In recognition of National Puppy Day on March 23, Camp Bow Wow, a prominent provider of dog day care and boarding services, has published its inaugural list of the most popular puppy names. This list is derived from its extensive database of dogs aged 4 months to 1 year.
The name Luna has emerged as the leading puppy name in 2025, being favored in 18 states and significantly outpacing the second most popular name, Daisy, by nearly 50%. Daisy ranks as the most common name in Kansas, Kentucky, and Maine, while Charlie holds third place and is particularly popular in Georgia and Illinois. The remaining names in the top ten include Milo, Cooper, Lucy, Penny, Bella, Teddy, and Winnie.
According to Erin Askeland, M.Sc., CPDT-KA, CBCC-KA, an Animal Health and Behavioral Expert at Camp Bow Wow, the prevalence of two-syllable names among the top choices is not coincidental. Askeland notes that these names are effective for capturing a puppy’s attention during training and socialization. “Luna has been going strong for four years as the top dog name, and our data shows it’s still a number one choice for new pet parents,” Askeland stated. She emphasized that selecting an appropriate name is just the beginning of ensuring a puppy’s successful development, which also includes socialization, skill-building, and enrichment.
Since its inception 25 years ago, Camp Bow Wow has recorded approximately 55 million dog visits, underscoring the significance of training and socializing puppies before they reach one year of age. Askeland offers several training and socialization recommendations for 2025. She advises that puppies should receive a balanced mix of exercise, mental stimulation, social interaction, and rest to prevent boredom and stress-related behaviors. Additionally, she suggests that training sessions should be brief and integrated into daily household activities, allowing for consistent reinforcement without the need for lengthy time commitments.
Moreover, Askeland recommends close supervision during house-training, taking puppies outside whenever they display signs of needing to eliminate. Until a puppy can be trusted alone, it is important to monitor their movements and provide a safe space for play. Consistent training and socialization are crucial, as a dog’s brain continues to develop until they are 18 to 24 months old. Camp Bow Wow offers resources and programs, such as the Pawsitive Start Jr. program, to support the socialization, learning, and enrichment of puppies in this critical age group.