Top 10 Most Popular Pet Names for Dogs and Cats in 2026

by Britt

Published: June 24th, 2026

Photo credit: Gerain0812 / Shutterstock.com

Bringing a new pet into your home is an exciting time, but it also comes with a lot of responsibilities, some of which begin on day one. One of the first big decisions you’ll need to make is choosing the perfect name. This name is going to be spoken thousands of times, written on vet records, and shared with friends and neighbors.

It’s your pet’s new identity. So, it’s not a decision that loving pet parents take lightly!

In fact, a 2026 report by MetLife Pet Insurance revealed that 54% of US pet parents put as much thought into naming their pet as they would into naming a child. Not only that, but 56% believe a pet’s name reveals a lot about their guardian’s own personality. It shows just how much we love and value the individuality of our best friends.

According to the study, which analyzed a year of Google search data and surveyed over 1000 pet parents, the top three most-searched pet names in the US right now are Coco, Ginger, and Bluey. The data also highlighted distinct differences between dog and cat parents. Coco led the searches for dogs (followed by Bluey, Bear, and Rocky), while Ginger topped the list for cats (followed by Princess, Luna, and Mochi).

Interestingly, our current taste in names as a society appears to be heavily influenced by our favorite foods and pop culture.

The fastest-growing names this year include Boba, Aurora, Kiko, Bluey, and Nugget, with other food-inspired choices like Churro and Miso also gaining popularity. There was also a strong showing for the names of fictional characters from Marvel, Disney, and nostalgic television shows, including:

Loki (Marvel)
Rocky (Rocky Balboa franchise)
Nala (The Lion King)
Salem (Sabrina and Hocus Pocus)
Simba (The Lion King)
Maverick (Top Gun)
Moana (Disney)

There were also locally driven trends in some parts of the country. For example, the name Bear was searched 2.2x more often in Idaho than the national average, while Mochi was searched 2x more often in Oregon and searches for Rocky were 1.7x higher in New Jersey.

Beyond trends, names can also carry highly personal and sometimes humorous stories. While many people name pets after special people in their lives, like family members and friends, 16% of respondents admitted to naming a pet after an ex-partner. In comparison, only 4% named a pet after a current spouse or partner.

Additionally, 56% of pet parents would consider naming a pet after a fictional villain like Voldemort or Darth Vader.

If you’re currently struggling to find that perfect name before bringing your newest family member home, remember, there is no need to rush! Many families spend several days getting to know their new pet, including their unique personality, habits, and quirks, before choosing a name that fits.

Whether you choose to go with something classic, popular, food-inspired, or truly one-of-a-kind, you’ll know when you come across the name that feels “right.” It’s the first step in a long, happy journey together!

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Britt

Britt Kascjak is a proud pet mom, sharing her heart (and her home) with her “pack” which includes her husband John, their 2 dogs – Lucifer and Willow – and their 2 cats – Jinx and Theia. She has been active in the animal rescue community for over 15 years, volunteering, fostering and advocating for organizations across Canada and the US. In her free time, she enjoys traveling around the country camping, hiking, and canoeing with her pets.

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