How to choose the puurfect name for your pet, according to experts

Deciding on the right name for a new pet is tricky. From getting a sense of what suits their personality to coming up with something unique and personal, there’s lots to think about.

Despite this, some dog and cat names are more common than others.

Pet insurance experts, Petsure, have revealed which names are the most popular for dogs and cats in the UK. Petsure’s Content Manager Allie has also offered some ideas for new pet parents on how to name their new four-legged friends.

The top 20 most popular dog and cat names in 2024 according to Petsure:

The most popular dog names for eight different dog breeds

Cockapoos: Teddy is crowned the top choice for Cockapoos, likely due to their teddy-like appearance, followed by Bella and Luna.

• Top 10: Teddy, Bella, Luna, Bailey, Poppy, Willow, Milo, Rosie, Winnie and Bonnie.

Jack Russells: Jack Russell Terrier parents love the name Bella, along with flower-based names like Rosie and Daisy.

• Top 10: Bella, Buddy, Lola, Daisy, Luna, Rosie, Poppy, Charlie, Toby, Milo.

Cocker Spaniels: Some ethereal-sounding names like Luna and Willow made it into the top 10 for Cocker Spaniels.

• Top 10: Luna, Willow, Milo, Poppy, Bella, Bailey, Daisy, Cooper, Rosie and Bonnie.

Labrador Retrievers: They say your dog is your best bud and it seems Lab parents agree, with Buddy being a top-name pick.

• Top 10: Luna, Willow, Milo, Buddy, Lola, Ruby, Bailey, Daisy, Mabel and Bella.

German Shepherds: It’s a deep dive into mythology when naming German Shepherds with popular choices including Loki and Zeus.

• Top 10: Luna, Bella, Bear, Loki, Lola, Max, Nala, Zeus, Willow and Shadow.

Golden Retrievers: Goldie parents also love a nature-inspired name with Luna, Daisy, Willow, and Poppy being popular picks.

• Top 10: Luna, Bailey, Willow, Nala, Cooper, Milo, Teddy, Daisy, Bonnie and Poppy.

Staffies: It’s a fun pick and mix in the top 10 Staffie names, from the modern-sounding Blue to more classic choices like Reggie.

• Top 10: Luna, Bella, Lola, Milo, Reggie, Blue, Daisy, Ruby, Skye, Rosie.

The most popular cat names by breed

Moggie cat: Like many dog breeds, the top name for our beloved moggies is also Luna. But did you also spot a popular sweet snack included in the top 10 list?

• Top 10: Luna, Bella, Willow, Nala, Lola, Milo, Loki, Coco, Oreo and Poppy.

British shorthairs: Could British Shorthair parents be nostalgic for a certain Disney film? Nala and Simba are some favourite name choices for this popular breed.

• Top 10: Luna, Milo, Willow, Bella, Nala, Simba, Coco, Daisy, Molly and Mabel.

Bengal cat: The wild look of the Bengal coat may have inspired the top name choices of Leo and Simba for this exotic breed.

• Top 10: Luna, Nala, Loki, Simba, Leo, Milo, Bella, Cleo, Lola and Willow.

Ragdoll cat: Known for their long silky coats, it might not come as a surprise that Teddy is a popular pick for Ragdolls.

• Top 10: Luna, Milo, Bella, Teddy, Coco, Lola, Willow, Loki, Lily and Blue.

To help new pet owners choose the perfect name, Allie at Petsure says,

“Choosing a name for your new pet is a special and personal experience, but can be a tough decision. So we’ve put together some suggestions to help any new pet parents out there.”

1. Keep it short and sweet

“Giving your pet a short name with no more than two syllables could help with recall. A simple and concise name may also prevent any confusion with other words and phrases.

2. Wait until you get to know your pet

Your pet is an individual, so taking the time to learn their personality can help to guide your name choice. Or you perhaps may want to pick a name based on a unique physical feature, such as unusual fur markings.

3. Give it a test run

Once you think you’ve settled on a name, give yourself time to try it out. Call your pet by that name for a few days and see how it feels. Pay attention to how it sounds when you say it aloud and how your pet responds. This trial can help check if the chosen name feels just right for both you and your pet.”