(Photo by Ray Moreton/Keystone Features/Getty Images)

Wondering what the most popular names for dogs and cats are this year? Look no further! We’ve compiled a list of the top monikers for furry friends in 2022.

Naming a pet isn’t like naming a kid. You can name your dog or cat ANYTHING and it won’t affect their life at all. Can’t exactly do that with a kid. And yet, for some reason people still use the same handful of pet names over and over.

But that’s not say that names for pets can’t be sentimental or meaningful. Like with my dog, Rocket. He was found during Hurricane Harvey as a baby back in 2017 and his foster dad, before I adopted him, named him after the Houston Rockets.

Rover.com just released the results of its data on the most popular dog and cat names of 2022. And the names that landed in the top 5 are really not surprising. I’m sure you know at least one person who has named their furry friend a name that landed on the list.

But before I reveal their findings, some people over the last year DID get creative. And for inspiration, they looked to TV shows like Yellowstone and Euphoria, movies like Encanto and some random stuff, including some throwbacks.

For example, “Adam Sandler” is all the rage right now…as a pet name. As is “Happy Gilmore.” “Cruise” is also trending, as well as other names from Top Gun like Goose, Maverick and Cyclone.

Fast food also seems to be an inspiration. The dog names Taco Bella, Spicy Nugget, McGriddle and Crunchwrap all debuted on the list for the first time this year.

So, what’s in a name? A lot more than you might think—especially when it comes to our pets. Whether you’re on the hunt for something traditional or trendy (or a little bit of both), we hope this list helps you choose the perfect moniker for your four-legged friend.

Most Popular Names for Dogs and Cats in 2022:

  • Top 5 Most Popular Names for Female Dogs:

    • Luna
    • Bella
    • Daisy
    • Lucy
    • Lily
  • Top 5 Most Popular Names for Male Dogs:

    • Max
    • Charlie
    • Cooper
    • Milo
    • Buddy
  • Top 5 Most Popular Names for Female Cats:

    • Luna
    • Lily
    • Bella
    • Lucy
    • Nala
  • Top 5 Most Popular Names for Male Cats:

    • Oliver
    • Milo
    • Leo
    • Charlie
    • Max
  • Top 5 Trending Dog Names:

    • Fezco
    • Cassini
    • Mossberg
    • Mirabel
    • Kyna

     

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