Does your pet have a trendy name? What we name our pets is deeply personal—and also deeply impacted by the world around us. And like the world around us, pet names are definitely influenced by trends. Current trends are a fun, surprising source of new dog and cat names worldwide.
To find out what pet names are on the rise in 2026, Rover looked at its growing database of over a million dogs and cats to see what’s hot (and what’s not). This year, the focus is on trendsetting and trailblazing names. Let’s dig in!
The Top Trending Dog and Cat Names
Here’s a brief look at the top 2026 trends in cat and dog names.
The top trending dog names
Sunnie is the fastest-growing name of the year, with a colossal 1,287% year-on-year spike from 2025. Close behind Sunnie is Henrik (1,187%), followed by Adam, Chef, Philip, and Shakira in joint third with an 888% lift.
“Chef” may be an aftershock of The Bear‘s global success, popularising fine-dining culture for the masses.
Shakira was impossible to miss this summer as the face of the World Cup’s ubiquitous anthem (and, although that was a collab with Nigerian Afrobeats artist Burna Boy, that’s a much tougher name to call for dinner).
In at 9 and 10, respectively, are Silas (412%) and Achilles (362%). These reflect two distinct cultural trends:
- Silas is a soft-sounding, biblical name that has dramatically increased in usage as a baby name over the last year
- Achilles represents a growing interest in Greek mythology given the success of Christopher Nolan’s blockbuster The Odyssey this year. (While Achilles wasn’t in it, the renewed focus and discussion is there.) In a similar vein, Persephone (254%) only just missed the list at number 14.
Winny (538%) also breaks into the top ten trending dog names, a banner-holder for the trend we’ll break down a little further below: a toe-dip into cottagecore comfort, vintage style, and familiarity.
In fact, the same goes for the top-trending name Sunnie, as well as Mossy (537%), at number 7 – these speak to optimism, good vibes, nature, and comfort.
Just outside the top ten, notable mentions go to joint 12th Princess-inspired Lilibet and Radar (321%), the latter of which you can only hope is going to dogs with huge ears. And, somehow, the submachine-gun-inspired Uzi (221%) has snuck in at 18. While completely at odds with the Classics and cottagecore of the top 10, it’s a great name for pups who err on the spicier side.
The top trending cat names
The top-trending cat name of 2026 is Dustin (900%), possibly a nod to the beloved character from the now-concluded streaming staple Stranger Things, on the very last day of 2025.
Ekko and Zak (800%) are a close second, showing a trend for spiky “K” spellings and a shared vibe more than a common theme. The same goes for Kairo (333%), in at 9th. And just outside the top 10, Kafka (166%) and Aiko (266%) continue the trend.
Serena (600%) is in at 4th, a more than likely nod to the tennis legend Serena Williams, who entered Wimbledon as a wildcard this year. Interestingly, trending human names for cats included many more female or unisex names, in contrast to the predominantly male trend in dog names. Vivi (450%), Pippy (350%), and Sammie (350%) joined Serena, Zak, and Dustin in the top 10.
A trend for vintage names sits just outside the top 10, with Gene, Muriel, and Norris (300%) tied at 12th and Mara (267%) and Linus (200%) not far behind.
Laszlo is an unusual entry – a Hungarian human name that has only really had two recent mainstream cultural touchpoints:
- László Tóth, a fictional Brutalist architect from three-hour historical Oscar winner The Brutalist
- Laszlo Cravensworth, charming vampire from What We Do In The Shadows, which last aired in 2024
Both of these may simply be loose nods to an unusual name with good, cat-like traits (sibilant sounds, two-syllable, and ending in a vowel for ease of recall).
And the spike in cats named Biscuits (450%) is probably a tribute to a lively TikTok animation that went viral earlier this year, highlighting the growing Internet’s impact on pet names.
Emerging Trends in Pet Naming
From grandparent swag to grand Regency, here’s what’s been happening with pet naming trends across the board in 2026.
Dig out the Dentures: Grandparent Chic is Coming Back!
As world news becomes less and less comforting, our pets step in to fill the void with nose-boops and cuddles. Nostalgia has similar effects (minus the boops).
So it’s no surprise that as technology races forward and becomes increasingly smug and impersonal, what we’re naming our main sources of comfort has a distinct sense of stripped-back, nostalgic warmth.
Winny has seen a huge boost, with a 538% climb on 2025. Eugene (148%), Melvin (121%), Harold (99%), Hilda (80%), and Errol (71%) have also seen strong growth.
Modern, slick names have fallen by the wayside a little, and older names from way further up the family (cat) tree have taken hold. It’s also impossible not to be charmed by the associations of a tiny, furry grandma or grandpa demanding things of you.
Old-School British Animations and Comics Are Back!
On the running theme of nostalgia, cockle-warming media from yesteryear has also been gaining influence on dog name trends in 2026.
Radar (Fireman Sam‘s trusty hound) has seen a huge boost of 321% from last year, and British-comics-inspired Beano, Curly, and Bouncer aren’t far behind with 159%, 73%, and 55% jumps respectively.
Nostalgia involves more than cottagecore, and although they’re connected, the playfulness and energy of childhood comics spark warmth and joy in pet parents, much like our furry companions do.
In a world where screens are now the norm, rolling around on the floor with a puppy or kitten may be one of the few activities that can bring us back to the finger-smudged pages of Dennis the Menace and his ilk.
Weather Fur-Cast
In the UK, we love prattling about the weather, and this year (and particularly its punishingly hot summer) was full of meteorological chatter – especially when it comes to pet names.
Sunnie (+1287%) shone as the fastest-trending name of a particularly sunny year. Nino is up 32%, as a nod to the El Niño phenomenon reportedly behind recent weather changes.
And Stormy (+26%), Comet (+25%), Sol (+24%) and Lightning (+21%) are all on the up. Even though these aren’t all as summery as recent weather would suggest they should be, their names can reflect topics that have been on their pet parents’ minds, even if that’s just, “gosh, the weather we’re having.”
The World Pup
Despite Argentina’s heartbreaking last-minute World Cup dumping of England, neither team triumphed in the dog-name contest this year. Even though it wasn’t coming home, UK dogs still are – their pet parents are just looking outside the squad for name ideas.
The Three Lion-inspired Jude (-23%), Saka (-37%), Kane (-15%), and Cole (-57%) all saw drops in popularity, but so did Enzo (Fernández) (-23%) and Lionel (Messi) (-35%).
In fact, Brazil was the unlikely dog-name champion, with Vini’s (Vinícius Júnior’s) 87% bump proving his star power on the pitch and at the doggy day care.
The Regency Reshuffle, Both Real and Fictional
Bridgerton is widely loved as a way to lend a sense of class and royalty to pets in the UK. But just like a real Royal family (more on this in a bit), court intrigue means that some figures become pariahs and others climb the ranks. The same goes for the names they inspire in our pets.
- Eloise (Bridgerton) +188%
- Jonathan (Bailey, actor who plays Anthony Bridgerton) +188%
- Marina (Thompson/Lady Crane) +188%
- Kate (Sharma, Viscountess Bridgerton) +45%
- Colin (Bridgerton) +14%
- Benedict (Bridgerton) -12%
- Simon (Basset, Duke of Hastings) -28%
- Daphne (Bridgerton, Duchess of Hastings) -29%
- Bailey (Jonathan Bailey) -34%
- Penelope (Featherington, later Bridgerton/Lady Whistledown) -35%
- Phoebe (Dynevor, actress who plays Daphne Bridgerton) -54%
- Newton (Sharma, Kate Sharma’s pet Corgi) -69%
- Charlotte (Mecklenburg-Strelitz, Queen of the United Kingdom) -71%
The surge in pets named Marina and Eloise in 2026 reflects their characters’ growing importance as the narrative moves past the Colin and Penelope romance of season 3 (as evidenced by their cooling popularity). And Jonathan Bailey’s star is rising outside of the show, gaining prominence in Wicked and Jurassic World Rebirth.
Meanwhile, poor Newton is getting sidelined, seemingly as part of the trend of giving dogs more human names. But the novelty of naming a dog after Bridgerton‘s sassy corgi may be wearing off since his season 2 heyday. And characters like Simon and Daphne have been gone or getting phased out for a while now.
Looking at the real Royals, there’s also been some shifting around when it comes to pet names. As Harry and Meghan fill the headlines with their return to England, Lilibet is fastest rising Royal name, with a 321% climb.
- Lilibet +321%
- Diana +32%
- Duchess -22%
- Zara -24%
- Duke -27%
- Edward -29%
- George -34%
- William -35%
- Archie -35%
- King -37%
- Charles -41%
- Harry -45%
- Louis -53%
- Charlotte -71%
Most others are fairly consistent or trending down, especially Louis and Charlotte, and even nobility-themed names such as King, Duke, and Duchess have seen a dip.
Feuds for Thought
2026 has seen some pretty explosive fallouts in public-facing UK families, from the Beckhams to the Windsors. And it seems the nation’s dogs have picked their favourites, too.
When it comes to the Beckham battle, dogs have made clear which side they’re on. In a year when Brooklyn Beckham is publically feuding with David and Victoria Beckham, Becks and Spice are up +187%, while Posh has seen a +21% pop. At the other end of the spectrum, Brooklyn is down -37%.
And back in the Royal household, William (-35%), Charles (-41%), and Harry (-45%) are all trending down. However, as mentioned, Lilibet’s 321% is a huge resurgence. While her parents’ return is a factor, this could suggest that public opinion among pet owners is showing some sympathy for the next generation of Sussexes.
However, what both of these show, on a simpler level, is that family drama still captures the public imagination.
Everyone Deserves a Treat: The Rise of Treatonomics-Themed Pet Names
Back in 2022, there was a high-fashion surge – dogs and cats called Dior, Armani, and the like. Well, come 2026, reality seems to have hit most people’s pockets and pet-naming habits. Rising inflation and the cost of living have made small treats the aspirational choice for a pet name.
- Chef +888%
- Sundae +588%
- Gin +63%
- Bourbon +44%
- Cheddar +35%
- Caramel -7%
- Popcorn -22%
Chef’s popularity as the fastest-growing treat-related name might be due to the cultural weight of The Bear (“Yes, chef!”) and Tony, the recent movie about Anthony Bourdain. But it still points to a culture in which a meal out and having someone else prepare your food are increasingly rare sources of comfort and connection.
Likewise, Sundae speaks not only to treating yourself to a ’99 on the seafront but a real treat with a cherry on top. Gins and bourbons are seen as quintessentially British, slightly pricier drinks that aren’t bank-breaking but cost more than most people would spend on an average Tuesday. The cheeseboard appeal of cheddar is also increasing in popularity.
Even though Caramel and Popcorn are down in popularity, they’ve remained relatively stable. In short, if it speaks to a guilt-free mood-booster, it’s proving to be exactly the tonic for pet names in 2026. Because what is your cat or dog if not the exact same dopamine boost on legs?
Going Greek at the Dog Park
The general public was certainly drawn in by The Odyssey‘s siren song this summer, with the movie breaking several box-office records. This also had pet owners looking towards Ancient Greece for name inspiration, with Achilles (+362%) and Persephone (+254%) rising rapidly in 2026.
However, somewhat oddly, the dog names linked to Odyssey characters, such as Penelope (-35%), Calypso (-22%), and Athena (-23%), all declined in popularity. With such a broad cast of meaningful references, though, it’s hardly surprising that the movie inspired pet parents to dig deeper into mythology.
(Although it was strange not to see Argus, the absolute best boy, getting his shine. Maybe next year.)
Expecto Paw-tronum!
Twenty years on, Harry Potter looms large in many people’s awareness and still has its die-hard fans. And with a new TV show ready to introduce the story to a younger generation, that fanbase isn’t likely to shrink.
This is reflected in the rise of Hermione (+147%) and Lupin (+25%). Even Emma (+15%), after Hermione actor Emma Watson, is up. And Luna – per Luna Lovegood – has been the most popular dog name for years, rising from the Wizarding World to become a classic dog name on its own.
The Top Trending Music Names
The ’90s are dominating the most trending musical dog names in 2026, with a few notable exceptions:
- Shakira (Shakira): +888%
- Tupac (Tupac Shakur): +188%
- Noel (Noel Gallagher): +45%
- Damon (Damon Albarn): +38%
- Geri (Ginger Spice): +21%
- Kylie (Kylie Minogue): +17%
- Emma (Baby Spice): +12%
- Jarvis (Jarvis Cocker): -10%
- Mel (Scary/Sporty Spice): -30%
- Biggie (Notorious B.I.G.): -32%
Oasis’ resurgence in the public consciousness seemingly put the Gallagher brothers’ near-eternal feud to bed, but it’s still raging in the world of dog names. And Liam would have every right to look back in anger, as Noel is trending up 45% and Liam is down 98% compared to last year. In terms of Britpop rivalries, Noel just about has the edge over both Damon (Albarn, of Blur) and Jarvis (Cocker, of Pulp).
The Spice Girls have also inspired split loyalties, with Ginger Spice (Geri) and Baby Spice (Emma) up 21% and 12%, respectively, while Scary/Sporty Spice (Mel) lags behind at -30%.
And in ’90s Hip-Hop, Tupac has re-entered the conversation this year with the conviction of his murderer, which may explain why he’s ranking near the top with a 188% bump, and Biggie is down 32%.
But Shakira tops the whole list with a huge 888% boost. As mentioned above, the World Cup will not have hurt her popularity at all.
Paw-tifficial Intelligence
Names like Luna, Bella, and Milo have proven remarkably tough to dethrone as the most popular dog names. But why? With access to such a wealth of inspiration and pop culture, what is it about these monikers that has kept them on top for so long?
New research from Rover may provide some insight, revealing that more than half of UK pet
owners are using AI to help name their dog, with tools such as ChatGPT and Claude
serving up the same familiar favourites. You could say that it’s got people caught in a Luna cycle.
Pet Names: The Ultimate Historical Record
Some trends in pet naming are new this year, while others have endured from years past. The constant is the inspiration they take from the world around us.
Rover has tracked the biggest trends in the names we choose for our pets, and a clear pattern has emerged: within months of a major cultural event, names associated with that event begin to rise.
So let’s throw it back to some of the biggest trending dog names, and the events that inspired them, from the past eight years. You’ve probably met a dog or two with one of these names!
A Rover survey of 1,000 pet parents was conducted in October 2026. The Top Pet Names 2026 report was developed by Rover between September and October 2026. Results are based on an analysis of millions of user-submitted pet names provided by pet parents on Rover.com. This study is not endorsed or sponsored by any of the brands, celebrities, or companies mentioned herein.
Inspired by these categories? Using the millions of names in our dataset, we’ve pulled more name examples and inspirations for you to peruse. These names are listed in order of popularity so you can get a sense of how common a name may be.
Read More From Our Pet Names Library
Inspired by these categories? Using the millions of names in our dataset, we’ve pulled more name examples and inspirations for you to peruse. In many cases, these names are listed by order of popularity so you can get a sense of how common a name may be.
Dog Name Lists
Cat Name Lists
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