- Luna remains the most popular puppy name for 2026 based on Camp Bow Wow data.
- Willow enters the top 10 for the first time, replacing Winnie.
- Lucy climbs to third place after ranking fifth in 2025.
- The rankings are based on puppies aged 4 months to 1 year attending more than 200 Camp Bow Wow locations.
- The company is celebrating National Puppy Day with promotions including a free first day of daycare and a complimentary leash for new customers at select locations.
Camp Bow Wow has released its fifth annual list of the most popular puppy names in the United States in celebration of National Puppy Day, drawing from its database of puppies aged four months to one year across more than 200 locations nationwide.
The annual report, first launched in 2022, tracks naming trends among new pet parents and highlights how preferences evolve over time.
Top puppy names for 2026
Luna once again leads the rankings as the most popular puppy name in the company’s dataset. The full top 10 list for 2026 includes Luna, Daisy, Lucy, Charlie, Milo, Cooper, Teddy, Bella, Penny, and Willow.
Willow makes its debut in the top 10 this year, replacing Winnie, while Lucy moved up to the third spot after ranking fifth in 2025.
Guidance for naming a new puppy
According to Camp Bow Wow Animal Health and Behavioral Expert Erin Askeland, selecting the right name can help improve communication and training with a new puppy.
She recommends choosing names with two syllables, which can stand apart from common commands while still holding a dog’s attention. Pet parents should also avoid names that rhyme with cues such as “sit,” “stay,” or “down,” as these similarities may create confusion during training.
Names with clear ending sounds can also help puppies recognize their names more easily. Introducing the name with a positive tone and rewarding the puppy with treats, toys, or praise can help reinforce the association.
The importance of early socialization
Beyond naming, early socialization plays a critical role in a puppy’s development. The sensitive period for socialization typically occurs between three and 14 weeks of age, when puppies are especially receptive to new experiences that can shape their long‑term behavior.
However, socialization continues to be important well beyond that stage. Dogs’ brains typically continue developing until 18 to 24 months of age, making ongoing positive exposure to new environments, people, and other animals valuable as puppies grow.
Programs and promotions for new puppy parents
Camp Bow Wow offers the Pawsitive Start Jr. Program at select locations to support early development. Designed for puppies aged four months to one year, the program focuses on socialization, skill building, and enrichment activities in a supervised environment.
To celebrate National Puppy Day, the company is inviting new dog parents to try its services with a free first day of Camp. New clients who complete their Camp interview between March 23 and April 15 may also receive a complimentary leash at select locations while supplies last.
Information sourced from the company’s press release.
