Royal children influence pet names
Since the birth of Prince George in 2013, the name has grown in popularity among pet owners and now ranks 11th for dogs and 7th for cats insured by Southern Cross Pet Insurance.
Royal influence aside, Oscar and Bella are the most popular names for Southern Cross’ cats and dogs in 2014.
The top ten names for dogs and cats were:
| Dogs | Cats |
| 1. Bella | 1. Bella and Oscar |
| 2. Charlie | 2. Coco and Max |
| 3. Max | 3. Charlie |
| 4. Molly | 4. Molly and Poppy |
| 5. Ruby | 5. Louie |
| 6. Poppy | 6. Milo |
| 7. Oscar | 7. George |
| 8. Toby | 8. Chloe, Cleo, Leo, Lily and Tiger |
| 9. Coco | 9. Millie |
| 10. Lucy | 10. Louis, Misty and Simba |
Anthony McPhail, Head of Southern Cross Pet Insurance, says the list illustrates the trend of giving pets names traditionally used for humans.
“We conducted research that shows 58% of New Zealanders treat their pet the same as any other family member, so it stands to reason that owners consider their fur babies as children and give them human names,” he said.
Other owners, however, prefer to choose unique and distinctive monikers for their pets that reflect their personality.
d'Artagnan Rumblepurr’s owner says the moment they picked up their new Maine Coon kitten it was obvious he was a swashbuckler.
“He was so spry and mischievous that we knew we had to name him after the fourth Musketeer. And Rumblepurr comes from his mighty rumbling purr – you certainly know when he’s happy!”
Their previous cat was called Inigo Flufflebum and they also own Diego 'Hamlet' Moonfur.
However popular culture still has a strong influence on pet names, with Aslan, Harry Potter and Yoda all listed with Southern Cross as well as some very Kiwi names including Greywacke Jones and Slinky Malinki.
Ends.
