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.
5. Cillian
Inspired by the frontman of newly-released film Oppenheimer, Cillian is the fifth most popular dog name. Photo: Cedric Clth from Pixabay Photo: Pixabay
6. Jefferson
Jefferson has placed at number six, also perhaps inspired by the rise in interest in inventors since Oppenheimer's release. Photo: Petra from Pixabay Photo: Pixabay
7. Gamora
Marvel characters make up 30 per cent of the top ten names, including Gamora which has risen in popularity since the release of Volume 3 of Guardians of The Galaxy. Photo: StockSnap from Pixabay Photo: Pixabay
8. Margot
Actress Margot Robbie, who plays the lead role of Barbie, has inspired a 73 per cent increase of pets named Margot. Photo: Dave Francis from Pixabay Photo: Pixabay