Dog Names Inspired By Music

Dog Names Inspired By Music - 5 white labrador puppies

So, you have a new puppy at home. It’s love at first sight and you already can’t image your life without the little doggo.

There’s just one problem. He or she needs a name.

Naming a dog is a big decision that will last for years, but that doesn’t mean it has to be a serious process. Having a dog is fun, so why not have some fun with the name too?

To help you out, we have compiled a fun guide of dog names inspired by music. Why not start here?

Pop culture is a big influence for people when deciding on a dog name. In fact, 10 per cent of the Top 100 dog names are inspired by the world of pop culture, with many naming their puppies after music stars.

But with so many different music genres and musical stars to choose from, you can easily find yourself spoilt for choice when it comes to names.

Perhaps you want to step back in time to the 1970s and name your new pooch Ziggy after Ziggy Stardust – aka David Bowie?

Or maybe something modern is more your style, like Ariana (Grande)? Or Kanye (West)?

Whatever your musical cup of tea, there is a whole world of inspiration to explore, from classical (hello Mozart) to indie rock ‘n’ roll and everything in between.

The paradox of choice is a real thing though. It basically means there are too many options to choose from, which leads to option overload. Sometimes, more really is less.

To avoid such an unfortunate scenario and to help you decide what to name your fur baby, we’ve rounded up the most popular dog names inspired by music right now.

Yes, choosing a dog name just became a little bit easier. Phew.

Why choose a dog name inspired by music?

For the past decade, Bella has been the most popular dog name after pet owners around the world were inspired by the Twilight trilogy and its lead character, Bella.

But who wants to be the same as everyone else? Just because other people are naming their dog Bella doesn’t mean you have to as well.

That’s where choosing a music-inspired name comes in.

Of course, other people name their puppies after their musical heroes, but it’s not as common as you might think. That makes it more original and in keeping with the free-spirited nature of music.

Top dog names inspired by music

In a survey last year, Taylor Swift topped the charts as the most common dog name inspired by music.

This followed the release of Taylor’s record-breaking album, Lovers, and being named as Artist of the Decade at the American Music Awards. It’s no surprise that dog owners around the world then jumped at the chance to name their BFF after such a successful artist.

Taylor Swift isn’t the only modern musical hero to inspire dog names though, with some of the biggest names in pop featured in the list.

Here are the top seven dog names with a reference to music:

  1. Taylor Swift
  2. Khalid
  3. Madonna
  4. Ariana
  5. David Bowie
  6. Lady Gaga
  7. Beyoncé

As you can see, female pop star names make up five out of the top seven dog names. That’s a healthy dose of girl power right there (Spice Girls reference intended).

The names are also quite modern, showing that the current pop music scene is a big influence on pet names.

Interestingly though, David Bowie and Madonna are in the top five. Clearly, some music stars never go out of style. Even when it comes to people naming their dogs after them.

Finding inspiration in the music

One of the most famous music-inspired dog names has to be Beethoven from the 1992 Saint Bernard film character of the same name.

In the movie, Beethoven gets his name after barking along to the music, and the tale of how he becomes a part of the family is truly heart-warming.

If you haven’t already seen the family-friendly classic, we recommend that you do. And you never know, you might just be inspired to name your dog Beethoven.

For some extra inspiration to help you decide the name for your new pooch, here are a few more dog names inspired by music:

  1. Cash (country singer Johnny Cash)
  2. Roxanne (from The Police song)
  3. Wolfgang (inspired by Mozart, of course)
  4. Billie (as in Eilish)
  5. Ziggy (Stardust)
  6. Lennox (singer-songwriter Annie Lennox)
  7. Buddy (1950’s Buddy Holly)
  8. Jolene (Dolly Parton’s Jolene)
  9. Lennon (the one and only John Lennon)
  10. Snoop (Dogg)

Choosing a dog name

Hopefully you now have a clearer idea of how to use music as inspiration to name your new puppy. But there are a few other factors to consider as well.

First, dog experts recommend going for a two-syllable name.

Why? Because more emotion can be expressed in two-syllable names. They can be said in a loving way or with authority, both of which are essential for communicating with a four-legged friend.

Take the name Buddy, for example.

It’s easy to imagine saying it when playing fetch or when having to discipline your dog. It’s also a cute and inoffensive name, so it could be shouted in public without attracting attention for the wrong reasons.

Second, remember that whatever you name your dog is a reflection of you as the owner.

What if your favourite celebrity has a spectacular fall from grace in the future? Then you will be left with a dog named after a person you no longer like or respect. That could lead to some awkward scenes in the local park.

And finally, make sure your little puppy likes the name. After all, a name is a big part of dog training and that’s something you don’t want to get wrong. Otherwise those new shoes by the front door might end up as the latest chew toy.

So, if music is a big part of your life, don’t be afraid to seek inspiration there. The perfect name for your new dog could be right in front you – or playing on the radio.

For more inspiration why not check out our ultimate guide to naming puppies.

And for something visual on Dog Names Inspired By Music check out our Pinterest Board here.

Hayley Maguire

Hayley Maguire

Hayley Maguire is the chief author and content curator at Puppy Care Central. A dog lover herself, Hayley is passionate and dedicated to bringing you all the latest quality, helpful information available to support you on your puppy journey. Her focus is to make sure your furry family member gets the best start in life possible.
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