The New Zealand Companion Animal Register (NZCAR) has unveiled the most popular pet names for 2024, with "Luna" reigning as the top name for cats and dogs across Aotearoa for the sixth consecutive year.
Other crowd-favourites such as “Bella”, “Milo”, and “Charlie” continue to dominate, while new trends are emerging from popular culture, with characters from the beloved children's show Bluey inspiring names also.
Top ten pet names in 2024:
Luna
Bella
Milo
Charlie
Coco
Daisy
Poppy
Nala
Molly
Frankie
Names inspired by children's media seem to be on the rise, particularly with the ongoing popularity of Bluey. This year, the register recorded 84 pets named "Bluey," 50 named "Bingo," 123 named "Bandit," and 93 named "Chilli."
In what could be a nod to the Olympic Games, 27 pet owners opted for the name "Paris” this year. Meanwhile, New Zealand's connection to The Lord of the Rings franchise remains strong, with names like “Bilbo” (13), “Frodo” (17), “Gollum” (2) and “Gandalf” (1) still making appearances.
Sports fans are also leaving their mark, with pets possibly inspired by All Blacks’ identities, such as "Razor" (7), "Ardie" (20), and "TJ" (18).
David Lloyd, General Manager of Companion Animals New Zealand, commented on the unique choices pet owners make:
“It’s fascinating to see how popular culture shapes pet names each year. Whether it’s the magic of The Lord of the Rings, the influence of the All Blacks, or the heartwarming characters from Bluey, pet names reflect the things that matter to people. These trends really highlight the special bond between pets and their families, showing how pets become part of our lives in ways big and small.”
The NZCAR is New Zealand’s national microchip database, containing information on over 1.3 million pets of various species. Managed by the registered charity Companion Animals New Zealand, the NZCAR aids in reuniting lost pets with their families by providing veterinary clinics and shelters across the country with access to pet microchip data.
Funds generated by the NZCAR support Companion Animals New Zealand’s research, education, and advocacy initiatives. "Our aim is to foster a Good Life for animals in New Zealand," Lloyd says. "That means helping pets experience a life full of positive experiences beyond just meeting their basic needs."
For more information on the New Zealand Companion Animal Register, please visit www.animalregister.co.nz or connect with us on Facebook www.facebook.com/animalregister.co.nz
ABOUT CANZ
Companion Animals New Zealand (CANZ) is an independent, science-based charity committed to ensuring all companion animals live a 'Good Life' with responsible guardians. We use research, education and community programmes to achieve this. We also operate the New Zealand Companion Animal Register (NZCAR), the country's largest microchip database with more than 1.3 million pets registered. Our Board comprises independent trustees and representatives from a range of animal welfare groups, including SPCA, New Zealand Veterinary Association (NZVA), Dogs NZ, New Zealand. Cat Fancy, the New Zealand Veterinary Nursing Association (NZVNA) and the New Zealand Institute of Animal Management (NZIAM).