Top 50 Dog and Cat Names in Australia 2025 and the Trends Behind Them

Australia’s pets are truly part of the family – and their names prove it. Gone are the days of every dog being “Spot” or every cat “Whiskers.” Today’s most popular pet names could just as easily belong to a baby or a movie character. In this comprehensive roundup, we’ve compiled the top 50 dog names and top 50 cat names in Australia for 2025, based on recent data from pet insurance databases, surveys, and registration records. We’ll also explore the notable naming trends, shifts from previous years, and the pop culture phenomena inspiring Aussie pet parents, along with some of the more surprising and quirky names gaining attention.

Top 50 Dog Names in Australia (2025)

Australian dog owners continue to favor friendly human names and pop culture references for their pups. According to nationwide pet insurance policy data, Luna retains the #1 spot as the most popular dog name, reflecting a broader trend of dogs getting “people” names​.

Below is the ranking of the 50 most popular dog names:

1. Luna – 🌙
   
   

2. Milo – 🥛
   
   

3. Charlie – 🐾
   
   

4. Coco – 🥥
   
   

5. Daisy – 🌼
   
   

6. Teddy – 🧸
   
   

7. Frankie – 🎵
   
   

8. Ruby – 💎
   
   

9. Bear – 🐻
   
   

10. Molly – 🌸
    
    

11. Archie
    
    

12. Bella
    
    

13. Toby
    
    

14. Willow
    
    

15. Stella
    
    

16. Bailey
    
    

17. Nala
    
    

18. Lola
    
    

19. Winnie
    
    

20. Millie (Milly)
    
    

21. Leo
    
    

22. Alfie
    
    

23. Rocky
    
    

24. Henry
    
    

25. Hugo
    
    

26. Max
    
    

27. Buddy
    
    

28. Oscar
    
    

29. Lucy
    
    

30. Chloe
    
    

31. Jack
    
    

32. Tilly
    
    

33. Shadow
    
    

34. Bluey
    
    

35. Hazel
    
    

36. Ollie
    
    

37. Cooper
    
    

38. Zoe
    
    

39. Pepper
    
    

40. Banjo
    
    

41. Diesel
    
    

42. Rusty
    
    

43. Poppy
    
    

44. Bentley
    
    

45. Rosie
    
    

46. Honey
    
    

47. Marley
    
    

48. Ziggy
    
    

49. Chilli
    
    

50. Angel
    
    

Notable Trends: The Top 5 dog names – Luna, Milo, Charlie, Coco, and Daisy – illustrate the humanization and pop culture influence in pet naming. Luna (ranked #1) has been a dominant choice for several years​ petinsuranceaustralia.com.au

Its popularity may be boosted by pop culture (e.g. Luna Lovegood from Harry Potter) and its celestial meaning “moon,” giving it an appealing, gentle vibe for a beloved fur-baby. Milo (#2) is not only a popular human name but also a nostalgic Aussie malted chocolate drink – an endearing choice that “shares a name with the Aussie beverage classic”​ honey.nine.com.au

Many Australians can’t resist naming a playful brown pup “Milo” after the treat. Charlie (#3) remains a perennial favorite for dogs (male or female), a friendly human nickname that’s easy to call out and has cross-generational appeal. Coco (#4) is short, sweet, and fun – a name that young families love for its easy pronunciation​ honey.nine.com.au

It evokes luxury (think Coco Chanel) but also the joy of the Pixar film Coco for some. Daisy (#5), a sunny flower name, has climbed in popularity – in fact, Daisy jumped up several spots in recent rankings​ timeout.com

Pet owners might choose “Daisy” as an ode to springtime or beloved characters (e.g. Princess Daisy from Mario games), or simply for its cheerful innocence.

Beyond the top five, several human names for dogs stand out. Teddy (#6) has surged as a cuddly choice for male dogs – it was the #1 male dog name in one 2024 insurance report​, reflecting how many Aussies now name dogs as they would a child (Teddy being a nickname for Theodore). Archie (#11) and Alfie (#22) are other examples of this trend towards classic boy nicknames – Archie notably spiked after the birth of the royal baby Archie a few years back. Bella (#12), once the reigning queen of dog names in the 2010s, still holds on in the top 20, though she’s been overtaken by Luna and others in recent years. Traditional stalwarts like Max (#26) and Buddy (#27) remain popular but have slid down as new favorites emerge (Max was the longtime #1 dog name in many countries, now dethroned by more unique choices).

Pop culture influences are clearly visible. Nala (#17) is a nod to The Lion King – this Swahili name meaning “queen” became common after the film’s remake and “rapidly rocketed into contention” a few years ago​.Likewise, Bear (#9) has bounded into the top 10 (in one list Bear was #9, up from outside the top 15) as pet parents increasingly choose animal-inspired names (naming a dog “Bear” for its cuddly or strong appearance)​. Some owners may have been charmed by the TV series The Bear or simply like the cute irony of calling a little Cavoodle “Bear.” Bluey (#34) is an unmistakably Australian pick – the hit Aussie cartoon Bluey fueled a surge in this name for dogs around 2019–2020​. In fact, Bluey was among the top 10 male dog names in 2020 as fans named their heelers and hounds after the lovable cartoon Blue Heeler​. (Even Bluey’s mum “Chilli” makes an appearance at #49 on our list – she was a top dog name in 2020, though that trend has cooled slightly since).

Classic and nature names still feature as well. Flower and plant names like Willow (#14) and Hazel (#35) for girl dogs have grown in use, mirroring baby name trends. Shadow (#33) remains a go-to for dark-coated dogs, and Rusty (#42) for those with reddish fur – these descriptive names are timeless. And let’s not forget fun names like Ziggy (#48), which hints at musical inspiration (perhaps after Ziggy Stardust/David Bowie) or just a zippy, playful pup personality.

Shifts from previous years: One noticeable shift is the decline of stereotypical “doggy” names. Names like Spot, Fido, Rex, or Buster are heard far less these days. As one pet insurance CMO noted, “traditional ‘dog names’ like Scruffy, Spot and Socks are half as popular as they were in the early 2000s”​. Indeed, today over half of Aussie pets have human names or nicknames as their name​. The convergence of pet and human naming trends shows how much we see our dogs as family. Australians also gravitate toward friendly, easy-to-call names – two-syllable names like Cooper, Ollie, and Chloe (all in our top 40) roll off the tongue at the dog park, aligning with advice to keep names short and clear.

It’s also worth noting some newcomers to the Top 10 in 2025. In some surveys, Bear and Molly cracked the national top 10 for the first time, displacing older favorites​. Molly (#10) is a classic that’s regained popularity – perhaps as a sweet, old-fashioned choice among a sea of Lunas and Daisies. On the other hand, Toby (#13) made a big debut into the top ranks recently; one nationwide survey found Toby shot up to #3 after not even being top 10 the year before​. This suggests a wave of new puppies being given this charming name (which, incidentally, means “God is good” – maybe appealing to those who feel blessed by their dog!). Meanwhile, Charlie and Ruby have slipped a few spots from last year​ – still very popular but facing fiercer competition from the new crop of names.

Overall, the dog name landscape in 2025 Australia is a mix of the trendy and the classic. Human baby names (Luna, Archie, etc.) dominate, reflecting how dogs are “increasingly considered members of the family”​. Pop culture and media continue to introduce fresh name ideas, while a few age-old favorites hang on. Don’t be surprised if the dog next door has a name like Winnie, Ziggy, or Banjo – Aussie dog owners are having more fun and creativity with names than ever before.

Top 50 Cat Names in Australia (2025)

When it comes to our feline friends, Australians show just as much creativity – with a dash of humor – in naming. Luna is again on top, a rare case where the same name reigns supreme for both cats and dogs​ act.gov.au.

Cats often get very character-inspired or descriptive names, and we see a blend of mythological, cutesy, and classic choices in the top 50 list for 2025:

1. Luna – 🌙
   
   

2. Milo – 🥛
   
   

3. Coco – 🥥
   
   

4. Loki – 😼
   
   

5. Mochi – 🍡
   
   

6. Leo – 🦁
   
   

7. Nala – 🦁
   
   

8. Bella – 💖
   
   

9. Simba – 🦁
   
   

10. Charlie – 😸
    
    

11. Willow
    
    

12. Pepper
    
    

13. Lucy
    
    

14. Lily
    
    

15. Minnie
    
    

16. Misty
    
    

17. Jasper
    
    

18. Cleo
    
    

19. Poppy
    
    

20. Chloe
    
    

21. Molly
    
    

22. Missy
    
    

23. Oreo
    
    

24. Cookie
    
    

25. Kiki
    
    

26. Tiger
    
    

27. Smokey
    
    

28. Sooty
    
    

29. Monty
    
    

30. Felix
    
    

31. Oscar
    
    

32. Lucky
    
    

33. Casper
    
    

34. Ginger
    
    

35. Oliver
    
    

36. Gizmo
    
    

37. Muffin
    
    

38. Mimi
    
    

39. Sophie
    
    

40. Fluffy
    
    

41. Prince
    
    

42. Peanut
    
    

43. Sasha
    
    

44. Zoe
    
    

45. Phoebe
    
    

46. Sylvester
    
    

47. Ash
    
    

48. Odin
    
    

49. Rocket
    
    

50. Apollo
    
    

Top cat name highlights: It’s immediately clear that Luna (#1) has achieved superstar status among cat lovers (as it has with dog owners). Luna’s popularity is bolstered by multiple cultural touchstones: in addition to the Harry Potter character, Luna is famously the name of the black cat in the anime Sailor Moon, making it a purr-fect choice for a nighttime prowler or a cat with big eyes like the moon. The name’s meaning (“moon” in Latin/Spanish) also fits the mystical, independent aura of cats. It’s no wonder “Luna is the most popular name for cats and dogs in Australia” today​.

Milo (#2) is another crossover hit for cats. Beyond the beloved Aussie drink (leading to many a ginger cat named after the cocoa-colored beverage), Milo was the orange tabby star of the film Milo and Otis. Many Aussies recall that adventurous cat Milo from childhood, which could be one reason “Milo is the second most popular cat name” now​. It conveys a playful, cheeky personality – which matches a lot of kittens! Coco (#3) ranks high for kitties too, seen as a fun and chic name (some might say a cat named Coco is “lovable and strong-willed,” traits often found in felines​

At #4, we have Loki, which captures a cat’s notorious mischievous streak. Loki, the trickster god from Marvel and Norse mythology, has inspired countless cat names – how many times have cat owners joked that their cat is an “agent of chaos”? In fact, Loki was the 4th most popular cat name, explicitly “inspired by the Marvel film” character, according to one 2024 report​ honey.nine.com.au. Cats named Loki are usually full of personality (and maybe a little naughty!).

Mochi (#5) is an adorable new entry – a gender-neutral name drawn from the Japanese sweet rice cake dessert. Mochi has become trendy for pets, especially cats, likely because it sounds cute and rolls off the tongue. (There’s even a cat named Mochi in Disney’s Big Hero 6.) Mochi made it into the top 5 cat names this year, showing the influence of food names and international culture on pet naming. In fact, Mochi’s rise is one of the more surprising shifts – a couple years ago it wasn’t on the radar, and now data shows “Mochi is popular for all pets, taking home fifth place” for cats​

Beyond the top five, the Top 10 cat names illustrate a mix of classic and pop culture influences. Leo (#6) is fitting for a feline – it literally means “lion,” the ultimate big cat (and as one source cheekily noted, “Leo can be short for leopard, making it great for cats”​

Nala (#7) and Simba (#9) are the famous lioness and lion from The Lion King, and they continue to be beloved choices for cats. Nala, meaning “queen” in Swahili, is “the perfect choice for a cat” according to one commentary​– many cat owners clearly agree, crowning their kittens with this regal name. Simba, of course, evokes a brave, playful kitten growing into a king (it ranked 9th for cats, “named after the character in The Lion King”​ honey.nine.com.au). It seems every other ginger cat in Australia now answers to Nala or Simba!

Rounding out the feline top 10 are Bella (#8) and Charlie (#10), showing that some popular dog names carry over to cats as well. Bella’s a sweet name that was also a top dog name for years (thanks to Twilight’s Bella and generally being a pretty name meaning “beautiful”). Charlie is an easy-going classic that suits a friendly tomcat just as much as a puppy – “popular for cats, dogs and people” alike​

Trends and emerging preferences for cats: Cat owners love whimsical and descriptive names. We see a lot of color- or trait-based names continuing in popularity, such as Misty (#16, perfect for a grey cat or one with mysterious behavior), Smokey (#27, another common choice for grey cats), Shadow (#5 in ACT and in our list’s top 30, often for black cats) and Sooty (#28, a classic Aussie name for black cats, harking back to a famous puppeteer’s bear named Sooty). Food and treat names are also big for cats: Oreo (#23) jumped onto the charts in recent years (likely due to its black-and-white pattern – a lot of tuxedo cats get named Oreo – and perhaps a certain famous Oreo cat online). Cookie (#24), Peanut (#42), Pumpkin (just outside the top 50) and Muffin (#37) show that many cat owners have a sweet tooth when naming! In fact, “Cookie” and “Peanut” both made the top 10 lists for female and male cats respectively in one insurance database​, highlighting how gourmet our cat names have become.

Another trend is short, cute nicknames often ending in an “-ee” sound: Millie/Milly, Lily, Mimi, Kiki, and Missy all appear in the top ranks for cats. These names are catchy and easy to say (or yell, when kitty is scratching the couch!). Minnie (#15) deserves special mention – it has shot up in popularity (it was the #2 female cat name in 2024 according to one report​). Perhaps people love its meaning of “tiny” for their little kittens, or are inspired by Minnie Mouse. Interestingly, Mimi (#38) is also on the rise (Mimi sounds similar and was noted among popular cat names), so we see a general affection for these cute, reduplicative-sounding names.

Just like with dogs, human names are popular for cats, but cat owners often pick quirkier or old-fashioned ones. Jasper (#17) and Felix (#30) are examples of classic male names that have long been used for cats – Felix especially, thanks to the iconic Felix the Cat cartoon and cat food brand (Felix means “fortunate” and many a black-and-white cat has worn this name). Oscar (#31) was historically a top cat name (for years it was synonymous with the family tabby), though it’s fallen a bit as new names like Leo and Loki take over. On the female side, Lucy (#13), Chloe (#20), Sophie (#39), and Zoe (#44) are human names that cat owners like, perhaps because they’re friendly and not overly common for people right now (so they feel fresh for pets).

Mythology and fiction play a big role in new cat naming trends. We’ve mentioned Loki and the Disney lions, but also see Odin (#48), Apollo (#50), and Thor (just outside our list) rising in use, likely due to Marvel and mythological intrigue – for a majestic Maine Coon or Abyssinian, a godly name like Odin or Apollo certainly makes a statement. Sci-fi and fantasy fans are contributing too: Rocket (#49) zoomed up as a cat name (inspired by the witty raccoon “Rocket” from Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy – a fitting name for a zoomie-prone kitten). And for those with literary leanings, Cleo (#18) remains popular (short for Cleopatra or a nod to Cleo the goldfish from Pinocchio, or Cleo the cat from the Anne of Green Gables series).

We also spot some gender-bending in cat names. For instance, Charlie, Lucky, Gizmo, Peanut, and Fluffy are fairly unisex. Interestingly, Coco appears in both female and male top 10 lists for cats​ – evidently both boy and girl cats get named Coco, proving that for pets, the gender association of a name matters less. Cats named Prince (#41) or King (somewhere lower down) show owners giving their felines aristocratic titles in name form – no one is surprised by that! In fact, Prince was among the top male cat names in some data sets (and also a rising dog name, often after members of the Royal Family)​. On the female side, Queen or Princess are less common as actual names, but plenty of cats certainly act like one!

Shifts from previous years: The cat naming trends have perhaps evolved even more than dogs in recent times. A few years ago, lists were dominated by names like Oscar, Tiger, Max, Tigger, and Sooty (all classic cat names). Nowadays, while those still appear in the top 50, they’ve been overtaken by a wave of pop culture-inspired names and human names. For example, Tiger (#26) and Tigger have given way to Simba and Nala as the go-to big cat names. Max (long a top male pet name) barely makes the feline list now, as more unique picks like Mochi or Jasper take precedence. Even Bella – once extremely common – is now just one of many options rather than the runaway #1 it used to be. And as mentioned, Minnie/Mimi was almost unheard of for cats until recently, and suddenly it’s a top choice, indicating a fresh generation of cat owners drawing inspiration from pop culture (Minnie Mouse, anime, etc.) and a penchant for cute-sounding names.

One thing that hasn’t changed: Aussies still sometimes choose straightforward cat names based on appearance or behavior. Midnight, Shadow, Smokey, Snowy, Ginger, and Fluffy are timeless picks that linger in the lower ranks of the top 50. These might not be the trendiest, but they’re undeniably descriptive (you can guess a lot about a cat named “Fluffy”!). As one pet website noted, about one-fifth of pet names are based on the animal’s looks or personality (for instance, a black cat named Midnight or an active cat named Dash)​. So while Luna and Loki rule the roost, Aussies haven’t entirely abandoned the simple charm of naming a cat what it is.

Popular Culture Influences on Pet Naming

From blockbuster movies to TikTok memes, popular culture continues to leave paw prints on pet name trends. In Australia, many of the fastest-rising pet names are directly inspired by characters, celebrities, or phenomena in movies, TV, music, and sports:

• Disney & Animated Characters: The enduring popularity of The Lion King is evident – Nala and Simba feature prominently for cats (and even for some dogs). As noted, Simba was the 9th most popular cat name and Nala not far behind​.
  
  Another Disney influence is Mochi, the name of the cat in Big Hero 6, which likely helped cat owners see it as a cute option. And we can’t ignore Bluey, the Australian cartoon canine hero: after the show’s debut, “Bluey” became a popular dog name (jumping into top 10 lists by 2020)​ puparazzi.pet.
  Even Bluey’s sister Bingo and dad Bandit have been used as pet names by fans of the show, though they aren’t top 50. Disney princess names (like Bella – from Beauty and the Beast – and Jasmine) also influence pet names, though Bella’s popularity likely comes from multiple sources.
  
  

• Harry Potter & Fantasy: The wizarding world has cast a spell on pet naming. Luna (Lovegood) is a clear example, reigning at #1​. Some pet owners have also named pets Harry, Hermione, Ron, or even Dobby. In fact, one report noted that “Harry Potter, Hermione, Ron Weasley and even He Who Shall Not Be Named, Voldemort” appeared on modern pet name lists​. (Imagine calling your cat in at night by yelling “Voldemort!” – only a brave soul would do that!). Fluffy, the three-headed dog from Harry Potter, might even be behind some of the “Fluffy” names still out there. And for Game of Thrones fans, names like Arya or Snow (for Jon Snow) have been heard at dog parks. The Bupa Pet Insurance data showed **“Tyrion and Jon Snow from Game of Thrones were popular picks for dogs”*​
  miragenews.com  – a testament to fantasy buffs naming their pups after TV characters. We’ve also seen Khaleesi (or Dany) used, though those tend to be more common in the US; in Australia, perhaps not top 50, but certainly there are a few Shepherds named Khaleesi roaming around.
  
  

• Marvel & Superheroes: Australian pet owners have embraced the Marvel Cinematic Universe in their name choices. As we discussed, Loki is a top cat name (and some dogs too)​.
  Thor has been used for big strong dogs (like Malamutes or Danes), and Odin and Apollo are rising particularly for cats, adding a mythological flair to their identity. Marvel’s Rocket (from Guardians of the Galaxy) popped up as a popular cat name (7th on one male cat list)​
  petinsuranceaustralia.com.au
  , showing that even secondary characters can spark trends. DC Comics haven’t had as obvious an impact, but you do occasionally meet a dog named Harley (after Harley Quinn) or a cat named Bruce (perhaps after Batman’s alter ego Bruce Wayne). With each new superhero film, we see a few pets adopting those names in the following year.
  
  

• Celebrities and Musicians: The superstar effect is real. Lately, there’s been a surge of pets named after music icons. In fact, the name “Taylor Swift” itself entered pet name lists recently – a rather hilarious trend where people name their pet the full name of a celebrity. According to Bupa’s data, “Taylor Swift and Swiftie…along with other music royalty names such as Mariah Carey, Beyoncé, Elvis, and Lady Gaga” have all appeared on Australian pet insurance policies​. This was highlighted in their “Unusual Suspects” category, showing pop idols are inspiring pet names. So don’t be surprised if you run into a Poodle named Beyoncé or a Siamese named Freddie Mercury. Aussies love their music, and some are not shy about bestowing that star power on their pets. One General Manager quipped, “Given the star power of Taylor Swift and Beyoncé, it’s not surprising she’s now in our list… we often sing our pets’ praises, so we may as well give them some star power.”​
  It seems many took that to heart – literally turning their pets into mini pop stars in name!
  
  Sports figures also influence names, though perhaps to a lesser extent in 2025. There have been cases of dogs named Dusty (after AFL legend Dustin Martin), Buddy (after AFL star Buddy Franklin – though Buddy is also just a common pet name), or Cleo (after Gold Logie-winning TV personality Carrie Bickmore’s daughter – joking!). With Australia’s women’s soccer team (the Matildas) making waves in 2023, it wouldn’t be surprising to see more Matilda or Tilly dog names coming up – indeed Tilly is cited among popular Aussie dog names​ rover.com, possibly buoyed by national pride. And for the tennis fans, Ash (#47 cat) could be a subtle nod to Ash Barty. So whether it’s singers, athletes, or movie stars, pop culture icons often find their way into our pet name lists.
  
  

• Movies & TV Shows: We’ve touched on many, but to summarize: franchise films and shows are a goldmine for pet names. Star Wars fans have contributed names like Yoda, Chewie, Luke, Leia, Rey, and even Kenobi to pets (while not top 50, these are heard anecdotally). One survey noted Star Wars was among the themes pet owners drew from​
  miragenews.com. It even mentioned AC/DC in the context of music – someone apparently named their pet “AC/DC”! For TV, characters from series like Stranger Things (e.g. a dog named Eleven?), Sherlock (Sherlock or Watson the cat), and reality TV (a cat named Kim Kardashian perhaps?) show the diverse range of inspirations. A fun recent trend: after the Netflix show Wednesday (The Addams Family spinoff) became a hit, some pet owners started naming black pets Wednesday or Addams. While not yet in the top charts, it shows how quickly pop culture can spark naming ideas.
  
  

In summary, popular culture provides an ever-refreshing pool of pet name ideas, and Australian pet owners are enthusiastically diving in. Pets are being named after heroes and villains, royalty and rockstars, memes and movie characters. This not only makes for entertaining name choices but also reflects how plugged-in pet owners are to the cultural zeitgeist. As one pet insurance report put it, “pet names are a reflection of popular culture and wider trends… reminding us that increasingly, Australians consider their pets as members of the family.”​ 10play.com.au . We name them after the figures and things we love in culture, symbolizing how much they mean to us.

Quirky and Unusual Pet Naming Trends

While many Aussies stick to the top 50 names, others let their imaginations run truly wild when naming their pets. Unique, humorous, and downright bizarre names are out there, and some have even made “honorable mention” lists in recent years. Australian pet registries and insurance records have captured some of these creative gems:

• Punny Names: Aussies are known for their sense of humor, and it shows in pet names like “Vivienne Westwoof,” “Billie Howladay,” and “Indiana Bones Jr.”​
  act.gov.au . These clever puns on celebrity names (fashion designer Vivienne Westwood, singer Billie Holiday, and movie character Indiana Jones) turn heads and raise smiles at the vet’s office. A dog named “Mary Puppins” or “Woofgang Amadeus” would fit right in with this trend – it’s all about the pun. In Canberra’s registry this year, several pets sported such witty monikers, proving that pet naming can be an art form (or at least a dad-joke contest!).
  
  

• Long, Regal Titles: Some pet parents bestow grand titles on their furry friends, almost like characters from a fantasy novel. One Canberra dog was registered under the epic name “Stroobie Baloo First of His Name, King of the Pittosporum, Chaser of Birds.”​
  
  (Yes, that entire phrase was the name!). Try calling that at the dog park! Other pets earned noble ranks such as “Admiral Fuzzy Paws,” “Dame Luna Persephone Von Garrad,” and “Sir Michael Caine.”​ These over-the-top names, often with prefixes like Sir, Lord, Princess, or Admiral, show that for some owners, a simple “Max” just won’t do – their pet deserves a title of distinction. It’s all in good fun and speaks to the affectionate silliness people have for their companions. After all, if our pets rule our homes, why not give them a royal name?
  
  

• Food & Drink Names: We’ve seen Oreo, Cookie, Milo, etc., in the popular lists, but some owners take the food theme and run with it. In 2024 Canberra registrations, there were pets named Baguette, Chickpea, Cabbage, Miso, Meatball, Affogato, and Mimosa among others​. These are delightfully quirky – imagine a chunky cat named Meatball or a fluffy white dog named Cabbage! Pet insurance reports also mention names like Cheeseburger, Cheetos, Pretzel, and Bao making appearances​. It seems any favorite snack or dish could become a pet name. Perhaps it’s an ode to the pet’s appetite or color (a brown pup named Chocolate or a spotted one named Cookies ‘n’ Cream). Either way, foodies are imprinting their tastes onto their pets’ identities. One thing’s for sure: calling out “Here, Chicken Nugget!” at the dog park will earn you some laughs.
  
  

• Brand and Object Names: Some Australians name pets after luxury brands or objects of passion. Bupa’s data noted designer brand names like Gucci, Celine, Loewe, and Louis Vuitton popping up as pet names​. Perhaps a French Bulldog named Gucci or a Persian cat named Louis Vuitton? It adds a little haute couture flair to the pet world. Similarly, car names have vroomed into the mix – dogs named Porsche, Holden, Mercedes, Aston Martin, or Bentley reflect their owners’ automotive loves (or aspirations)​. There’s something amusing about a tiny Yorkie named “Aston Martin,” but hey, whatever drives you! We can add gadget names to this category too: there have been reports of pets named iPhone or Google (tech-savvy pets, perhaps?). While not common, these names showcase the endless creativity in pet naming.
  
  

• “Animal” Names for Animals: Another quirky sub-trend is giving an animal a name of a different animal. We already saw Bear as a popular dog name (dogs named after bears)​. There are also dogs named Tiger and cats named Wolf out there. It creates a funny moment of confusion (your dog “Goat” or cat “Bunny” might raise eyebrows). One step further, some pet fish have been named “Cat” and pet cats named “Fish” – just to keep everyone guessing! Australians seem to enjoy these ironic twists, as they play into the national love of tongue-in-cheek humor.
  
  

• Historical and Fictional References: Quirky pet names often come from beloved fictional characters or historical figures that aren’t on the current pop culture radar. For example, a cat named “Atilla the Pun” or a dog named “Sherlock Bones.” We’ve seen pets named Napoleon, Gandalf, Einstein, Mozart, and Ziggy Stardust in various communities. These might not crack the top 50 en masse, but they form a colorful fringe in the pet naming spectrum.
  
  

The key with all these unusual names is that they carry a story or a joke. Owners choosing them are often eager to explain the reference or enjoy the reactions they get. It adds an extra layer of personality – not just for the pet, but for the owner too. As Lachlan Davidson of Bupa General Insurance observed, “pet parents are giving their beloved family members names that hold special meaning to them or nods to their favorite pop culture heroes. It certainly makes the local dog park an interesting place to be.”​ 10play.com.au

We couldn’t agree more. Walking through an Australian suburb, you might overhear someone calling for “Waltzing Meowtilda” or “Sir Barksalot,” and it reminds you that pet ownership is full of joy and creativity.

Finally, it’s worth noting that while fun names are on the rise, experts do sometimes advise keeping a name practical (especially for training). A name that’s too long or complicated could confuse a pet. Many Aussies with hilariously long-named pets end up using a short nickname day-to-day. For instance, Stroobie Baloo First of his Name… might just be “Stroobie” at the dog park. So there’s usually a method to the madness – a pet can have an offbeat formal name and a simple nickname. In any case, the trend toward unique and quirky names shows how much we love to individualize our pets. They’re not just another dog or cat; they’re ours, with a name that (we hope) no other pet at puppy preschool has.

In conclusion, the landscape of popular pet names in Australia for 2025 is rich and varied. For dogs, human names with a warm, friendly vibe dominate, with Luna, Daisy, Teddy, Milo and others leading the pack. For cats, a mix of mystical, pop culture, and classic names like Luna, Milo, Coco, Loki, and Nala are most favored. These names reflect meaningful trends: the humanization of pets, the influence of entertainment and internet culture, and a penchant for creativity. Popular culture has left an indelible mark – our pets are named after movie heroes, villains, musicians, memes, and more, showing how our interests and fandoms intertwine with our personal lives.

At the same time, Australians haven’t lost their unique humor and personality in pet naming. From regal titles to food-inspired names, the quirky outliers prove that naming a pet can be an exercise in fun and imagination. Each year brings new trends (who could have predicted “Mochi” and “Taylor Swift” entering pet lists?), so it will be exciting to see what names climb the charts next. Will 2026 be the year of “Barbie” (after the 2023 film) or perhaps more Matildas (honoring our soccer heroes)? One thing’s for sure: whether you meet a Max or a Miso, a Luna or a Louis Vuitton, every pet’s name has a story behind it – and a loving owner who chose it just for them.

Sources:

• PetSure Australia – 2024 Pet Health Monitor report (most popular pet names)​
  10play.com.au
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  honey.nine.com.au
  
  

• Pet Insurance Australia (Nadia Crighton) – Top Pet Names press releases​
  petinsuranceaustralia.com.au
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  flatchat.com.au
  
  

• Bupa Pet Insurance – Top Dog Names 2024 data (usual vs unusual suspects)​
  miragenews.com
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• ACT Government Pet Registration Data 2024 (Canberra’s top pet names)​
  act.gov.au
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  act.gov.au
  
  

• Scratch Great Australian Dog Survey 2024 (3,000-owner survey results)​
  timeout.com
  ​
  scratchpetfood.com.au
  
  

• Nine Honey Pets – Top 10 Cat Names in Australia (May 2024)​
  honey.nine.com.au
  ​
  
  

• 10Play News – “Luna takes out top spot” & “Taylor Swift Enters Pet Names” articles​
  10play.com.au
  ​
  
  

• Bow Wow Meow Pet Insurance – Pet names database/insights​
  bowwowinsurance.com.au