Did you know that Max was the top boy dog name in 2024? We always love seeing the cute and fun names people come up with for their animal companions. As it turns out, a few recent studies have uncovered some pretty interesting statistics about pet names. A local veterinarian offers some highlights on this below.
Top Dog
As mentioned above, Max was the top name for male pooches. Some other high scorers included Milo, Buddy, Charlie, Rocky, Bear, Leo, and Teddy. Bella was the top name for girls, followed by Luna, Lucy, Daisy, Zoe, Lily, Lola, Baily, and Stella.
Cat-egory
The top girl name for kitties were Luna, Bella, Lily, Nala, Lucy, and Kitty. For male cats, Oliver, Leo, Milo, Charlie, Max, and Simba were the most popular options.
Historical Pets
The ill-fated Anne Boleyn is mostly known for being beheaded. A lesser known face? She had a little dog named Purkoy. Purkoy is a rough translation of the French ‘pour quoi’, which means ‘Why?’. It’s probably safe to say that was a curious pup!
Knightly Moniker
One of the oldest pet name records would be that of the 14th-century knight, who had a hound named Parceval!
Medieval Pets
Edward, Duke of York, actually wrote out a list of 1100 hunting dog names. Some of these, such as Sturdy, Troy, Whitefoot, Hardy, and Bo, would not really seem out of place today. Then we have names like Clenche, Bragge, Nosewise, Amiable, and Filthe. Those would probably raise some eyebrows!
As for cats? Well, we all know that Fluffy has been bossing people around for thousands of years. Turns out, most kitties were named Gilbert back in medieval England. (We suspect they ignored those calls as much as their modern counterparts.) Meanwhile, over in England, cats often responded to TIbers or Tibert.
Celebrity Pet Names
The trend of naming pets after celebrities probably isn’t going to be going away anytime in the near future. The names Taylor and Taylor Swift both dropped in popularity in 2024. However, pets that were named after stars like Jennifer Lopez, Aretha Franklin, and A-Rod joined the list for the first time, along with the first actually feline Doja Cat. And while we’ve been seeing kitties named Oprah for quite a while now, it’s worth noting that those numbers rose last year.
Picking A Name
Choosing the perfect name for a pet can be pretty tricky. Sometimes you may find the perfect name, only to realize it really doesn’t suit your furry friend. Baby name generators can be helpful, but you can also try looking up translations of words or phrases that remind you of your cute pet’s personality, history, or appearance.
Our Advice on Pet Names in 2024
What was the top male dog name in 2024?
In 2024, the top male dog name was Max, a trend observed across various pet surveys and vet registrations. This name has consistently ranked high for several years, reflecting its enduring popularity among pet owners. Names like Max often appeal due to their simplicity, ease of pronunciation, and a certain timeless charm. Interestingly, pet naming trends can mirror broader cultural shifts, but classics like Max maintain their appeal regardless of changing fashions or new influences in popular culture. This makes Max a go-to choice for many new dog owners.
Which names were popular for female dogs in 2024?
In 2024, the trend for female dog names leaned towards Bella as the frontrunner, closely followed by Luna, Lucy, Daisy, Zoe, Lily, Lola, Bailey, and Stella. These names reflect classic and contemporary choices, illustrating various inspirations, from nature to human names. Bella has enjoyed longstanding popularity, possibly due to its universal appeal and the influence of popular culture. These names often resonate with pet owners for their pleasant sound, emotional connection, and ease of use, making them go-to choices for new dog parents.
What were the most popular male cat names recently?
Recently, the most popular male cat names have been Oliver, Leo, Milo, Charlie, Max, and Simba. Often chosen for their endearing qualities, these names reflect a range of inspirations from classic literature (like “Oliver Twist”) to popular culture and nature. With its gentle sound and traditional roots, the name Oliver has particularly resonated with cat owners. Names like Leo and Simba evoke lion-like qualities and appeal to those who see regal traits in their feline companions. These trends in cat naming showcase how owners often select names that reflect personality traits or physical characteristics they adore in their pets.
What names topped the list for female cats?
For female cats, the names that topped the list recently include Luna, Bella, Lily, Nala, Lucy, and Kitty. These names, particularly Luna and Bella, have surged in popularity, reflecting broader cultural trends and the personal preferences of cat owners. With its celestial connotations, Luna resonates with those who see a mystical or elegant quality in their cats. Similarly, Bella, meaning ‘beautiful’ in Italian, is a favorite for its simplicity and charm. These names embody the grace and allure commonly associated with felines and fit well with household cats’ playful and affectionate nature.
How has the trend of naming pets after celebrities changed in 2024?
In 2024, the trend of naming pets after celebrities saw some interesting shifts. While traditional favorites like Taylor and Taylor Swift declined in popularity as pet names, new celebrity-inspired names emerged. Notably, pets were increasingly named after stars such as Jennifer Lopez, Aretha Franklin, and A-Rod, marking a diversification in the influence of pop culture on pet naming. Unique choices, like the first feline, Doja Cat, entered the scene. This trend highlights how pet owners often draw inspiration from current celebrities and cultural icons, reflecting changing tastes and interests in popular culture.
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