The most popular pet names in NZ this year

For the seventh year in a row this name has taken out the top spot for cats and dogs.

RNZ Online
2 min read
Pets in New Zealand.
Caption:Bella is the most popular pet name in New Zealand, according to all the NZCAR records. Luna is top this year.Photo credit:Unsplash

New Zealand pet owners seem to all love the name Luna, with the moniker topping the list for both cats and dogs in 2025.

For the seventh year in a row the name Luna has come in as the most popular pet name according to data from the NZ Companion Animal Register (NZCAR).

The NZCAR keeps over 1.4 million animal microchip registrations and recorded more than 110,000 new signups this year.

Bluey, the animated Aussie pup's adventures have captured the hearts of families around the world.

The popular kid's TV show Bluey has inspired pet names in New Zealand, NZCAR reckons.

Ludo Studios

Luna was the most popular female pet name followed by Daisy, Poppy, Nala and Bella in the top five. The most popular male pet name was Milo, then Charlie, Max, Leo and Teddy.

The most popular pet name of all time is Bella, according to the NZCAR records.

An increasing number of animals were given te reo Māori names this year including 191 pets named Tui, 34 named Kiwi and 24 named Kea.

The NZCAR observed a spike in the name Ozzy with 59 pets named following the death of rock legend Ozzy Osbourne in July. And popularity of the children's television show Bluey could be down to rise in the names Bluey (77 pets), Bingo (40), Chilli (104), and Bandit (118).

Top Cat Names

  • Luna
  • Milo
  • Shadow
  • Willow
  • Charlie
  • Nala
  • Leo
  • Coco
  • Simba
  • Daisy

Top Dog Names

  • Luna
  • Charlie
  • Bella
  • Daisy
  • Poppy
  • Milo
  • Ruby
  • Coco
  • Teddy
  • Nala

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