Was a four-legged friend one of your presents this holiday season?
Pop-culture references and names that remind us that pets are really part of the family are among the top trends in names of puppies and kittens, according to an analysis of names of dogs and names of cats in 2012 by VetStreet.com.
Fun fact: The top cat and dog names are exactly the same—Bella and Max.
Top Dog Names in 2012
The top female dog name is Bella. That has been the top female dog name since 2006—just after the Twilight book series debuted. The top male dog name: Max, for the seventh straight year.
Rounding out the top five female dog names: Daisy came in second, followed by Lucy, Molly and Lola. The top male dog names (after Max) are: Buddy, Charlie, Rocky and Cooper.
Top Cat Names in 2012
Like dog names, pop culture and common human names are popular for felines. Also on the top five list for female felines: Kitty, Lucy, Chloe and Luna. The top five male names: Max, Oliver, Tiger, Simba and Charlie.
Adopt a Pet in Need
Still looking for a furry friend?
Patch has a partnership with Mutts Matter, a rescue group in the area that matches dogs with loving homes.
You should also check out the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria. You can view adoptable animals here.
Marlene Mitchell
6:41 am on Sunday, January 6, 2013
I rarely get to name my pets. All have been rescue animals.....30 years and counting.
I have never had a bad animal, just loving ones, grateful to be part of the family. The oddest name for one of my rescues was that of an older German Shepherd, Monique. She was a big dog and Monique just didn't seem to fit. We called her Mo and she didn't seem to have a problem with the slight change.