The Rover platform has published its annual ranking of the most popular names for dogs and cats for 2026. The list is compiled from a database that users have been adding to for 15 years in a row.
At the top of the dog names are Rumi, Lumi and Melo. Among the cat names, Chicken Nugget confidently takes first place, followed by Miracle, Badger and Sundae. These names reflect several cultural trends at once: from the retro revival to food themes and dark aesthetics.
The ranking is divided into categories. In "Cottagecore," names like Snail, Gnome and Elderberry are popular — they evoke gardening, baking and quiet village life. In the retro category, rare human names are making a comeback: Zephaniah, Clotilde, Opaline. The food series includes Cronut, Harissa and Sardine, while the new gothic offers Nosferatu, Hexley and Gloom.
Chicken Nugget stands out especially: short, vivid and instantly evocative. Such names are no longer a rarity — owners are increasingly choosing funny or unexpected options that highlight a pet's character. Rover notes that the choice of name is often tied to owners' personal interests: food, cinema, literature or fashionable aesthetic movements.
The list shows how preferences are changing: from classic to more creative and thematic. Dog and cat owners are increasingly looking for names that not only sound pleasant but also tell a little story about the pet itself and its person.
