As the UK marks National Pet Week (running from 3rd to 9th May 2026), new data from VetPartners offers a light-hearted insight into the names we choose for our pet – and what they say about us.
Looking after more than 110,000 dogs and 90,000 cats across our practices, we’ve taken a closer look at the names we hear most often in our consulting rooms.
Classic names still lead the pack
When it comes to dogs, Molly remains the nation’s favourite for female pets, with Poppy and Bella close behind. For male dogs, Max tops the list, followed by Charlie and Alfie.
Cats tell a slightly different story. Charlie takes the top spot for male cats, with Oscar and Tigger also proving popular. Among female cats, Molly, Poppy and Daisy are among the most common names.
What the trends tell us
A few clear patterns emerge from the data:
- People-inspired names dominate – Max, Charlie, Alfie and Oscar are just as common in playgrounds as they are in practices
- Short and simple works best – One- or two-syllable names are easier for pets to recognise
- Names cross species – Many favourites appear in both dog and cat lists
When one name isn’t enough
With so many Mollys and Charlies on our systems, veterinary teams often find themselves double-checking details or adding descriptors – think “Molly S the Spaniel”- to make sure every pet gets the right care.
Every pet is unique
While popular names continue to stand the test of time, the full top 10 lists still showcase plenty of variety, from Rosie and Ruby to Buster and Barney, alongside feline favourites like Luna, Misty and Sooty.
Honor Etherington, a vet at VetPartners says: “National Pet Week is the perfect time to celebrate the individuality of our pets. They may share names, but their personalities, quirks and the joy they bring are always one of a kind and all of our patients are special when they come into our practices.”
Pictured is Paul Nicholson, Head Veterinary Care Assistant at Westway Vets in Houghton le Spring with his gorgeous dog, Molly.
Article by Carolyn Small, PR & Communications Manager – email: [email protected]