Luna has been revealed as the most pup-ular name for puppies and kittens this year, according to pet insurer MORE THAN, as the moon-inspired name continues to eclipse the top 100 lists.
- Pet insurer MORE THAN reveals the top 100 puppy and kitten names, as 2020 sees 20% rise in insurance quotes for new dogs and cats (1)
- Luna eclipses most common names for new dogs and cats, while Milo surges up the list
- MORE THAN reminds Brits that pets are not just for Christmas, urging new pet owners to ‘have their pets’ backs’ next year
MORE THAN insurance reports that the number of new quotes for puppies named Luna have rocketed by 28% in the last year, while quotes for kittens named Luna shot up by 31%. Milo follows as the second most popular name, climbing up the top 10 lists for new puppies and kittens over the last year, from fourth and seventh place respectively.
However, it seems that Brits have fallen out of love with the name Snoopy for a dog, as MORE THAN’s list shows a dramatic fall for the name from #6 to #347 over the last year. Meanwhile, Winnie, Mabel and Otis have been amongst the highest climbers in the top 100 list for puppy names, while Bonnie, Kiki and Pepper have been amongst the highest climbers for kittens.
Graham Nicholls, Head of Pet Insurance at MORE THAN, comments:
“The more traditional names of past years such as Luna, Lola and Bella still dominate when it comes to new pets, but we are seeing a phenomenal rise in the number of Milos on our books. The meaning of the name is said to be ‘merciful’ or ‘soldier’ which, when considering how difficult it’s been this year, is perhaps why it’s proving to be so popular.”
Pet ownership has boomed during 2020, with nearly half of all Brits who currently own a pet getting at least one new furry friend during the first lockdown. The level of care which is now being afforded to these furry companions also continues to rise, with MORE THAN insurance reporting a 20% increase in new pet insurance quotes for puppies and kittens this year, compared to 2019 (1).
The lists also reveal that puppies named Boris have MORE THAN doubled over the last year (+108%), rising from #128 to #74 in the list of most pup-ular names, and have almost tripled since 2018 (+197%) (3). Meanwhile, kittens called Boris have risen +131% since December 2019, jumping up from #123 to #48 – reaching the top 50 feline names for the first time. Labrador Retrievers, Cocker Spaniels and Pugs were found to be the most popular breeds amongst puppies named Boris.
Unique names for a unique year
MORE THAN’s Graham Nicholls continues:
“Dogs and cats have provided solace to millions of Brits during this difficult year, and for many new pet owners, it’s provided that much-needed company and boost for our mood. For those who already have a pet, spending more time at home has meant we’ve become closer to them.”
The insurer also reports that the number of puppies named Stormzy has tripled (+235%) since 2018 (3), citing the artist’s headline performance at Glastonbury last year being a major factor behind the trend.
Graham Nicholls says:
“With everything our pets do for us, we should return the favour by keeping them happy and healthy. Make sure you think about the long-term commitment you’ll be making when you get a new pet – will you have enough time to play with them, exercise them, and can you afford to look after them? Getting a new pet is a big decision that requires a lot of thought, but a new furry companion can bring real benefits to your life if you’re ready for the commitment.”
If you’d like a more unique name for your pet to avoid seven dogs running up to you in the park at once, check out our favourite MORE THAN pet insurance customers imaginative (and sometimes hilarious) pet names.
Top of the Pups: here's the hitlist!
Top 100 dog names
1. Luna
2. Milo
3. Bella
4. Teddy
5. Buddy
6. Lola
7. Coco
8. Bailey
9. Poppy
10. Willow
11. Daisy
12. Max
13. Reggie
14. Nala
15. Ruby
16. Hugo
17. Bear
18. Charlie
19. Cooper
20. Alfie
21. Rosie
22. Bonnie
23. Molly
24. Ralph
25. Archie
26. Bertie
27. Winnie
28. Mabel
29. Dexter
30. Barney
31. Loki
32. Monty
33. Millie
34. Frank
35. Bruno
36. Oscar
37. Frankie
38. Chester
39. Tilly
40. Freddie
41. Rocco
42. Roxy
43. Marley
44. Murphy
45. Toby
46. Stanley
47. Benji
48. Rocky
49. Dog
50. Winston
51. Blue
52. Bruce
53. Skye
54. Maggie
55. Woody
56. Ted
57. Arlo
58. Jasper
59. Otis
60. Harley
61. Rolo
62. Ronnie
63. Beau
64. Rex
65. Lottie
66. Honey
67. Leo
68. Bobby
69. Belle
70. George
71. Penny
72. Ziggy
73. Ollie
74. Bob
75. Betty
76. Dolly
77. Dave
78. Lexi
79. Buster
80. Henry
81. Boris
82. Pepper
83. Nellie
84. Pippa
85. Simba
86. Pablo
87. Lily
88. Zeus
89. Maisie
90. Olive
91. Finn
92. Ozzy
93. Kobe
94. Minnie
95. Peggy
96. Cookie
97. Louie
98. Kip
99. Betsy
100. Rufus
Top 100 cat names
1. Luna
2. Milo
3. Nala
4. Simba
5. Loki
6. Bella
7. Coco
8. Willow
9. Leo
10. Oreo
11. Lola
12. Teddy
13. Charlie
14. Daisy
15. Cat
16. Oscar
17. Monty
18. Tilly
19. Jasper
20. Ziggy
21. Rosie
22. Blue
23. Shadow
24. Poppy
25. Gizmo
26. Max
27. Cleo
28. Pepper
29. Smudge
30. Molly
31. Misty
32. Cookie
33. George
34. Lily
35. Alfie
36. Bob
37. Belle
38. Mia
39. Millie
40. Buddy
41. Merlin
42. Bear
43. Reggie
44. Tigger
45. Mabel
46. Bertie
47. Freddie
48. Toby
49. Dexter
50. Kitty
51. Boris
52. Archie
53. Chester
54. Arlo
55. Kiki
56. Hugo
57. Tiger
58. Bobby
59. Mittens
60. Ruby
61. Ralph
62. Bonnie
63. Boo
64. Winnie
65. Minnie
66. Rocky
67. Winston
68. Smokey
69. Olive
70. Binx
71. Marley
72. Fluffy
73. Dave
74. Storm
75. Phoebe
76. Harry
77. Maggie
78. Pablo
79. Ollie
80. Ozzy
81. Theo
82. Casper
83. Salem
84. Socks
85. Billy
86. Fred
87. Skye
88. Pixie
89. Frankie
90. Ronnie
91. Otis
92. Peanut
93. Cosmo
94. Maisie
95. Pumpkin
96. Percy
97. Frank
98. Oliver
99. Zeus
100. Biscuit
Notes for editors
(1) Figure based on the volume of insurance quotes received for puppies and kittens in 2020, compared to 2019
(2) https://www.petbusinessworld.co.uk/news/feed/pet-ownership-soars-in-covid-britain
(3) Figure based on the volume of insurance quotes received for puppies and kittens in 2020, compared to 2018
Ashley Daly
Account Manager, Grayling
e: morethanpr@grayling.com
t: +44 (0)7864 181772