FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Malika Bartlett, (614) 525-7364
Malika.Bartlett@franklincountyohio.gov
Bella Remains Top Dog Name
COLUMBUS, Ohio – To ring in the new year, the Franklin County Auditor’s office is releasing the list of the county’s most popular dog names and we have a repeat winner! While "Bella" remains at the top, a new name is on this year's list: "Luna" (No. 2, previously not in the top five). Max, previously No. 3, has slipped to No. 6.
The top ten most popular dog names remained similar from years past. Here are the top ten names as of December 2025:
- Bella (878)
- Luna (741)
- Lucy (627)
- Daisy (616)
- Charlie (566)
- Max (507)
- Cooper (460)
- Buddy (436)
- Sadie (425)
- Bailey (415)
Some of this year’s more eclectic names are actually at the bottom of the list. Coming in with a total count of one dog to the name are “Matrix Mega Million,” “Dynasty’s King of the Castle,” “Lord Bentley Grayson of Clintonville,” “Sir Potatohead Rustifarian Gray,” and “Sunday Snuggles.”
All things Ohio State remain popular: “Brutus” is the name of 166 dogs, “Buckeye” has 110, while “Scarlet” has 118 and “Sloopy” 18. There is also one dog named “Scarlet Ann Gray.”
Dog owners can renew or purchase their dog license at a reduced rate through the February 28 deadline. In addition to being required by state law, dog licenses ensure that if a dog is lost they are quickly returned to their owner. Licensing fees support the Franklin County Dog Shelter and Adoption Center.
Owners can always purchase or renew a dog’s license online at https://doglicense.franklincountyohio.gov, or at the Franklin County Auditor’s office license counter, 373 S. High St., 21st Floor. Counter hours are Monday through Friday, from 8 am to 4 pm.
