Rover Unveils the Most Trendy Pet Names and Inspirations for 2024

As 2024 draws to a close, Rover.com, the leading online marketplace for pet care, has unveiled its twelfth annual Top Pet Names Report, revealing the most innovative and popular pet names as well as the inspirations behind them. The report has been gleaned from millions of user-submitted names by pet parents on Rover’s platform, highlighting diverse trends and patterns that define this year's pet naming landscape.

The report reveals that the most popular male dog name for the second consecutive year is Charlie, having dethroned the long-standing champion Max last year. Notably, the top male cat name is Milo, breaking the five-year hold of Oliver. Female cats and dogs continue to favor the charming name Luna, maintaining its top rank for another year. These names not only reflect personal preferences but also mirror broader cultural trends.

Interestingly, a surge of creative and entertaining names emerged in 2024, with Bluey, the lovable Blue Heeler from the hit children’s show, capturing the hearts of pet owners across the nation. The name experienced a significant rise of 58% among dogs and a staggering 122% among cats, delineating it as a true cultural phenomenon and the ultimate trending name of the year.

Nicole Ellis, a Certified Professional Trainer and member of the Rover Pet People Panel, notes, “The pet names we choose are a reflection of our contemporary cultural obsessions and sources of happiness.” Ellis describes this report as reminiscent of the magazines we cherished, filled with names reflecting both tabloid intrigue and comforting familiarity.

The influence of celebrity culture is also palpable in this year's data, with pet parents naming their furry friends after fashionable popular figures, hit songs, and beloved sports icons, as well as familiar treats. Tastes from the grocery aisles also made their way into names, adding a flavorful twist to the pet naming convention. Trends inspired by famous TV shows, movies, fashion brands, and even viral social media trends further underscore the vibrant landscape of pet names.

This year’s report not only showcases the leading names nationally but also offers insights into regional preferences across eight major U.S. metropolitan markets. For pet owners keen to explore the full breadth of dog names and trends specific to these regions, Rover has ensured detailed insight is just a click away. Pet enthusiasts in Canada and France are also catered to with tailored top pet names reports developed for their respective markets.

In a delightful twist, Rover paired up with popular social media personality Matt Hobbs, affectionately known as Puppy Songs, to create a musical rendition showcasing this year’s top ten trending names, blending creativity and fun together in another engaging format.

Rover’s methodology for this year’s report involved analyzing millions of names submitted by users from September to October 2024. The top twenty pet names were determined based on significant year-over-year growth while ensuring that only names with a minimum of 200 newly added pets in 2024 were considered. Additionally, trending names categorized by themes such as food, celebrity, and sports were highlighted without setting a minimum for new submissions per name, demonstrating the diverse sources of inspiration.

As pet naming continues to evolve alongside popular culture, Rover serves as a fascinating lens into this intimate and personal aspect of pet ownership. To explore the complete comprehensive list of 2024's top dog and cat names along with trends, pet lovers can visit Rover’s dedicated website sections for their insights and creative ideas.

About Rover: Founded in 2011 and based in Seattle, Rover is the world's largest platform for pet care, connecting pet owners with qualified pet care providers. Offering services ranging from overnight boarding to dog walking and specialized training, Rover is committed to enhancing the pet ownership experience. To discover more about pet care solutions or for further details regarding pet names, visit www.rover.com.