Australia’s most popular dog names, and how to choose your own
Luna still leads the pack. Here are the names topping Australian lists right now, plus ideas for a name that stands out at the dog park.
Luna is Australia's most popular dog name for 2026, followed by Teddy, Coco, Milo and Daisy, according to Compare the Market's 2026 pet insurance quote data. Short, friendly, human-sounding names dominate the list, and you'll find plenty more ideas below.
The top 10 dog names in Australia for 2026
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| 1 | Luna |
| 2 | Teddy |
| 3 | Coco |
| 4 | Milo |
| 5 | Daisy |
| 6 | Charlie |
| 7 | Frankie |
| 8 | Archie |
| 9 | Bella |
| 10 | Winnie |
The most popular girl and boy dog names
For a split by sex, Pet Insurance Australia's list covers insured pets born in 2024 and 2025. Luna and Teddy top that one too.
| Rank | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Luna | Teddy |
| 2 | Daisy | Milo |
| 3 | Coco | Charlie |
| 4 | Ruby | Archie |
| 5 | Bella | Leo |
| 6 | Nala | Murphy |
| 7 | Winnie | Alfie |
| 8 | Lola | Buddy |
| 9 | Willow | Max |
| 10 | Millie | Bear |
These rankings come from each company's own customers, so they're a good guide to what's popular rather than a census of every dog in the country. Want a bigger list? See our girl dog names and boy dog names.
How do I choose a dog name?
- Keep it short. One or two syllables are easy to call across a park. A longer name is fine if it shortens naturally, like Matilda to Tilly.
- Avoid names that sound like commands. Bo sounds like "no", Kit sounds like "sit", and Ray sounds like "stay".
- Test it out loud. Call it a few times from the back door. You'll be saying it for years, sometimes in front of strangers.
- Check it against the household. Avoid names that sound like another pet or family member.
- Think about the dog park. If you want something less common, skip the top 10. There may be three Lunas on your morning walk.
- Try it on for a few days. Their personality might suggest something better.
Australian dog names
If you'd like a name with a local feel, try one of these.
- Places: Bondi, Byron, Darwin, Sydney, Perth, Hobart, Adelaide, Noosa, Tassie, Broome
- Aussie icons: Banjo, Matilda, Bluey, Bingo, Kylie, Vegemite, Lamington, Pavlova
- Native plants and animals: Wattle, Waratah, Banksia, Gum, Koala, Wombat, Kookaburra, Dingo
Other popular ways to name a dog
- After food: Biscuit, Mochi, Waffles, Peanut, Maple, Pickle, Nacho, Olive
- By colour: Ginger, Rusty, Coal, Snowy, Sandy, Smokey, Pepper, Honey
- Old-fashioned human names: Mabel, Hazel, Arthur, Stanley, Dorothy, Walter, Edith, Harold
- Funny names: Sir Barksalot, Chewbarka, Bark Twain, Droolius, Fluffy for a very large dog
See how their name looks
Once you've landed on a name, you can try it out. Our Custom Feeding Mat prints their name in capitals, up to 20 characters, alongside your choice of 39 dog breed illustrations, and the preview updates as you type. It's highly absorbent and non-slip, so it's as practical as it is personal. Bringing home a new dog? Start with our new puppy checklist.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most popular dog name in Australia?
Luna. It takes the top spot in Compare the Market's 2026 list, and it also tops Pet Insurance Australia's list of girl dog names. Teddy is the most popular boy dog name in Pet Insurance Australia's list.
What makes a good dog name?
Short and distinct. One or two syllables are easy to call, and a name that doesn't sound like "sit", "stay" or "no" helps avoid confusion during training.
Can I change my dog's name?
Yes, including for rescue dogs. Say the new name in a happy voice, then reward them when they look at you. Short, regular sessions usually work well, and most dogs pick it up quickly.
