Top male dog names in the UK

We all know Britain is a nation of dog lovers, but did you know we're also great at picking male dog names? From favourite film and television characters to store-cupboard snacks, inspiration and imagination can strike anywhere. If you're struggling to think of the best name for your new male puppy, our rundown of the UK's most popular – and unique – dog names should help. 

Top Male Dogs Names in the UK

The results are in, and the top ten most popular boy dog names in the UK this year are:

1. Charlie
2. Milo
3. Max
4. Teddy
5. Buddy
6. Alfie
7. Oscar
8. Bailey
9. Hugo
10. Archie

Top Unique Dog Male Names in the UK

Choosing unusual male dog names might require a bit of explanation to friends and family members, but on the plus side no one else will be shouting it across the dog park. We've written a longer list of unique dog names to stand out from the pack, but these are some of the more unusual names for male dogs in the UK.

1. Aston
2. Bear
3. Bootsy
4. Bruiser
5. Chandler
6. Chucky
7. Einstein
8. Guinness
9. Homer
10. Kibble
11. Maddox
12. Orion
13. Paddington (Paddy)
14. Pongo
15. Saturn
16. Tigger
17. Toto
18. Whisky
19. Yoda
20. Zeus

Top Cool Dog Male Names in the UK

How do dog owners choose a cool dog name? We reckon it's a combination of choosing a name that's unique, and adding a little nod to pop-culture. For example:

1. Atticus
2. Avicii
3. Baxter
4. Bushwick
5. Dalston
6. Django
7. Falco
8. Gatsby
9. Holden
10. Kanye
11. Kermit
12. Kimchi
13. Matcha
14. Meatball
15. Ozzy
16. Panko
17. Rocket
18. Rodrigo
19. Thor
20. Ziggy

Top Funny Dog Male Names in the UK 

Raise a smile whenever you call for your four-legged friend with these ten hilarious dog names to choose from.

1. Artoo Dogtoo
2. Andy Warhowl
3. Banjo
4. Barkley
5. Bark Twain
6. Boba Fetch
7. Bubba
8. Chew Barker
9. Droolius Caesar 
10. Dug
11. Fitbit
12. Groucho Barks
13. Jimmy Chew
14. Meatloaf
15. Nugget
16. Prince of Barkness
17. Steve
18. Subwoofer
19. Winston Furchill
20. Woofgang 

Popular Male Dog Names in the UK's major cities

We all know regional trends are a thing, for example the fact Londoners are the only people in the UK who spend more at Pret a Manger than they do at Greggs. We've looked at the main cities, and found the most popular male dog names from around the UK.

Top male dog names in London

1. Milo
2. Max
3. Teddy
4. Alfie
5. Bruno

Top male dog names in Manchester

1. Oscar
2. Milo
3. Ronnie
4. Bruno
5. Buddy

Top male dog names in Edinburgh

1. Bea
2. Charlie
3. Moose
4. Alfie
5. Basil

Top male dog names in Birmingham

1. Bailey
2. Max
3. Milo
4. Ollie
5. Archie

How to choose the perfect dog name

Choosing a great male dog is about more than picking one that you like – although that's important too! Whether you want a strong name, a cute name or one with lots of meaning behind it, here are a few things to consider.

1. Dogs respond quicker to short, choppy sounds. Try to keep their name short: one or two syllables is best. Not only is this easier for your dog to understand, it's also easier for you if you have to keep on repeating it.
2. If you choose a long name, make sure it can easily be shortened. If you have your heart set on a long name, make sure it can be shortened for ease. For example Prince of Barkness can become "Prince", and Winston Furchill can simply be "Winston" 
3. Avoid names that sound like common commands. You want to make training as simple as possible, so if you've named your dog "Shay" he may get confused when you try to teach him to "stay". 
4. Choose a name with hard consonants in it. Studies show that dogs are more likely to remember their names if they have hard consonants in them like 'c', 'k' and 'g'. You want to make sure their name stands out from any ambient noise so it should sound nice and sharp.
5. Avoid embarrassing names. It might get a giggle from your kids if you decide to call your dog "bumface", but how will you feel shouting that in the park every day? Or explaining your dog's name to new colleagues?
6. If you're getting two dogs, choose names that work alone. It's tempting to name your new male pooches after famous duos like Fry and Laurie, Batman and Robin or Ant and Dec. But if something happens and you lose one pooch, will their name still make sense on its own?
7. If you're choosing a male dog name with meaning, ask for permission. You might think it's a great honour to name your new four-legged friend after your grandad, but he might have other ideas! If there's someone in your life who shares their name with your dog, it's best to give them a heads up and make sure they're okay with it. 
8. Dog breeds can be a great source of inspiration. For example, a Cavalier King Charles would be most befitting of a regal name like James, Henry, or Harry.
9. Try it out!  Say the new name to yourself as you wander around the house, and see how you feel. Is it a good fit? Does it roll easily off the tongue? Did you like it on paper, but it makes you cringe in practice?

Do dogs recognise their own name?

Yes! Dogs recognise their own names, and are able to distinguish it from other sounds. And it's not just a cue, either. Animal behaviour studies have shown that doggy brains react in a similar way to human brains when their name is called – showing they know it's not just another sound, but one with special meaning. 

With proper training, your dog will learn to respond when you call him. Most puppies can even start responding to their name within a few days. You just need to use it a lot, especially during your training sessions. Just be consistent – using nicknames during early training can be confusing for your pooch!

The best way to teach him his name is with positive affirmation like lots of love and cuddles when he responds to it – and of course, plenty of treats. This helps him learn that when he responds to his name, good things will happen. 

Feeling inspired by our list of best male dog names?

There's a lot to think about when picking good male dog names. After all, your four-legged friend will have that name for their whole life – you want to make sure it's one that won't lose its novelty over the years. Whether you choose to name your pet after a character in your favourite book series or your favourite city, your boy puppy will soon make the name their own. 

One of the biggest joys of choosing the best name for your dog is introducing him to friends, family and new people. And whatever you decide to name him, you can find a pet sitter who will happily call his name across the park while you're on holiday. No matter how unusual it is.