Luna Dominates: The Top Dog and Cat Name Trends of 2025 Revealed

Introduction

Have you ever found yourself in a dog park, calling out a name, only to have three different pups turn their heads? If that name was Luna, you're not alone. We're witnessing a fascinating shift in how we name our furry family members, and the results for the upcoming year are in. Welcome to our deep dive into the top dog and cat name trends of 2025, where one celestial name is shining brighter than all the rest. It's a world where our pets' names are less about "Spot" or "Fluffy" and more about reflecting our own personalities, passions, and the culture we consume.

Choosing a name for a pet is a deeply personal, surprisingly significant decision. It’s the word you’ll say thousands of times, the identity you give to a creature who will become an integral part of your life. So, what’s driving our choices as we head into 2025? We’ve sifted through data from pet adoption agencies, veterinary databases, and pet owner surveys, like Rover.com's influential annual report, to uncover the patterns. From the undeniable dominance of Luna to the rise of vintage human names and a continued obsession with our favorite TV shows, the trends tell a compelling story about us, the pet parents. Let's get into it.

The Unstoppable Reign of Luna

Let's address the four-legged friend in the room: Luna is, without a doubt, the undisputed queen of pet names and has been for several years. But why? What is it about this simple, two-syllable name that has captured the hearts of so many dog and cat owners? It isn't just a fleeting trend; it's a cultural phenomenon. The name, which means "moon" in Latin, evokes a sense of mystique, beauty, and gentle power—qualities many of us see in our own pets. It's soft-sounding, easy for animals to recognize, and carries a touch of magic.

The name's popularity can be traced back to several cultural touchstones. For a generation of millennials who grew up with Harry Potter, Luna Lovegood stands out as a beloved, quirky, and kind-hearted character. This pop culture connection gave the name a massive boost, associating it with positive, memorable traits. Furthermore, celebrity influence, like Chrissy Teigen and John Legend naming their daughter Luna, has cemented its status as a stylish and endearing choice. It’s the perfect storm of a beautiful meaning, pleasant phonetics, and powerful cultural resonance that has propelled Luna into the stratosphere, and it shows no signs of coming down in 2025.

Top 10 Dog Names of 2025: The Pawsitively Popular Pack

While Luna sits comfortably on the throne, she's got a loyal court of popular names right behind her. The top names for our canine companions in 2025 are a blend of timeless classics and modern favorites, showcasing our tendency to view dogs as true members of the family. These names are often short, sweet, and easy to call out across a field. You'll notice a distinct lack of traditional "dog" names; instead, these could easily be found on a kindergarten class roster.

According to data compiled from the American Kennel Club (AKC) and major pet insurance providers, the names that consistently rank highest reflect warmth and companionship. Max and Charlie remain steadfast pillars of popularity, exuding a friendly, dependable vibe that suits so many breeds. Meanwhile, names like Daisy and Lucy bring a touch of classic, gentle charm. Here’s a look at the names you’ll be hearing most often at the dog park this year.

• Luna: The reigning queen, celebrated for its celestial and pop culture connections.
• Max: A timeless classic that means "greatest." It's strong, simple, and universally loved.
• Bella: Meaning "beautiful" in Italian, this name has been a top contender for over a decade.
• Charlie: A friendly, approachable name that works for any dog, big or small.
• Daisy: A sweet, nature-inspired name that evokes images of happiness and simplicity.
• Lucy: A vintage name meaning "light" that has enjoyed a massive resurgence.
• Cooper: Often associated with friendly and goofy breeds like Golden Retrievers.
• Milo: A short and stylish name that has climbed the charts rapidly in recent years.
• Bailey: A versatile, unisex name that feels both comforting and cheerful.
• Teddy: Perfect for fluffy, cuddly companions, this name is surging in popularity, often linked to 'Teddy Bear' dog breeds.

Top 10 Cat Names of 2025: Feline-Approved Favorites

Our feline friends are also seeing Luna at the top of their list, but the rest of the pack has a slightly different, perhaps more mysterious, flair. Cat names often lean into the elegant, mischievous, or even mythical nature of their personalities. While there's some overlap with the dog list (Luna, Bella, Lucy), the cat-specific names tell a unique story. There's a certain sophistication and a touch of the wild that influences our choices for our whiskered companions.

Analysis from sources like the Cat Fanciers' Association and pet wellness companies shows a trend toward names that are both classic and a little bit quirky. Oliver has held a top spot for years, a name that feels both dignified and sweet, fitting for a cat who is both a regal observer and a loving lap-warmer. Leo is a natural fit, nodding to the "little lion" in our living rooms, while names like Nala tap into our love for iconic fictional felines. Let's see who makes the cut for the coolest cats of 2025.

• Luna: Cats are creatures of the night, making this moon-inspired name a perfect fit.
• Oliver: A classic, charming name that has been a long-standing favorite for male cats.
• Leo: A strong name for our little lions, reflecting their proud and sometimes fierce nature.
• Milo: Just like on the dog list, this trendy name is a hit with cat owners too.
• Bella: Its meaning of "beautiful" is a perfect match for our graceful feline friends.
• Nala: Thanks to The Lion King, this name has become a go-to for strong female cats.
• Simba: The king himself! A perennial favorite for adventurous and brave male cats.
• Lucy: A sweet and classic choice that has crossed over from the canine world.
• Chloe: A sophisticated and popular name that has been a top choice for years.
• Willow: A nature-inspired name that evokes grace and elegance, much like a cat's movement.

The Humanization Effect: Why Our Pets Have Human Names

Have you noticed something about those top name lists? They're filled with names you'd expect to hear at a playground, not a kennel. This is no accident. It’s the result of a powerful, long-term trend sociologists call "pet humanization." More than ever before, we view our pets not just as animals we own but as cherished members of our families. They're our "fur babies," our companions, and our confidantes. As this bond deepens, so does our desire to give them names that reflect their elevated status in our homes.

This shift explains why names like Kevin, Olive, or Oscar are becoming increasingly common for our pets. Giving a pet a human name is a way of acknowledging their individual personality and our emotional connection to them. According to Stanley Coren, a professor of psychology and author on canine intelligence, "Naming a dog is the first act of endowing it with an individual identity. Using a human name elevates its status from 'a dog' to 'a family member'." This trend is about more than just sounding cute; it’s a direct reflection of the changing role of pets in our society, moving from the backyard to the bedroom.

Pop Culture Power Players: From Westeros to Wakanda

Our entertainment choices have a massive impact on what we name our pets. A hit movie, a binge-worthy series, or a chart-topping song can send a name skyrocketing in popularity overnight. Pet owners love to pay homage to their favorite characters, creating a living tribute to the stories that move them. Think about it: how many Huskies named Ghost or Stark did you meet after Game of Thrones became a global obsession? This trend continues to be a major driver in 2025.

We're seeing a surge in names from recent streaming hits. Names from shows like Bridgerton (Daphne, Simon) or The Witcher (Geralt, Ciri) are finding their way onto pet collars. The Marvel Cinematic Universe remains a powerful source of inspiration, with names like Loki, Thor, and Nebula being popular for pets with personalities to match. Even the world of gaming contributes, with names like Zelda and Kratos appearing in dog parks. It’s a fun, creative way for owners to share their passions and give their pet a name with an epic backstory already built in.

A Nod to Nostalgia: The Comeback of Classic Names

What's old is new again, and that certainly applies to pet names. Alongside the modern and trendy, there's a strong counter-trend of nostalgia, with pet owners gravitating towards "old-fashioned" or vintage human names. These names carry a sense of warmth, charm, and timelessness that many find appealing. They feel sturdy, reliable, and utterly endearing, cutting through the noise of more fleeting, pop-culture-driven choices.

Think of names like Gus, Otis, Mabel, Florence, or Arthur. These are the names of our great-grandparents, and they evoke a sense of sweet, simple sincerity. For many, choosing a vintage name is a way to stand out in a sea of Lunas and Bellas. It suggests a certain personality—both for the owner and the pet. An owner choosing the name "Otis" for their Basset Hound is making a clear statement about the kind of gentle, old-soul vibe they see in their dog. This trend is a heartwarming reminder that classic charm never truly goes out of style.

Inspired by Nature: Earthy and Elemental Choices

As our lives become more digital, there's a growing desire to connect with the natural world, and this is beautifully reflected in our pet naming choices. Nature-inspired names are booming, offering a sense of peace, strength, and organic beauty. These names can be floral and delicate, like Daisy or Lily; strong and woodsy, like Forrest or Oakley; or powerful and elemental, like River or Storm.

This trend connects deeply with our perception of our pets as natural, instinctual beings. A big, shaggy dog named Bear just feels right. A graceful, elegant cat named Willow perfectly captures her essence. These names are more than just labels; they are descriptors that honor the animal's spirit. Other popular choices in this category include Ivy, Hazel, Rocky, and Sage, each one painting a vivid picture and strengthening the bond between our domestic companions and the wild world they came from.