When it comes to naming our dogs, us Brits have distinct favourites. Looking at recent UK-based studies, here are the names topping the charts—and why they’re so popular.
🐶 2024’s Most Popular Dog Names in the UK
Bella
Topping the list again this year, both Go.Compare and Gudog report Bella as the most popular dog name in 2024. Read it here. It's classic charm, lyrical ease, and human familiarity make it a clear favourite.
Luna
A strong second—or even topping charts elsewhere—Luna remains highly popular. Go.Compare places it at #2 for dogs, and the Rover UK list highlights its sustained appeal .
Teddy, Milo, Poppy, Lola, Max, Charlie, Bailey, Molly, Ruby
Other frequent picks across multiple UK sources include:
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Teddy, Milo, Poppy, Lola — featured in Go.Compare’s top ten and Gudog’s list here
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Max, Charlie, Bailey, Molly, Ruby — steady favourites according to Gudog and Blue Cross here
📊 Why These Names Are So Loved in the UK
1. Human First, Pet Second
UK owners tend to choose people names—Bella, Charlie, Molly—reflecting the growing view of dogs as family members rather than just pets here
2. Short & Snappy
Names with one or two syllables (Luna, Poppy, Max) are preferred—they're simple, effective for training, and easy to call in public .
3. Cultural & Trendy Influences
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Bella continues to benefit from global pop culture resonance.
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Luna may owe part of its popularity to literary figures like Rowling’s Luna Lovegood.
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Teddy, Milo, Poppy, and Lola bring a touch of cute and charming personality.
4. Consistency Over the Years
None of the top 10 are new to the list—these names have had strong showings year after year in UK rankings here and here.
🇬🇧 What This Means for UK Dog-Lovers
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Avoid the crowd? Want a unique name? Skip the top 10—you’ll hear dozens of Bellas and Maxes in the park!
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Classic choice? Solid picks like Bella, Luna, and Charlie will never go out of style.
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Brand yours? Mixing a popular base name with a twist—like “Bella Blue” or “Teddy Bear”—adds flair while staying familiar.
🐾 A Personal Perspective from Marple
Running my shop here in Marple has given me the joy of meeting hundreds of dogs and their lovely owners. It's been fascinating to see firsthand which names keep popping up—and I can definitely vouch for some recurring favourites! I’ve lost count of how many Lunas, Daisies, Dottys, Winnies, Baileys, and Rubys have come bounding through the door. I’ve also met plenty of charming Freddies, Berties, Teds, Reggies, and the occasional quirky Banjo—each one leaving with a new handmade accessory and a wagging tail. It’s clear that while the national trends hold true, our little corner of the UK has its own local favourites that reflect the personality and warmth of the Marple community.