Puppy and kitten names: popular UK names and ideas by theme
The UK's most popular dog and cat names from Dogs Trust, Cats Protection and Blue Cross data, plus name ideas by theme, from food and colours to places, artists and characters, and quick checks before you decide.
The short answer
In the Dogs Trust National Dog Survey 2025, the most popular dog names were Poppy and Teddy. In Cats Protection's 2019 Big Cat Name Survey, Poppy and Charlie topped the cat lists. If you'd rather stand out, look for ideas in your pet's colour, personality, favourite foods, places you love or famous characters. Whatever you choose, keep it short, easy to call and different from everyday commands.
Key considerations
- 01Popular names are popular for a reason, but you may share a name with other dogs at the park.
- 02One- or two-syllable names are easiest to call and for your pet to learn.
- 03Avoid names that sound like commands such as "no", "sit" or "stay".
- 04It's fine to wait a few days and get to know your pet before you decide.
Looking for a name for your new puppy or kitten? Here are the names UK owners choose most often, according to large charity surveys, followed by ideas by theme if you'd like something a little different.
The most popular dog names in the UK
The Dogs Trust National Dog Survey 2025 collected information on 423,175 dogs. Poppy and Teddy were the most popular names for the second year running.
| Rank | Female dog names | Male dog names |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Poppy | Teddy |
| 2 | Luna | Milo |
| 3 | Bella | Alfie |
| 4 | Daisy | Buddy |
| 5 | Ruby | Charlie |
| 6 | Rosie | Max |
| 7 | Willow | Bertie |
| 8 | Molly | Barney |
| 9 | Lola | Bailey |
| 10 | Mabel | Archie |
Mabel and Bertie were new to the top 10 in 2025, replacing Millie and Monty.
The most popular cat names in the UK
Cats Protection's Big Cat Name Survey of 2019 received 34,000 responses from cat owners.
| Rank | Female cat names | Male cat names |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Poppy | Charlie |
| 2 | Molly | Oscar |
| 3 | Luna | Alfie |
| 4 | Bella | George |
| 5 | Daisy | Jasper |
| 6 | Millie | Milo |
| 7 | Rosie | Leo |
| 8 | Tilly | Merlin |
| 9 | Willow | Harry |
| 10 | Lily | Monty |
Blue Cross has also published its top cat names, based on the cats it has helped in its rehoming centres and animal hospitals. Its most common names were Poppy, Bella and Misty for female cats, and Charlie, Felix and Finley for male cats. Its top names that suit any cat include Pumpkin, Smudge, Boo, Bubbles and Fudge.
For kittens in its care, Cats Protection's most popular names between June 2016 and May 2017 were Poppy, Daisy, Willow, Luna and Holly for females, and Charlie, George, Teddy, Oreo and Harry for males.
Name ideas by theme
If you'd like a name that's less common, these themes are a good place to start.
Food and treats
Biscuit, Bagel, Cupcake, Fudge, Honey, Mochi, Noodle, Nugget, Peanut, Pepper, Sugar, Toast, Toffee, Truffle.
Colours and markings
Ebony, Ivory, Jade, Midnight, Onyx, Pearl, Rusty, Shadow, Smudge, Domino.
Nature and seasons
Daisy, Holly, Iris, Jasmine, Meadow, Phoenix, Summer, Sunny, Timber, Willow.
Places
Dallas, Hudson, Kingston, Laguna, Milan, Paris, Vegas.
Artists and musicians
Bono, Elton, Madonna, Monet, Mozart, Picasso.
Characters from books, films and TV
Bilbo, Goofy, Leia, Muggles, Mulder, Robin Hood, Scout, Snoopy, Stitch.
Old-fashioned human names
Bill, Burt, Donna, Ernie, Fiona, Nate, Owen, Theo.
Short and snappy
Ace, Bo, Doc, Ike, Kai, Mac, Max, Paz, Sy, Zar.
Quick checks before you decide
- Is it short? Petlog suggests two-syllable names can be easier for a cat to understand. Longer names can take longer to learn, so plan a short version if you choose one.
- Does it sound like a command? Say it next to "no", "sit", "stay" and "down".
- Is it different from other names at home? Petlog says similar-sounding names may confuse your pets.
- Will you teach it with rewards? Dogs Trust says teaching your dog to react to their name is essential for their safety.
You can find more help in our guide on how to choose a name for your dog or cat, and teach them to respond to it.
Before you decide
- Will the name still suit your pet when they're fully grown?
- Are you happy calling it out in a busy park or at the vet?
- Does it sound too much like another pet's or family member's name?
- Does everyone in your household agree on it?
Questions readers ask
What is the most popular dog name in the UK?
In the Dogs Trust National Dog Survey 2025, Poppy was the most popular female dog name and Teddy the most popular male dog name.
Sources: National Dog Survey 2025
What is the most popular cat name in the UK?
In Cats Protection's 2019 survey, Poppy was the top female cat name and Charlie the top male cat name. Blue Cross's list of cats it has helped also has Poppy and Charlie at the top.
Sources: Top cat names revealed in Cats Protection survey, Top cat and kitten names
Should I pick a popular name or an unusual one?
Either works. A popular name is easy to say and spell, but your dog may share it with others at the park. An unusual name stands out, but keep it short and easy to call.
Sources: How to name your cat
Can puppies and kittens have the same name ideas?
Yes. Many of the most popular names, such as Poppy, Luna, Bella, Daisy, Willow, Milo, Alfie and Charlie, appear in both the dog and cat lists.
Sources: National Dog Survey 2025, Top cat names revealed in Cats Protection survey
Sources and further reading
- National Dog Survey 2025, Dogs Trust. Accessed
- Top cat names revealed in Cats Protection survey, Cats Protection. Accessed
- Top cat and kitten names, Blue Cross. Accessed
- Top names of Cats Protection's kittens revealed, Cats Protection (). Accessed
- How to name your cat, Petlog. Accessed
- How to teach your dog their name, Dogs Trust. Accessed
About this article
- Written by Mypetzilla Editorial Team
- Published
- Updated
This article is general pet advice, not veterinary or legal advice. If your pet is unwell, speak to a vet.
Related advice
Pet care
How to introduce a dog and a cat at home, step by step
A step-by-step guide to introducing a new dog to a resident cat, or a new cat to a resident dog, from setting up safe spaces and swapping scents to barrier sessions, first meetings and living together safely.
Updated
Pet care
How to care for your pet mouse or rat
How to look after pet mice and rats, including choosing healthy animals, company, feeding, cages and bedding, exercise and toys, keeping them cool or warm, safe handling and helping them settle in.
Updated
Pet care
Horse care tips for summer
How to keep your horse cool, comfortable and safe in hot weather, including shade, water, exercise, sun and fly protection, laminitis, toxic plants, travelling and the signs of heatstroke.
Updated
Pet care
6 tips to keep your ferret and home smell-free
Where a ferret's musky smell comes from, and six practical tips to keep your ferret and your home smelling fresh, from cleaning and bathing to neutering.
Updated