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.
. Barbie
Barbie has been voted as the top dog name for 2023. Photo: PublicDomainPictures from Pixabay Photo: Pixabay
. Buster
Sticking with traditional, classic dog name Buster comes at number two in the list. Photo: Chiemsee2016 from Pixabay Photo: Pixabay
. Lionel
Lionel is trending by 153 per cent, after footballer Lionel Messi’s move to Inter Miami. Photo: Cedric Clth from Pixabay Photo: Pixabay
. 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
. 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
. 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
. 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
. 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
. Spider-Man
Spider-Man is another Marvel-inspired name which appears in the top ten. Photo: Pexels from Pixabay Photo: Pixabay
21. Billie
Billie places at number 21. Photo: kdzwonek from Pixabay Photo: Pixabay
22. Lauren
Lauren (James) comes in at 21, following the Lionesses' success. Photo: katerinavulcova from Pixabay Photo: Pixabay
23. Ken
Just like in the film, Ken appears to be in Barbie’s shadow, scoring just a 24 per cent average increase and placing at number 23. Photo: Igor Lukin from Pixabay Photo: Pixabay
24. Ember
Ember comes in at number 24, most likely inspired by the Pixar film Elemental. Photo: Petra from Pixabay Photo: Pixabay