VIRGINIA — When you mention Luna in the Washington, D.C. area, it’s uncertain whether a dog or a cat will appear. Luna stands out as the leading name for both female dogs and female cats, according to a latest study from Rover, a digital platform dedicated to pet care services. In the D.C. region, the […]
VIRGINIA — When you mention Luna in the Washington, D.C. area, it’s uncertain whether a dog or a cat will appear. Luna stands out as the leading name for both female dogs and female cats, according to a latest study from Rover, a digital platform dedicated to pet care services.
In the D.C. region, the most popular dog names for 2024 are Charlie, Luna, Bella, Coco, and Milo, in that order.
For cats, the leading names for 2024 are Luna, Pepper, Cleo, Milo, and Daisy.
These pet names have significantly increased in popularity this year, reflecting trends in the area:
- No. 1 Trending Dog Name: Annie (up 464%)
- No. 1 Trending Cat Name: Archie (up 481%)
Additionally, food enthusiasts in D.C. should note that Honey has surged 202%, Clementine by 174%, and Mochi by 131%.
Cartoon-inspired names are also on the rise, such as Scooby (281%), Nala (198%), and Simba (181%).
Other popular names in the capital include Ash (464%), Sammy (264%), Chico (247%), Penelope (131%), and Momo (106%).
On a national scale, the top 10 names for female dogs include Luna, Bella, Daisy, Lucy, Lily, Lola, Zoe, Sadie, Coco, and Bailey. The top names for female cats include some similarities: Luna, Lily, Bella, Lucy, Callie, Nala, Kitty, Willow, Cleo, and Daisy.
For male dogs, the leading names are Charlie, Max, Milo, Cooper, Buddy, Teddy, Rocky, Bear, Leo, and Duke. Overlap is seen in male cats, with top names like Milo, Oliver, Leo, Charlie, Loki, Max, Simba, Jack, Ollie, and Jasper.
Besides classic names in both female and male pet categories, there’s been a spike in names inspired by pop culture, sports, entertainment, and even culinary trends in 2024. One notable example is Bluey, which rose 58% for dogs and 122% for cats, making it the top trending name for both.
“The names we give our pets reflect our current cultural fascinations and the things that bring us happiness,” remarked Nicole Ellis, a certified professional trainer and panelist for Rover Pet People, in a press release. “This year’s findings resemble the magazines we once loved browsing through — the names blend tabloid intrigue with comforting familiarity.”
Among the top celebrity names for female dogs are Taylor Swift, Jisso, Jane Fonda, Normani, Renee (Rapp), Brat, Beyoncé, and Sabrina. Eilish and Dua Lipa are also trending.
For male cats, popular celebrity names include Styles, Taylor Swift, Ivana, Halsey, Gaga, Cardi B, and Elon. This year’s new additions feature Eilish, Justin Timberlake, and Kelly Clarkson.
Provolone emerged as the leading food-themed name for cats, seeing an increase of 509%. Other trending food-themed names are Casserole, Babybel, Burger, Burrito, Sorbet, Twinkie, and Meringue.
The report also highlighted names influenced by television shows, films, notable fashion brands, and social media trends.
The article Here Are The Top Names For Dogs And Cats In VA first appeared on Woodbridge Patch.
It’s always fun to see the most popular pet names! In Virginia, it seems that owners have a playful and creative approach when naming their furry companions. It reflects not just personality, but also regional trends. I wonder if any names stand out as particularly unique or meaningful!