Naming a pet is often as important to pet owners as naming a child, and trends in pet names tend to reflect larger cultural shifts, including the influence of pop culture, celebrities, and popular media.
So what's trending now? And what inspires naming trends? We scoured recent pet licensing statistics and surveys to find out. (Hint: if you have a Charlie, Oliver or Luna, you're onto something!)
Pawpular male dog names
The most popular names for male dogs continue to be influenced by both classic choices and pop culture. Names like Max and Charlie remain perennial favorites, reflecting a desire for simplicity and familiarity. But new entrants like Thor and Loki point to the ongoing influence of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Fans of the MCU are naming their pets after powerful yet lovable characters, with a hint of the mythological underpinnings that appeal to dog owners looking for strong yet fun names.
Another trend we see is that human names continue to top the charts for male dogs. Oliver, Leo, and Henry have all surged in popularity as many pet owners prefer giving their pets traditional human names to enhance the family-like bond with their canine companions.
Furbulous female dog names
For female dogs, Bella continues its reign as a top name, a trend that started with the popularity of the "Twilight" saga over a decade ago. Names like Luna and Daisy also take top spots, the former influenced by Harry Potter fans who adore the quirky character Luna Lovegood, and the latter conveying innocence and a sunny disposition.
Disney-inspired names are seeing a resurgence as well. Nala (from The Lion King) and Elsa (from Frozen) are particularly common, reflecting how animated classics leave a long-lasting impression on pet owners. Also, names like Willow and Maple show a growing interest in nature-inspired names, aligning with broader lifestyle trends focused on wellness and environmentalism.
Whisker-worthy male cat names
For male cats, names like Oliver and Milo are at the top, both of which have been rising in popularity for several years. These names are often chosen because they sound friendly and approachable, mirroring the personality many owners attribute to their feline companions.
Cats with a bit more edge tend to get names like Simba and Salem, the former inspired by The Lion King and the latter perhaps inspired by the classic black cat from Sabrina the Teenage Witch. These names embody cats' independent and sometimes mysterious personas while maintaining a connection to beloved cultural icons.
Trending female cat names
When it comes to female cats, Luna tops the list once again, much like it does for dogs. The name's mystical and celestial connotations appeal to cat owners, who often associate their feline friends with the mystery of the night. Following closely behind are names like Chloe and Nala, with Disney again making its mark.
Nature-based names are also a hit among female cats. Names such as Hazel and Ivy are gaining traction, reflecting a love for the natural world, simplicity, and peace.
The connection between entertainment and pet names remains strong, with shows, movies, and even social media personalities contributing to the trends. For example, the popularity of the Netflix series Stranger Things led to an increase in names like Eleven and Hopper. The names gained traction as the show did.
Famous pets and social media influencers also shape naming trends. Names like Doug (after Doug the Pug) and Jiff (from Jiffpom the Pomeranian) gained popularity as the animals went viral online, influencing pet owners to follow suit.
Names tied to royalty and mythology are also trending, influenced by series like Game of Thrones and The Witcher. Pet owners are increasingly choosing names like Arya, Khaleesi, and Geralt for their pets, showcasing a preference for names that evoke strength and character.
Wisconsin pet owners reflect many national trends when naming their dogs and cats but with a few local twists. According to pet licensing data, Wisconsin pet parents have a penchant for naming their pets after Packers players and Wisconsin-related landmarks. Names like Lambeau, Packer, and even Bart (after Packers legend Bart Starr) show up in local trends, giving pets a strong connection to the state's strong football culture.
Nature names also rank highly in Wisconsin, where the state's lakes, forests, and outdoor culture influence pet owners. Names like River, Aspen, and Birch for dogs and cats have gained traction, perhaps inspired by the state's many natural landmarks. Additionally, names with Wisconsin heritage, such as Harley (a nod to the Harley-Davidson motorcycle brand) and Cheese (yes, some owners lean into the cheesehead stereotype!), show that Wisconsin pet owners often wear their local pride on their sleeves — or rather, on their pets' collars.
Wisconsin residents also align with the national trend of giving pets human names. Popular choices for male pets, like Jack and Oscar and female names like Lucy and Sophie, continue to dominate local lists.
As we draw inspiration from movies, mythology, and the world around us, it's clear that our pets' names are more than just labels — they're little reflections of who we are and what we love. Whether your dog is a daring Loki or your cat a regal Luna, choosing a name for our best friends is one more way we connect them to the big, wide world we share. After all, they’re not just pets — they’re family.
