When it comes to choosing a name for a new puppy, you might want to take some inspiration from the most popular names this year.

Even if you are not looking for some guidance on name front, you might still be interested to know what other dog owners are calling their pets and what the origins of these names are.

Here is a list of popular male puppy names

With a bit of help from lists published by UK pet insurers, we have rounded up some of the most popular male puppy names and what they mean.

1. Alfie

As a popular abbreviation of Alfred that has become a name in its own right, Alfie means “elf counsel”.

2. Charlie

Short for Charles but now popular as a stand-alone name, Charlie has German origins and means “free man”.

3. Max

Max originates from Maximillian (or Maxwell) and is of Latin background. It means “the greatest” and is strongly associated with masculine tendencies.

4. Bailey

Bailey might seem like an ultra-modern name but it actually has something of a history. It began life as a surname and later became used as a first name too. It has English origins and translates as “bailiff” but was also used to describe someone who lived near to a city fortification. Of course, it’s also the name of a popular Irish liqueur!

Most Popular Male Puppy Names Worldwide

So, how does the UK list match up globally? Charlie and Max feature highly here too. Other popular names include Rocky, Buddy, Bear, Bentley, Duke, Cooper, Toby and Jack.

Rocky

Rocky has Italian origins and is derived from Rock, which is an anglicised version of Roch – patron saint of the sick. It means “rest” but has gained associations of strength due to its use in the Rocky film franchise.

Buddy

Buddy derives from Bud and is an old English name relating to “brother”. It also has strong connotations with friendship and companionship, which has made it a popular choice for dogs.

Bentley

Bentley is an old English word that was used as a place name. It also the name of a prestigious car firm.

Cooper

Cooper is an old English word and was originally a surname for someone whose occupation involved making and selling barrels. It has now expanded to become a first name.

Toby

Toby is a Hebrew name, which means “God is good”.

Jack

Jack was originally a pet form of John and has Hebrew origins. It means “God is gracious”.

Does your dog’s name feature highly on the “Most Popular” list? What do you think about the names that came out on top? Share your thoughts in the comments section below!

[Photo Credits: Mike McCracken]