Max is Back: American Kennel Club Unveils Top Dog Names of 2025

The AKC Announces the Top Dog Names for 2025

In an exciting reveal, the American Kennel Club (AKC), the leading voice for responsible dog ownership, has announced the most popular dog names for the year 2025. This yearly tradition not only celebrates beloved pets but reflects the trends and sentiments surrounding our furry companions. According to the statistics from AKC registrations and Canine Partners enrollments, pet owners put considerable thought into the names they choose for their pups, making the selection process both fun and crucial.

A Reevaluation of the Rankings

For 2025, the female dog name that continues to reign at the top is 'Luna.' This name has grown increasingly popular as more pet owners look for names that resonate with their pets' unique personalities. The male name 'Max' triumphantly returns to the number one spot, reclaiming its past glory after losing the title to 'Milo' in the previous year. Max’s comeback signifies the attachment and fondness that owners have for timeless names.

Notable Changes in the Top 5

The rankings reveal interesting shifts among the other names. In the male category, 'Hank' made a remarkable leap from 35th in 2024 all the way to second place in 2025, indicating a rising trend in classic yet strong names. Meanwhile, 'Milo' has dropped from its previous position to 12th, showing how swiftly trends can change. 'Teddy' has held onto third place, while 'Cooper' has ascended to fourth. Completing the top five boy names is 'Gus,' a short and charming name that rounds out the list.

In the female category, the names following Luna have maintained their status. 'Bella,' 'Daisy,' and 'Lucy' have retained their spots at second, third, and fourth respectively. Notably, 'Ruby' breaks into the top five this year, climbing from the 16th position last year to occupy the fifth position in 2025. Following this, the list includes less common names: 'Uma' and 'Zen,' which close out the female and male categories respectively.

The Full Lists

Here are the top 10 names for 2025:

Girl Names:

1. Luna
2. Bella
3. Daisy
4. Lucy
5. Ruby
6. Willow
7. Maggie
8. Penny
9. Nova
10. Sadie

Boy Names:

1. Max
2. Hank
3. Teddy
4. Cooper
5. Gus
6. Bear
7. Duke
8. Maverick
9. Charlie
10. Finn

The Heart of the Matter

Choosing the right name for a dog transcends beyond mere tradition or current trend. This decision is often filled with joy and is a reflection of the pet owner's personality and perception of their companion. Gina M. DiNardo, President and CEO of the AKC, emphasizes the importance of the naming process, stating, "People put a great deal of effort into picking a name that perfectly fits their pet and often spend a lot of time making that decision."

About the AKC

Founded in 1884, the AKC stands as the largest registry of purebred dogs and also promotes the sport of purebred dog events in the United States. With the support of over 4,900 licensed and member clubs, the AKC advocates for canine health and responsible ownership while also ensuring dog owners' rights are protected. Every year, thousands of competitions are held nationwide, showcasing both purebred and mixed-breed canines.

For dog lovers and owners, the announcement of these popular dog names serves not just as a trend pointer but as a celebration of the bond shared between humans and their canine companions. To browse more information about the AKC and its initiatives, you can visit their website at www.akc.org.