Meaning and background
The story behind Paprika
Paprika provides a precise spice association. Merriam-Webster defines it as a usually mild red seasoning made from dried, finely ground sweet-pepper pods and also applies the word to a pepper used to make it. A cooking memory, favourite flavour or red-colour association can therefore explain the choice for a dog. The checked definition concerns the seasoning and plant, rather than establishing an inherited personal-name meaning.
- Association
- Usually mild red seasoning made from dried ground sweet peppers; also a pepper used to make it. Source
Try Paprika out loud
Everyday moments“Paprika, come here!”
Say it as you would on a walk or at home. Does it feel natural alongside your usual commands and other pets’ names?
About Paprika
Recorded as a dog’s name
Paprika appears in 2 dog licence records in the 2016 New York City dataset.
How to read this count
These records cover New York City and may count the same dog in more than one licence period. They are not a national popularity ranking.
Pronunciation and rhythm
/pæpɹikə/
US English sound sequence, converted from the CMU dictionary. Stress marks are shown separately.
Stress on the second syllable in the recorded US readings.
Other dictionary readings and notation
/pæpɹikə/ · primary stress on syllable 2P AE0 P R IY1 K AH0
/pəpɹikə/ · primary stress on syllable 2P AH0 P R IY1 K AH0
These are US dictionary readings. Personal, regional and other language pronunciations may differ.
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Sources and research notes (3)
- New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene NYC Dog Licensing Dataset — all seven available extract years, retrieved 24 October 2026 — Recorded name spellings in NYC licence-period rows, extract years 2016–2018, 2022–2024 and 2026. Evidence selects one stated year per name. Annual snapshots overlap; never sum them as unique dogs. No national popularity, etymology or owner naming-intent claim.
- Carnegie Mellon University / CMU Sphinx maintainers CMU US English Pronouncing Dictionary — US English dictionary readings; not owner-specific or exhaustive multilingual pronunciation
- City of Seattle Seattle Pet Licenses — DOG-only name aggregate, current source dated 6 October 2026 — Secondary spelling corroboration from dog-only licence rows. No cats, owner fields, national ranking or unique-dog claim.
References support the individual facts shown. A source link does not mean the entire profile has been verified.