Luna continues to hold the top spot as New Zealand’s most popular pet name for the 8th year in a row, with Milo close behind, according to the latest data from the New Zealand Companion Animal Register (NZCAR).
While the top two names remain unchanged, there has been movement further down the rankings. Poppy has climbed from seventh to fourth overall, Bella has risen to third, and Shadow has entered the overall top 10.
Among dogs, Teddy has climbed four places to fifth, while Bella has moved into second place. Cat names have been more consistent, with Luna, Milo, Shadow and Willow retaining their top four positions. Smokey is a new entry at number five.
The rankings offer a snapshot of the names New Zealanders are choosing for their companion animals.
TOP Pet Names for 2026
Luna
Milo
Bella
Poppy
Daisy
Coco
Willow
Charlie
Nala
Shadow
TOP CAT NAMES
Luna
Milo
Shadow
Willow
Smokey
Bella
Simba
Coco
Daisy
Leo
TOP DOG NAMES
Luna
Bella
Poppy
Daisy
Teddy
Coco
Milo
Ruby
Charlie
Buddy
A total of 111,000 animals were registered with the New Zealand Companion Animal Register (NZCAR) over the past year, including 68,800 cats and 42,000 dogs in 2026. Registrations also included 633 rabbits, 337 horses and 197 guinea pigs, alongside a range of other species.
“Choosing a name is often one of the first things we do when welcoming an animal into our lives," says NZCAR Manager, Sarah Clements. "Whether it’s a name we’ve loved for years or one that just feels right for a new companion, it’s a small but meaningful part of the bond we share with our animals.”
The data also reveals some more unusual choices, with 41 animals named Rumi, perhaps a small nod to the influence of KPop Demon Hunters, and eight named Gandalf - a sign that The Lord of the Rings continues to inspire animal names.
Seems people have a fondness for naming their cats after other creatures, too. This year’s pet names registered include 121 cats named Possum, 63 named Moose, 73 named Panda, 51 named Monkey, 15 named Chicken, 11 named Horse, eight named Squirrel, five named Donkey, and four named Bumblebee.
Food is another source of inspiration, with 61 animals named Pumpkin, 45 named Peaches, 24 named Cheese, six named Apple and three named Spaghetti.
“While choosing a name helps make a pet part of the family, ensuring their microchip is registered with up-to-date contact details is an important practical step in helping them find their way home if they’re ever lost.””
The NZCAR is New Zealand’s largest companion animal microchip database. Managed by Companion Animals New Zealand, it helps veterinary clinics, animal shelters and other Approved Users reunite lost pets with their families.
Pet guardians can check their animal’s registration details at animalregister.co.nz.
ABOUT CANZ
Companion Animals New Zealand (CANZ) is an independent, science-based charity committed to ensuring all companion animals live a 'Good Life' with responsible guardians. We use education, advocacy and community programmes to achieve this. We also operate the New Zealand Companion Animal Register (NZCAR), the country's largest microchip database with more than 1.5 million total registrations. Our Board comprises independent trustees and representatives from a range of animal welfare groups, including SPCA, New Zealand Veterinary Association (NZVA), Dogs NZ, Cat Fancy, the New Zealand Veterinary Nursing Association (NZVNA) and the New Zealand Institute of Animal Management (NZIAM).