Share this article

search
  1. Home
  2. chevron-right
  3. Blog
  4. chevron-right
  5. Pets
  6. chevron-right
  7. Names
  8. chevron-right
  9. Top pet names of 2025: study findings

Top pet names of 2025: study findings

TrustedHousesitters blog author - Hayley Ward
Hayley Ward
14 August 20259 min read

Luna is the most popular pet name of 2025, based on our Pet Name Study here at TrustedHousesitters on 100,000 US pet names.

Welcoming a new furry friend into your life some time soon? Well along with finding the right crate, litter tray, leash and even cat tree, deciding on that perfect pet name is surely on your mind, too.

That’s why we’ve completed a pet name study on 100,000* pet names registered here at TrustedHousesitters - to help you stumble across the mightiest moniker for your new four-pawed pal.

We pounced straight into the data - paws-first, and our report below reveals the most popular names for pets across the US in 2025. 

So for the full low-down on the nation’s favorite pet names and the inspiration behind them, take a look below. 

And remember - it’s not just you who’ll be calling them aloud across the dog park - your pet sitter while house sitting will too, so choose wisely!

Our 2025 Pet Name Study on 100,000 US pet names here at TrustedHousesitters has given us a few key highlights on the most popular pet names in the US this year. Get the low-down below, and scroll for ultimate pet name inspiration.

  • The most popular pet name of 2025 was - drum roll please - Luna! After sitting in the top five in 2023, Luna takes the crown.
  • After Luna, Lucy, Bella, Daisy, and Rosie are in the top five female pet names. 
  • The most popular male pet name was Charlie, closely followed by Max, Leo, Cooper and Bailey in the top five.
  • The most common canine names of 2025 are Luna, Bella, Lucy, Charlie and Daisy.
  • Popular culture has influenced new pet owners the world over, with the adorable pet name Wednesday skyrocketing by 1400%, following the revival of the hit Netflix series Wednesday, based on the Addams Family
  • Five classics take the top spots for the most popular dog names of 2025, with Luna, Bella, Lucy, Charlie and Daisy reigning champion.
  • We’ve seen some crossover in the most popular cat names of 2025, with Luna, Charlie, Lucy, Bella and Leo sitting pretty at the top.
  • We saw a few US states take local inspiration for their pet names this year, with names like Aspen popular in Colorado, and Biggie hitting the big time in NYC.
  • The most popular food names for pets reflect the local US palate, with Olive, Pepper, Ginger, Mochi and Honey popular amongst pet parents across the States.
  • The popularity of Harry Potter rings true amongst pet owners, with names like Ginny, Dobby and Neville remaining popular for both cat and dog owners.

Data source: TrustedHousesitters 2025 Pet Name Study on 100,000 pet names, July 2025, United States.

For the full scoop on the most popular pet names of 2025, take a look below.

Top 50 pet names overall in 2025

Our 2025 study found that the world of pet names has taken a slight turn - with classics like Annie, Murphy, Riley, Toby, Roxy and Zoey dropping out of the top 50 to make way for new, adorable pet names like Cleo, Tucker and Bear. Find the top 50 pet names in the US that our study revealed below.

  1. Luna
  2. Lucy
  3. Bella
  4. Charlie
  5. Daisy
  6. Max
  7. Rosie
  8. Lola
  9. Lily
  10. Leo
  11. Stella
  12. Cooper
  13. Bailey
  14. Oliver
  15. Milo
  16. Buddy
  17. Sadie
  18. Penny
  19. Coco
  20. Sophie
  21. Olive
  22. Ruby
  23. Ollie
  24. Molly
  25. Pepper
  26. Willow
  27. Gracie
  28. Scout
  29. Maggie
  30. Jack
  31. Finn
  32. Chloe
  33. Frankie
  34. Poppy
  35. Gus
  36. Nala
  37. Teddy
  38. Ziggy
  39. Ginger
  40. Loki
  41. Piper
  42. Lulu
  43. Bear
  44. Ellie
  45. Rocky
  46. Louie
  47. Jasper
  48. Winston
  49. Tucker
  50. Cleo

Starting with the dogs - if you’re welcoming a new canine companion, take inspiration from the 25 most popular (and cool) dog names of 2025, with a mix of names for both boy dogs and girl dogs.

  1. Luna
  2. Bella
  3. Lucy
  4. Charlie
  5. Daisy
  6. Rosie
  7. Cooper
  8. Sadie
  9. Bailey
  10. Max
  11. Lola
  12. Ruby
  13. Buddy
  14. Penny
  15. Stella
  16. Molly
  17. Coco
  18. Scout
  19. Maggie
  20. Lily
  21. Sophie
  22. Teddy
  23. Olive
  24. Finn
  25. Ollie

Map showing the most popular dog names by US state in 2025

Handing over to the felines - find the 25 most popular cat names found in our 2025 study of 100,000 names below - which include a few ‘human’ names for cats along with classics like Pepper, Coco and Shadow.

  1. Luna
  2. Charlie
  3. Lucy
  4. Bella
  5. Leo
  6. Oliver
  7. Max
  8. Lily
  9. Milo
  10. Loki
  11. Cleo
  12. Kitty
  13. Olive
  14. Willow
  15. Sophie
  16. Ollie
  17. Pepper
  18. Coco
  19. Shadow
  20. Gracie
  21. Oscar
  22. Chloe
  23. Rosie
  24. Jack
  25. Frankie

Map showing the most popular cat names by US state in 2025

Want a few cute puppy names and adorable kitten names to take inspiration from? Find the most popular dog and cat names by US state found in our 2025 study of 100,000 pet names below.

  • Alabama: Coco
  • Alaska: Willow
  • Arizona: Lucy
  • Arkansas: Bella
  • California: Luna
  • Colorado: Luna
  • Connecticut: Charlie
  • Delaware: Bella
  • Florida: Luna
  • Georgia: Luna
  • Hawaii: Koa
  • Idaho: Lucy
  • Illinois: Luna
  • Indiana: Leo
  • Iowa: Lily
  • Kansas: Luna
  • Kentucky: Lucy
  • Louisiana: Rosie
  • Maine: Lucy
  • Maryland: Luna
  • Massachusetts: Luna
  • Michigan: Luna
  • Minnesota: Lucy
  • Mississippi: Molly
  • Missouri: Charlie
  • Montana: Lucy
  • Nebraska: Tucker
  • Nevada: Luna
  • New Hampshire: Daisy
  • New Jersey: Luna
  • New Mexico: Luna
  • New York: Luna
  • North Carolina: Luna
  • North Dakota: Luna
  • Ohio: Lucy
  • Oklahoma: Jack
  • Oregon: Luna
  • Pennsylvania: Lucy
  • Rhode Island: Charlie
  • South Carolina: Charlie
  • South Dakota: Scout
  • Tennessee: Charlie
  • Texas: Luna
  • Utah: Luna
  • Vermont: Luna
  • Virginia: Bella
  • Washington: Luna
  • West Virginia: Luna
  • Wisconsin: Lucy
  • Wyoming: Stella

Map showing the most popular dog and cat names by US state in 2025

US state and city highlights

Curious to know how popular these pet names are in your local state, or in the forward-thinking, cosmopolitan hub of New York City? Take a look below to see how pet preferences vary, drawing from our 2025 pet name study here at TrustedHousesitters.

Denver

While US favorites like Lucy, Frankie, and Charlie still top the pet name charts in Denver, Denver’s top 50 pet names also include monikers inspired by Colorado’s natural beauty and wildlife, like Aspen, Moose and Rocky.

Denver-inspired pet names that made the top 100

  • Aspen – Iconic Colorado mountain town and ski resort.
  • Denver – Literal hometown name.
  • Oakley and Maple – A tree-themed name that evokes Colorado’s wooded trails.
  • Juniper – Native plant of the Rocky Mountain region.
  • River, Sunny, and Sky – Perfect for Denver’s outdoor-loving community, big skies and scenic views.
  • Moose, Buck, and Bear – Colorado wildlife references, popular in Colorado pet names.
  • Rocky – As in the Rocky Mountains.
  • Ranger – This name could nod to park rangers or the adventurous spirit of the Rockies.
  • Blaze and Ash – These names are either nature-inspired, or a nod to the state’s well-known cannabis culture.

New York City 

New York City is in tune with the rest of the US, with common dog names and cat names like Luna, Olive and Charlie hitting the top spots. But like Denver, New York City has its fair share of local pet names that reflect the food scene, entertainment history and fast-paced lifestyle, with names like Biggie, Cannoli and Brooklyn coming in this year.

New York City-inspired pet names that made the cut

  • Brooklyn – One of NYC’s most iconic boroughs.
  • Biggie, Bowie, Prince – These pet names pay homage to iconic artists who helped shape the city’s rich musical legacy.
  • Ruth and Ruthie – These two pet names are likely inspired by legendary Supreme Court Justice and Brooklyn native Ruth Bader Ginsburg, whose legacy continues to empower New Yorkers.
  • Phoebe, Rachel, Monica (and even Marcel and Gunther) – These names are references to the hit TV series Friends.
  • Cat and Holly, Charlotte and Miranda These names are giving strong Breakfast at Tiffany’s and Sex and The City pop culture references, which both have strong NYC connections.
  • Cannoli – A classic New York Italian pastry.

Texas

Texas follows suit this year, with popular pet names including Luna, Charlie and Lucy in the top three. But as we’ve seen with NYC and Denver, Texan pet parents are also choosing pet names that are inspired by their home state. These include Dolly, Willie, Cowboy and Chili.

State-inspired pet names popular in Texas this year

  • Dallas and Austin – A nod to iconic cities in Texas.
  • Ranger – Likely inspired by the Texas Rangers baseball team or the state’s law enforcement agency.
  • Whiskey – A Southern drink staple.
  • Nacho, Queso, and Chili – Texan culinary favorites.
  • Dolly, Waylon, and Willie – Country music legends popular in Texas.
  • Buck, Bandit, Rowdy, and Cowboy – Names that capture the state’s cowboy spirit.
  • Lady Bird – A charming tribute to Texas' former First Lady.

It’s no secret that your new furry companion’s first love will be food, so take inspiration from these popular food names for pets below, that came out on top of our 2025 pet name study.

  1. Olive
  2. Pepper
  3. Ginger
  4. Mochi
  5. Honey
  6. Biscuit
  7. Mango
  8. Peanut
  9. Cookie
  10. Maple
  11. Oreo
  12. Pumpkin
  13. Bean
  14. Sage
  15. Mocha
  16. Peaches
  17. Miso
  18. Pickles
  19. Basil
  20. Sugar
  21. Nugget
  22. Taco
  23. Kiwi
  24. Cocoa
  25. Chip

Want to name your feline after your favorite snack? Check out these food names for cats for more inspiration, and keep in mind that they make interesting names for dogs, too.

Our 2025 pet name study revealed it’s not just the screen that’s made pet parents think twice about their next pet’s moniker. The Fourth Wing book series by Rebecca Yarros has inspired a 318% increase in the name Violet, and a 320% increase in the name Onyx. Sarah J Maas’s fantasy universe has also taken the pet name world by storm, with names like Feyre, Azriel and Rowen all gaining popularity amongst her pet-loving fans.

  • Bella, Twilight (Bella Swan)
  • Jasper, Twilight (Jasper Hale)
  • Winnie, Winnie-the-Pooh
  • Harry, Harry Potter
  • Tigger, Winnie-the-Pooh
  • Percy, Percy Jackson 
  • Calvin, Calvin and Hobbes
  • Atlas, It Ends with Us (Atlas Shrugged)
  • Rue, The Hunger Games
  • Pippin, The Lord of the Rings (Peregrin Took)
  • Pip, Great Expectations
  • Arya, A Song of Ice and Fire (Game of Thrones)
  • Hobbes, Calvin and Hobbes
  • Dobby, Harry Potter
  • Atticus, To Kill a Mockingbird (Atticus Finch)
  • Huck, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn
  • Ginny, Harry Potter (Ginny Weasley)
  • Sherlock, Sherlock Holmes
  • Gatsby, The Great Gatsby
  • Emmett, Twilight (Emmett Cullen)
  • Rowan, Throne of Glass (Rowan Whitethorn)
  • Gandalf, The Lord of the Rings
  • Neville, Harry Potter (Neville Longbottom)
  • Moby, Moby-Dick
  • Katniss, The Hunger Games
  • Hermione, Harry Potter
  • Frodo, The Lord of the Rings (Frodo Baggins)

To no surprise, our pet name study found that movies continue to inspire pet parents across the States. We saw a huge jump in the seriously cute pet name Percy, gaining popularity by 570% after the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series on Disney+. The name Goose increased 309%, likely drawing from Top Gun: Maverick’s box office success. The name Bruno saw a 138% rise in popularity from 2023 to 2025 - likely fueled by the viral success of Disney’s Encanto and its breakout song “We Don’t Talk About Bruno.” 

  • Nala, The Lion King
  • Loki, Marvel Cinematic Universe
  • Rocky, Rocky
  • Marley, Marley & Me
  • Simba, The Lion King
  • Bruno, Encanto
  • Remy, Ratatouille
  • Leia, Star Wars
  • Gizmo, Gremlins
  • Thor, Marvel Cinematic Universe
  • Elsa, Frozen
  • Rex, Toy Story
  • Woody, Toy Story
  • Dobby, Harry Potter
  • Yoda, Star Wars
  • Lilo, Lilo & Stitch
  • Pluto, Disney
  • Nemo, Finding Nemo
  • Buzz, Toy Story
  • Stitch, Lilo & Stitch
  • Olaf, Frozen
  • Toto, The Wizard of Oz
  • Bolt, Bolt
  • Frodo, The Lord of the Rings
  • Tinkerbell, Peter Pan
  • Dory, Finding Nemo
  • Balto, Balto
  • Moana, Moana
  • Ariel, The Little Mermaid
  • Bambi, Bambi

Music lovers, this one’s for you! If you’re stuck on what to name your cat or dog, why not take inspiration from your favorite band or solo artist? Here’s what the US pet owners in our 2025 pet name study have been naming their pets this year, inspired by some of the biggest names in the music industry.

  • Bowie, David Bowie
  • Freddie, Freddie Mercury (Queen)
  • Ringo, Ringo Starr (The Beatles)
  • Jazz, Music genre
  • Elvis, Elvis Presley
  • Biggie, Notorious B.I.G. (Biggie Smalls)
  • Jagger, Mick Jagger (Rolling Stones)
  • Taylor, Taylor Swift
  • Snoop, Snoop Dogg
  • Melody, Musical concept
  • Drake, Drake
  • Mozart, Classical composer
  • Elton, Elton John
  • Adele, Adele
  • Lennon, John Lennon (The Beatles)

And last but not least, our study found that cities heavily influenced local pet names, with owners choosing a favorite metropolis to name their pet.

  1. Aspen
  2. Rio
  3. Phoenix
  4. Salem
  5. London
  6. Dallas
  7. Austin
  8. Brooklyn
  9. Paris
  10. Denver
  11. Memphis
  12. Raleigh
  13. Boston
  14. Cairo
  15. Dublin
  16. Orlando
  17. Florence
  18. Bronx
  19. Nashville
  20. Houston
  21. Vegas
  22. Rome
  23. Vienna
  24. Chicago
  25. Berlin

Data source: TrustedHousesitters 2025 Pet Name Study of 100,000 pet names, July 2025, United States.

About the study

*The 2025 Pet Name Study analyzed pet name data from nearly 100,000 dogs and cats registered at TrustedHousesitters in July 2025. The findings include national and state-level rankings, emerging trends, and cultural influences shaping how pet parents choose names in today’s world.

Holiday pet sitting, with love

Join our global community of pet lovers exchanging in-home pet care for unique homestays around the world.

Ready to get started?

Create your listing or apply for sits with an annual membership.

Become a memberchevron-right
© 2025 TrustedHousesitters.com ™