The most popular dog names around the world

Naming a dog is no easy task. Should you go cute? Ironically serious? Funny? Name it after someone living? Follow the latest trends? It's like choosing a kid's name, but there are way more options!

Need proof? Names like Olaf, Ziggy, Prince, Bowie, Ozzy, Loki, Thor, Kylo, Arya and Tyrion are all trending hard right now.

Photo: Unsplash - Karsten Winegeart

The truth is that choosing the right name for your dog can make a significant difference in how your pooch listens, learns and communicates.

Despite their big ears, hard consonants and long vowels are easier for dogs to hear. Expert trainers also recommend one- or two-syllable names that are pronounced quickly so you'll catch your dog's attention better.

Photo: Unsplash - Delaney Dawson

Dog trainers also recommend avoiding names that can be confused with common commands. For example, the name "Kit" could be confused with "Sit." Or if a dog's same sounds like or contains he word "No" (like Beau or Snow), it can make it hard for dogs to tell if they're being called or getting in trouble.

With that said, commands change in different languages, and so do popular pet names, although some names definitely shine across borders.

Don't take our word for it. Budget Direct has searched through public dog registries, specialist organizations and dog insurance providers to find out which dog names are the most common worldwide.

The Budget Direct study also revealed the most popular names by country, and the results could surprise you. Or not. Chances are you've been acquainted with a dog or two that goes by one of these names.

Photo: Unsplash - Josh Rakower

The number one dog name worldwide is, you got it, Max! It leads the male name list, though it can also be unisex. After Max comes Charlie, Buddy, Rocky and Jack.

Photo: Unsplash - Daniel Lloyd Blunk Fernández

Milo, Toby, Leo, Bruno and Rex round out the top 10 male dog names, confirming that Toby and Rex are names that will never go out of style.

On the female side, the most common dog names are Luna, Bella, Lola, Molly and Lucy, in that order.

Photo: Unsplash - Edson Torres

Kira, Daisy, Mia, Nala and Nina occupy the 6th to 10th place in this ranking. While Nala is a classic Disney lion, Disney's most famous female dog name, Lady, didn't crack the top ten.

Foto: Unsplash - Jametlene Reskp

If we look at the top names by country, there are not too many surprises either, as dogs with these names are counted by the thousands.

Photos: Unsplash - Karsten Winegeart

For example, in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom, the most common name for females is Bella, while Max (USA), Charlie (Canada) and Alfie (UK) are number one for males.

In Mexico, Costa Rica, Ecuador and Venezuela, Max is the name that triumphs among males, while Luna, again, dominates among females.

Photo: Unsplash - Marvin Meyer

In Argentina, Lola and Milo are the most commonly used dog names, while in Brazil, they opt for Thor (males) and Mel (females). Interesting, Mel isn't short for Melanie, it's Portuguese for honey.

Photo: Unsplash - Chewy

In Spain, it's all about Coco and Luna. While in neighboring Portugal, it's Luna and Max. Sensing a pattern yet?

Photo: Unsplash - Christian Bowen

Lucky and Nala are the top names in France, while Jack and Mia rule in Italy. In Germany, Balu and Luna take the top spots.

Photo: Unsplash - Brianna Tucker

Charlie and Bella are the most popular in Australia and New Zealand, while Sora and Coco are the biggest names in Japan. In India, the top dog names are Raja and Jasmine.