- Luna holds onto the crown as the UK’s most popular dog name for the 5th year in a row, accompanied by a cluster of other astrological names, from Tarot (+612%) and Twinkle (+312%), to Hera (+263%) and Spirit (+109%)
- From royal rivals to football heroes, pop princesses and star signs, Rover’s annual pet names report proves that Brits really have gone barking mad when it comes to naming their dog
- Trend highlights include pop-culture surges for Sabrina (+312%), Conrad (+112%), and Bambi (+21%), while in politics, the current PM, Keir, failed to make an appearance.
London, Tuesday 11th November 2025: Rover.com, the world’s largest online marketplace for loving pet care, has today unveiled the UK’s top dog names of 2025, with Luna clinging onto the UK title of most popular dog name for the 5th year in a row. The report, which is pup-dated annually, reflects how the biggest trends of the year influence Brits’ naming of their pedigree chums.
ASTROLOGICAL IN-FUR-LENCES
Whilst Luna continues to lead the pack, the cosmic craze shows no signs of slowing, with names like Tarot (+612%) and Twinkle (+312%) rising sharply on this year’s astrological charts. Other trending celestial-inspired names include Hera (+263%), Spirit (+109%, and Dream (+43%).
This surge reflects a broader trend among pet parents, with more Brits than ever looking to the stars for guidance when naming – or even choosing – their four-legged companions. In fact, new research from Rover reveals that half (51%) of pet owners manifested their ‘dream’ pup, with one in five (21%) choosing their dog based on their star sign. In fact, 50% agree their dog’s personality matches their star sign.
What’s more, 40% of pet parents even read their pooch their horoscopes (40%) and believe their dog’s behaviour changes with the moon or planetary movements (44%).
CANINE-BELIEVE IT
Are Brits simply getting more creative with dog names, or just barking mad? With Augie leading the pack as this year’s trendiest name, closely followed by Dalton and Lolli, the jury is out. These peculiar choices come as a whopping 71% of pet parents admit they feel freer to get creative with their pets’ names than with their children’s.
In fact, more than a third (37%) admit to using a name for their pooch that they were too scared to give their child – or that their partner outright vetoed (29%). Even more shockingly, almost a quarter (24%) confess to liking their dog’s name more than their child’s.
Honourable mentions this year include Albert Fuzzy Face, Chillidawg, and Ru Paw.
PUP CULTURE
Sabrina Carpenter’s controversial new album cover, Man’s Best Friend, had plenty of tongues wagging this summer – but with Sabrina trending up by an impressive +312%, it seems the pop sensation has the country on a short leash.
Elsewhere in music, with Oasis’ long-awaited comeback tour, it’s no surprise Brits were feeling the Champagne Super-Rover spirit, as pups named Noel (+178%) and Liam (+33%) made a triumphant return. Meanwhile, Coldplay’s globe-trotting tour had fans equally inspired, with Chris rocketing by +113%. Over in rock royalty, the passing of the Prince of Darkness himself, Ozzy (+10%) Osbourne, left its bark – while dog owners continued their love story with Taylor Swift following her engagement to Travis Kelce, with Swifty up +63%.
From viral TikTok sounds to headline-making moments, it seems internet trends are having a big impact on pet names. Throwing it back to “My Shayla”, the name Shayla appeared on the list for the first time this year, proving just how much pet parents adore their pups. Meanwhile, following Bambi Fury’s infamous “I’m gonna bite somebody” moment – Bambi surged 21%.
PAWLITICS
It seems Brits don’t mind giving a cheeky nod to certain political personalities – but when it comes to naming their dogs after the current Prime Minister, the nation just isn’t biting. Rover’s database reveals that not a single Keir has been spotted again this year – make of that what you will. Meanwhile, other political names are still fetching attention, with Boris (+8%) and Nigel (+2.4%) more popular – at least in the nation’s dog parks.
TAILS OF TRIUMPH
From Euro glory to F1 rivalries, sporting icons are leaving their mark on Britain’s dogs. Formula 1 fans are racing ahead, with Lando (+43%) speeding into pole position while Oscar (-4%) falls back in the pack. Meanwhile, the Lionesses continue to inspire, with Lucy (+6.7%), Bronze (+12.8%), Jess (+0.2%), Carter (+30%), and Niamh (+162%) all trending upward after lifting the cup. And (Chloe) Kelly (+35%) remains a firm favourite after scoring the winning penalty ahead of next year’s World Cup.
By contrast, the men’s side is struggling in the dog-naming stakes, with Marcus (Rashford) (-79%), Jude (Bellingham) (-3%), and Declan (Rice) (-37%) all trending down – suggesting they have some work to do if they want to capture hearts (and paws) in next year’s World Cup.
ROYAL RIVALRY
When it comes to the royal family, it’s clear Will is the people’s (and pups’) choice. With William up a regal +65%, he’s leaving younger brother Harry trailing behind at a modest +3.99%. Meanwhile, Meghan has taken another tumble, down -12.19% this year, suggesting the public’s affection is firmly with the heir, not the spare. Even Elizabeth (-27.19%) and Phillip (-70.52%) are on the wane, as Britain’s pups look to the next generation for inspiration.
BELLY RUB
We’ve all been Team Jacob or Team Edward, but this summer, the nation found itself caught up in a brand-new love triangle: Team Conrad or Team Jeremiah?! Leading character Belly lost favour (-12%), while heartthrob Conrad soared (+112%). Poor Jeremiah didn’t make the list, proving that in this summer’s romantic frenzy, pup parents were Team Conrad all the way.
FAST FUR-WARD – 2026 PREDICTIONS
Looking ahead to 2026, it seems the nation’s pups are in for a serious dose of pop culture inspiration. Following the upside-down antics of Stranger Things, Rover predicts a surge in pups named Eleven, Max, and even Vecna. Meanwhile, the enduring romance and drama of Wuthering Heights coming to cinemas could spark a rise in classic, brooding names like Heathcliff, Cathy, and Earnshaw. And with Toy Story 5 on the horizon, expect a wave of nostalgic canine favourites – think Woody, Buzz, and Jessie – to take over dog parks nationwide.
Top 10 Trending Dog Names for British Pups in 2025
- Augie (+463%)
- Pecan (+463%)
- Sesame (+463%)
- Wolfe (+463%)
- Arna (+413%)
- Dougall (+413%
- Fang (+413%)
- Mora (+413%)
- Obi-Wan (+413%)
- Shade (+413%
Top 10 Most Popular Dog Names for British Pups in 2025
- Luna
- Bella
- Milo
- Teddy
- Poppy
- Lola
- Buddy
- Daisy
- Coco
- Bailey
Adem Fehmi, Rover’s Canine Behaviourist, comments: “It’s fascinating to see how pet parents are getting more creative than ever when naming their pups, drawing inspiration from the stars, pop culture, and even politics. While originality is brilliant, it’s worth remembering that a dog’s name is something you’ll be calling out countless times a day – so it’s important to strike the right balance between fun, practicality, and personality. Choosing a name that works in everyday life will ensure it’s one both you and your dog love for years to come.”
For more advice on naming your dog, follow Adem’s tips:
- Take Your Time: Choosing a dog’s name is a long-term commitment, so don’t rush it. Make a list of names you like and observe your pup for a few days to see what suits their personality, quirks, and temperament. While it’s tempting to try out multiple names, stick to one once you’ve chosen it to avoid confusing your new companion.
- Scout the Scene: Think about where you’ll be taking your dog most often, such as local
parks or dog-friendly areas. Listen to the names being called and try to avoid ones that are
already common nearby. While it’s not the end of the world if others share your pup’s name,
having a unique choice can make calling them much easier – especially when in training. - Pitch paw-fect!: Names that end with a vowel or vowel-like sound, such as “Bella” or “Luna,” are easier to emphasise and sound more inviting when called. This helps your dog recognise their name and encourages a positive response, making recall smoother and more enjoyable for both of you. That said, this doesn’t mean you have to limit yourself – there’s still plenty of room to get creative while keeping your dog’s name clear and attention-grabbing.
- Avoid Confurr-sion: Steer clear of names that sound like common commands or words you use regularly. Short, clear, and snappy names work best – this helps your dog learn their name faster and reduces misunderstandings during training.
5 Make sure it’s the whole family’s ‘pup of tea’: Consistency is key, so make sure everyone in the household agrees on the name. If different family members or carers start using alternative names, it can confuse your dog and make training harder. A name everyone loves will help build a strong, clear connection with your pup.
To view Rover’s full 2025 Pet Names Report, head to: https://www.rover.com/uk/blog/trending-pet-names/
Ends
Notes to editors:
A Rover survey of 1,000 dog owners conducted via Pollfish in November 2025.
* The Top Pet Names 2025 report was developed by Rover between September and October 2025. Results are based on an analysis of millions of user-submitted pet names provided by owners on Rover.com. This study is not endorsed or sponsored by any of the brands, celebrities, or companies mentioned herein.
About Rover:
Founded in 2011 and operating in 17 countries, Rover® is the world’s largest online marketplace for loving pet care. Rover connects dog and cat owners with loving pet care whenever they need it. Millions of services have been booked on Rover, including pet sitting, dog walking, in-home boarding, drop-in visits, and doggy day care. To learn more about Rover, please visit https://www.rover.com/uk/ or see our press room here: https://www.rover.com/uk/blog/press/
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