Your dog’s name is more than just what you call them. A name has significant meaning, and the names we choose for our dogs often reflect the things that matter most to us. Whether they showcase our passions and interests or reflect what’s happening in the world around us, 2022 saw a lot of new dogs and (unsurprisingly) a lot of new dog names.
To better understand the meaning behind these names and what they can tell us about the people, places and stories that defined the past year, we took a deep dive into our database of over a million pet owners on Rover to reveal the most popular dog names of 2022.
We uncovered everything from ever-popular dog names to the most well-known names by rank, as well as some truly unique names we can’t get enough of. Let’s dig in!
The Top Trending Dog Names of 2022
Mike revealed to be the top trending dog name of 2022, based on data from millions of user-submitted pet names on Rover.com, closely followed by the likes of Preston, Smokey and Mabli.
Women’s EURO success meant Alessia, Rachel and Lioness were added to this year’s ranks
During the cost of living crisis Armani, Prada and Dior all trended up in a bid to indulge those with expensive tastes.
Food And Drink-Inspired Dog Names
People’s favourite foods and drinks often influence dog names and this year is no different. The top 10 most popular food dog names are: Coco, Honey, Pepper, Cookie, Olive, Oreo, Peanut, Basil, Biscuit and Mac.
Brits are showing their sweet tooths, as Pie (831%), Cinnamon (497%), and Cupcake (430%) are trending up.
Comfort foods are also proving popular, but not all are equal: the dog names Pizza, Potato and Chips are trending down, 219%, 209% and 184% respectively.
Fancy a tipple? Well, the top 10 most popular drink-inspired dog names are: Bailey, Cosmo, Whiskey, Brandy, Merlot, Tequila, Fizz, Gin and Vino.
Merlot (141%), Tito (102%), Gin (31%) and Pimms (31%) are trending up.
GOOOOOAAAALLLL! Football Inspired Many UK Dog Names
2022 was a great year for England’s women’s football team—they won the Euros for the first time ever, making history as European Champions—hence football-inspired female names trending up. The Lionesses proved to be an inspiration in more ways than one, with names such as Alessia, Rachel and Lioness entering the ranks this year for the first time. Leading goal scorers (Fran) Kirby and Beth (Mead) also topped the trending list of names from the team, both trending upwards by 306% and 81% respectively. Nikita (up 181%), and Keira (up 167%) all significantly gained in popularity. Men’s team names are also trending up, with Sterling up 131% and Harry up 64%.
The Royal Family’s Influence Includes Dog Names
Britain’s royal family has been in the spotlight more than ever this year, and has yet again influenced dog name choices. Archie, George, Harry, and Louis are overall the most popular royal names this year. Kate (up 630%) remained ever popular as well, with Charlotte (up 231%), Queenie (up 131%), and Lizzie (up 72%) trending upward from last year. Both the names Harry and Megan are up too (63% and 57% respectively). Camilla, the new Queen Consort joins the list this year. Meanwhile Charles, Britain’s new king, is trending down by 156% .
Film-Influenced Dog Names To Watch Out For
Dog names with a Pixar flair
As naming a dog is so often a family decision, it should come as no surprise that children’s favourite Pixar’s Lightyear has influence too. The dog names Mo (175%), Sox (123%) and Izzy (88%) are trending up this year. Similarly, dogs named Pepa (Encanto) are trending up 81%.
Marvel And DC are a mainstay for dog and cat names, and 2022 is no different
- Thor is trending up 18%
- Tony and Peter are trending down 80% and 78%
Top Gun Academy-approved dog names
With the release of the new Top Gun film, we saw certain characters and actors’ names fluctuate in rank this year. Here are the highlights:
- Bradley (up 180%)
- Mickey (up 66%)
- Beau (up 56%)
- Cruise (up 31%)
- Maverick (up 17%)
- Rooster (down 119%)
- Bernie (down 104%)
- Tom (down 60%)
- Goose (down 52%)
- Penny (down 25%)
Pun Got Your Paw? Brits’ Humour Rubs Off On Their Dogs
Brits are known for their quirky sense of humour— which influences their dog’s names too! Tuppence (up a whopping 631%), Booboo (up 281%), Albus Dumbledog (up 31%), and Puddin’ (also up 31%) all made the list of trending funny names. Chomsky and Mr. Kipling also made the list as honorable mentions.
Travel And Destination Dog Names Are In
Of all the travel-inspired dog names out there, Paris, India and Bali are the most popular. However, Berlin is trending up 231% this year and may join the top three next year. Chile and Tokyo are trending down 169% and 139%.
Oo la la: Luxury-Inspired Dog Names Are On The Up
Despite many Brits feeling the pinch, they’re still keen to name their dogs after luxury brands they love… Top trending names include Armani (up 531%), Prada (up 191%), and Dior (up 131%).
The Popularity Of Weather-Themed Dog Names Is Mixed
- Rain (up 181%)
- Snow (up 59%)
- Cloud (down 141%)
- Storm (down 11%)
Are Covid-Influenced Names Still Up?
After more than two years of a pandemic, the dog name Rona is trending down 109%.
The Political Climate Is Unpredictable — Dog Names Confirm It
Liz (Truss) is trending downward by 38%.
Boris is also trending downward by 10%
However, newcomer, Rishi is trending up by 92%
Classic Names For Dogs Inspired By Literature
Many dogs are named after characters and authors of classic literature. Here are a few highlights on the 2022 trends:
- Jane (up 281%)
- Hamlet (up 231%)
- Bill (up 84%)
- Beth (up 81%)
- Orwell (down 144%)
- Dickens (down 119%)
The Top Pet Names 2022 report was developed by Rover between September and October 2022. Results are based on analysis of millions of user-submitted pet names provided by owners on Rover.com. This report is not endorsed or sponsored by any of the brands, celebrities and businesses mentioned within.
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