Just like baby names, popular pet names come and go with trends fading in and out of fashion. You may have heard your dog's name called out by another owner in the park, or spotted a puppy with the same name at training classes. We all take inspiration from our surroundings and sometimes, the most unlikely of places.
The most popular pet names of 2022 have been announced, and it's likely you'll be very familiar with a few. The new research, conducted by pet insurance provider ManyPets, examined 510,000 pet owners to narrow down the top 10 most popular - with the adorable name 'Luna' ranking in first place.
10 most popular pet names of 2022:
- Luna
- Bella
- Teddy
- Milo
- Daisy
- Lola
- Bailey
- Buddy
- Coco
- Poppy
Brits admit to finding their inspiration for pet names from anywhere and everywhere - 14 percent said they prefer human names, such as Colin or Dave, while nine percent name their furry child after a celebrity.
Following the likes of Love Island's Molly-Mae with her pets 'Eggy' and 'Bread', seven percent of owners take their pet's name from the kitchen cupboard, opting for names such as Honey and Crumpet.
As well as narrowing down the most popular names, the data also revealed the most popular breed of 2022.
With historical owner data showing the Labrador steadily in the top two since 2017, it comes as no surprise that two thirds favour traditional breeds over designer cross pups.
10 most popular dog breeds of 2022:
- Labrador retriever
- Cocker spaniel
- Cockapoo
- French bulldog
- Cavapoo
- Golden retriever
- German shepherd
- Dachshund
- Staffordshire bull terrier
- Border collie
Two in five Brits choose their dog's breed based on their appearance, while 38 percent look for breeds with a history of good behaviour, and 34 percent look for dogs known to be good with children.
A quarter also said that associated health conditions are a key consideration in the buying process.
Cost is also an important influence, as one in five say this plays a vital role in the final decision.
Luckily, data revealed an average 18 percent decrease in puppy prices since the lockdown boom in 2021, with Jack Russell costing the cheapest at £685 on average.
Oke Eleazu, CEO of ManyPets, said: "Like baby names, choosing the name of a beloved pooch is a decision that takes careful consideration, and is often influenced by the latest trends, films, celebrities or even our favourite foods.
"It is fascinating to see how names gain popularity and the growing trend of picking human names over traditional pet names. It shows just how much our pets are part of the family.
"Our tip is to think of a name that has one or two-syllables in it. A name that's longer will be harder for your pup to recognise. And many people think about how the name will sound when shouting it across the park!"
Does your dog have an unusual name? Email nia.dalton@reachplc.com.
