#Japan #Tokyo #Dog Names #Pet Medical Support #PS Insurance

2026 Dog Names Ranking in Japan

Recently, Pet Medical Support Co., known for their pet insurance, released an insightful ranking of dog names between August 2025 and July 2026. The survey included a remarkable total of 44,356 dogs from new policyholders, showing trends and preferences among pet owners in Japan.

Survey Overview

The collected data focuses on the names of male and female dogs, with 23,233 males and 21,123 females surveyed. The methodology involved consolidating the registered names regardless of their format, allowing for a comprehensive analysis of dog names that are popular among small, medium, and large breeds.

Top Male Dog Names

1. Sora
2. Leo
3. Mugi

Among the top three male dog names, Sora stands out as the most popular. Its meaning evokes the vast and bright sky, reflecting a free-spirited nature. Leo, signaling strength and nobility like a lion, is the second favorite. Mugi, which secured third place, also appears in the female category, showing versatility and widespread appeal. The results also reveal trends as names like Mugi, Marron, and Late make reference to food, indicating a whimsical connection between pet names and popular edibles.

Top Female Dog Names

1. Coco
2. Momo
3. Hana/Mugi

Among female pets, Coco takes the leading spot. The name is favored for its brevity and the charm of repetitive sounds. Following closely, Momo suggests delightful imagery of peaches and pinks, capturing a cheerful essence. Hana and Mugi share the third position, catering to the growing popularity of charming and easily pronounced names. A significant observation is that names like Coco, Momo, Lulu, and Lara populate the top ranks, focusing on familiar and soft-sounding repetitions that resonate with pet owners.

Combined Ranking Insights

In the overall name ranking, Coco surfaces at the top once again, while Mugi holds strong at second, appealing to both genders. The overall inclination towards names starting with Mo, such as Moka, Momo, and Moko, indicates a potential trend towards softer, lilting sounds in pet naming.

Name Rankings by Size Categories

The size-specific rankings reveal intriguing contrasts:
1. Small Dogs: 1. Coco, 2. Mugi, 3. Moka
2. Medium Dogs: 1. Mugi, 2. Hana, 3. Sora
3. Large Dogs: 1. Bell, 2. Sora, 3. Mugi
The data reflects distinct preferences as small dogs favor food-related names, while medium breeds lean towards names evoking traditional Japanese sentiments, and larger breeds showcase a preference for names with a strong, foreign feel. Names like Mugi and Sora successfully transcend these boundaries, appearing across categories and highlighting their universal appeal.

Conclusions from the Rankings

The name preferences diverged significantly between male and female categories. Yet, certain names like Mugi and Sora stood resilient across different groups. Additionally, trends suggest a growing inclination toward names inspired by nature and foods, with a unique balance between soft, approachable names and those denoting strength and nobility. This 2026 ranking sheds light on the whims of pet owners in Japan, encapsulating their hopes and dreams for the beloved members of their families.

About Pet Medical Support PS Insurance

Offering peace of mind with their comprehensive pet insurance, PS Insurance aims to support owners through unexpected veterinary expenses. Their Veterinarian Dial service, available 24/7, ensures pet owners can reach out for immediate guidance, further strengthening the bond between pets and their families. Explore their offerings further by visiting their website.

For more details on their pet insurance products, please visit PS Insurance.

Company Overview

• - Company Name: Pet Medical Support Co.
• - CEO: Akihito Yonemitsu
• - Location: 2F, Aoyama Tower Place, 8-4-14 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-0052
• - Start Date: May 2, 2008
• - Business: Small Amount and Short Term Insurance (Registration No.: Kanto Finance Bureau Long Term Insurance No. 24)
• - Capital: ¥332,750,000 (as of March 2026)
• - Website: Pet Medical Support Co.