Alabama - Max
Image Source/ Reddit
First up we have Alabama. Alabama is a bit of a lone wolf in this list, considering it's the only state where the most popular dog name is Max! In terms of dog breeds, Alabama is fond of Labradors and Beagles. Beagles are super popular in Alabama because they're awesome at hunting, which is a big thing there. Beagles are very popular in a bunch of southern states where hunting is a big deal.Original content sourced from Femanin.com
Alaska - Maya
Image Source/ Reddit
Next up, we have all the Mayas of Alaska, if this is you... congrats! You're basic. Labradors are a must have for anyone living in Alaska, given their calm and tepid temperament and their absolute love of all things water. German Shepherds are also very popular in Alaska, coming in as the second most popular dog in the entire state! Which one will you be getting?
Arizona, California, Idaho, Iowa, Kentucky, Missouri, New York, Virginia - Lucy
Image Source/ Reddit
Now here's a long, long list! Easily the most popular dog name of the whole US is Lucy, unusual given that it's pretty much a human name too! I guess most dogs must just look like they should be called Lucy. In the Arizona state specifically, Labradors are their number one favorite, so there's possibly a lot of Lucy Labradors lingering about (which kinda makes sense).
Arkansas, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oregon, Tennessee - Bella
Image Source/ Reddit
Shortly followed by Lucy is our four-legged Bella! Six states all share this one thing in common, and that's owners naming their little doggo Bella. Unusually, and against all the other states, New Hampshire's national state dog is that of the Chinook. These four-legged fiends absolutely love the snow, and are a type of sled dog you'd see pulling them along.
Colorado, Florida, Indiana, Texas - Daisy
Image Source/ Reddit
These four lucky states potentially have the best dog name on this whole list: Daisy. Also, it appears that Colorado absolutely adores it's rescue dogs, with a lot of people adopting them (does this mean a lot of people are abandoning them too?!). Officially, though, the state's favorite dog is Labradors, much like many of the other states on this list.
Connecticut, Louisiana - Rosie
Image Source/ Reddit
I think we can all agree that Rosie is a particularly cute name for a puppy! This is definitely something that Connecticut and Louisiana did right. In terms of dog breeds, Connecticut love their Australian Shepherds and Louisiana has a very unique official state dog. The Catahoula Leopard dog has been the official state dog since 1979, and is the first breed developed in North America.
Delaware - Gracie
Image Source/ Reddit
Delaware comes in next with their own admission of the dog name Gracie. An unusual name considering you don't often come by dogs called Gracie, but a lovely name nonetheless. Even though Golden Retrievers are the third most popular dog in Delaware, they were happy to name the breed as their official state dog back in 2016. I mean, they are pretty cute, and it makes sense with the alliteration.
Georgia - Lola
Image Source/ Reddit
Next, in comes Georgia with their very own cohort of Lolas. Lola is a gorgeous name so it's no surprise that this one has shot to fame in the state of Georgia. Their most popular breed are Labradors, but they did try and make the bulldog their official state dog back in 2016. It makes sense, considering their College's mascot is an infamous bulldog!
Hawaii - Lani
Image Source/ Reddit
In comes Hawaii with this particularly rogue choice - Lani. It also seems that it's not just the choice of name that sets Hawaii apart from the rest, but their choice in breed too! The French Bulldog tips the scales as the most popular dog in Hawaii, shortly followed by the classic Labrador and then finally Rottweiler! It's the only state where Rottweiler is one of the most popular dogs.
Illinois, Pennsylvania - Charlie
Image Source/ Reddit
Illinois and Pennsylvania up next, with their most popular dog name being Charlie! What is even cuter, is that the most popular cat name for Illinois is Alfie, and the names are pretty similar. While people from Illinois love all types of dogs, Rottweilers, Siberian Huskies and Dobermans are all making a rapid rise in the state, with a particular love for the Doberman.
Kansas, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Washington - Luna
Image Source/ Reddit
Kansas, along with Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota and Washington, all share one thing in common, and that's their mutual love for the dog name Luna. Much like the other states, the top dog breeds in Kansas are Labradors, German Shepherds and Bulldogs. Yet, even though they didn't quite make it into the top three, the folks in Kansas really dig their Cairn terriers, the dog breed in the OG Wizard of Oz movie.
Maine - Annie
Image Source/ Reddit
Do you think people in Maine wondered what they could name their dog out of the letters including Maine? Well, if they did, they came up with Annie. But, believe it or not, Maine isn't so fond of it's dogs. It's been classified as more of a cat kind of state, with their most adored feline name being Luna, much like the dogs of the previous state!
Massachusetts, Ohio - Sadie
Image Source/ Reddit
No matter what you say, Sadie is one of the cutest names on this list, and is definitely something that Massachusetts and Ohio got right. The respective favorite dog breeds of each state are Labradors and Labradors (shock!). Although, the people of Massachusetts do love their Boston Terriers too, which is the first purebred dog in the USA. Very cool.
Mississippi, New Jersey - Molly
Image Source/ Reddit
Mississippi and New Jersey just can't get enough of the name Molly. It's probably also worth mentioning that the dog name data was all collated and presented by the American Kennel Club, who release data every year on the popularity of dog name and breeds around the UK! Even though Labradors are a much-loved breed in Mississippi, they do love their Newfoundlands too.
Montana - Sophie
Image Source/ Reddit
Montana comes in a lone soldier with their most popular dog name being Sophie! Given all the outdoor space in Montana, it 100% makes sense that the top three breeds in Montana are Labradors, German Shepherd and Golden Retrievers. Those breeds just love to make the most of the outdoors, and thrive in open spaces, so it's the most understandable state for these to live in.
Nebraska, Oklahoma - Penny
Image Source/ Reddit
In comes The Big Bang Theory fans, and there must be a lot of them living in Nebraska and Oklahoma. These guys just can't get enough of the name Penny, so much so that it's now the most popular dog name in both of these states! Oklahoma particularly adores their Labradors and German Shepherds, but they also love to house Bulldogs too! A truly versatile state.
Nevada - Bear
Image Source/ Reddit
Bear is just the cutest name for any dog, no matter the breed, and the people of Nevada 100% agree with that statement! While Labradors and German Shepherds are among the favorites in the state, the second most popular dog breed roaming around the streets of Nevada is the classic bulldog. These little canines suit the name Bear so perfectly, they just look so cuddly.
North Dakota - Teddy
Image Source/ Reddit
North Dakota follows in suit of bear with another equally cuddly name: Teddy. It's clear that there's probably a lot of families buying dogs in North Dakota, especially if they're naming them Teddy. There's a reason why Labradors, German shepherds, and Golden Retrievers always make it to the top three - you just can't help but love them! North Dakota is no exception.
Rhode Island - Blue
Image Source/ Reddit
If this isn't the cutest name! People from Rhode Island just love naming their four-legged friends Blue. Especially adorable if the breed is a Blue Staffy (which unfortunately is not one of the most popular in the state, sad times). Also, their favorite cat name is up there with one of the most popular ones: Luna, another favorite for furry friends.
South Carolina - Lily
Image Source/ Reddit
It appears these names are getting more and more rogue as the list goes on! Anyone from South Carolina (yes, that's you if you're reading this) will know how much they love the name Lily there. People just can't get enough of it! And there's no surprise, the name Lily is such a cute name for a floppy-eared dog, especially a pretty floppy-eared dog, am I right?
South Dakota - Scout
Image Source/ Reddit
What better breed to name Scout than a Border Collie? Unfortunately, though, this isn't one of the most popular breeds in South Dakota, they have the classic German, Lab, Retrievers combo as their top three, but nonetheless, I bet there's some Border Collies in the state that have coined this particularly cutesy name. I mean, who doesn't love Border Collies?
Utah, Wyoming - Jack
Image Source/ Reddit
Listen up all you Jacks out there, there's no room for you anymore! The Jacks of Utah and Wyoming are taking over now, so step back down! Jack is definitely up there as one of the most popular baby names, so there's no surprise that those dual-income-no-kids couples get to call their doggos by the name too. Not everyone wants kids anymore Jack!
Vermont - Willow
Image Source/ Reddit
Oh, Willow, such a cute name. Either these doggo parents are obsessed with the Smiths, or they love the outdoors. Regardless, what a cute name. What makes this even better is that Vermont stray away from the German, Lab, Retriever favorites and Beagles have managed to nab the spot as the second most popular dog in the entire state - for good reason too.
West Virginia - Cooper
Image Source/ Reddit
Cooper is a cool name for a cool dog, no doubt. If you named your dog Cooper, you're probably quite cool too! Did you know that West Virginians have one of the highest dog ownership rates in the entire country? Although, German Shepherds did win the popularity contest in this state, but only shortly followed by precious beagles and Labrador retrievers.
Wisconsin - Beau
Image Source/ Reddit
Last, but certainly not least, is Wisconsin. Again, all alone in the country, Wisconsin has its own unique addition to the most popular dog names and this time it's Beau. While they're big fans of their cheese, they're clearly big fans of this beautiful name too, and rightly so. Although, they do fall into the popular breeds as most of the other states, but the dogs are gorgeous nonetheless.
What's the most popular dog breed overall?
Image Source/ Reddit
Drum roll please! So what do we think is ultimately the most popular dog in the whole of the US? It comes as no surprise whatsoever, but according to the American Kennel Club, Labrador Retrievers have been Americans' favorite canine companion for the last 31 years. Golden Retrievers and German Shepherds follow them in popularity (obviously). Winner winner!
What are the cat's names looking like?
Image Source/ Reddit
When it comes to cats, there's definitely not as much variance in their names as they was with the dogs. Out of all 50 states, 15 of them prefer to name their cat one thing: Luna. It makes sense, considering this was pretty popular among the dogs list too, and is a gorgeous name for a furry friend. It all depends on if you're a dog or a cat type of person I guess.
Which state has the most dogs?
Image Source/ Reddit
So, where do we think most of the dogs are based in the USA? Well, it comes in pretty closely between two states. In 2022, Montana and Arkansas had the highest dog ownership rates in the US, with 52% of households claiming to have a dog of their own. That's every other person owning a dog! It looks a little different for cats, in the same survey, Vermont had the highest rate of cat ownership in the country at almost 45%.
What's the least common dog's name?
Image Source/ Reddit
Well, it's hard to pinpoint which are the least popular dog names in the US, because there's quite a few. If you're a lover of Harry Potter, then Severus or Sirius could be for you. On the other hand, if you like making money and Elon Musk, then maybe opt for something like Tesla. And if you like them cuddly, bear-like names, Yogi is the best option for you.
What are you waiting for?
Image Source/ Foreign Policy
Listen, there was only one reason you read through this entire list of dog names, so what are you waiting for? If you're thinking about adopting or buying a dog, you better get out and get one quick! Studies have proven that owning a dog can be really beneficial for your mental health. But do just remember that dogs are for life, not just for Christmas!
The most popular pet in every state! Alabama and Connecticut: hedgehog
image source: reddit.com
It's not just cats and dogs are the most obvious pets across the US - there are a lot of different pets that come in as top choices for these states! In Alabama and Connecticut, the adorable hedgehog comes in as the top choice for pet (and why wouldn't you? Look at it!). In some states, it's actually illegal to have a hedgehog as a pet, so the states that are allowed are obviously making the most of it!
Alaska, Colorado and Idaho: ferret
image source: reddit.com
In these states, the ferret is the most popular small animal choice for a cozy pet! In Alaska specifically you have the popularity of the husky dog due to the snowy conditions, but in terms of small animal that can stay at home, the ferret takes the number one spot! A great choice for someone who wants a furry cuddle companion without as much exercise as a husky needs!
Arizona and California: rabbit
image source: reddit.com
The rabbit has only become more popular as a pet (and most people think it might not make as good a pet as a cat or dog only to be proven wrong!) and in Arizona and California in particular, the rabbit takes the top spot for most popular small pet in the home. Most of the social media activity in terms of pet posts in these states comes from rabbit tags and shares!
Arkansas, Delaware and Georgia: hamster
image source: reddit.com
The hamster is an obvious choice for an easy small pet that most growing kids will love - they make a great family pet when you don't want anything as big as a dog or cat. In a lot of states - Arkansas, Delaware and Georgia in particular - the hamster is the number one choice for pet popularity! In terms of getting online, the hamster is seen more than any other pet in these states on the socials!
Florida and Iowa: bird
image source: reddit.com
Not everyone wants a cuddy companion that can roam around on the floor, with some turning to a feathery friend high up on the rafters instead! It might be no surprise to learn that in the sunshine state with lots of clear skies, the bird is the most popular choice for a pet. In both Florida and Iowa, birds are most commonly found in households, with a wide variety to choose from for a pet!
Hawaii and Nevada: lizard
image source: reddit.com
Sometimes you don't want cuddly fur and you don't want soft feathers either - only scaly lizard skin will do in these states! And it's no surprise really that the desert state of Nevada would have lizards as pets coming out on top! Both Nevada and Hawaii have the lizard as the most popular household pet, with lots of lizard types and sizes to choose from.
Illinois: snake
image source: reddit.com
The snake has also been a popular choice for a pet all over the world - when it's the right snake, of course! - and that's no different in the state of Illinois, which ranks the serpent as the number one pet of choice! You definitely need space for the right tank in your home to keep this as a pet, but it's worth the trouble if you love something a little different.
Maine and Maryland: hamster
image source: reddit.com
The hamster is ranking as one of the most popular pets in a great number of states across the US, and in both Maine and Maryland the adorable hamster also takes the number one spot for pet of choice. They're a great option for families, kids and even adults living alone - because who wouldn't want to hold one in their hand to watch some Netflix together?
Nebraska: spider
image source: reddit.com
This pet definitely isn't for everybody, but they're seriously misunderstood (is what a lot of spider loving owners would tell you!). The large and furry tarantula is the most popular choice for a pet, but you can get a variety of spiders to keep and raise if they're the right type. In Nebraska, they seriously love spiders - with social media posts being over 80% of spider sharing!
New Jersey: mice
image source: reddit.com
If you don't want to keep a rat or a hamster as a pet, the adorable little mouse can be the next logical option. In fact, mice appear as most popular pets in a lot of states whereas rats don't top the list in anywhere in the US! They both make great pets, though. In the state of New Jersey, mice come out on top for family pet of choice - just look at that face!
New Mexico: rabbit
image source: reddit.com
New Mexico is also another state hopping on the rabbit trend, with this furry animal being the number one choice for household pet. In terms of small animal popularity, the rabbit is often seen all across social media from this state with people sharing their love for this furry-tailed friends. It's also become more popular to have house rabbits roaming around inside rather than a hutch outside!
Oklahoma: parrot
image source: reddit.com
When it comes to which bird to have as a pet, the parrot is definitely one of the most obvious choices - if you can commit to it, because parrots have a very long lifespan! Parrots come in bright attractive colors and make for great companionship and pets, so it's no surprise that the state of Oklahoma lists this beautiful bird as its number one pet choice!
Texas: reptiles
image source: reddit.com
Texas is a state home to a lot of reptiles, so it makes sense why you'd find a lot in homes across the state for pet popularity! Lizards are specifically the most popular reptile pet in this state if the high percentage of conversations and social media posts are anything to go by. More and more people are turning to reptiles as pets as something a little different!
West Virginia: lizard
image source: reddit.com
The lizard is also the first choice of pet for the state of West Virginia! Over 67% of pet owners who have reptiles as their chosen pets have lizards in their home. Lizards are popular choices because they're so easy to care for as long as you have all the right equipment at home ready for them. Reptiles also make great very first pets for young kids!
Wyoming: hedgehog
image source: reddit.com
The hedgehog is back as a popular (and adorable) pet choice, with the state of Wyoming listing it as their favorite option for small animal pet. Nearly half of any social media posts about pets in this state is about these spiky pets! There are many things to consider before getting a hedgehog, though, as you need to be sure it's safe for your household (with young children or the elderly, for instance).
Ohio: canaries
image source: reddit.com
Parrots aren't the only vocal birds that are popular as pets in the US! In the state of Ohio, canaries in particular are the most popular choice of pet, with general birds being extremely popular in many households in this state. Alongside the canary, parrots are also the most talked about (and kept) pet in this state, with both of these making great pets!
North Carolina: rodents
image source: reddit.com
In the state of North Carolina, it's another big shout out for the popularity of rodents as pets - and in particular, hamsters take one of the top spots for household companionship! Hamsters are actually twice as popular as rabbits in this particular state. Hamsters don't need much apart from a proper cage, bedding and something to exercise with, and they're very entertaining pets!
Tennessee: ferrets and hedgehogs
image source: reddit.com
In the state of Tennessee, they obviously couldn't make the difficult choice between the appeal of the ferret and the adorable face of the hedgehog. For that reason, both these small animals are the most popular choices for small animal pets in the home! Ferrets might just take a tiny, tiny paw-sized lead over hedgehogs for popularity for some people in this state.
Utah: hamster
image source: reddit.com
And in Utah, it's the tiny hamster that takes the gold medal for most popular small animal pet. In this state, the hamster is actually more likely to be found than the household cat, meaning people even prefer this furry fella to the obvious feline choice! We expect it might be difficult to keep both of them at the same time, too... best to keep the hamster safe!
Virginia: dogs (but they love their ferrets!)
image source: reddit.com
Of course we had to give a shout out to one of the most popular pets on the planet - not only in the US - as the state of Virginia absolutely loves this furry best friend as a household pet. After the dog, the ferret also comes in as the next best pet of choice for those households that want a small pet instead of an excitable pup they have to walk every day!