Joy
Meaning
Joy
Origin
English
Pronunciation
/dʒɔɪ/
Ah, Joy. Sure to be popular with the happy-go-lucky optimists among us.
Naming your pup Joy is like having a four-legged reminder of pure happiness on a leash. It's a nod to the iconic Pixar character, Joy, from Inside Out, who embodies positivity and cheerfulness.
The name Joy stems from the Old French "joie," meaning delight or pleasure, which is exactly what our furry friends bring to our lives, isn't it?
And beyond that, it's a also great conversation starter at the dog park. "Why did you name your dog Joy?" "Well, have you ever seen a dog frown?"
Check mate.
So, if you want a name that's a constant reminder of your dog's tail-wagging, face-licking, pure-hearted happiness, Joy gets a strong recommendation from me.
Traits associated with the name Joy:
Dogs named Joy tend to be loving, loyal, good-natured, and brave. This feminine name is also associated with companionship, and empathy.
What does it say about you to have a dog named Joy?
It suggests that you are an optimistic and joyful person who values happiness and positivity.
Is Joy a good dog name?
Joy is a one-syllable dog name, making it short and snappy. The name also ends in a vowel sound, so it's easy for dogs to recognize. Joy is a widely loved dog name for good reason. If you like it, go for it!
Popularity: Overall
Joy is one of the more popular dog names out there. According to our data, Joy outranks the great majority of names.
Popularity: Historical Trend
Joy was, in the past month, the 164th most viewed dog name on PupNames.com.
As of May 2025, Joy is becoming a more popular moniker with new puppy owners. Our stats show that the name is more fashionable than it was at this time last year.
We've seen quite a lot of variation in rank for this name, which may suggest seasonal factors or interest driven by pop culture events.
In the past week, Joy was viewed 98 times, and liked 2 times.
Popularity: United States
The map below shows Joy's popularity across the United States, according to PupNames data.
Joy is most adored in South Dakota, Ohio and Alabama.
By contrast, the name has been shown the least amount of interest in Arkansas, Nevada and South Carolina.
Popularity: Around The World
And this world map shows which countries have the greatest love for the name Joy.
Most popular breeds named Joy:
- German Shepherd
- Chihuahua
- Labrador Retriever
- Cocker Spaniel
- Korean Jindo
Joy is found in these categories:
happy
Joy embodies the cheerful, lively spirit dogs often display.
old-fashioned
Popular during the 70s, this canine moniker has since lost its sparkle.
spiritual
Reflects a deep sense of happiness and contentment often associated with spiritual enlightenment and fulfillment.
winter
Associations with holiday cheer and festive happiness make it a seasonally inspired canine moniker.
traditional
Popular for decades, this moniker often graces canine companions in classic literature.
cute
Evokes happiness and warmth, often associated with small, endearing things.
Dog names like Joy:
April 12, 2022 ◆ Translated
Let us know what you think of Joy as a dog name!