The 177 Most Popular Pug Names

Pugs have charmed people for centuries with their expressive faces and lovable personalities. These small dogs were once companions to Chinese emperors and served as the mascot for Holland’s royal House of Orange.

Today, pugs continue to win hearts worldwide with their distinctive looks and friendly nature.

For those welcoming a pug into their family, choosing the right name is an important decision.

DogFix has compiled a list of the most popular pug names based on their extensive database of dog names across the country. These authentic names, ranked by popularity, offer great inspiration for anyone naming their new pug puppy or adopted companion.

The 177 Most Loved Pug Names

Top Names from DogFix’s Records

DogFix’s database reveals the most popular names that pug owners choose for their furry friends. The list shows a mix of human names, nature-inspired choices, and playful options that fit these small, charming dogs.

Here are the most popular pug names organized alphabetically:

Classic Human Names:

• Abby, Archie, Bailey, Baxter, Beau, Bella, Benny
• Charlie, Charlotte, Chloe, Duke, Ellie, Emma, Frank
• Frankie, Ginger, Gus, Hank, Henry, Jack, Jake
• Jasper, Kevin, Leo, Lily, Lucy, Maggie, Max
• Molly, Oliver, Oscar, Penny, Percy, Riley, Ruby
• Sam, Sophie, Stella, Toby, Winston, Zoe

Nature-Inspired:

• Bear, Birdie, Daisy, Honey, Ivy, Kiwi, Luna
• Maple, Moose, Olive, Peaches, Pepper, Poppy, Rose
• Willow

Food Names:

• Bean, Beans, Biscuit, Coco, Cookie, Mocha, Nacho
• Nugget, Oreo, Peanut, Petunia, Pickles, Taco

Playful & Unique:

• Ace, Apollo, Bandit, Boba, Boomer, Bowser, Brutus
• Bubba, Buddy, Chewy, Cosmo, Diesel, Gizmo, Iggy
• Jax, King, Leia, Lilo, Loki, Louie, Milo
• Mochi, Morty, Odie, Ollie, Ozzy, Pablo, Pixie
• Prince, Princess, Pudge, Rex, Rocky, Rocko, Scooby
• Tank, Thor, Trixie, Tucker, Tyson, Vader, Yoda

Many pugs have names that match their personalities or appearance, like “Wrinkles” or “Snorts,” though these didn’t make the top 177 list.

Top 10 Female Pug Names

Looking for the perfect name for your female pug? Here are ten popular options that many pug owners choose:

1. Bella – A beautiful name for a beautiful pug
2. Lola – Short, sweet and full of personality
3. Luna – Perfect for a pug with mysterious charm
4. Lucy – A classic name that suits pugs of all ages
5. Daisy – Ideal for a cheerful, sunny pug
6. Lily – Elegant and feminine
7. Stella – Means “star” – great for a pug who shines bright
8. Zoe – Lively name for an energetic pug
9. Penny – Cute name for a small, copper-colored pug
10. Molly – Friendly and approachable, just like your pug

Top 10 Male Pug Names

Here are the most popular names for male pugs:

1. Max – A short, strong name perfect for a small but mighty pug
2. Milo – A cute, friendly name that suits a pug’s playful personality
3. Winston – A distinguished name that matches a pug’s noble expression
4. Frank – A straightforward, human name that works well for these personable dogs
5. Otis – A charming vintage name growing in popularity for pugs
6. Charlie – A classic, friendly name that fits a pug’s social nature
7. Louie – A fun, slightly fancy name that suits a pug’s quirky character
8. Buddy – A name that reflects the loyal companion qualities of pugs
9. Gus – A short, sweet name that works well for these compact dogs
10. Rocky – An energetic name that contrasts nicely with a pug’s stocky build

Pug Name Trends

Pugs often receive names that match their distinctive wrinkly faces and charming personalities.

Many owners choose classic gentleman names for their Pugs, with Winston, Frank, Oliver, Otis, and Louie appearing much more frequently for Pugs than other dog breeds. The name Pugsley is also especially popular, playing on the breed name itself.

Food-inspired names are another common trend for Pugs, likely due to their well-known love of eating. Popular food names include:

• Peaches
• Nugget
• Kiwi
• Nacho
• Pickles
• Oreo

According to data from DogFix.com, these naming patterns reflect how owners view their Pugs’ unique appearance and enthusiastic appetite.

Pug Name Advice

Choosing the perfect name for your pug can be fun yet challenging.

Many pug owners find inspiration in their favorite foods, books, fictional characters, or cultural icons. Your pug might carry a name like “Elvis” after the famous singer or a playful cartoon reference like “Scooby.”

When selecting a name, consider training effectiveness. This is especially important for puppies learning basic commands.

Avoid names that sound similar to common training words. For example, a name like “Kit” might be confused with the command “sit” during training sessions.

The most important factor is how comfortable you feel saying the name.

Try the “backdoor test” to help make your decision:

1. Stand at your backdoor
2. Call out potential names as if in real situations
3. See which feels most natural to say

Examples to try:

• “[Name], dinner time!”
• “[Name], come here!”
• “[Name], leave it!”

This simple exercise helps you experience how the name works in everyday use rather than just in your mind.

Once you’ve selected the perfect name, consider getting:

• A customized ID tag with your pug’s new name
• A personalized blanket for comfort and style

All About Popular Dog Names

At DogFix, we love everything about dogs, especially their names. Our team analyzes data each year to find trending, unusual, and creative dog names. We enjoy discovering which names dog owners choose for their furry friends.

Dog naming trends change over time, just like human names. Some pet parents pick classic options while others get more creative.

Our regularly updated lists feature:

• Popular choices by year
• Regional favorites across different areas
• Unique and uncommon selections

Browse our collections whenever you need inspiration for naming your new puppy or just want to see what other dog lovers are choosing.

More Dog Name Choices

Looking for the perfect name for your furry friend? Here are some popular categories to inspire you:

• Wizard-inspired names from Harry Potter stories
• Black and white names that match your dog’s coat colors
• Romantic names for your loving companion
• Funny names to match a playful personality
• Cool names that stand out at the dog park

Themed names help create a special connection with your pet.