Pets at Home has revealed the top ten puppy and kitten names of 2022, as Luna holds the top spot for both canine and feline companions for the third year running. There has also been no change at second place as Bella remains the second most popular name for new puppies, while Milo stays runner-up for new kittens.
Nala has climbed from sixth place in 2021, to third in this year’s rankings for kitten names, while Willow has knocked Bailey off tenth place to make this year’s list of top puppy names. Pets at Home, has compiled the list using data from its VIP Puppy & Kitten Club which supports millions of new pet owners with advice, expertise and exclusive offers.
The research collates puppy and kitten names registered by the 7.6 million members of the club in 2022.
Dr Karlien Heyrman, Head of Pets at Pets at Home, said: “The humanisation of pets is a trend that’s become more and more prominent in recent years, as owners really do love their pets like one of the family. That’s why it’s really no surprise to see that new pet owners are choosing similar names as new parents for their beloved pets.
“Welcoming a new pet into the home is a really exciting time and choosing a name for your new family member can be a big decision. There are no set rules, but I’d try to avoid names that sound similar to other members of your household or like commands. Names that are short, sweet and easily recognisable will also help with getting your puppy or kitten to be responsive when called.”
Top 10 Puppy Names in 2022
- Luna - meaning ‘moon’ in Latin
- Bella - meaning ‘beautiful’ in Italian
- Teddy - meaning ‘wealthy protector’, ‘brave people’, or ‘God's gift’
- Milo - of German origin meaning ‘soldier’ or ‘merciful’
- Lola - a short form of the Spanish name Dolores, meaning ‘sorrows’
- Coco
- Daisy - a flower symbolising ‘innocence’ and ‘purity’
- Poppy - of Latin origin meaning ‘red flower’
- Buddy - a ‘friend’
- Willow - meaning ‘willow tree’ and ‘freedom’
Top 10 Kitten Names in 2022
- Luna - meaning ‘moon’ in Latin
- Milo - of German origin meaning ‘soldier’ or ‘merciful’
- Nala – of African origin, meaning ‘successful’
- Simba – of Swahili origin, meaning ‘lion’
- Bella - meaning ‘beautiful’ in Italian
- Loki – primarily a male name of Scandinavian origin that means Trickster God
- Coco
- Willow - meaning ‘willow tree’ and ‘freedom’
- Oreo – after the popular American chocolate biscuit
- Leo – the Latin word for ‘lion’
