In 2024, the most popular pet name in New Zealand remains Luna, holding the top spot for the sixth consecutive year. According to the New Zealand Companion Animal Register (NZCAR), other beloved names include Bella, Milo, Charlie, Coco, Daisy, Poppy, Nala, Molly, and Frankie.
This year, a delightful trend has emerged with pets named after characters from the popular children's show Bluey. Names like Bluey, Bandit, Bingo, and Chilli are making their mark. Additionally, the legacy of The Lord of the Rings continues, with 17 Frodo, 13 Bilbo, two Gollum, and one Gandalf being registered.
Pet names inspired by New Zealand's famous rugby team, the All Blacks, have also gained popularity, featuring 20 Ardie, 18 TJ, and seven Razor.
David Lloyd, the general manager of NZCAR, shared insights on the significance of these trends: "Pet names reflect the things that matter to people. These trends really highlight the special bond between pets and their families, showing how pets become part of our lives in ways big and small."
NZCAR manages a national microchip database, which holds information for over 1.3 million pets. This system plays a crucial role in reuniting lost pets with their families.
For cats, the top five names include Luna, Bella, Milo, Coco, and Nala. For dogs, the favorites are Luna, Bella, Poppy, Daisy, and Charlie. Other pets also have their top names; rabbits are often named Archie, Coco, Cookie, Hazel, and Honey, while horses are frequently called Bailey, Charlie, Jasper, Kiwi, and Marley.