What’s In A Name? Vet Rebecca Greenstein On 2024’s Trending Pet Names + The Stories Behind Them

Ever wonder what your pet’s name says about you? According to Rover’s 12th annual Top Pet Names Report, the names we choose for our furry friends reflect our personalities, passions, and even pop culture obsessions. From Charlie and Luna reigning supreme to trending picks like Burrito, Cardi B, and Sidney Pawsby, it’s clear Canadians are getting creative.

We sat down with Dr. Rebecca Greenstein, Veterinary Medical Advisor for Rover, to uncover the quirks and cultural cues driving this year’s top pet names—and what these trends reveal about our love for our four-legged companions. —Noa Nichol

What are some of the most surprising trends you noticed in this year’s report, and why do you think they resonate with Canadian pet parents?

Despite some super quirky names making it onto the list this year, I’m always struck by how the most popular pet names are pretty classic, and even parallel naming trends for human babies. This really reflects the closeness of our bond with our animals, and how they are increasingly becoming our literal fur babies. 

The report shows that names like “Burrito” and “Kale” are gaining popularity. What do these quirky food-inspired names say about our relationship with our pets

I love having patients with eccentric names! A quirky name says a lot about a pet parent’s desire for individuality and having their pet stand out, which I always get a kick out of!

Celebrity names like “Selena” and “Cardi B” are seeing significant growth, while others like “Drake” are declining. How do you think pop culture influences pet naming trends year over year?

A lot of younger pet parents are from generations that are heavily influenced by social media and celebrity culture, so it makes sense that we’re seeing more contemporary pop star names on the list. Some celeb nicknames are also hilarious when applied to pets, so there’s that tongue-in-cheek shock value as well. 

Tech-inspired names like “Nano” and “Elon” are becoming more popular. What does this reveal about how people see the connection between innovation and their pets?

When naming a pet, we have a tendency to infuse our own personalities and passions into our choice of monikers for them. The techies and futurists among us are more likely to name their pets with their interests foremost of mind. 

With “Poutine” and “Ham” climbing the ranks, do you think Canadian pet parents have a uniquely playful approach to naming compared to other regions?

I have a couple of lovely patients named Maple in my practice, and I can guarantee you wouldn’t find clusters of Canadiana-themed names south of the border! Canadian pet owners seem to be more likely to name their pets after hometown sports heroes and Canuck delicacies, which reveals our sense of national pride and playfulness!