Feeding cats & dogs human food can cause big problems.
If you’ve named your pet Luna, Milo or Charlie, the chances are now very high that you’ve heard it from somewhere else first.
The New Zealand Companion Animal Register (NZCAR) has released the most popular names given to young broods born over the past year.
More than 110,000 new animalswere logged in the NZCAR’s system, which collects and stores data on 1.4 million-plus animal microchip registrations, but the creativity in their names hasn’t quite diverged with such speed.
For the seventh year in a row, Luna was crowned the most popular pet name in New Zealand, followed by recurring contenders Milo and Charlie.
Completing the top 10 list for 2025 are names Daisy, Bella, Coco, Poppy, Nala, Willow and Molly.
Bella, Coco and Frankie either fell in ranking or were completely dropped from last year’s list when compared to the findings. However, nine of the names from 2024 still featured in some order, suggesting they resonate with pet owners and their furry friends.
The NZ Companion Animal Register logged more than 110,000 new pets in the past year.
Furthermore, Bella still reigns supreme when counting all live pets with 14,000 registered, although Luna is quickly catching up at 13,000.
Breaking the data down into regions highlights quirks between different centres, especially when comparing cats and dogs. Cheeto is a West Coast favourite, Tofu is popular in Gisborne, and Oreo dominates over more traditional names in Northland.
Te reo Māori names have also recorded a surge in interest.
Included in the 110,000 registrations are 191 Tui, 34 Kiwi, 24 Kea, 18 Kōwhai and 16 Aroha, suggesting Kiwis are embracing New Zealand’s indigenous culture and wildlife and increasing the use of te reo in their lives.
Pop culture influences also permeated into the field of pet naming, with 273 Marvel-inspired Lokis registered alongside hundreds of Bluey characters like Bingo, Chilli and Bandit.
Fifty-nine Ozzys were named, with data showing an uptick following Ozzy Osbourne’s death in July.
“While some names never go out of fashion, what we love seeing each year is the imagination and affection that shines through in how people name their animals,” said NZCAR manager Sarah Clements.
“The names people choose can give us a fascinating glimpse into what’s capturing Kiwis’ hearts and minds, from pop culture trends to local icons.
“It’s also fantastic to see so many pet owners ensuring their animals’ microchips are registered on the NZCAR, helping them to be easily reunited if they’re ever separated.”
Top cat names:
Luna
Milo
Shadow
Willow
Charlie
Nala
Leo
Coco
Simba
Daisy
Top dog names:
Luna
Charlie
Bella
Daisy
Poppy
Milo
Ruby
Coco
Teddy
Nala
Tom Rose is an Auckland-based journalist who covers breaking news, specialising in lifestyle, entertainment and travel. He joined the Herald in 2023.
