The names we choose for our pets can reveal a lot about their personalities and, perhaps, a glimpse into our own quirks. Deciding on a name for a new dog or cat is a blend of joy and challenge, an integral part of the pet ownership journey. For a dose of inspiration, check out our collection of favorite pet names from 2023.
Best Pop Culture Pet Names of 2023
Celebrities from Yellowstone ranchers to Euphoria drug dealers influenced many TV and movie-inspired pet names this year. While some names pay homage to beloved characters, others might leave us wondering about their origins (looking at you, Vecna).
- Fezco (Surging by 2,385% in 2023, as per Rover)
- Twyla
- Vecna
- Dutton
- Mirabel
- Lilibet
- Daemon
- Bluey
- Stormi
- Maverick
- Priscilla
Best Food Names of 2023
- Baklava
- Ham
- Toast
- Peanut
- Sashimi
- Noodle (In memory of the famous “bones or no bones” pug)
- Tater Tot
- Pinot
- Crumpet
- Matcha
- Tequila
- Peaches
- Fig
For the pets who are irresistibly adorable, you could just devour them.
Best Human Names for Pets in 2023
From Chad to Karen, human names for pets capture a special persona, be it grandpa vibes, baby cuteness, or that amusingly awkward moment at the dog park.
- Craig
- Tony
- Anita
- Jenna
- Britney
- Josh
- Kathy
- Steve
- Paul
Best Animal Names for Pets of 2023
There’s something charming about giving an animal a name that’s a nod to another creature.
- Goose
- Bird
- Bear
- Lizard (Fondly called Liz)
- Moose
- Beaver
- Dragon
- Dolphin (Affectionately known as Finn)
- Bunny
- Wolf
Funniest Pet Nicknames of 2023, According to TikTok
A delightful trend on TikTok showcased the evolution of pet nicknames, from given names to whimsically creative monikers.
- Lucy → Louisiana Purchase
- Chuck → Charles → Charles Xavier → Professor X → Professor Finnesor
- Chucky → Chuckislovakia
- Mabel → Maybe → Maybe it’s Maybelline
- Twiggy → Twigathy → Twigathy Chalamet
- Penelope → Penny → Penny from the Block → P.Lo
- Winston → Winstonian National History Museum
- Augustus → Auggie → Augster → Aux Cord
Most Basic Dog Names of 2023
Though considered basic, these perennially beloved dog names continue to dominate popularity charts. Here are the names that secured top spots in Rover’s annual most popular dog names ranking.
For Girl Dogs:
- Luna
- Bella
- Daisy
- Lucy
- Lily
- Zoe
- Lola
- Sadie
- Bailey
- Stella
For Boy Dogs:
- Max
- Charlie
- Cooper
- Milo
- Buddy
- Rocky
- Bear
- Teddy
- Duke
- Leo
