Luna Tops UK Pet Names: Most Popular for Dogs and Cats in 2026

Choosing a name for a new furry family member is a significant moment for any pet owner in Britain. Fresh data has now unveiled the nation's favourite monikers for our canine and feline companions, revealing a clear frontrunner that rules both lists.

Luna Claims the Crown for Fifth Year Running

According to the latest study from pet insurance experts at Go.Compare, the name Luna has secured its position as Britain's number one pet name. The research, released on 15 January 2026, shows Luna has held the top spot for cats for an impressive five consecutive years. It has now also dethroned Bella to become the most popular choice for dogs.

Rhys Jones, a pet insurance spokesperson for Go.Compare, commented on the findings. "Pet owners clearly know what they like, and Luna and Bella have now been among the UK's most popular pet names for several years in a row," he said. "While there are some small shifts year on year, the overall lack of movement suggests people are increasingly opting for old familiar favourites when naming their pets."

Trends and New Entries in the Top Ten

The rankings show several other names appearing on both the dog and cat lists, including Teddy and Milo. A notable new entry for 2026 is Willow, which has broken into the dog names top ten for the first time. It narrowly edged out Charlie and joins other nature-inspired choices like Daisy and Poppy.

Meanwhile, the slight slip of Lola from sixth to seventh place for dogs indicates some previously fashionable names may be waning in popularity. For cats, the influence of popular culture remains strong, with names like Loki (from the Avengers) and Simba and Nala (from The Lion King) featuring prominently in the top ten.