British pet names: 2024’s most popular UK pet names

The results are in! We’ve crunched the numbers and we’re ready to report on our study that reveals 2024’s most popular British pet names.

We’ve analysed over 120,000 pet names registered here at TrustedHousesitters, and to no surprise, the nation’s pet parents are increasingly outlandish (and often stereotypically British!) when it comes to naming their new furry friends.

So whether you’re a feline enthusiast or there’s a new (nameless) canine companion at home, take a look below to find out 2024’s most popular UK pet names and naturally, a few more for inspiration (and good measure) below. But first, hear from Angela Laws, our Head of Community.

Our British pet names study 2024: Key headlines

• ‘Poppy’ remains 2024’s most popular dog name.
• ‘Luna’ is 2024’s most popular cat name.
• Food-inspired British pet names have become increasingly popular, with ‘Crumble’ and ‘Crumpet’ creeping into the mix - is The Great British Bake Off to be held responsible?
• ‘Pepper’ is the most popular UK pet name for both dogs and cats, with 'Olive' and 'Honey' running closely behind along with ‘Marmite’ and ‘Whisky’.
• ‘Rover’ and ‘Fluffy’ are still popular in the UK - classics for a reason.

2024 top British dog names

Naming the new canine companion in your life, and need some inspiration? Take a look below at the top British dog names in our study.

1. Poppy
2. Luna
3. Bella
4. Lola
5. Daisy
6. Ruby
7. Alfie
8. Willow
9. Molly
10. Coco
11. Monty
12. Teddy
13. Rosie
14. Charlie
15. Mabel
16. Milo
17. Bertie
18. Bailey
19. Max
20. Tilly

2024 top British cat names

Welcomed a new feline friend into your life, and need a moniker to match? Get some inspiration below for the top British cat names in our 2024 study.

1. Luna
2. Coco
3. Bella
4. Milo
5. Charlie
6. Lola
7. Monty
8. Lily
9. Loki
10. Oscar
11. Leo
12. Poppy
13. Willow
14. Cleo
15. Max
16. Tilly
17. Alfie
18. Millie
19. George
20. Molly

British culture and food-inspired pet names

The British really are obsessed with food, and it’s clear from the UK’s pet names of 2024! Take a look below at this year’s most popular pet names that reflect the nation’s love for food and British culture.

• Crumble: Up 3,796% in popularity since last year. 
• Twiglet: A new entry in the top growing names. 
• Pickle: This cheeky name saw a 515% increase in popularity. 
• Bronte: Literary-inspired, showing a significant 1,848% increase. 
• Mungo: A new entry, possibly inspired by the bestselling novel "Young Mungo". 
• Pepper: This name leads the pack as the most popular food-related name for both cats and dogs, followed closely by 'Olive' and 'Honey'.
• Boris: Despite political associations, this name saw a 351% increase. 
• Bertie: Growing significantly in popularity, up 2,961%.

British culture and food-inspired pet name ideas

1. Custard
2. Bramley
3. Hotpot
4. Gravy
5. Pudding 
6. Crumpet
7. Scone
8. Sprout
9. Treacle
10. Porridge
11. Eccles
12. Marmalade
13. Pasty
14. Hevva
15. Fudge
16. Cider
17. Mead
18. Leek
19. Champ
20. Homity
21. Wellington
22. Banoffee
23. Haggis
24. Trifle
25. Kipper
26. Windsor
27. Charles
28. Camilla
29. William
30. Henry
31. Victoria
32. Albert
33. Buckingham
34. York
35. Lionheart
36. Bagpipe
37. Nessy
38. Dale
39. Moors
40. Ben

Historical British pet names

Britain is steeped in history, so with that comes great inspiration for English pet names, and UK pet names more generally. Take a look below for a few ideas, and test your knowledge of British history.

1. Darwin
2. Newton
3. Hawking
4. Mary
5. Dickens
6. Florence
7. Brunel
8. Horatio
9. Hepburn
10. Chaplin
11. Mountbatten
12. Ringo
13. Philip
14. Byron
15. Nelson
16. Shelley
17. Shakespeare
18. Churchill
19. Trafalgar
20. Neville

UK pet names based on popular culture

With music, film, TV, literature and works of art on stage coming out of the UK, it’s safe to say there are heaps of British pet names to choose from. Take a look below at our list of UK pet names based on pop culture, and see if you recognise any!

1. Ringo
2. Lennon
3. Potter
4. Sting
5. Winehouse
6. Laurel
7. Tolkein
8. Attenborough
9. Balding
10. Berry
11. Cleese
12. Beckham
13. Wilkinson
14. Rooney
15. Jamie
16. Judy
17. Peggy
18. Phil
19. Dot
20. Barlow

Who were the pets in our study?

So, who exactly are these 120,000 pets that took part in our study? Where exactly did we source these newly-named furry companions on our quest to discover the most popular British names for pets?

Well they’re the pets of owners in our animal-loving community, here at TrustedHousesitters. And each of those pet parents are here because they believe in welcoming in-home, verified pet sitters to care for their furry families, over opting for a kennel or cattery any day.

Yup, here at TrustedHousesitters, our community is made up of both pet parents and verified sitters, who connect to keep pets happy at home - exchanging in-home pet care for a place to stay. 

And as vets agree pets are better off cared for at home, that’s peace of mind for pet parents, and wagging tails all round.

So, interested in finding out how connecting with a pet sitter works? Click below to find out.

More British pet names

• Oh, so sophisticated! 100 British names for cats
• Top male dog names in the UK
• The top female dog names in the UK
• Top British cat names

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