Do you have a Labrador named Rosie, or a Cocker Spaniel called Daisy?
If so, you’re not alone.
Analysis of UK vet data reveals these are among the most popular names for the nation’s favourite breeds.
And researchers discovered a ‘significant overlap’ between pet and baby names, which could be indicative of how owners really do see themselves as ‘parents’.
Lars Andersen, Managing Director at mynametags.com, who carried out the research, said: ‘We’ve been monitoring baby name trends for over two decades, but until now we hadn’t explored pet names.
‘Our research shows an interesting trend of human–like names topping the charts, including Jack, Daisy, and Rosie.
‘This suggests that Brits are increasingly viewing their pets as family members.’
So, do these names look familiar to you?
The team analysed data from more than 2,500 registered dogs in the UK.
They sorted the most popular canine names by gender and breed.
Labrador retriever
Most common male name: Buddy
Most common female name: Rosie
‘With over a million in the UK, Labradors are the nation’s favourite breed,’ the team said.
‘Known for being good–natured and social, it’s perhaps no surprise that owners are most likely to name their Labrador companions Buddy.
‘Other common names for the breed may well have been inspired by owners’ human friends, with Rosie, Molly, Lottie, and Archie also ranking highly.’
Cocker Spaniel
Top male name: Bailey
Top female name: Daisy
The researchers discovered that Cocker Spaniels’ friendly and playful temperament is reflected in their names. ‘Bailey and Daisy top the list, with names ending in ‘Y’ often seen as approachable and easy–going,’ they said.
‘It appears Cocker owners are also fans of alliteration, with names beginning with ‘C’, including Coco, Chester, and Charlie, also common.’
Jack Russell Terrier
Top male name: Jack
Top female name: Rosie
The team discovered that Jack – taken directly from the name of the breed – is the most popular name for males of the breed, while Rosie is most popular for female pups.
‘A long standing favourite in the UK, name experts found that Jack Russell owners favour short, snappy names, reflecting the breed’s small stature and no–nonsense nature,’ the team said.
German Shepherd
Top male name: Zeus
Top female name: Luna
This breed is best known for its protective nature and majestic appearance.
So it’s perhaps no surprise that Zeus and Luna took top spots in the analysis.
The name Nebula, after the space dust which forms stars, also featured on the list.
Dachshund
Top male name: Monty
Top female name: Daisy
‘Small but mighty, Dachshunds are given big names to live up to with owners opting for traditional, timeless names like Monty and Daisy,’ the researchers said.
‘Other favourites for beloved sausage dogs include Bella, Alfie, and Norman.’
Other breeds
The analysis also revealed that Max and Holly are the most popular names for Border Collies, Charlie and Bella placed first for English Springer Spaniels.
Meanwhile Roxy and Sasha took top spot for Staffordshire Bull Terriers and Gizmo and Roxy came in first place for the Shih Tzu.
‘Our analysis shows a significant overlap between pet and baby names,’ the team said.
‘The most common names for the English Springer Spaniel are Charlie and Bella, and the feisty Jack Russell is most frequently named Jack or Rosie – four names you’re just as likely to hear at the park as you are the playground.
‘This is no surprise given 50 per cent of dog owners consider their dog as their child and themselves as “dog parents”.
‘Interestingly, owners of German Shepherds are more daring with their name choices, with Zeus far less likely to crop up in the classroom.
‘Similarly, with no babies born with the name Gizmo in the UK last year, we’re fairly certain that one of our favourite names for the tiny Shih Tzu is unlikely to reach the top 10 of baby names anytime soon.’
