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Find the perfect fur-ever name for your pet with these helpful tips from the experts.
Spring is finally on its way, and many new puppies, kittens, birds, small mammals and more will find their way into fur-ever homes. But how do you find a name that captures the essence of a new fur-ever friend?
After more than 40 years of insuring pets, we've seen a lot of pet names in our time. Some are more traditional in nature, while others are wildly innovative and unique. No matter what kind of name suits your pet and your tastes, here are some tips to help you choose the purr-fect name for your pet.
Most popular pet names for 2023
When it comes to finding a name with staying power, you can't go wrong with a classic.
Pet parents have gravitated to some of these popular pet names for years, with names like Luna and Bella regularly taking the top spot on our lists.
Which pet names were the most popular last year?
Most popular name pet name overall? Luna!*
Luna is the most popular name for all new pets and has been #1 on our list since 2019. Prior to Luna taking the top spot, perennial favorite Bella was the most popular name.
Most popular canine names*
- Luna
- Bella
- Charlie
- Daisy
- Milo
Milo has joined the top 5 dog names, replacing a 2021 favorite: Lucy.
Most popular feline names*
- Luna
- Oliver
- Milo
- Leo
- Loki
Loki is new to the mix, replacing Bella, once the most popular name among all pets.
Most popular avian/exotic names*
- Luna
- Coco
- Kiwi
- Mango
- Mochi
Fruit-flavored names are more in season this year with Coco, Kiwi and Mango making the list—replacing Cookie, Oreo and Lola.
How about something a little—wackier?
If you're looking for something in a name that's a little more unconventional, take inspiration from our Wacky Pet Name nominees.
Each year, we comb through our newly enrolled pets in search of the wackiest names, then let America vote on their favorite kooky monikers.
Some advice from last year's Wacky Pet Name favorites:
"Have fun. Make it a fun thing. Oh, and don’t worry about a ‘cool name’ ... life is too short to take ourselves too serious all the time." – Dalton H., pet dad to Dr. Potato Head, voted wackiest canine name of 2022.
"You can’t force a name on a pet, but when you say the name and it’s the right one, it will just sound right." – Kelli H., pet mom of Pickles McButterpants the Muffin Slayer, voted wackiest feline name of 2022.
Go to petinsurance.com/wackypetnames gain more wacky name inspiration.
Naming tips from the pros
Whether you're going with a classic or something more vanguard, keep in mind that pets hear and respond to different sounds in different ways than humans. Try these tips when choosing a name:
- Use hard consonants and vowels. These are easier for pets to hear and respond to.
- Try limiting to one or two syllables. Finding a nickname is often a good idea for longer names.
- Avoid names that sound like commands. Subtle phonetic differences can confuse pets.
- Test the name out first. Make sure you’re comfortable saying the name loudly in public.
*Name ranking based on pets enrolled with Nationwide pet insurance in 2022.
Add-a-pet
Take advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet.
Enroll a new petAdd-a-pet
Take advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet.
Enroll a new petAdd-a-pet
Take advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet.
Enroll a new petAdd-a-pet
Take advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet.
Enroll a new petAdd-a-pet
Take advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet.
Enroll a new petAdd-a-pet
Take advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet.
Enroll a new petAdd-a-pet
Take advantage of your multi-pet discount when you add a pet to your policy. When covering two or three pets, you can receive a 5% discount. When covering four or more pets, you'll save 10% on your base premium. Visit the member portal to add a pet.
Enroll a new pet