116 names

116 cute dog names for the sweetest pups

Some dogs just look like a Button or a Pippin. Maybe it is the round face, the oversized paws or the way they flop onto your feet. If your pup makes you say aww every day, a cute name is the natural choice.

Cute names tend to share a few features: soft sounds, short syllables and a friendly ending in -y or -ie. That is why names like Bean, Bibi, Buttons and Snuggles feel so easy to say in a happy voice.

This list is grouped by feel: sweet nicknames, double-sound pet names, soft and snuggly words, happy bouncy names and puppy-speak. Each has a short note on why it fits. If you like the vibe but want something smaller, take a look at our small dog names.

Sweet nicknames

ButtonSmall, round and charming
ButtonsEven more charming in the plural
BeanA small, sweet thing
BeansPerfect for a dog with toe beans
PippinA little apple, and a cute-sounding word
PudgeSoft and round
CuddlesFor a dog who loves a snuggle
SnugglesFor a dog who loves to curl up
CuddlebugA bug for hugs
LovebugA little love in a coat
DoodlebugA playful nickname
Honeybun♀Sweet and soft
Honeybee♀Busy and sweet
Sweet Pea♀A small, sweet nickname
Sugarplum♀A sweet treat from old holiday tales
SweetheartA sweet term of affection
CutieShort for cutie pie
Cutie Pie♀A classic sweet nickname
DarlingAn old-fashioned term of affection
DearieA gentle term of endearment
BabeA casual term of affection
BabyA forever baby
LoveyAn affectionate nickname
PreciousDear and valued
TreasureSomething to cherish
Jewel♀A gem of a dog
SunshineA bright, happy presence
Starshine♀Light from the stars
BelovedDeeply loved
Peachy♀Sweet and pleasant
BumbleA soft, buzzing sound
PookieInternet term of endearment
SnookumsSilly term of endearment
SnugglySoft and ready for cuddles
WuzzyA fuzzy, wuzzy kind of cute
HuggyAlways ready for a hug

Double-sound pet names

Bibi♀Playful and easy to say
Bobo♂A bouncy, round-sounding name
LoloFun to say twice
JojoA cheerful double sound
Cece♀A pet form of names like Cecilia
Pom PomRound and fluffy like a pom-pom
Chi Chi♀A playful, bouncy name
Tutu♀Light and twirly
YoyoUp and down, just like a happy dog
Lala♀A singsong name
Nini♀A soft, sweet nickname

Soft and snuggly

FuzzyCovered in soft fuzz
FuzzThe softest bits of fur
FuzzballA round bundle of fluff
PudgyPlump and soft
SquishySoft and squeezable
SquishA gentle squeeze
CuddleA warm hug
SnuggleTo nestle close
SnugWarm and cozy
HugA warm embrace
HugsLots of affection
KissA sweet smooch
KissesLots of kisses
SmoochA loud, happy kiss
NuzzleTo rub gently with the nose
CozyWarm and comfortable
BunSoft, round and sweet
BunbunA softer, cuter bun
LambchopA snuggly nickname
DucklingA fluffy young bird
ChickA fuzzy young bird
PeepersBright, shiny eyes

Happy and bouncy

HappyA name that says it all
CheerJoyful encouragement
CheeryBright and cheerful
BlissPerfect happiness
Delight♀Great pleasure
GleeOpen joy
ChucklesHappy laughter
SmileyAlways grinning
BeamA bright smile or ray of light
BounceA springy step
BouncyFull of spring
WagThe happy swish of a tail
WaggleA wiggly wag
WagglesTail-wagging fun
YippeeA cry of joy
HoorayA cheer of celebration
ZippyQuick and lively
PerkyBright and spirited
PeppyFull of energy
SpunkyBrave and full of spirit

Puppy-speak and internet cute

PupperInternet-friendly word for a young dog
DoggoPlayful internet word for a dog
FlooferPlayful word for a very fluffy dog
SnootA dog's nose
BoopA gentle tap on the nose
ToebeansThe round pads on a dog's paws
PawsA dog's feet
PawsyA cute nickname for a pawed pal
WoofA friendly bark
WoofieA cute way to say woof
YapA small, quick bark
YipA high-pitched bark
ArfA classic comic-book bark
RuffA gruff bark
SqueakA small, high sound
SqueakyA toy-like sound
ChirpA bright little sound
PeepA tiny sound
Pitter PatterThe sound of happy paws on the floor

Soft and sweet little things

Posy♀A small bunch of flowers
DewdropA tiny drop of morning water
HoneydewA sweet pale melon
Starlet♀A little star
SparklerA hand-held firework
GigglyAlways ready to laugh
WobblesA cute unsteady walk
PitapatThe light sound of running paws

Tips for choosing

Cute names are fun to say, but make sure they work for an adult dog, too. A name like Cuddlebug may feel silly shouted at the vet, so keep a shorter version ready. Cuddlebug can be Cuddles, and Doodlebug can be Doodle.

Say the name in the voice you plan to use for recall. If it sounds sweet but not clear, try one with a stronger first sound, such as Button or Boop.

Prefer something food-inspired? Check out food dog names. For a girl-specific list, try girl dog names.

Frequently asked questions

What are some cute names for a male dog?

Bean, Buttons, Pippin, Bobo, Fuzzy, Cuddles and Doggo are all sweet options for boys. They work on dogs of any size.

What are some cute names for a female dog?

Honeybun, Sweet Pea, Cutie Pie, Sugarplum, Lolo and Posy are cute picks for girls. Short ones like Bibi and Cece are easy to call.

What are some cute names for a small dog?

Bean, Button, Pippin, Dewdrop and Pudge suit tiny dogs because they sound small and soft. Our small dog names list has more.

Can a cute name work for a big dog?

Yes. A giant dog with a cute name, like Bean or Fuzzy, is part of the fun. Many owners enjoy the contrast, and the name still sounds friendly when you call it at the park.