What is in a dog's name? There are lists of common dog names, but...what do they mean? Are certain dog names associated with certain characteristics and traits?

After interviewing several veterinarians about this hypothesis, it was determined that there are certain characteristics generally associated with different female dog names.

A list of the top 30 female dogs names were compiled by Veterinary Pet Insurance over 300,000 policy holders. The following are characteristics associated with each name:


The Meaning Behind the Top 30 Female Dog Names

1. MOLLY – Molly is a great dog name. Molly's come in a variety of sizes and shapes and are generally gentle and sweet natured. If you look into most dogs named Molly's faces – they actually have "pretty faces". Molly's are generally very trusting. Origin: Hebrew. The meaning is: Virgin Mother of Christ.

2. MAGGIE – Most dogs named Maggie are happy and mild-mannered. They prefer to be with their owners than on their own. They love to be loved and give TONS of love back in return. A lot of dogs named Maggie like to communicate with you either with whines and barks or with their eyes. Origin: Greek. The meaning is: From Margaret; a Pearl.

3. DAISY – Dogs named Daisy are often sweet dogs with loving personalities. They are often low-key dogs with quiet tendencies. They like to play at times but prefer to sleep. Origin: Latin. The meaning is: Days Eye, Flower name – with yellow center and white pedals.

4. LUCY – Lucy is a name often given to spoiled dogs. Lucy's are loved and given lots of attention and time. Most Lucy's are smart dogs and good problem solvers. They are alert and not much gets by them without them knowing about it. Many dogs named Lucy are described as "beautiful". Origin: Latin. The meaning is: Light and learning.

5. SADIE – Dogs named Sadie are often kind and sweet dogs. Sadie's are often intuitive and have penetrating eyes. When they look at you – you feel as though they know what you are thinking. People that meet dogs named Sadie often say "What a Sweet Dog". Origin: Hebrew. The meaning is: Princess.

6. GINGER – Ginger is a common name given to dogs that are ginger in color – a red/brown color. Golden retrievers, Irish setters and Brittany spaniels are a couple common breeds named Ginger. Most Gingers are sweet although some can borderline on selfish. They sometime prefer to be in single dog households. They often have a "girl next door" appearance to strangers. Origin: Latin. The meaning is: Spring like; Flourishing or pungent spice.

7. CHLOE – Dogs named Chloe are often larger breed dogs with very loving and loyal personalities. They aim to please and can be quite "care-free". Origin: Greek. The meaning is: Greek Shoot or fresh young blossom.

8. BAILEY – Bailey is a unisex name that is often used on both male and female dogs. Female dogs named Bailey are generally sweet and kind. They like quiet times and just to be with their owners. They often have a "sweet tooth" and will have a tendency to beg if given the opportunity. Origin: English. The meaning is: Bailiff.

9. SOPHIE – Sincere and sweet are two words often used to describe Sophie's. They can be creative and like to play. They are people dogs and prefer your company over the company of other dogs. Origin: Greek. The meaning is: Wisdom.

10. ZOE – Dogs named Zoe are often strong leaders. They can be quiet and thoughtful. They seem to read your mind at times. They prefer your company over anything else. Origin: Greek. The meaning is: Life.

11. PRINCESS – The name "Princess" is often associated with smaller breed dogs with a lot of charisma. At least they show charisma to their owners but it may not be obvious to their veterinarian or groomer. They like to look "pretty" and are often dressed in pink clothes, collar or bandanas. Origin: English. The meaning is: Royal Daughter.

12. BELLA – Dogs named Bella are often small and pretty. They are generally very agile and graceful. Most Bella's are very loyal to their owners and are used to being spoiled. Many Bella's like to be fussed over with grooming, nail painting or being dressed up. Their favorite color is pink! Origin: Italian. The meaning is: Beautiful.

13. ANGEL – Angel is a name often associated with a quiet tranquil dog. They are thoughtful, loving and very loyal. They are often suspicious of strangers and slow to warm up to new people. They are trustworthy friends and good at keeping secrets. Origin: English. The meaning is: Angel; Messenger; kind and lovable.

14. LADY – Lady is a wonderful dog name and often given to Cocker Spaniels after the Disney movie "Lady and the Tramp". Dogs named Lady are generally very smart and have very keen sense of hearing and smell. They are loyal to their owners but sometimes leery of strangers. Origin: Unknown. The meaning is: Cagy; female title of nobility.

15. SASHA – Dogs named Sasha often come in a variety of sizes and shapes. Most Sasha's are eager to please and very "caring" dogs. They are also good listeners and love it when you talk to them. They like to go on walks and spend quiet time with you. Origin: Greek. The meaning is: Defending men; helpmate.