Boston’s Most Popular Dog Names of 2025: Luna and Charlie Lead the Pack

Boston dog owners have spoken, and this year’s top pups are Luna and Charlie. According to the Boston Parks and Recreation Department’s Animal Care and Control Division, Luna was the city’s most popular dog name in 2025, with 137 dogs proudly answering to it. Charlie wasn’t far behind, taking the top male spot with 118 registrations.

Rounding out the top ten were Bella, Lucy, Daisy, Teddy, Milo, Penny, Coco, and Millie — a list filled with names that sound as friendly as the dogs that carry them. It’s clear that Boston residents have a soft spot for sweet, down‑to‑earth names, many inspired by pop culture favorites, classic nicknames, and even coffeehouse vibes.

The city also released its list of most common dog breeds, and once again the faithful Labrador Retriever came out on top — by a mile. With 1,961 registered Labs, it’s safe to say the breed’s charm, trainability, and enthusiasm for the outdoors make it a natural fit for Boston’s parks and neighborhoods. The Golden Retriever followed with 970 registrations, and the Miniature Poodle rounded out the top three at 543. Other big favorites included Chihuahuas, German Shepherds, and Australian Shepherds.

While those numbers might be fun for dog lovers to compare, the city’s annual announcement also comes with a friendly reminder: all dogs in Boston over six months old must be licensed by March 31, 2026. Licenses can be renewed online, by mail, or at upcoming in‑person licensing clinics hosted on Saturdays from March 7 through June 6 at Boston Centers for Youth & Families (BCYF) community centers.

Licensing isn’t just about following the rules — it’s about keeping pets safe. If a dog gets lost, an up‑to‑date license helps Animal Control staff reunite them with their owner quickly.

To get a license, dog owners must provide proof of a current rabies vaccination and spay or neuter documentation if applicable. Licenses cost $15 for spayed or neutered dogs and $30 for unaltered dogs. Seniors 70 and older and owners of service animals can license their pets free of charge. Unlicensed dogs can face a $50 fine.

For more details or to license your dog online, visit boston.gov/animals. Animal Care and Control also shares updates and adoptable pets on Instagram (@bostonanimalcontrol), X (@animalboston), and Facebook (@bostonanimal).

With names like Luna, Charlie, and Daisy leading the list, Boston’s dogs are as lovable — and well‑documented — as ever.