A new study for National Dog Day (August 26) examining the UK’s top 25 trending pet names found that Barbie is the favourite choice for dogs so far in 2023, recording a 498 per cent increase in popularity.
Gathering popular searches for pet names throughout the United Kingdom over the last 12 months, the study by Buzz Bingo has shown that Brits are favouring topical pet names over traditional names. Included in the list are film references to the ‘Barbenheimer’ legacy, football legends Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo and popular music artists.
A spokesperson for Buzz Bingo said: “Following the release of the blockbuster hit earlier this year, how did Ken fare in the list? Once again, he was in Barbie’s shadow, scoring just a 24% average increase. Maybe he isn’t Kenough, after all.”
Taylor Swift has also inspired dog-owners, with ‘Swift’ increasing by almost a quarter (22 per cent) and placing at number 25 on the list, following the success of her sold-out tour.
See below for the full top 25.
1. Barbie
Barbie has been voted as the top dog name for 2023. Photo: PublicDomainPictures from Pixabay Photo: Pixabay
2. Buster
Sticking with traditional, classic dog name Buster comes at number two in the list. Photo: Chiemsee2016 from Pixabay Photo: Pixabay
3. Lionel
Lionel is trending by 153 per cent, after footballer Lionel Messi’s move to Inter Miami. Photo: Cedric Clth from Pixabay Photo: Pixabay
4. Einstein
There has been a notable increase for Einstein (113 per cent), who made a cameo as a character in the Oppenheimer film. Photo: Chiemsee2016 from Pixabay Photo: Pixabay