Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
National
Paige Freshwater

Most popular pet names of 2022 unveiled - as human names claim top spots

We've all got different taste when it comes to names - but there's a lot of cross over between what we consider to be a human's name and an animal's. This is evident in the top cat and dogs names of 2022, with Luna holding firmly on to the top spot for both canine and feline companions for the third year running.

There has also been no change at second place as Bella remains the second most popular name for new puppies, while Milo stays runner-up for new kittens. Nala has climbed from sixth place in 2021, to third in this year’s rankings for kitten names, while Willow has knocked Bailey off tenth place to make this year’s list of top puppy names.

Luna is still the number one name for cats AND dogs (stock photo) (Getty Images)

Top 10 dog names in 2022

  1. Luna - meaning moon in Latin
  2. Bella - meaning beautiful in Italian
  3. Teddy - meaning wealthy protector, brave people, or God's gift
  4. Milo - of German origin meaning soldier or merciful
  5. Lola - a short form of the Spanish name Dolores, meaning sorrows
  6. Coco- a shorter version of the name, Soccoro
  7. Daisy - a flower symbolising innocence and purity
  8. Poppy - of Latin origin meaning red flower
  9. Buddy - a friend
  10. Willow - meaning willow tree and freedom

Top 10 cat names in 2022

  1. Luna - meaning moon in Latin
  2. Milo - of German origin meaning soldier or merciful
  3. Nala – of African origin, meaning successful
  4. Simba – of Swahili origin, meaning lion
  5. Bella - meaning beautiful in Italian
  6. Loki – primarily a male name of Scandinavian origin that means Trickster God
  7. Coco - a shorter version of the name, Soccoro
  8. Willow - meaning willow tree and freedom
  9. Oreo – after the popular American chocolate biscuit
  10. Leo – the Latin word for lion

Pet care specialist, Pets at Home, has compiled the list using data from its VIP Puppy & Kitten Club which supports millions of new pet owners with advice.

The research collates puppy and kitten names registered by the 7.6 million members of the club in 2022.

Dr Karlien Heyrman, head of pets at Pets at Home, said: "The humanisation of pets is a trend that’s become more and more prominent in recent years, as owners really do love their pets like one of the family.

"That’s why it’s really no surprise to see that new pet owners are choosing similar names as new parents for their beloved pets.

"Welcoming a new pet into the home is a really exciting time and choosing a name for your new family member can be a big decision.

"There are no set rules, but I’d try to avoid names that sound similar to other members of your household or like commands.

"Names that are short, sweet and easily recognisable will also help with getting your puppy or kitten to be responsive when called."

Do you have an animal story to share? Email paige.freshwater@reachplc.com.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.