Finding the right name for your new puppy can be overwhelming. You want the name to fit your puppy and be unique. It’s also a lot of pressure because it’ll be your dog’s name for their whole life. Here are a few tips for naming your new puppy:

1. Keep it Simple and Clean

Sure, long names like Lady Fluffball Van Barkington are cute and unique, but that will be a pain when trying to schedule appointments for the vet or groomer. Chances are you’ll use a nickname anyway, so consider choosing something a bit simpler.

Also, be sure your puppy’s name isn’t offensive to others. Steer clear of racist and cultural slurs, insults, as well as curse words. Not only may it hurt others and reflect badly on you, but it also implies disrespect to your new furry friend.

2. Pick a Name You Like

This name is going to be your pup’s name for life so make sure it’s something you like. Make a list of all the potential names you might like and narrow it down to 3 or 5. This will help you figure out and choose the best name for your new dog. As long as you like it and your dog responds to it, it’s a great name.

3. Avoid the Overly Popular Names

How many dogs do you know that are named Molly, Buddy, Max, or Midnight? Unless you live in an area without a lot of other dogs, it might be wise to pick something that isn’t a common name for dogs. If you are at a dog park and need to call your dog, you can be confident that your more unique dog name won’t cause as much confusion.

4. Go the Food Route

Food-related dog names are always a fun category for naming your dog. Think of some of your favorite foods and decide if that would suit your puppy. Foods like waffles, peaches, mochi, bagel, and cannoli are fun choices and will be guaranteed to make you smile every time you call your dog!

5. Get Inspired by Books, Movies, TV, or Music

Another great place to find a perfect name is to turn to your favorite media. Do you have a favorite musician or song that just speaks to you? If you love the song “Rio” by Duran Duran, try out Rio for your dog. Your favorite books or books about dogs can be great resources too.

Or, think about your favorite television or movie character, or even get inspiration from dog movies. If you’re a fan of The Office, you might like the name Bernard and use Nard Dog as a nickname. If you’re a fan of The West Wing, try out Charlie or Leo. If Friends is your comfort show, Phoebe is a sweet name for a female puppy. There are also plenty of Disney-inspired dog names, if you love Disney.

5. Try the Name Out First

Pick a name you’re considering and use that out for a day or so. See how you feel about it and how your dog responds to it. If you like it, congratulations, you have your dog’s name picked out! If not, revisit a few other choices until you find the right fit!

These are just a few tips for naming your new puppy. No matter what name you end up choosing, you are sure to fall in love with it and with your new dog.