Australians are keeping pet names cute, simple and very human in 2025. Data from pet insurance providers like Petsy and Pet Insurance Australia, along with media reports from outlets like 7NEWS, shows that Aussies are treating their pets more like family than ever — and naming them accordingly.
The big winner this year is “Luna”, which has topped the charts for both dogs and cats across multiple reports. It’s short, sweet, easy to call out, and clearly a nationwide favourite.
🐶 Popular Dog Names This Year
Some of the most common dog names popping up around Australia include:
- Luna
- Coco
- Charlie
- Teddy
- Milo
- Daisy
- Bella
- Leo
Most of these are names you’d easily hear on a playground — the kind of names you’d expect to see on a school roll or shouted across a backyard at recess. It’s a clear sign that pets have moved well beyond the role of “just animals” and into the realm of honorary kids, complete with human names, birthday celebrations and a permanent place in the family.
🐱 Popular Cat Names This Year
Cats are getting similarly trendy names, with favourites like:
- Luna
- Milo
- Leo
- Nala
- Simba
- Mochi
- Charlie
- Willow
Pop culture, food names, and soft-sounding choices are especially popular for cats. Names like Simba, Nala and Loki continue to be inspired by movies, TV shows and mythology, while food-themed picks such as Mochi, Oreo and Cookie are becoming more common — especially for cats with big personalities. Soft, gentle names that end in sounds like -a or -y also remain a favourite, as they’re easy to say and feel affectionate, which suits cats that are equal parts cuddly and mischievous.
🐾 Overall Trends
- Human-style names are dominating, with pets often sharing names you’d expect to hear in a classroom or on a birth announcement.
- Short, friendly names are preferred, partly because they’re easy to call out and easy for pets to recognise.
- Pop culture and food-inspired names are on the rise, reflecting personality, humour and personal interests.
- Pets are clearly being treated as full-on family members, not just companions — and their names reflect that emotional bond.