Although we love our pets, dogs and cats, no matter what they are called, our favorite pet names change with the times.
Fido and Spot, once whimsically popular, have been replaced by the new fad of the day or year.
Some names do stick, though, and for the fifth year in a row, Veterinary Pet Insurance, the nation’s oldest and largest provider of pet health insurance says “Max” is the most popular dog’s name. Surprisingly, it is also the most popular name for cats.
VPI Analysis
VPI analyzed 450,000 insured pets in its database and produced two lists, one for dogs and one for cats.
Dogs
1. Max
2. Molly
3. Buddy
4. Bella
5. Lucy
6. Maggie
7. Daisy
8. Jake
9. Bailey
10. Rocky
Cats
1. Max
2. Chloe
3. Lucy
4. Tigger
5. Tiger
6. Smokey
7. Oliver
8. Bella
9. Sophie
10. Princess
“The continuing popularity of Max is largely due to the fact that it is monosyllabic and simple for people and pets to remember, yet easy to distinguish from common commands, Plus, it’s a fitting name for an active, energetic pet.” – Dr. Carol McConnell, VPI VP and chief veterinary officer
Because most people see their pets as part of the family, many of these names also appear in the most popular names for children, as documented by the Social Security Administration list of baby names, VPI said.
Surprisingly, these names all appeared in the 2009 list, but in a different order. VPI says Bella moved up from position 8 to number 4.
2012 Update
2012 update: In a surprising change, not only were there rearrangement this year, there were also replacements. In the dog list, Max was pushed off top spot by Bella and Bailey, and Jake and Rocky both dropped off the top ten list, replaced by Charlie and Sophie.
Dogs
1. Bella
2. Bailey
3. Max
4. Lucy
5. Molly
6. Buddy
7. Daisy
8. Maggie
8. Charlie
10. Sophie
In the 2012 cat list, Max was pushed off top spot by Bella, Sopie and Princess exited the list, Smokey jumped into number 6 and Charlie moved in at number 9.
Cats
1. Bella
2. Max
2. Chloe
4. Oliver
5. Lucy
6. Smokey
7. Shadow
8. Tiger
9. Charlie
10. Tigger