You are no doubt looking for a dog name worthy of your new pet when you bring your new puppy or dog home. Fifty years ago, kid’s stories spoke of Spot, named for his characteristic spot of color. Fido was the typical dog name, an orientation to loyalty. Rover? One who roams, as all dogs do. At present, about 70% of our dogs are named with people’s names! These time-worn names have, well, been worn out. Now, people look for more evocative names for man’s best friend. Names which bespeak your dog’s character and your own relationship with the rest of mankind are now in favor. In fact, there is a field of study dedicated to names. It is called onomastics.
Today, people who obtain a new dog are no longer pleased with the conventional dog names. For example, our German Shepherd puppy might acquire the name ‘Wolfgang’ in honor of his German roots. We now tend to relate more of the human qualities with our dogs, and naming follows suit. A dog owner with macho aspirations might name his pup ‘Spike’, or ‘Rocky’. But, there is a fresh tendency in dog names, which more closely fits the onamastician’s observations. Dog names, in particular, are more aligned with humans. Onamasticians report that there is a societal change of heart, whereby our pets gain a new dimension of the heart in their naming. Dogs are man’s best friend. Prefer your dog’s name accordingly. There are still the classic dog’s names, such as ‘Lady’, ‘Daisy’, ‘Rex’ and ‘Ginger’, which may never go out of style.
From the onamastician’s viewpoint, this reflects a closer tie with our canine friends. Our dogs are certainly trusted friends, maybe surpassing our human friends. Our dogs are family members, and the naming conventions prove the point. ‘Miles’, ‘Bailey’, ‘Wallace’ and other such upscale society names are becoming the norm in a certain age group. Naming your dog has become a psychological phenomenon! On the other hand, Sweetheart makes your heart melt. So it brings to mind, what’s in a name? The bottom line in a dog’s name is the aptness to that dog’s personality. If your best human friend is named GaGa, is not it a compliment to that person when you award that name on your dog? Now, what about Big Mouth, Sissy or Teeth Galore? It sends an entire dissimilar message. Attributing a name for your canine friend in line with names of your friends is now, definitely, in. Alicia, Zoe or Cody might well be a neighbor’s name, one which you regard, merely fitting for your furry friend.
