Luna tops the charts again: The most popular pet names in America for 2026

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Luna tops the charts again: The most popular pet names in America for 2026

The names people give their dogs and cats are an interesting glimpse into a country’s culture. You would think that the same standard names would be used year after year, but surprisingly, pet names are very prone to trends. So, what comes out on top in 2026?

Anywho looked at America’s current favorite pet names, identified fast-risers, and shared what inspired their popularity.

The classics: Luna and Max still reign supreme

Modern classics are still holding strong when it comes to pet names. Popular choices, like Max, Luna, Charlie, Bella, and Lucy, are again topping lists this year, and many haven’t changed positions from the previous year, according to American Kennel Club surveys.

Rover, an app that connects pet owners with walkers and sitters, found that many of these names grow by less than 5% each year, indicating they’re trending upward slowly. These are a timeless choice for pet owners.

The vintage names trend: Teddy, Ruby, Hank, and Gus are having a moment

Vintage names are gaining in popularity. These names were more likely to be applied to cute, cuddly breeds. Chewy, an online marketplace for pet products, notes that Gus, Rosie, and Remi are among the top risers in dog names in 2026.

Good Housekeeping and Yahoo confirmed the return to this older-lady naming trend by spotlighting Ruby and Hank. Teddy is another fast-growing vintage name; it recently climbed into the top 10.

Nature names: Willow, Cedar, Maple, and River are growing

Pet parents have increasingly decided to name their dogs and cats after themes found in nature. These names are most seen with adventurous pets — the ones that aren’t afraid to go for a hike or spend hours outside.

Rover listed names like River, Willow, Cedar, Maple, Birch, and Fern as popular picks. Willow was mostly designated as a cat's name.

Athlete-inspired names: Arch, Josh Allen, Saquon, and Patrick Mahomes lead the pack

Sports have always been a staple of American culture, but now, popular athletes are becoming inspiration for pet names. According to ESPN, pets are increasingly named after popular sports figures, like Arch (Arch Manning), Josh Allen, Saquon (Barkley), and Patrick Mahomes.

For dogs, Arch was the top pick, rising more than 181% this past year. This was followed by Josh Allen (181%), Saquon Barkley (81%), Cooper Flagg (31%), and Scottie Scheffler (22%).

For cats, Josh Allen took the #1 spot, up 252% in popularity.

Pop culture names: Elphie, Loki, Grogu, and ‘Wicked’ references take over

Popular movies offer pet owners a wealth of inspiration, and many have named their pets after their favorite Hollywood characters. Loki and Grogu were both popular picks this year. Elphie is another popular pet name, inspired by the main character in “Wicked.”

Fantasy-themed picks are also on the rise. Chewy found that Andarna is becoming a popular cat name.

Regional variations: Where you live shapes what you name your pet

There are many regional trends for naming pets. While the most popular names are present in nearly every state, Chewy found that some states have unique names that are more prevalent. For example, in Montana, Smokey was a popular cat name. In Nebraska, Freyja was a popular dog name. Neither of these was common in other states.

Classic choices or trendy picks?

Is it better to have a classic, vintage name that’s been around for decades? Or is it more fun to name your pet after something in popular culture?

When it comes to naming your beloved pets, don’t hesitate to get creative. Whether you want a timeless name like Luna or a novel name like Elphie, you’re in good company.

This story was produced by Anywho and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.