The 2008 Top male dog names and female dog names, according to Veterinary Pet Insurance Company's database of 466,000 pets, are released every year. But what do they mean and how do they apply to you?

1. Max

Max, as you might guess, literally means "greatest." It's originally a latin term, which is where we get much of the English language. No surprise here, as it's long been one of the most common dog names and is used as a canine label in countless family films. It's tops among male dog names, but sometimes is even used for a female dog name. It's short for Maximillian or Maxwell. If you name your dog Max, you're conveying that you're a bit on the boring side, or you're consciously trying to be a bit retro/kitschy cool. Most famous namesake? Mad Max of Thunderdome fame, played by Mel Gibson. So, you could be conveying wholesome, but potentially staid sentimentality or a post apocalyptic bad boy, all in one name. What's not to like?

2. Bailey

Bailey was originally a Middle English term for "Bailiff" or "Steward." It can also refer to the outer wall of a castle. It has only recently debutted on the Top Ten Dog Names list, at #9 last year. Bailey is typically a male dog name as well, but can also be used as a female dog name. Though the name's meaning is tied to something serious and responsible-sounding, the most common modern association would be with Bailey's Irish Creme. The name itself (even apart from the liquour association) conveys warmth and cheer. Naming your dog Bailey can tell others that you and your dog share fun and people loving personalities.

3. Bella

Most typically a female dog name, Bella is from the Italian word for beauty. It has long been used in literature in movies for beautiful women characters, most recently for Bella Swan in the popular Twilight movie and book series. It's generally short for Isabella, most notably born by the Queen of Castille, who funded the voyages of Christopher Columbus. If your pet is named Bella, it can evoke an impression of regal beauty, with literary and historical awareness.

4. Molly

Molly originally developed as a less formal, affectionate derivative of Mary. When used as a female dog name, it conveys a friendly familiarity as well as a can-do attitude. Probably the most famous Molly would be (The Unsinkable) Molly Brown, the amazing self-made woman who survived the Titanic. The most common modern association is Molly Ringwald, the star of 80's classic movie, Sixteen Candles.

5. Lucy

Derived from Lux, the latin term for "light," Lucy carries a lot of connotations, all of them positive. The most famous owners of the name in recent times are Lucille Ball (probably the best comedienne of all time) and Lucy van Pelt from Peanuts, the Charlie Brown comic. It's also the name of a tony women's clothing line. If this is the name you've chosen, don't let your dog hold the football when you're kicking.

6. Buddy

Always a popular male dog name, Buddy was made even more notable recently as the namesake of the lead dog in the "Air Bud" movies. Usually a pick for a suburbanite pup, it doesn't necessarily scream originality. Still, it denotes loyalty and friendship. Plus, it's a name shared with Buddy Holly, so it can't be all bad.

7. Maggie

A casual derivative of Margaret, Maggie is an often chosen female dog name. It comes from a Latin word, which those pesky Romans stole from Greek, which had apparently stolen it from the Sanskrit word for "pearl." Seriously. In modern times, the name brings to mind actress Maggie Gyllenhaal and famous wedding gown designer Maggie Sottero.

8. Daisy

Daisy Duke, Daisy Fuentes and Daisy Lowe all share a name that means, you guessed it, that familiar white flower. Taking it back a few (hundred) years, the flower's name is derived from an Old English phrase meaning "Day Eye." Almost invariably, the name typically refers to a female who is both beautiful and sweet. As a female dog name, Daisy evokes the simplicity of nature and its enjoyment.

9. Sophie

Sophie, a form of Sophia, means "Wisdom." It was a common name among royalty in Europe throughout the Middle Ages. It is an elegant female dog name, one that is full of the richness of its history. Modern bearers include actress Sophie Marceau and author Sophie Kinsella. One can't help but think of beauty and intelligence at the name.

10. Chloe

Chloe as a name has its origin in Greek mythology. Believe it or not, Chloe was originally an insult aimed at the Greek goddess Demeter. Chloe means "green shoot," which was intended to speak to Demeter's inexperience. However, the name has been in common usage since Biblical times. "Green shoot" can easily be taken as a complement, as it speaks to one's youthfulness, potential and beauty.