Bella has once again clinched the title of the most popular dog name in the United States, according to the latest findings from U.S. News & World Report. This name, which translates to “beautiful” in both Spanish and Italian, has proved to be a favourite among pet owners, commanding the top ranking in a staggering 25 states across the nation.
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The rankings were compiled using over 500,000 data points from a third-party pet insurance industry partner. The analysis focused on dog names registered from January 2022 to June 2026, offering a contemporary view of naming trends. Bella’s resurgence as the favourite coincides with the significant pet ownership landscape in the U.S., where approximately 56.3 million households share their lives with at least one dog.
Following closely, Luna secured the second position. This name, meaning “moon”, has also been a consistent contender in the past, intermittently vying with Bella for the top spot. The name Max, once dominant in previous years, has fallen to third place this time around. Max had been number one in 2022 before Milo temporarily took the crown in 2025.
Coco and Daisy rounded out the top five, with Coco making its return to the upper ranks for the first time since 2023. This recent surge in popularity may be influenced by the character Coco from the beloved children’s animated series *Bluey*, who showcases a lively and affectionate pink poodle. Daisy, on the other hand, gained recognition as the name of memorable canine characters in popular films, including a beagle in the first *John Wick* film and a Shih Tzu in *The Secret Life of Pets*.
Reflecting on the significance of choosing the right name for a pet, Gina M. DiNardo, President and CEO of the American Kennel Club, stated, “Choosing a pet’s name is such a fun and important part of the process when acquiring a dog. 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.”
The top ten names, according to the report, also featured Milo, Buddy, Lucy, Charlie, and Lola. Each of these names has its own appeal, often resonating with dog owners based on personal experiences or cultural influences.
State-specific preferences add another layer to the trends. While Bella dominated the rankings in states such as Florida, Texas, and Virginia, Luna was particularly popular in states like California and New York, claiming the top spot in twelve states overall. Notably, Hawaii and Montana displayed unique preferences with their top choices being Koa and Barron, names that did not register among the top 100 nationally.
Interestingly, animal-themed names made a notable appearance within the wider naming spectrum. Names such as Bear and Moose found their way onto the list, with Bear landing at number 86. This suggests an ongoing affection for nature-oriented names as pet owners seek to express their pets’ personalities or characteristics.
The popularity of dog names can often reflect broader cultural trends and influences. Many names today, like Bella and Luna, have a global resonance, appealing to a diverse range of pet owners who may be inspired by literature, movies, or even language. This trend illustrates the evolving nature of pet ownership and how names can serve as a point of connection between pet and owner.
As dog ownership continues to flourish across the United States, it will be interesting to see how trends in naming evolve in the coming years. The latest list not only highlights the timeless appeal of certain names but also showcases the unique preferences that vary from state to state. Whether they are inspired by popular culture or traditional values, the names people choose for their cherished pets will undoubtedly continue to spark joy and conversation for years to come.