Facts & fun
This article provides general information only and is not a substitute for personalised veterinary advice. Always speak with your vet about your pet’s individual health needs. Accurate as at 9 October 2026.
A new puppy brings a whole lot of joy, and one very important question: what on earth do you call them? The right name just clicks. It suits their little face, it’s a delight to call across the park, and it’ll become part of your family’s story for many years to come.
To help you land on the perfect pick, we’ve pulled together a puppy name generator packed with ideas by theme, plus a few simple tips for choosing a name that works for both of you. Scroll, browse, and see which one feels like your pup.
Puppy name generator
Tell us a little about your new best friend and we’ll fetch some names.
Names you might love
Not quite right? Hit Find puppy names again for 6 more.
Tip: try our interactive puppy name generator above, give it a spin for a fresh batch of ideas, or browse the themed lists below for inspiration.
Table of contents
- How to choose a great puppy name
- Classic and timeless names
- Cute and playful names
- Nature-inspired names
- Foodie names
- Big personality names
- Aussie-inspired names
- Once you’ve picked the perfect name
How to choose a great puppy name
A great puppy name shouldn’t just sound good. It should be easy to say, simple for your pup to recognise, and one you’ll happily call out at the dog park.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Keep it short and clear. One- or two-syllable names are usually easiest for puppies to recognise and respond to, and they’re easier for you to call out too.
- Make it sound distinct. Names that don’t sound too much like everyday cues, such as ‘sit’, ‘stay’ or ‘no’, help avoid mix-ups during training.
- Say it out loud. You’ll be calling this name a lot, so say it a few times to see if it feels natural.
- A nickname is fine. A long, grand name with a short everyday nickname can work just as well.
And remember, reward-based training pairs beautifully with a new name: say the name, reward the attention, and your pup will gradually learn to recognise and respond to their name.
Classic and timeless names
Some names are favourites for a reason. Familiar, friendly, and easy to call, these classics have plenty of charm.
For boys:
- Charlie
- Max
- Ollie
- Buddy
- Jack
- Toby
- Bailey
- Cooper
- Archie
- Frankie
For girls:
- Bella
- Daisy
- Molly
- Lucy
- Rosie
- Ruby
- Coco
- Millie
- Lola
- Poppy
Cute and playful names
If you’re looking for something fun and light-hearted, one of these playful names might just be the right fit:
- Pretzel
- Waffles
- Peanut
- Noodle
- Pickle
- Marshmallow
- Nugget
- Muffin
- Dumpling
- Squish
Nature-inspired names
Love the outdoors? These nature-inspired names might be just what you’re looking for:
- Willow
- River
- Storm
- Aspen
- Clover
- Fern
- Sunny
- Ivy
- Ash
- Bear
Foodie names
From sweet treats to savoury favourites, food can serve up plenty of puppy name inspiration:
- Biscuit
- Pepper
- Olive
- Mango
- Cookie
- Miso
- Gnocchi
- Tofu
- Honey
- Nacho
Big personality names
If you’re looking for a name that stands out, these bold picks are sure to turn heads at the dog park:
- Duke
- Diva
- Boss
- Zeus
- Queenie
- Rex
- Tank
- Bandit
- Rebel
- Turbo
Aussie-inspired names
Looking for something with a distinctly Aussie feel? These local favourites might inspire you:
- Banjo
- Matilda
- Sheila
- Kylie
- Bondi
- Jarrah
- Digger
- Roo
- Blue
- Skippy
Once you’ve picked the perfect name
Once you’ve settled on a name, there are a few other things to think about to help keep your new best mate safe. For example, making sure they’re microchipped, have their microchip details registered as required in your state or territory, and wear a collar with an ID tag can help them find their way back to you if they ever wander off.
Those early weeks are also a good time to get to know your vet. They can help you plan your puppy’s vaccinations, preventative treatments, and desexing, taking into account their individual needs.
Of course, even with plenty of care, puppies can still find themselves in unexpected situations. That’s where pet insurance comes in, helping to manage the cost of eligible vet treatment if your pup becomes ill or injured. With an RSPCA Pet Insurance PetFlex policy, you can customise things like your annual cover limit, benefit percentage, and excess to suit your pup’s needs and your budget.
And there’s purpose behind each policy, too. Every RSPCA Pet Insurance policy contributes to vital RSPCA animal welfare initiatives across Australia, including rescue, rehab, and rehoming efforts.
To learn more about RSPCA puppy insurance, click here. Or, if you’re ready to take the next step, you can fetch a commitment-free pet insurance quote online.
Disclaimer
As with any insurance, terms, conditions, and exclusions apply. Please read the Product Disclosure Statement to make sure this cover suits your needs.
References
[1] RSPCA Australia. What should I do when I bring home a new puppy? RSPCA Knowledgebase. Available from: https://kb.rspca.org.au/knowledge-base/what-should-i-do-when-i-bring-home-a-new-puppy/
[2] RSPCA Australia. What is reward-based dog training and why does the RSPCA support it? RSPCA Knowledgebase. Available from: https://kb.rspca.org.au/categories/companion-animals/dogs/training/what-is-reward-based-dog-training-and-why-does-the-rspca-support-it
[3] RSPCA Australia. Why is it important to ensure my pet is microchipped? RSPCA Knowledgebase. Available from: https://kb.rspca.org.au/categories/companion-animals/pet-ownership/why-is-it-important-to-ensure-my-pet-is-microchipped
[4] American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior. Teaching Name Recognition. Available from: https://avsab.org/teaching-name-recognition/
[5] Preventive Vet. How to Teach Your Dog Their Name. Available from: https://www.preventivevet.com/dogs/how-to-clicker-train-name-recognition
FAQs
Choose a name you love saying, because chances are, you’ll be saying it a lot! Short names with one or two syllables can be easier for puppies to recognise, and it can help to pick something that sounds different from everyday cues like ‘sit’ or ‘stay’.
It can help. A short name is often easier for your puppy to recognise and for you to use in everyday life, as well as during reward-based training. That said, there’s nothing wrong with a grand long name and a short nickname for everyday use.
Once you’ve settled on the perfect name for your puppy, there are a few important things to get sorted, like making sure your puppy is microchipped and has their microchip details registered as required in your state or territory, and wears appropriate identification, such as an ID tag on their collar. It’s also a good idea to chat with your vet about vaccinations, parasite prevention, and other preventative care to help give your puppy a healthy start to life.
Yes, you can. Pet insurance can be a helpful way to prepare for eligible unexpected vet costs while your puppy is busy growing, playing, and exploring the world around them. What’s covered will depend on the policy you choose.
For example, with RSPCA Pet Insurance, you can customise your puppy’s cover to suit their needs and your budget, with annual cover limits up to $35,000, benefit percentage options up to 90%, a zero excess option, and a wide range of optional extras.
Every policy also contributes to vital RSPCA animal welfare initiatives. So, while you’re helping to protect your own puppy, you’re also making a difference for animals in need across Australia.
To learn more, visit the RSPCA Pet Insurance website or get a commitment-free quote online today.
As with any insurance, terms, conditions, and exclusions apply. Please read the Product Disclosure Statement to make sure this cover suits your needs.
