So, what's in a name? Well, pet names have several origins and usually owners rely on time-tested traditions when naming their pet. Many pet owners base their pets? name on their characteristics. Often times a black eyed dog will be called ?Spot?. Sometimes the name chosen would be after a fictional character or a real life person or something foreign and exotic regardless of its meaning.

Since the 1990's in the USA, Australia, Hungary and several other European countries, the pet dog name that is the most popular is the name: ?Max?. Off-hand, the name Max is short for Maximillian, though its long version places well below the 1000 Top Dog Names. This name is Latin in origin and means the greatest and the highest.

People's interest in their pet names origin comes from the love they have for their pet! Interestingly if you search a list of famous pet dogs, none of these canine icons were named Max. This makes it difficult to see why Max is heralded by several web sites as the Top Dog Name. Could it be that the basis of Max being the most popular dog name is by its meaning and not what the name represents in terms of canine contribution?

Greatness may not be in dog terms but scanning for a significant Max who holds true to its etymology was easy. The search so far turned out several movers and shakers in religion, the Roman Empire, Germanic rule and Hungarian throne.

Most of the people named Maximus, Maximillian or Max are staunch advocates of what they believe in. In the case of Saint Maximus of 500 AD, he was a renowned cleric but battled Monotheistic belief. Sadly, he died during exile. He was vindicated posthumously with the establishment of Dyothelite belief and was then granted Sainthood.

History shows this name and its derivatives exhibit inner strength even to their detriment. The rulers Maximillians of Bavaria, Bohemia and Germany from 15th to 17th century were one way or the other involved in political and religious spats that usually led them to banishment, war and even prison.

It is ironic that in the search for why Max is a favorite top dog name, the fates of the famous Max's of history do tell a similar story to a dog's life. Pet dogs are loyal and at times one track minded despite the consequences. Our favorite pets are also brave and valiant to a fault.

In could be said that anyone who has named their pet dog Max did so because of their belief that they will find greatness in their pet.