These Are the Top Trending Pet Names in the US—Did Yours Make the List?

Move over Luna.

A puppy sitting on grass surrounded by scattered foliage — Credit:
chayathonwong / Getty Images

Pet names are becoming increasingly more personal and creative, with pet parents taking inspiration from Y2K trends, popular movies, sports stars, and favorite foods.

After looking at more than a decade of data, Rover realized that the most popular dog and cat names haven’t changed much. In fact, the most popular names (Luna and Charlie) have grown less than 5 percent year over year.

Instead, the pet services site analyzed its database to determine what names are on the rise. To identify current naming trends, Rover analyzed all new pets added to its database in 2025, looking at pets under the age of two years that were added from August 2024 to September 2025.

Based on the data, Rover found that most names fell into specific categories such as nostalgia-inspired, movie characters, natural elements, foods, and sports icons.

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Regionality also played a role in chosen pet names. According to the data, pet owners living in the western United States were more likely to select names that lean into the Wild West, such as Boots, Bandit, and Ranger. In the Midwest, names inspired by pop culture reigned supreme. For example, Rover reports that North Dakotans love the name Simba for kittens, while South Dakotans prefer Loki.

To better understand how pet owners choose a name for their new companion, Rover also conducted a survey of 1,000 pet parents. According to the data, 33 percent of pet parents had a name in mind when they brought their furry friend home. Nearly half (45 percent) chose a name based on their pet’s personality or appearance, while 21 percent chose a name based on the breed.

Here are the hottest pet names right now, according to Rover.