Luna is NZ’s most popular Pet Name

November 12, 2024

Share to Google Classroom

For the sixth year in a row, “Luna” is New Zealand’s most popular pet name, according to the New Zealand Companion Animal Register. This year’s list includes other favourite names like Bella, Milo, and Charlie, as well as new trends inspired by popular shows and cultural icons.

Notably, names from the children’s show Bluey—like Bluey, Bandit, Bingo, and Chilli—have gained popularity.

The top ten pet names for 2024 are Luna, Bella, Milo, Charlie, Coco, Daisy, Poppy, Nala, Molly, and Frankie. NZCAR also observed a continuing trend of pets named after The Lord of the Rings characters, with some pets named Frodo, Bilbo, Gollum, and Gandalf. Additionally, pets named after All Blacks players—such as Ardie, TJ, and Razor—reflect a love for New Zealand’s rugby stars.

NZCAR general manager David Lloyd noted how popular culture influences pet names, showing how pets become cherished family members. NZCAR, which manages New Zealand’s national microchip database for over 1.3 million pets, helps reunite lost pets with their owners through their microchip records.

Here are the top five names by species:

Cats: Luna, Bella, Milo, Coco, and Nala.
Dogs: Luna, Bella, Poppy, Daisy, and Charlie.
Rabbits: Archie, Coco, Cookie, Hazel, and Honey.
Horses: Bailey, Charlie, Jasper, Kiwi, and Marley.

Article written by Milli Banbury

This article was written using AI as an assistive tool for research and writing.

Learning Options

Recall Questions

Thinking questions

Digital Thinking

Learning Options

Recall Questions

Thinking questions

Digital Thinking

Heavy rain is expected in the eastern parts of the North Island tomorrow afternoon. Roads may become slippery and some low-lying streets could flood. Drivers are advised to slow down and keep extra space between vehicles. Families living near streams should watch for rising water levels. Local council workers will check drains and clear blocked gutters where needed.