Love for pets may be universal—but how we name them depends on where we live. As Rover’s 2025 global data reveals, cultural identity, language, and lifestyle all leave their mark on the world’s pets. From Tokyo to Toronto, Paris to São Paulo, names tell a story about what people value most—whether that’s nature, nostalgia, humor, or heart.
Culture and language are redefining global pet names.
A World Of Names
Rover’s platform now spans 16 countries, each with its own unique naming flavor. What stands out most isn’t just the differences—it’s the overlap. Across continents, you’ll still find the classics like Luna, Charlie, and Bella. But scroll through local trends, and the influence of pop culture, heritage, and even cuisine quickly shines through.
In the United Kingdom, old-fashioned human names are leading the pack—Arthur, Daisy, and Poppy—mirroring Britain’s affection for timeless charm. In France, sleek and sophisticated names like Simone and Colette are on the rise, reflecting the country’s love for chic minimalism. Meanwhile, pet parents in Mexico and Brazil are leaning into warmth and joy, with names like Sol, Luna, and Chico topping lists across Latin America.
East Meets West
In Japan and South Korea, short and melodic names dominate—easy to say, soft on the ear, and often inspired by nature. Hana (“flower”), Momo (“peach”), and Kuma (“bear”) are among the most popular. These names carry cultural symbolism as well as affection, showing how deeply language and landscape intertwine in daily life.
Western influences appear here too, as anime and gaming culture spread globally. Names like Pixel and Link are cropping up not just in Asia but across Europe and North America, demonstrating how digital culture transcends borders. As Rover puts it, “What starts as fandom often ends up as family tradition.”
Around the world, names reveal what we love most.
Local Flavor And Linguistic Play
Language itself shapes what sounds we gravitate toward. In Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking countries, vowel-rich names like Lola, Nino, and Coco dominate because they’re playful and rhythmic. In Scandinavian regions, consonant-heavy names like Thor, Freya, and Odin speak to mythology and national pride. And in Australia and New Zealand, humor takes the lead—quirky, affectionate nicknames like Snags (for sausage) and Bluey remain perennial favorites, blending playfulness with cultural shorthand.
Even in the U.S., regional influences mirror this global tapestry. Names inspired by travel, food, and heritage—like Rio, Tokyo, or Paris—are growing across all 50 states, reflecting the country’s cultural mix and curiosity about the world beyond its borders.
Each country’s pets reflect its unique spirit.
Pop Culture Without Borders
Movies, music, and social media now ripple instantly across continents, meaning a single global event can shift naming trends in real time. After the release of Disney’s Encanto, Mirabel and Bruno spiked not just in Latin America but in Canada and Germany as well. Similarly, Elsa and Olaf remain worldwide fixtures years after Frozen. These names endure because they’re joyful—and easy to pronounce across languages, a universal key to naming longevity.
Shared Love, Different Sounds
While trends vary from city to city, the heart of naming remains consistent: people choose what feels personal, expressive, and loving. Whether it’s a poodle named Biscuit in Boston or a tabby called Sakura in Kyoto, names reveal a shared human instinct—to turn affection into language. And that connection, more than any statistic, may be the most universal trend of all.
Heritage and heart are shaping international pet names.
What’s Next For Global Naming
Rover predicts that as the world grows more connected, global naming will keep blending cultural influences. Expect a rise in hybrid names that cross linguistic borders—think Mocha, Neko, or Lumi—simple, melodic, and instantly recognizable anywhere. After all, no matter what corner of the world we call home, a good name—like a good pet—translates perfectly