Adopting a new pet? These are the top 10 pet names for dogs and cats
Choosing the perfect name for your newly adopted pet is one of the many exciting aspects of welcoming a new animal into your life.
From names like Charlie to Cooper, Luna to Simba, picking the right name for your pet is an important decision as you want to choose one that best reflects your animal’s character traits for years to come.
Over the past few years, there has been an increase in the variety of popular pet names. There are human names, names that reflect your pet’s colour, personality or nature, and names of pop icons or movie characters. The options really are endless for what you can call your pet!
Need some inspiration on what to call your newly adopted furry friend? Here at Pet Express, we’ve rounded up the top 10 pet names for dogs and cats so that you can get some ideas for your new adorable companion.
Use your own life for inspiration for a memorable name
If you are after a cute name that reflects you and your experiences and has some special meaning, we recommend pulling inspiration from your own life and experiences. It doesn’t have to be something with deep cultural meaning (unless you want to, go for it!), but it can be as simple as naming your furry friend after your favorite movie character or even a funny nickname you got called as a child. Here at Pet Express, our team members have put together a list of inspiration they have pulled from to name their pets.
Traditional family names
In honor of family or cultural heritage, many pet owners choose to name their furry friends after beloved family members or surnames passed down through generations. This heartfelt tradition highlights the pride and connection you feel and adds a meaningful touch to your pet’s identity.
Choosing a family name for your pet can celebrate your roots and preserve memories of loved ones, making your bond with them even more special. Some popular surnames we often see for pets include:
- Gosling
- Wilson
- Price
- Fitz
- Jackson
- Campbell
- Bernard
Favorite characters
From Star Wars to Twilight, naming your furry friend after your favorite movie or TV show character is a fun way to pay tribute to both the character and what they represent. Often, these names also perfectly capture your pet’s personality or appearance. For example, a popular choice we see at Pet Express is a large black boy dog named Sirius or Remus Lupin from Harry Potter. Other fan-favorite names include:
- Obi-Wan
- Anakin
- Draco
- Bruno
- Edward
- Wonder
- Katniss
- Leia
- Belle
- Hope
Childhood Nicknames
Childhood nicknames carry a sense of nostalgia, often evoking cherished memories and moments from the past. Naming your pet after a nickname from your younger years can create a meaningful connection, reminding you of the innocence and joy of the world at that time.
These names often hold personal significance, making them a unique and heartfelt choice. Whether it’s a playful nickname your friends called you, a term of endearment from a loved one, or a word that brings back fond family memories, using it for your pet adds a layer of warmth and sentimentality to their name. The more personal, the better. However, there are some common names that tend to overlap between childhood nicknames and popular pet names, including:
- Bug
- Pumpkin
- Sweet
- Lucky
- Bear
Behavioural traits
Naming your pet based on their unique behavioral traits is a great way to reflect their personality and quirks. Whether they’re playful, calm, mischievous, or energetic, their behavior can inspire a name that perfectly captures who they are. Plus, it can be a fun and loving reminder of the little things that make them so endearing. Common ones include:
- Curious
- Mischief
- Mellow
- Dash
- Worry
- Bandit
Top 10 Dog Names
Certain names just seem to sound like a dog name, whether they remind you of a beloved childhood pet or a dog you’ve encountered along the way. Maybe it’s a name you even chose for your virtual pup in a game like Nintendogs as a child. Whatever the inspiration, some names have stood the test of time as favorites for both girl and boy dogs. Here are the top 10 dog names for each:
Male:
- Max
- Charlie
- Buddy
- Cooper
- Jack
- Rocky
- Toby
- Duke
- Bear
- Tucker
Female:
- Bella
- Lucy
- Daisy
- Molly
- Lola
- Sadie
- Maggie
- Sophie
- Chloe
- Bailey
Top 10 Cat Names
When it comes to naming your cat, some names seem to fit perfectly. Whether inspired by their cool and playful character, unique quirks, or your own personal preferences, these names are among the most popular choices for feline companions. Here are the top 10 cat names that cat owners love:
Male:
- Oliver
- Charlie
- Max
- Leo
- Milo
- Simba
- Smokey
- Jack
- Tiger
- Kitty
Female:
- Luna
- Bella
- Lucy
- Kitty
- Chloe
- Callie
- Nala
- Lily
- Gracie
- Daisy
Create lasting bonds with the perfect pet name
Choosing the perfect name for your new pet is a fun and meaningful experience that helps build a bond with your furry friend. Draw inspiration from family traditions, favorite characters, or your pet’s personality; the right name can reflect their unique qualities and your special connection. Remember, there are no wrong choices; what matters most is that the name feels right to you and fits your pet’s character.
We hope this list of the top 10 pet names for dogs and cats has given you some great ideas for starting. Enjoy the journey of naming your new companion and making lasting memories together.
Pet Express are your pet travel specialists
Now that you’ve chosen the perfect name for your pet and begun building that special bond, it’s time to consider the next step: traveling or relocating with your furry friend. When the time comes, Pet Express is here to support you every step of the way. We’re dedicated to making your pet’s travel experience as smooth and stress-free as possible, offering expert guidance on regulations, paperwork, and tips to keep your pet calm during the journey. You can trust us to ensure your pets travel safely and comfortably to their new home.
