
The dog naming system in France: the year of A In 2025
In France, since 1926, an annual lettering system has been used to name purebred dogs. Each year is assigned to a letter of the alphabet, and all purebred puppies born that year are given a name beginning with that letter. This system, established by the Société Centrale Canine (SCC) nearly a century ago, facilitates identification and allows you to know at a glance the age of a purebred dog. Some letters considered difficult are omitted (such as K, Q, W, X, X, Y, Z), so that after 2024 (year of first names in V), the cycle starts again at A in 2025. So, 2025 is the year of dog names starting with A.
This rule concerns uniquely official LOF registrations — a puppy born in 2025 and intended to be registered at the LOF must have an A name on his papers. However, you are free to use a different nickname on a daily basis if you wish. Many owners like to follow the trend of the year out of pleasure even for a non-LOF dog, so that their companion has a name “in tune with the times.” The main thing is that the name pleases your family and fits the dog well. So you can respect the official letter A for 2025 while using an affectionate little name at home. The important thing is that you and your dog find your way around!
Historical anecdote: In 1926, the first year the system was put in place, all LOF dogs were named in A. This cyclical system has continued ever since, as it provides a common framework for breeders and owners. In 2025, this return to the letter A therefore marks the beginning of a New alphabetic cycle in the French dog world.
Tips for choosing a good dog name in 2025
Before presenting our List of dog names in A 2025, here are some tips to help you Choosing the ideal name. A good dog name should be both pleasant to use on a daily basis, easy for the animal to understand, and representative of what makes your dog unique.
1. Give preference to short and clear names
Dogs respond better to short names and strong sounds. Ideally, choose a name of one to two syllables, with clear consonants that clap (for example a K Or a T) because it gets their attention more easily. A name like “Akira” or “Atlas” will have more auditory impact than a name that is too soft or long like “Aurora” or “Angel”. Think about it: a short name will be easier to repeat during training and park reminders, making it easier to communicate with your dog.
2. Think about the meaning of the name
Making sense of your dog's name can make it even more special. Think about what you care about: a cultural reference, a place you love, a movie character, or a quality you associate with your companion. For example, “Amani” signifies peacefulness In Swahili — nice name for a dog with a mild temperament. “Aurora” signifies Aurora (dawn) — perfect for a puppy that brings new light into your life. You can also choose a mythological or heroic name if that inspires you, like “Ajax” (a courageous hero) or “Athena” (goddess of wisdom). The main thing is that the name resonates positively for you and matches the personality of your furball a bit.
3. Opt for originality (without overdoing it)
Names that are too common can be confusing, especially if several dogs in the neighborhood have the same name. It can be helpful to pick a name a bit unique so your dog doesn't turn around every time another owner calls his own pet back. Browse our List of dog names letter A below: some are classic, others more original. Find a balance between a name that's easy to pronounce and a name that stands out. However, don't go overboard: a name that's too strange or complicated could be difficult to assume or explain to others. Original yes, unpronounceable no 😉.
4. A name that will remain appropriate as you grow
Project yourself into the future. Your puppy will grow up, his name should suit him at all ages and for all situations. A name Too baby or Too cute could become incongruous once the dog is an adult. For example, “Baby” or “Tiny” for a small puppy, it is adorable, but if it is a German shepherd weighing 40 kg in adulthood, the contrast will make you smile... So make sure that the name chosen is always appropriate when your dog is an adult (size, appearance and character). This does not prevent using small and affectionate nicknames at home, but the Official name must be able to last the dog's entire life.
5. Avoid names that sound like orders
This advice is crucial: don't choose a name that could be confusing with a basic education order. In French, for example, call your dog “Sitting down” would be really problematic, because every time you call him, he might think he was being asked to sit down! Likewise, a name like “Hello” may look like “At the foot” to the dog's ear. In short, make sure that the first name does not sound too close to seating, supine, come, Don't move, etc., otherwise learning may be complicated. It is better to have a name distinct from any current command to avoid disturbing Médor in his training.
6. Take an oral test
Once you have one or two ideas in mind, feel free to Test the name out loud. Say it while calling as if your dog were in the distance: is the sound good? Do you feel comfortable shouting that name in the park without it sounding weird? 🙂 Sometimes, a name you like on paper can be difficult to call on a daily basis. By repeating the name, you will see if it is easy to say quickly and please you as much as always. This short exercise will help you avoid regretting a too impulsive choice.
7. Observe your dog's reaction
If you can (for example, if the puppy is already with you), try some names directly with him. Animals end up associating any word with them, but it is sometimes said that some dogs “choose” their names themselves. Say each name idea playfully and see if your puppy reacts to any of them in particular — nodding, glancing, or little tail waving? It's not scientific, but if one of your ideas seems talk to your puppy, why not follow this intuition! In any case, a name chosen from the heart will always be the right one.
8. Get the family involved and stay positive
Your dog's name will be used by The whole family on a daily basis. Make sure everyone agrees on the final choice, and that everyone can pronounce it easily (especially young children, if any, who may misrepresent a name that is too complicated). Also, check that the name does not have an annoying connotation in your environment or culture. Humor is good, but avoid names that are really embarrassing in public. In general, prefer a positive and caring name — the name also conveys the image of your dog to others. You might as well choose a name that makes you smile and reflects the joy of welcoming your new companion.
After these tips, let's move on to the part that surely interests you the most: The list of dog names in A ! To help you find THE perfect first name, we have classified the ideas by categories. Whether you are looking for a name of Male dog, of Female dog, a name ducky, quirky, classical, a name of disney Or a name really queer, you will find a multitude of ideas below. Good discovery!
List of dog names in A (2025) by categories
Male dog names in A
Here are some ideas for names for a dog male beginning with A. These names for canine boys range from the most classical to the most modern:
- Apollo, alex, Ace, angus, Archer
- Axel, Anakin, Atlas, arthur, Aiden
- August, Aldo, Alvin, aaron, Arlo
- amos, andy, abel, austin, Alpha
(You'll notice a variety of influences: Apollo evokes both mythology and the space mission of the same name, Anakin will appeal to Star Wars fans, Alpha suitable for a dog with a leadership character, etc. Choose the one that suits your dog best!)
Female dog names in A
If you are hosting a female, here are ideas for A-names full of sweetness or character. From the most trendy to the most timeless, there is something for everyone:
- Ava, Arya, Amber, Athena, alice
- Angel, April, Aurora, Amélie, Ariel
- Autumn, Adele, Aria, agnes, Alba
- Amara, abby, Annie, Alma, Aspen
(Again, these names cover various worlds: Arya comes from pop culture, Athena of mythology, Ava is short and international, Amélie is a more classical French name, Aspen recalls nature...)
Classic A-names
Do you prefer first names classics, elegant or retro? The letter A offers many timeless choices. Here are some traditional names for males and females:
Males (classical) :
- albert, alfred, Archibald, Armand, Alphonse
- Anatole, Auguste, arnold, anton, Aristide
Females (classical) :
- Agathe, Anne, Ada, alice, audrey
- agnes, alberta, Annette, angela, Antoinette
These names evoke a touch of yesteryear or nobility. For example, Archibald or Alphonse will suit a prided-looking dog, while Agathe or Antoinette will bring a chic and timeless note to a female.
Original and modern names in A
If you're looking for a name that's out of the ordinary, here are some ideas Originals (sometimes inspired by science fiction, gaming, or other modern worlds). These unusual names will give your dog a unique identity:
Males (single) :
- Axton, Axiom, Aztec, Astro, Ajax
- Atom, Anakin, Apex, Ares, Argon
- Asriel, Anchor, Ashen, Arkin, Aether
Females (unique) :
- Azura, asa, Athena, Ambrosia, Amethyst
- Azalea, Aspen, Aura, Aloha, Astra
- Aveline, Arcadia, Anika, Arwen, Alita
Here, we dare to be original! For example, Astro would be suitable for an energetic and “spatial” dog, Ambrosia (named after the food of the gods) to a dog with a luxurious taste 😉, Aloha Means hello/love in Hawaiian — perfect for a welcoming and kind dog. Let your imagination run wild, these names are really out of the ordinary.
Cute names in A
For a cute little puppy, we sometimes like to come up with a name that's all ducky that reflects his touching personality. Here are some ideas for A-names that sound sweet and affectionate:
Males (cute) :
- Alfie, Archie, Ami, Amigo, angel
- Aki, Ari, Atchoum, alex, andy
Females (cute) :
- abby, Aimée, Aiko, Ally, Angie
- Annie, April, Asha, amy, Ayla
- Alizée, love, Angel, Aya, Amie
These names exude tenderness. Aimée means “loved” (a whole program for your beloved dog), Amigo means “friend” in Spanish — adorable for a very sociable little male, Atchoum will make everyone smile (a nod to Snow White's dwarf, perfect for a puppy that sneezes or growls all the time!) , love is a bold but unforgettable name for an animal that is your love on legs.
Funny names in A
Do you have a sense of humor and want a dog name that makes you laugh or is full of mischievous? Why not choose a name queer or quirky starting with A! Here are a few fun ideas:
Males (funny) :
- Atchoum (the dog that makes you sneeze with happiness?) , Maggot (for a little stir), pineapples (if your dog is a real fruity 😄), Artichoke (for a gourmand with a tender heart), Acrobat (if your puppy is jumping all over the place)
- Lamb (perfect for a big, soft doggie), Anarchy (for a hellish puppy who sows chaos in an endearing way), Apricot (orange and sweet, like his coat?) , Aperitif (your friend at the end of the day), Attila (ironic for a mini-dog who thinks he's a conqueror)
Females (funny) :
- Allumette (for a dog as thin as a toothpick or very sharp), Andouille (affectionately stupid 🐶), Aspirin (which relieves all your ailments... or causes a few 😅), Aloha (so sociable that she greets everyone), Highness (if Mademoiselle behaves like a spoiled princess)
These names make you smile while remaining affectionate. Just be sure to assume shouting them in the park! If you opt for Andouille or Anarchy, you will certainly make the other masters laugh. Highness is a funny name by contrast, especially if your dog is a bit shitty. Humor makes your dog's name unique and memorable, so have fun.
Disney-inspired names in A
Disney classics and animated movies are full of endearing characters whose names start with A. Here are some Disney name ideas for your dog that kids and adults alike will love:
Males (Disney) :
- aladdin (the hero with the big heart), arthur (the young king in Merlin the Enchanter), andy (the little boy of Toy Story), Abu (Aladdin's thieving but loyal monkey), achilles (Captain Phoebus's horse in The Hunchback of Notre Dame, known for the line “Achilles, at the foot!” 🐴)
- archimedes (Merlin's clever owl, a funny name for a wise dog with imaginary glasses), Apollo (like the sun god, but also a canine character in some Disney series), angus (Merida's horse in Rebelle), Arlo (the little green dinosaur of The Voyage of Arlo, adorable and innocent), adam (the Prince transformed into a Beast in Beauty and the Beast, his human name)
- amos (the nasty hunter in Rox and Rouky, but the name sounds good), anton (referring to Anton Ego, the critic in ratatouille, for a gourmet dog 😋), ali (Prince Ali Ababwa, alias Aladdin en prince, for a dog who thinks he's a prince), Archie (possible reference to secondary characters named Archie in the Disney universe), Atlas (not a major Disney character, but the name evokes titanic strength — only for a strong dog!)
Females (Disney) :
- Ariel (the famous Little Mermaid, perfect for a curious dog or a water lover), Aurora (original name of Sleeping Beauty, in French we call her Aurore), alice (the heroine ofAlice in Wonderland, ideal for an intrepid dog), anna (the courageous sister in The Snow Queen), anastasia (even though the movie wasn't originally Disney, the princess from the cartoon anastasia is in everyone's memories)
- Adella, Attina, Arista, Aquata, Alana (these are the first names of Ariel's sisters in The Little Mermaid, all starting with A! You can choose your favorite one, each sister has her own personality — for example Attina the serious elder, Arista the musician, etc.)
- Atta (the princess ant in 1001 Legs — short and cute name), Anita (the nice owner of Pongo and Perdita in 101 Dalmatians), adelaide (Madame Bonfamille in The Aristocats, a chic lady — funny for a cat, but why not for a diva dog 🐩), Annette (one of Lady and Tramp II's puppies), Ahsoka (wink at Star Wars — Ahsoka Tano is an intrepid Jedi heroine (for a dog with a combative but loyal temperament)
Disney names add a touch of magic. Whether it's about Ariel The dreamer or aladdin The mischievous, passing by archimedes The wise, these names evoke well-known stories and characters — enough to give a little fairytale personality to your companion!
Mythological names in A
For a majestic name steeped in history, why not draw on the mythology ? Many deities and heroes have names in A. Here are a few for males and females:
Males (mythology) :
- achilles (Greek hero of the Trojan War, brave and reckless), Adonis (of great beauty in Greek mythology), anubis (Egyptian god with a dog's head, guardian of the dead — an original choice for a black dog for example), apollo (Greek god of the Sun, of the arts... symbol of beauty and harmony), Arès (Greek god of war, for a dog with a strong temperament!)
Females (mythology) :
- athena (goddess of wisdom and strategy, symbolized by the owl — a nice name for an intelligent dog), aphrodite (goddess of love and beauty, for your beautiful princess), Artemis (goddess of hunting and protector of animals, a perfectly appropriate name for an agile dog), Andromeda (princess saved by Perseus in Greek mythology, an elegant name), atalanta (Greek heroine, known for her speed at the race and her fierce independence)
These mythological names will give a particular aura to your dog. They carry strong meanings — courage, wisdom, beauty... — and can be a great way to express what your animal represents to you. However, be careful: the gods and heroes had character, make sure that yours will bear this prestigious name 😉.
Some stories about famous dogs whose names start with A
To finish on a fun note, did you know that many famous dogs (real or fictional) have names beginning with A? Here are some inspiring stories that show that the letter A has often been in the spotlight for our four-legged friends:
Astro
Astro Is the futuristic dog of the Jetson family in the cartoon The Jetsons from the 1960s. This big gray dog has the particularity of talk (in his own way): in the original version, he adds an “R” in front of almost every word, which gives a comical growl effect (“Rastro” instead of Astro, for example). Despite his clumsy and goofy side, Astro is an integral member of the Jetson family and gets along particularly well with the father, George. His affectionate character and his almost human behavior have made him one of the most loved fictional doggies on the futuristic small screen.
Argos
In Greek mythology (song XVII of The Odyssey), Argos is the faithful dog of the hero Ulysse. This story illustrates the unconditional loyalty of dogs: Argos awaits the return of his master during Twenty years, and recognizes Ulysse despite his beggar disguise when no one else recognizes him. Exhausted by waiting and age, the old dog dies just after seeing Ulysse one last time. This moment is very moving and makes Argos a symbol of absolute fidelity in literature. Giving your dog the name Argos means placing it under the sign of an unwavering friendship in the manner of this ancient canine hero.
Ajax
Ajax was the name of a war dog that served alongside the British Army during the Second World War. Stationed in Malta, Ajax played a valuable role in the defense of the island by helping to detect enemy aircraft during air raids. His keen sense of hearing and courage prevented numerous attacks, saving human lives. He was decorated for bravery and remains a symbol of the heroic dog soldiers of the Second World War. The story of Ajax is a reminder of the dedication and value that many dogs brought during conflicts, whether it was looking for injured people, transmitting messages, or raising the morale of troops. A real hero's name for a valiant dog!
Air Buddy
Air Buddy, often referred to simply as Buddy, is the famous golden retriever from the movie Air Bud (Buddy Star of The Baskets in VF), produced by Disney in 1997. In the original movie, Buddy amazes everyone with his talent for playing basketball ! 🏀 This playful dog scores hoots and shows that he is much more than just a pet. The success of the movie led to numerous sequels where Buddy (and later his puppies) took up other sports: American football, soccer, volleyball, baseball... we can't stop him anymore. Buddy captured the hearts of the family audience thanks to his intelligence, his kindness and his team spirit. Fun fact: the dog actor who played Buddy actually knew how to play basketball, which makes the character even more engaging. If your dog loves chasing the ball in the garden, Buddy is a name that will fit him like a glove!
arthur
The story ofarthur is a modern tale of friendship between a stray dog and sportspeople. Arthur was a homeless dog in Ecuador when in 2014 he crossed paths with a Swedish team participating in an endurance race in the middle of the jungle. The runners gave him a meatball during a break, and the dog refused to leave them afterwards! He has them followed for more than 400 km through the Amazon rainforest, braving mud, rivers (they even had to hoist it in their kayak at some point) and fatigue. Touched by Arthur's loyalty, the team captain decided to adopt him and bring him back to Sweden with him. After care and quarantine, Arthur got his passport to a new life and lived happily with his new family. His journey went around the world on social networks and became the symbol of rewarded loyalty. Name your dog arthur, is therefore to evoke this incredible adventure and the proof that sometimes, a simple encounter can change everything in the life of an animal.
Apollo
Apollo was a German shepherd who was a member of the K-9 unit of the New York Police Department (NYPD). His name made history because Apollo was one of the first search and rescue dogs to intervene during the September 11, 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center. Arriving at the scene a few minutes after the towers collapsed, Apollo bravely searched the rubble for survivors, risking his life alongside human rescuers. At one point, he narrowly escaped flames and falling debris-he just got out of it perched on a pile of wet rubble, which protected him from the fire. Apollo and his master worked tirelessly, and he is credited with saving several people that day. In recognition, Apollo received the Dickin Medal, equivalent to the Victoria Cross for heroic animals. This dog embodies the courage and dedication of dog rescue teams. A name like Apollo would be well suited to a dog with a protective or reckless temperament — not to mention that it's also a sun god's name, so it's quite glorious to wear!
Conclusion: it's up to you to play!
In 2025, the letter A offers an extraordinary range of first names for our four-legged friends. Of the plus classics At most originals, going through the names Muties, Funny or inspired by the Pop culture, there is something for everyone. The important thing is to choose a name that Please and that reflects the unique personality of your dog. Take into account our advice (sound, simplicity, meaning...) to refine your choice, but also listen to your crush.
With all these A-name ideas, you should be ready to Finding the perfect dog name in 2025 for your new companion. Remember that this name will accompany you for a long time: it will become a symbol of your friendship with your animal. Whether you opt for Athena the malignant one, alfred the placid, Azuki The funny guy or Appoline The charmer, choose it with love and you can't go wrong.
So What name in A Are you going to donate to your hairball born in 2025? Do not hesitate to take a look at our List of dog names by letter A and to share the first name you have chosen! We wish you lots of happiness with your dog and lots of adventures to come. 🐾 Happy adoption and baptism to all future puppies of 2025!