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Baby names

Find baby name inspiration and advice on the Mumsnet Baby Names forum.

Original poster

Is Max too much of a dog's name?

56 replies

lostandconfused2 · 25/11/2019 16:40

I've finally decided on Max for my little boy, but I'm worried because it's the top name for male dogs! But it's the only name I really like bar Harrison, but that name rhymes with the surname so don't want to give him it!

I'm thinking Max William, though I might use my step-dad's name for his middle name.

I don't like the traditional names like Maxwell or Maximillian, just Max.

What do you think?

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WildCherryBlossom · 27/11/2019 11:32

I love the name Max. I know 6 humans with the name, 1 cat and no dogs.

JemSynergy · 26/11/2019 20:15

No of course it isn't. My daughter's teacher told her at the beginning of the term that her dog was called the same name - and my daughter's name isn't a name I'd associate with being a dog's name!

CravingCheese · 26/11/2019 17:16

As for children called Max being wild... The protagonist in where the wild things are is called Max as well. (it's a great book imo :) )

BonBon411 · 26/11/2019 14:48

Like Max but not with William.

Cookit · 26/11/2019 13:47

Of course it’s not a dog’s name!

Just because people like to name their dogs and other animals human names (and generally short names so that the dog recognises their name) doesn’t mean those names should be taken out of circulation.

Chocaholic4672 · 26/11/2019 12:39

I have a Max, I love the name. Someone said that Max's are wild....they are correct! Never a dull moment and he's now 14.

Busybeebeebee · 26/11/2019 12:33

I have a Max. Be prepared that most Max’s I’ve ever known are wild children but that’s what makes them awesome Grin

jfoyo26 · 26/11/2019 12:32

Love Max - was on my list for a boy! Not sure about Max William AKA Max Willy AKA Big Willy, haha....He might not hate that but should be a thought. Know an Alec William who was nicknamed...I lick willy at school!

Derbee · 26/11/2019 02:29

Max is a great name! And not doggy at all imo

Katfood · 25/11/2019 19:28

No, not too doggy.

But I'd be worry about potential teasing with Max Willy Blush.

CravingCheese · 25/11/2019 19:16

Max William is great :)

Yes, some dogs are named Max. But the name is popular enough to be clearly a 'human name' imo...

Fishcakey · 25/11/2019 19:12

Max is lovely, Maximilian is pretentious and Maxwell is just ugh.

Aragog · 25/11/2019 18:42

Have taught several children named Max. Never considered it a dog's name.

These days lots of people chose 'human' names for their pets. But it doesn't then make the name only suitable for said pets.

SoftBlocks · 25/11/2019 18:37

I like Max and Rex for a human. And Felix.
Not keen on Harrison.

pinkmagic1 · 25/11/2019 18:34

I used to have a dog called Max but don't just see it as a dogs name. Equally fine for a person.

Majorcollywobble · 25/11/2019 18:32

I meet a lot of dogs but never yet one called Max .
Do you hate Maxim ?

DameSylvieKrin · 25/11/2019 18:31

Never heard of a dog called Max, so it’s not a dog name for everyone.
I love Max for a baby.
Max William sounds too much like you can’t pronounce Maximillian.

MrsBertBibby · 25/11/2019 18:24

Good name, not too doggy.

Metaplasia · 25/11/2019 17:25

My dog's name is Max. However I also have a cousin, a friend and several kids in DD's school also called Max so it's both a human and/or dog name for me.

Leopardprintboots · 25/11/2019 17:05

I don’t know any dogs called Max. But even if I did, I don’t really see it as a huge problem. Dogs can have all sorts of names

Max is a great name- strong and easy to spell and great for baby and adult

Dyra · 25/11/2019 17:04

I associate the name more with Max Verstappen, than with any member of the canine species.

Max is a lovely name. Was under consideration if we had had a boy.

ELM8 · 25/11/2019 17:00

I don't know any dogs called Max and I know two humans called Max so I think you're fine Smile

DontCallMeDaisy · 25/11/2019 16:58

I've got a name often given to dogs and cats (one very famous cat) and it's never held me back or bothered me, it's a really good name.

I have a DD who is 8 and throughout school and nursery have met a couple of little boys called Max, none of them dog-like. It's a great name.

Aderyn19 · 25/11/2019 16:55

It's been okay for the last 18 years on my son! My mum said it was a dog's name but I ignored her!

DaphneFanshaw · 25/11/2019 16:53

I know a couple of Max's, they are both human. I don't think it's just a dogs name at all.