Most Popular Pet Names of 2008
| Print | By | January 21, 2009 5:44 PM

Most Popular Pet Names of 2008

When was the last time you met a Rover, Fido or Mittens? Clearly, those pet names are passé. So what's hot to replace Spot?

According to Veterinary Pet Insurance (VPI), Max is the most popular name given to both dogs and cats for the sixth year in a row.

Following are the 10 most common dog and cat names based on a recent analysis of VPI's over 450,000 insured pets:

Dogs:

1. Max
2. Bailey
3. Bella
4. Molly
5. Lucy
6. Buddy
7. Maggie
8. Daisy
9. Sophie
10. Chloe

Cats:

1. Max
2. Chloe
3. Tigger
4. Tiger
5. Lucy
6. Smokey
7. Oliver
8. Bella
9. Shadow
10. Charlie

"The continuing popularity of Max is largely due to the fact that it is monosyllabic and simple for people and pets to remember, yet easy to distinguish from common commands," said Dr. Carol McConnell, vice president and chief veterinary officer for VPI. "Plus, it's a fitting name for an active, energetic pet."

Taking a close look at the list, today's top pet names are more likely to sound like human names rather than traditional pet monikers. A few of the top 10 even appear on the Social Security Administration's list of most common baby names. Isabella (Bella) is number four for girls, and Sophia ranks ninth on both the SSA's list and VPI's cat name list.

There's a reasonable theory to support this new naming tendency. Pets are family, now more than ever before.

Consider these findings from a pet owner survey conducted by the American Animal Hospital Association; 93 percent of pet parents would risk their own life for a pet; forty percent of pets sleep in our bed; and half of us carry a pet photo in our wallet!

"The prevalence of pets with human names clearly reflects the growing human-animal bond," added McConnell.

But not all pet parents run with the pack when it comes to choosing a nom de plume for pets. Ask them how they decided on a name, and you'll likely hear a special story.

When the Rotunda family from Parker Colorado arrived home with their new Golden-Doodle puppy last winter, three-year old Jett exclaimed, "Her name is Soupy".

"I thought he meant 'Snoopy', but he corrected me," recalls Jett's mom, Stephanie Rotunda, "We don't know where it came from but it stuck".

Sometimes it's name-at-first-sight.

'Reina' means princess in Spanish. "It had to be her name," recalls Jennifer Almodovar of Tampa Florida. "The way she was sleeping when I first saw her--she looked like a little princess."

Other times, pets are named in honor of people we admire.

"Yogi got his name because of our love for baseball," beams Lanie Maes of Denver Colorado. "He's named after Yogi Berra and he's a pug, so he has a smooshed face just like Yogi Berra"!

Regardless of your motivation, remember that you're labeling your pet for its lifetime. It's a good idea to be creative and thoughtful about the name you select.

Sniff out the following books to enhance your search for the perfect pet name.

"The Complete Book of Pet Names: An ASPCA Book" (Paperback), by George Greenfield

"The Big Book of Pet Names: More Than 10,000 Pet Names (Includes Celebrity Pet Names)" Paperback, by Eugene Boone

"The Best Pet Name Book Ever", by Wayne Bryant Eldridge (Paperback)

"Happy Hound: Develop a Great Relationship with Your AdoptedDog or Puppy", by Susan Daffron.

Comments (77)

Anonymous January 21, 2009 11:43 PM

My dogs names (I have 2 dogs-1 mutt and a Beagle)-the mutt (is a Lab/Shephard/Chow) mix is named Ceasar-the Beagle's name is Sparky. I also have 2 cats-wouldn't ya know--Max and Ashley (Ashley is 18 years old).

Anonymous January 22, 2009 5:00 PM

I think my Blue Heeler's name is very unique- Ruger.

Anonymous January 22, 2009 5:09 PM

I have 6 wonderful little friends, there names are Abby(6yrs) old, her 3 children Dewie, cause he's always dewing something lol, pretty boy, just cause he's so pretty, and Susie, she's spoiled rotten, there all 1 yr old on Jan. 10, 2009 and of course theres aunt Flossy and Bingo there daddy. There all pom and chiau. mix. Love my babies, I could'nt imagine life without them.

Anonymous January 22, 2009 5:14 PM

I think my animals are very unique and they also have very unique names!! I have 3 dogs soon to have 4 and 2 cats!! The dogs names are: Turbo-Male pekingese 8yrs.old; Sprocket-Male (mutt)pekingese,shit-zu; Gizmo-Male Boston Terrier 1yr.old! The cats names are: Fancy-Female calico 15yrs.old; and Mater-Male tabby 5yrs.old!! They are so awesome!!!

Anonymous January 22, 2009 5:57 PM

My 2 cats are named Tika (as in tea) and Pyewacket, a beautiful siamese and persian mix, who is occasionally called Methusaleh, as she is going on 20 years of age, and is very active considering her age. They are the love of my life, so awesome.

Anonymous January 22, 2009 7:19 PM

I volunteer at a Cat Shelter so we name the cats when they arrive. We have had Athena,
Ouray, Expresso, Birdie, Molly and Murphy who are brother and sister. We had Captain and Red Boy who arrived together, Miracle who almost died at birth so that's how he got his name, Door Stop who would ride on the broom and sit by the door and not move! We name the cats after we get a feel for their little personalities. My own cats were strays that I adopted. One is Sushi, One is Kumani, and one is Nigel. Kumani is "Destiny" in African. I make beds for them out of recycled blankets and quilts:) Their all very special.

Anonymous January 22, 2009 7:52 PM

I have three cats, Gabby, Moxie and Sugar. All are rescues that I found within one block of my house at three different times. Gabby, because he talks all the time, Moxie is the very definition of that word, and Sugar because of his creamy color and sweet nature. To give you an idea of why I say Moxie is the very definition of that word, the other morning at 3:30 am, she was mad that I would not wake up and grabbed the cord of the phone next to the bed and swung it so it hit me squarely in the head. Now that's Moxie!

Anonymous January 22, 2009 8:29 PM

I have two cats they are brother and sister, Bobo and Sissy girl. They are 10 yrs old and total oppisites, bobo thinks hes a dog, racoon ,begs like a dog, gets in the garbage like a coon. And sissy is just prissy. I love them both.

Anonymous January 22, 2009 8:31 PM


My dogs name is Marsden, my granddaughter named him after John marsden the author, she loves his books

Anonymous January 22, 2009 8:34 PM

Five Cats at our house these days. Jasper, Thome, Nemo, Sophie, and Jinx. We have also had over the years Tosha, Gabby, Mustache and Daphne. All have been tossed aside by someone and wound up at our door. Tosha was twenty years old when we lost her.

Anonymous January 22, 2009 9:27 PM

"Regardless of your motivation, remember that you're labeling your pet for its lifetime. It's a good idea to be creative and thoughtful about the name you select."

A good idea, but not irrevocable - there are always nicknames and variations. Cats, in particular, have a way of letting you know what they want to be called. I named my current second cat (in order of adoption) "Bico" - a spur-of-the-moment dubbing (she's a bicolor- I named her calico sister "Callie") - she doesn't like Bico so much, but she loves being called "Bike."

I'm currently "guesting" my nephew's two cats (while he's looking for more cat-friendly housing), named "Itchy" and "Scratchy" by his ex-girlfriend. Names out of a cartoon within a cartoon, I... refuse to acknowledge. So I call them "Ichi" (Japanese for "one" or "first") and "Krashii" (close to the Russian for "beautiful" or "red"). They do seem to like the change.

Anonymous January 22, 2009 9:54 PM

28 Animals here rescued for 30 years retired @ 51 with 28 animals. Although I've retired my heart hasn't!!

Anonymous January 22, 2009 10:57 PM

We have 2 dogs, Sherman (Beagle) and Oliver (Chihuahua Mix. We also have 2 pot belly pigs Lucy & Scooter, 2 bunnies Thumper & Boo, a tortoise named LuLu, a bearded dragon named Buddy and 2 parakeets named Fluff & Squeek.

Anonymous January 22, 2009 11:58 PM

and my dogs name is Sadie, such a pretty girl, has a wonderful attuide, loves every one .fully trained and goes when i go. We are in our 60's and have her for company .When we sit she sits and not to wild . Sadie's mom

Anonymous January 23, 2009 4:46 AM

my just turned 6 beautiful pit-lab mix is almost all black w/white chest..her name is Rikki...but I call her Bubba ..and I have never cared about anything more in my life...we go everywhere together;Howard

Anonymous January 23, 2009 8:49 AM

I rescued a kitten from a flea infested house and named him "Lucky". He will be three in April and I treat him like he was one of my children.

Anonymous January 23, 2009 8:56 AM

We named our two Lab/Golden mix after two towns in Ohio when we were looking at a map to find the town where we had to pick them up! Styker and Thurston and they are part of our family no question about it.

Anonymous January 23, 2009 10:36 AM

We have a beautiful Blue Merle Aussie named Bosco. Yup, just like Bosco from Third Watch. And he is just as stubborn and defiant and the character on the TV show.
We love and spoil him so bad!!!

Anonymous January 23, 2009 11:41 AM

My new Shih Tzu is named Bella. My 13 year old daughter named her. I'm going to get a Yorkie and name her Sadie and when I get another Shih Tzu this summer, she will be different....naming her Zamora.

Anonymous January 23, 2009 11:51 AM

I have a cat that my sister gave me and his name is Cinnamon Garfield and you could probably guess why we call him Garfield but this cat is just completely spoiled by me just like belly rubs about every hour but I love this cat so much and he means the world to me

Anonymous January 23, 2009 11:51 AM

I have a cat that my sister gave me and his name is Cinnamon Garfield and you could probably guess why we call him Garfield but this cat is just completely spoiled by me just like belly rubs about every hour but I love this cat so much and he means the world to me

Anonymous January 23, 2009 12:19 PM

I have a Shih Tzu whose name is Barney Fife (he even has a charm bullet on his collar). I recently lost my precious cat, Abner, who died of bone cancer. Abner adopted us when he was full grown (2-3 years) and insisted that he became part of our family. I named him after General Abner the commander of Saul's army (Bible) who was brave and victorious.

Anonymous January 23, 2009 7:42 PM

We have 4 cats- Jack, who is named after Samurai Jack, because although he's a classic tuxedo cat, his father was a pure Siamese. He was born to my cat Arwen, after we found her with the Siamese that belonged to my neighbor at the time. They stayed together for 4 days, and there was little doubt when the kittens were born that all 4 were his... The woman who owned the Siamese wanted me to destroy the kittens, or give her $400 each for them. Riiiiight.
My next cat is a lovely coon named Paris. She's easily the most beautiful and utterly stupid cat I have ever had, so her name fits perfectly. We generally call her "Fluff".
Hella, an orange tabby, came from the shelter I work at along with Puff, an light gold & white longhair. Hella got her name from being a hella cool cat, who is very lovable, but a demon to the other cats, even Puff, who she'd grown up with. Puff is Puff because... It's her! We also have a black lab pitt mix from a shelter that was going to gas (omg!) him and his brothers & sisters. I hepled the rescue gruop who transfered them out of there to save their lives, and was offered my pick for fostering them during their mandatory waiting period before they could be adopted. We named him Anubis, since when he lays upside down (as dogs love to do!), his ears stick up and make him look just like the classic figure from Egpyt. He gets called Nubis most of the time.

Anonymous January 23, 2009 7:57 PM

I have a Part Pomeranian-Part Poodle boy named "L.K."
The "L" is for my name and the "K" is for a man I used to date. He just happened to be with me when I went looking for patio furniture and found "L.K."

Anonymous January 24, 2009 9:40 AM

i have a great dane named gypsy, a saint benard named clover, and three long haired dauchaunds named dolly, ginger and minnie. they are all girls and spoiled rotten.

Anonymous January 24, 2009 12:49 PM

My dog name is Sparky.

Anonymous January 24, 2009 6:39 PM

I have an 8 year old beagle named Dexter(I call him Little Dex), after the cartoon "Dexter's Laboratory". My first beagle's name was Sean(I called him Seanie Boy) and he was named after John Wayne's character, Sean Thornton, in the movie "The Quiet Man" which just happens to be my alltime favorite movie.

Anonymous January 25, 2009 11:17 AM

My Maine coon is named Riley , he doesnt pay any attention to us so any name is just as good

Anonymous January 25, 2009 4:10 PM

My dogs names are Daisy, Lily, Nooodles
my cats names are smokey, rascal, dusty, nick and Forte CooterBaun John Nicolas Ceaser the 4th

Anonymous January 25, 2009 4:16 PM

My cats name is wierd (Forte CooterBaun John Nicolas ceaser the 4th) because they all seemed to fit him and we couldnt decide wich was better. He is a black and white cat with shiny emerald green eyes. :-)

Anonymous January 25, 2009 10:16 PM

My "furrie children" are: Scout, a yellow lab, Mystery, Lab/Ret. mix, Guiness, a rough-coated collie, Simon, a yorkie/pom, and Chico, a long haired Chihuahua. All were rescued from euthanasia. Also living with us are: Monkey, a Siamese stray, and Bellatrix, another rescue, who had to have her front leg and tail amputated. I love them as much as my own kids. They mean the world to me. :)

Anonymous January 26, 2009 12:49 AM

I have two indoor dogs, Buddy(8yrs)and Tia(2yrs) and two outdoor dogs, Junior(4mos) and Dakota(4mos). I also have a cat named Lacey. They are all awesome pets. I can't imagine anyone not loving animals.

Anonymous January 26, 2009 2:11 AM

My son named his first cat Penny (Penny Hardaway-basketball hero) and our second dog, Bret (Bret Hart-Canadian wrestling champion). Our 1st dog was Duchess, because she was a really attention-seeking little aristocratic Pom/American Husky, a real 'character'! Our latest cat was a reject by everyone else's standards because she started out all black, but she was so small and cute, we gave her the special name of EBONY to make her feel important and classy,...by which time, she grew to have just one little lick of white on her chest and a devious little mind to use to get even with those who rejected her! Did I mention, we had a rabbit for a short while,...Sugar Plum, the sweetest pet you could never imagine,...Bless them all, their unique characters and all the good times we've been lucky enough to have with each and every one of them,...even the stately matriarchal, 18 year old cat, our special little Precious and all the ones that came before. RR

Anonymous January 26, 2009 11:38 AM

My German Shepherd's name is Culloden - after the battle of.... in Scotland. I visited Inverness and Drumossie Moor with friends and found the place very impressive. It feels as if the battle has just taken place. Culloden is brave as any Scot, and I love him to pieces. His son will be called Bruichladdich MacCulloden - will call him Laddie, the opposite of Lassie.

Anonymous January 26, 2009 10:13 PM

I have 11 dogs
their names are
Domanique , sky , Mojo , Lexy , Foxy , Lil Shit , Trigger , Panco , 3 soxs & Yogi

Anonymous January 27, 2009 6:14 AM

Emma, a long haired Himalyan, and Ozzie, my fat Tabbie.

Anonymous January 27, 2009 6:15 AM

Emma has a face only a mother can love, and Oz, drinks water from the sink, sleeps in the sink, and runs the roost.

Anonymous January 27, 2009 10:53 AM

Forte CooterBaun John Nicolas ceaser the 4th is my best bud. He is a black and white 10month old cat with shiny green eyes! I LOVE MY CAT HE IS THE BEST

Anonymous January 27, 2009 1:10 PM

I have a Beagle puppy, I first named him Duffus, but then remembered what Duffus meant, and changed it to Duffy. He has a mouth on him and do not want to know what he is saying when I am scolding him. But he is a joy to have around.

Anonymous January 27, 2009 2:07 PM

My first pup was Fluffy(mix) then King(cocker), Lucretia(Irish Setter}, Ravanna (cocker), Jasper, Peety, Whisper, Cricket, Sassy, Beau, Petunia, Pudden, Patches, Freckles, Peaches(all mix), Tiffany (Afghan hound), Raven&Snoopy (both Dachshunds). My current "kids" are, Coco&Blade (both mini Dachshunds),and Clarence(Doxie mix). Only four of these dogs were purchased. Many were drop-offs. Others had been abused. And a few were rescuded. I only hope I will be able to name many,many more. On cats, I'm allergic.

Anonymous January 27, 2009 6:07 PM

have had a Jessie, Peppy, Radar(GSD that had markings that encircled his ears,also MASH influence), Roc-ky(R O C was for Radar's other cousin), Sadie (was my last female nightmare b4 Radar), Bubba , and now a Mango (was orig. Mandoe from the pound but I thought it was stupid so changed it to sound similar). That was my dogs. I could get totally crazy listing all the cat names..so I'll only tell the most unusual: Booger, Mokey, Astro, Pooter, Norris, and Wolfie.

Anonymous January 28, 2009 1:07 AM

My dogs names are Chigger, Callie, Chloe, Bob, Amber, Durango, and we have a long haired black cat named Nappy--when we got him as a kitten, he was all nappy looking, hense the name.

Anonymous January 28, 2009 1:09 PM

We have a little maltese puppy and named her Roxy. My daughter came up with the name and it fits her perfectly, she is full of energy and playful.

Anonymous January 29, 2009 5:42 PM

I rescue cats and now have living with me: Lenny, Squiggy, Murphy Brown, Fonzie, Baby Girl, Snickers, Handsome Fred, Sissy, Rosie, Bert, Ozzie and Sissy

Anonymous January 30, 2009 2:17 PM

I have 3 dogs (Zeus-7yr, Marcus-4yr, Zoe-3mo) and 2 cats (Lady-13yr and Ziggy-3yr). I love them all! Almost named Zoe as Chloe...go figure! :)

Anonymous January 31, 2009 3:35 AM

My one and only cat (at the moment) is Missy Mouse. She prefers Mouse. Mouse is kinda that mousey brown color, and the Missy came from the fact that the fur around her muzzle is that creamy color you would expect if she'd been drinking hot chocolate.. Swiss Miss to be precise.

Anonymous January 31, 2009 6:57 PM

My dogs even have middle names!! HaHa.. My Female JRT's name is Ramona Jean. My Male Min Pin/ Dashaund mix's name is Grover Jackson :)

Anonymous February 2, 2009 5:20 PM

My min-pin girl's name is lily-putt
(she is fat)

Anonymous February 2, 2009 7:23 PM

Our Basset Hound is named Toby, and our cat answers to Mrs. Hudson.

Anonymous February 3, 2009 6:46 PM

my cats names yoko

Anonymous February 8, 2009 7:08 PM

I have a dog named dezi (short for desiree) and a cat named boogar ( he got that name because as a kitten he stuck to me)

Anonymous February 8, 2009 10:54 PM

I have 2 cats named Zoe,girl and Hunnybuns,boy.The reason his name sounds like a girl name is we thought for a while he was a girl!I have had Zoe for about 4/5 years and HB is only one of her many litters.the dad was her sisters baby but now fully grown.his name isPoofballbecause he is a very puffy kitty.I dont know what happened to zoes sis,cutie.I LOVE YOU ALL!

Anonymous February 21, 2009 2:01 PM

I have a Diesel and Noa(dogs)Skye,Cheetah,Noa,Quinn,Nia,Puma and Iokee(cats)!

madison February 28, 2009 10:25 AM

i love animals my favorite animal is a fish though.
and my favorite fish is a glo fish. they really glo in the dark! if you dont believe me look it up Q!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Anonymous March 6, 2009 6:54 PM

I have a pet named Nigel!! It's a labradoodle. But we just figured out it is a female dog but the breeder we got it from said it is a male. So we got to change the name. But it is only 6 months old so it should be fine.

diane March 18, 2009 1:52 PM

My little dog is part shitzue and part picaneze his name is Shilo he is a very good boy..He does all kinds of tricks and he even sings to how much is that doggy in the window..

kim March 25, 2009 9:10 PM

I have four dogs their names r Gigi, Bella ,Maxumillion and Peaches...Gigi is a nice but can be mean if she dont no u.Bella is a loving girl she plays alot loves kids and has a nice personality n fact we r going to sale her b/c we wont a other dog oh, and shes only 1yr old.Maxumillion got his name b/c hes dirrerent from my other dogs.He dont like to be messed with.Now Peacher on the other hand if u touch him he wont leave u alone.He will follow u anywhere.He is my favorite out of all of them.

John April 14, 2009 4:12 PM

I am 9 years old. Me and my family want a dog soon . We want a small dog bu friendly to me . What should i get ? Signed Help me in PA!

alisha June 1, 2009 3:12 PM

i have one dog named pebbles she's a mini doberman/rat terrior .we named her pebbles becase she has spots all over her legs and paws and it looks like she glued rocks to her paws/legs.i'm 11 years old and love dogs !peace peeps

alisha June 1, 2009 3:24 PM

I want to get another dog and name it one of these names, QT ,DAESIE, MALIE , APPLECIDER , HIDALGLO,SHERRIY.
AND I NEED HELP PICKING ONE OF THESE NAMES FOR HER/HIM AND SHOULD IT BE A GIRL OR BOY? HELP!!!! THANKS PEACE PEEPS!

STEPHANIE June 8, 2009 11:30 PM

I have a new shih Tzu who will be coming home in five weeks.I cant wait to care for her and give her a lots of love.Im 13 years old and I just need help with A good name.Any ideas?

deshawn June 10, 2009 4:11 PM

is ya'll talkin bout animals

names that start with t June 23, 2009 2:21 PM

Corgi dog

Anonymous June 23, 2009 6:27 PM

My dogs name is Kel'muya. He is a nice dog and barks when someone is comming to our house, but he will stop when he sees you coming into the house.

anonymouse June 24, 2009 11:39 AM

I have a rat terrier named Honey Roasted Gristle, felines: Cat Erwaul, Cat Atonic, Cat Mandoo, Copy Cat, and Cattywampus.

Brittany July 15, 2009 11:30 PM

I have two chihuahuas and my female is named Tinker Bell and my male is named Bandit. I am getting a new Red Heeler pup and I need a name for him! Please help me.

my lovable dog August 4, 2009 12:54 PM

i have a dog shes sweet and lovable ive had lots of pets i take care of them then bring them to a good homes but the cool thing is they all have very creative names like...cococutiecu.ilove my pets!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Anonymous August 11, 2009 5:42 PM

I love dogs! I have a red heeler named Dodger, a lab named buddy, and i'm getting a chihuahua and naming him Oliver!

jade August 17, 2009 9:15 PM

Madison.....you like animals but your favorite is a fish?! thats not even an animal!!!

jade August 17, 2009 9:17 PM

wheres my commet???~!!!

Abby August 27, 2009 11:09 AM

nice shadow now thats a name!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

arieslilmom September 18, 2009 3:52 PM

I have 4 female dogs I adore. I have Dazee Rae, my lil Jack Russle.. Angel, Jazmyn and Temperence (sisters)

Anonymous September 21, 2009 7:22 PM

could someone tell me what is a blue heeler pup and what does it look like someone thats lookin for a pet

Anonymous October 16, 2009 10:51 AM

my german shepard just had 2 bitches and 4 dogs what should i call them

craigy boy October 21, 2009 6:48 PM

just got a 8 week year old lab. any names?????????? we've none

Anonymous October 23, 2009 2:01 PM

i have a horse not a cat or a dog

Gloria November 4, 2009 11:01 AM

i found a butefulle m cat his only 9 months or so hes relly loveable and sweet im haveing a hard time coming up with a name for him i thaght about littlebit but I dont know? some idays would be gratly apreshated

add your comment

Advertisement

Petside: Get Started

Advertisement

Specials

Check out these deals picked by petside.com just for you!

Newsletter & Deals

Register now for Newsletters and Personal Tools.

Your Name: Your Email:

Your privacy is important to us.
Click here for the full policy.