celtic mythology)
Isis (Egyptian mythology)
Hathor (Egyptian mythology)
Nephthys (Egyptian mythology)
Xochiquetzal (Aztec mythology)
Mayahuel (Aztec mythology)
Nuwa (Chinese mythology)
Mazu (Chinese mythology)
Jingwei (Chinese mythology)
Female Dog Names That Pay Respect to Historical Figures
Dogs with strong personalities might remind you of certain women from history. Maybe your puppy is big on the theatrics when she’s tumbling around the yard, and she reminds you of a certain actress. Or maybe she seems as smart as a scientist. Either way, there are plenty of strong females with names you can channel.
Amelia (Earhart)
Lucille (Ball)
Ruby (Bridges)
Ella (Fitzgerald)
Marie (Curie)
Anna May (Wong)
Frida (Kahlo)
Rosalind (Franklin)
Yuri (Kochiyama)
Rosa (Parks)
Florence (Nightingale)
Maya (Angelou)
Sally (Ride)
Gloria (Steinem)
Jane (Austen)
Coretta (Scott King)
Bessie (Coleman)
Consider Dog Names in Other Languages
Do you speak another language? Look to other languages for name ideas.
Alma (Spanish)
Dulce (Spanish)
Lobo (Spanish)
Bonita (Spanish)
Suss (German)
Lottie (German)
Jolie (French)
Valentina (French)
Hue (Vietnamese)
Chi (Vietnamese)
Abeni (Yoruba)
Monife (Yoruba)
Meiying (Chinese)
Lian (Chinese)
Bianca (Italian)
Contessa (Italian)
Luca (Italian)
Bala (Hindi)
Indra (Hindi)
Ladki (Hindi)
Unique Female Puppy Names from Around the World
Do you dream of far-off adventures? Or perhaps you're a homebody who loves the charm of your local town? Draw inspiration from the world around you with these unique female puppy names inspired by places, from bustling cities to serene natural landscapes:
City-Inspired Names
London: Classic and sophisticated, perfect for a refined pup.
Paris: Chic and elegant, ideal for a stylish and graceful dog.
Rome: Strong and timeless, a great fit for a confident and loyal companion.
Savannah: Warm and charming, perfect for a sweet and gentle soul.
Brooklyn: Trendy and cool, ideal for a modern and spirited pup.
Chelsea: Stylish and sophisticated, perfect for a fashionable dog.
Landscapes & Landmarks
Sierra: Majestic and strong, reminiscent of mountain ranges.
Aspen: Elegant and serene, evoking the beauty of snowy mountains.
Delta: Flowing and graceful, perfect for a dog with a calm demeanor.
Canyon: Rugged and adventurous, ideal for a playful and energetic pup.
Rainier: Powerful and majestic, inspired by Mount Rainier.
Sedona: Vibrant and unique, reflecting the beauty of the red rocks.
Island-Inspired Names
Maui: Tropical and relaxed, perfect for a laid-back and easygoing dog.
Bali: Exotic and beautiful, ideal for a dog with a free-spirited personality.
Capri: Chic and glamorous, perfect for a sophisticated and stylish pup.
State/Region-Inspired Names
Dakota: Strong and independent, perfect for a dog with a bold spirit.
Georgia: Sweet and charming, ideal for a gentle and friendly pup.
Alaska: Wild and adventurous, perfect for a dog who loves the outdoors.
Food-Inspired Female Dog Names
Some puppies were born hungry! For canines who just want to devour everything in sight, you just might want to look to your pantry for inspiration. Some of the most unique girl puppy names come from candy, spices, and other foods.
Ginger
Saffron
Olive
Apple
Candy
Cocoa
Taco
Honey
Bean
Gumdrop
Chai
Pickle
Peanut
Cherry
Mango
Peach
Sugar
Snickers
Hershey
Snickerdoodle
Godiva
Cookie
Oreo
Toffee
Waffle
Pop Culture-Inspired Dog Names
Channel the glitz and glam of Hollywood by choosing a name with a celebrity edge. Whether you name your sweet pooch after the movie of the moment or the socialite of the year, there are tons of options!
Leia (Star Wars)
Luna (Harry Potter)
Pikachu (Pokemon)
Skitty (Pokemon)
Illumise (Pokemon)
Miley (Cyrus)
Kim (Kardashian)
Hailey (Bieber)
Gwyneth (Paltrow)
Ariana (Grande)
Samantha (And Just Like That)
Carrie (And Just Like That)
Miranda (And Just Like That)
Colorful Girl Dog Names
Sometimes, the perfect name is right there in front of you – or rather, right on your dog! If your new furry friend has a particularly striking coat, why not draw inspiration from her beautiful coloring? From the deepest blacks to the brightest golds, here are some unique female puppy names inspired by a rainbow of hues:
For White or Light-Colored Dogs
Ivory
Pearl
Blondie
Honey
Goldie
Sunny
Bianca
Snow
Cloud
For Black or Dark-Colored Dogs
Ebony
Midnight
Shadow
Sable
Raven
Inky
Onyx
Licorice
For Red, Brown, or Orange Dogs
Rusty
Penny
Copper
Auburn
Sienna
Autumn
Cinnamon
For Grey or Blue Dogs
Skye
Misty
Blu
Slate
Ash
Sterling
Silver
Funny Girl Dog Names for Silly Dogs
We’ve all met a goofy dog that charms its way into our hearts. If your new dog is playful or has a mischievous streak, choose a name that fits that side of their personality.
Wiggles
Marry Puppins
Sassy
Sarah Jessica Barker
Skittles
Ditzy
Miss Kitty
Vixen
Havoc
Cricket
Dasher
Spunky
Lightning
Trouble
Sassy
Rocket
Princess Muttercup
Chewbarka
Pee Wee
Bone Rivers
Melissa McBarky
Munchkin
Bubble
Glossy
Zinger
Rascal
Chaos
Bullet
Female Dog Names Inspired by Famous People
Most of us have favorite celebrities, and there’s no reason you can’t name your new dog after a beloved female idol.
Adele
Bella
Swiftie
Billie
Selena
Britney
Kylie
Margot
Rihanna
Priyanka
Celine
Aretha
Shakira
Mariah
Gaga
Bey
Anya
Jenny
Reese
Madonna
Kesha
Emilia
Sporty Girl Dog Names
Is your new pup a little athlete? Do they love to run, jump, and play? Then these sporty girl dog names are the perfect fit! Inspired by famous female athletes, sports terms, and the spirit of competition, these names capture the energy and enthusiasm of your furry companion.
Inspired by Female Athletes
Serena: (Tennis legend Serena Williams)
Venus: (Tennis star Venus Williams)
Mia: (Soccer icon Mia Hamm)
Alex: (Soccer star Alex Morgan)
Simone: (Gymnast Simone Biles)
Ronda: (MMA fighter Ronda Rousey)
Danica: (Race car driver Danica Patrick)
Lindsey: (Skier Lindsey Vonn)
Hope: (Soccer goalie Hope Solo)
Gabby: (Gymnast Gabby Douglas)
Steffi: (Tennis great Steffi Graf)
Martina: (Tennis legend Martina Navratilova)
Billie: (Tennis pioneer Billie Jean King)
Sports Terms & Concepts
Ace
Champ
Rookie
Blitz
Victory
Trophy
Derby
Inspired by Sports Teams
Pirate
Titan
Colt
Sox
Ranger
Mariner
Hornet
Laker
Other Sporty Ideas
Runner
Skipper
Jumper
Rally
Comet
Sprint
Strider
Charger
Tips for Choosing the Perfect Girl Dog Name
When you’re picking your dog’s name, keep a few things in mind to save you both from awkwardness.
Choose a name that reflects her personality. Is she a cuddler? She could be called “Sweetie.” Or maybe she’s extra feisty and a name like “Sassy” would be a better fit.
Select a name that’s easy to pronounce. Your family and friends should be able to say your dog’s name when they’re around her.
Consider your dog’s breed and whether she has any special markings. Maybe her appearance suggests a name like Socks, Whiskers, Bear, etc.
Don’t choose an overly common name. While it’s nice to be able to easily pronounce your pup’s name, you don’t want seven dogs running over when you call for “Spot.”
A Few Rules for Naming Your Girl Dog
It should go without saying that you should never name your dog an offensive or inappropriate name. Likewise, consider whether the name will fit your dog in the long term. “Tiny” might be a good name when she’s little, but if she’s a Great Dane, she’s going to quickly outgrow that moniker! Don’t be afraid to change her name after a day or two of testing it out, either. If a name doesn’t feel right, you don’t have to stick with it. Ask your friends and family for advice if you’re out of ideas. The best names can come from others!
Choosing the Perfect Girl Dog Name and Protecting Her Health
Finding the perfect girl dog name is just the beginning of your journey together. As you embark on this exciting new chapter, keeping your new puppy healthy is a top priority. Just like finding the one name that feels right, having a puppy insurance plan in place can offer real peace of mind. It helps you prepare for unexpected vet bills and ensures she gets the best possible care, no matter what comes up. The earlier you get her coverage, the better! This way, you won’t have to worry about pre-existing conditions. With the right care and the right coverage, you and your new furry friend can look forward to many happy years together.
In addition to pet insurance for unforeseen accidents and illnesses, consider a pet wellness plan to help manage the costs of routine care. These plans are designed to cover essential preventive services like puppy vaccinations, regular check-ups, parasite prevention, and other important wellness visits. By enrolling in a wellness plan, you can budget for your puppy's ongoing health needs and ensure she receives the necessary care to stay healthy from the start. This combination of pet insurance and a wellness plan offers comprehensive protection for your new furry friend, allowing you to focus on building a lifetime of love and companionship.
Enjoy the Naming Process
Most pet owners want to find female dog names that are unique but aren’t so uncommon that they’re impossible to pronounce. Don’t overthink the task and try to have fun with the process!
Finding the perfect name is just the first step in an amazing journey with your new furry friend. Think of all the stages you’ll go through together: the playful puppy years filled with chewed shoes and endless energy, the adolescent phase of learning and exploring, and the calm, loving companionship of their senior years. That name will be there through it all, a constant thread connecting each chapter. With the right name and the right care, you’re well on your way to a long and happy life with your new companion.