Seattle, WA – (Dec. 3, 2024) – Rover.com, the world’s largest online marketplace for loving pet care, today released its twelfth annual Top Pet Names Report, chronicling the fun and unique naming trends that emerged in Canada in 2024. The report analyzes millions of user-submitted pet names provided by pet parents on Rover and breaks down the most influential trends leading up to the year’s end.
The number one most popular male dog name in 2024 is Charlie, holding the top spot for the sixth year in a row, and Leo ranks first for most popular male cat name for the third consecutive year. When it comes to female pet names, Luna ranks first overall (for the fourth consecutive year) for dogs and cats (for a whopping sixth year in a row). Felix was the number one overall trending dog name in Canada in 2024 and Pixie led the category for cats.
“Pet parents are naming their dogs and cats after the latest cultural obsessions, from pop icons to beloved Canadian athletes, and even their favorite foods,” said Dr. Rebecca Greenstein, Owner of the Kleinburg Veterinary Hospital and Rover Pet People Panelist. “Whether you stick with a classic or choose a timely trending topic, the names we give our pets are a reflection of our own personalities and sources of joy.”
Names experiencing growth in 2024:
Sports Icons
- This year, the top three trending sports-related dog names are Jacque [Martin] (+510%), RJ [Barrett] (+110%) and Gretzky (+50%).
- Gordie [Howe] (+30%), Connor [McDavid] (+29%), and Rocket [Maurice Richard] (+21%) were also all trending in 2024 for dogs.
- When it comes to cats, Lionel [Messi] (+238%), Gordie [Howe] (+198%) and Connor [McDavid] (98%) were the top trending sports names.
- New dog names in the world of Canadian athletics this year include Sidney Pawsby, McDavid (Connor), Kadri (Nazem), Marchy (Brad Marchand), Shai (Gilgeous-Alexander), Chuba (Hubbard), and Holland (Jevon).
Burrito, Kale and Meat
- Food names are a perennial favorite for Canadian dog parents, and 2024 is no different. Topping the trend this year is Burrito (+360%), followed closely by Kale (+310%).
- The next popular names bring the meat: Pork Chop is up 210%, Pepperoni is up 185%, and Ham is up 160%.
- Dogs named Feta are trending up 135%, followed by Canadian classic Poutine and French classic Dijon, both up 110%.
- When it comes to cat names, Chocolate (+598%) is the top trending food name. Bento and Ham (both up 248%) take home second place, while Gouda, Baguette, and Oyster all tied for fourth (+198%).
- Chip (+109%) and Poutine (+98%) also made the list for cats.
- New dog names on the trending food list include a cornucopia of cultural food icons: Parsley, Anchovy, Gravy, Ube, Mortadella, Raclette, and Sweet Potato. For cats, Mozzarella, Cauliflower, Kale, Sardine, Schnitzel, Tempeh and Seitan were all new in 2024.
Taste Makers and Chart Toppers
- Looking for dog names with star power? Celebrity names are on the rise this year, with Jin and Kim [Seokjin] topping the trend—both up a whopping 510%. Next in line is Selena [Gomez], up 310%.
- Adele, Ciara, and [Lady] Gaga, are all up 210% for dog names in 2024. Marilyn [Monroe] (+144%) and Justin [Bieber] (+110%) are also trending.
- Up 198% this year, the top trending music-inspired cat name is Cardi [B]. Other chart toppers include Willie [Nelson] (+87%), Billie [Eilish] (+53%), and Taylor [Swift] (+48%).
- 2024’s biggest rap beef was Kendrick Lamar vs. Drake and it may be affecting their cat name status, with Drake down -42% and Kendrick down -70%.
- New celebrity dog names to the list include Michi (AtHeart), Dua Lipa, Jlo, and Meghan. For cats, new names to the list include Beyonce, Eilish, Jimin and Nipsey.
Tech and Creature Comforts
- The top trending tech dog names were Nano (+135%), Google (+110%), Chip (+39%) and Siri (+30%). For cats, Elon and Zoom are tied for top trending, both us 198%.
- The top trending cannabis dog names were Kandy (+310%), Doobie (+53%), Puff (+39%), Mary (+21%), Hash (+10%) and Blaze (+6%). Meanwhile, Mary Jane is trending down 77% for cat names.
- The top trending beverage inspired name for dogs is a toss up between Fizz and Vodka, both up 310%. Also trending are Monster (+177%), Martini (+127%), Tea (+110%), Merlot (+88%) and Matcha (+60%). Vino and Grigio are up 198% for cat names, as are Whisky (+131%), Coffee (68%) and Cola (55%).
For a full list of the top dog names and trends of 2024, as well as the top dog names in five metro markets across Canada, please visit here. To see the top male and female cat names and trends of 2024, please visit here. Top Pet Names reports were also created for the U.S. and France, and The Top Dog Names reports are available for the UK and Spain.
Methodology
The Top Pet Names 2024 report was developed by Rover between September and October 2024. Results are based on analysis of millions of user-submitted pet names provided by pet parents on Rover.com. The top 20 trending pet names are based on year-over-year growth with a minimum of 50 pets added in 2024, per name. Nationally trending pet names by category (e.g. sports, celebrity, food) are based on year-over-year growth with no minimum of new pets added, per name. The most popular pet names are determined by the total volume of pets with any given name. This report is not endorsed or sponsored by any of the brands, celebrities and businesses mentioned within.
About Rover
Founded in 2011 and based in Seattle, Rover is the world’s largest online marketplace for loving pet care. Rover connects pet parents with pet providers who offer overnight services, including boarding and in-home pet sitting, as well as daytime services, including doggy daycare, dog walking, drop-in visits and training in select markets. To learn more about Rover, please visit www.rover.com.
Contact:
Kristin Sandberg
pr@rover.com
360-510-6365