From familiar favourites to quirky quips: What Kiwis are naming their pets in 2026

The 2026 Pet Name Hall of Fame

AA Insurance has brought about its annual Pet Name Hall of Fame, and this year brings a mix of traditional favourites and some truly unique names that New Zealanders have bestowed upon our four-legged friends. Whether you find them utterly genius or entirely bonkers, the 2026 Pet Name Hall of Fame brings us some joyous names to mull over.

Creative cat owners

This year, cat owners have won the award for the most creative collection of the most truly bizarre names this past year. There’s no shortage of creativity when it comes to naming our feline friends in 2026. Some favourites include Lady Sparkle Van Mittens, Rag Dolly Parton, Gail Platt the Cat, Romulus Bagelsworth, Agatha Lamington, Severpus Snape, Fistopher Fingerston, Gary Monster Truck, Lady Poppy Whiskerton, Benadryl Cucumberpatch, Robert Bob Cattinson, Jeremiah Butter Beans, Ciddles McGee, Snoop Catt and Pussy Meow Meow.

Delightful dog names

Although the cats may have dominated the category of creativity, there was no shortage of inventiveness when it came to naming our canine companions. Favourites include Waipukurau (Jack Russell Terrier), Joey Pickle (Cavoodle), Esthappen Hermes (Whippet), Rosita Chiquita Juanita (Chihuahua Cross), Jemima Puddle Dog (Corgi Cross), Oban Waddleton (Tibetan Spaniel), Precious McGrath (Australian Kelpie Sheepdog), Realistbully La (British Bulldog) and Chico Sefuentes (Border Terrier).

Emerging pet name trends

AA Pet Insurance spokesperson Ben Rose says, “This year’s pet naming trends reflect the important role pets play in Kiwi households and why owners are increasingly treating them like family members.”

Many of us are choosing to give our four-legged friends full names this past year with impressive monikers including: Kratos Natana Johnson, Shady Socks Hett, Pikitia Butterfly Morgan, Keeta Bear Knezevic Kleidon, Chase Tuxedo Dyer, Shadow Knight Ryder Black Symons, Pelusa Kong-Torrealba, Bert Sparkle Wood, Chunk Willigar Neil, Sprinkle Sassie Datt and Frijolito Bean Diesel.

Food and drink also proved inspirational for some pet owners, with some delicious names including: Taco, Burrito, Bagel, Miso, Cherry Pie, Tofu, Tortellini, Crème Brulee, Cheddar, Avocado, Merlot, Margarita, Chia, Bagel, Croissant, Soup, Coconut, Chai, Mandarin, Jello, Butter, Toast, Pork Chop, Chutney, Guinness, Cinnamon Roll, Panko, Waffle, Twiglet, Macaroon, Olive Oil, Udon, Sushi, Skittles and Hennessy.

Totally different animal species also seemed inspirational for pet owners, with names like: Raven, Bear, Panda, Moose, Badger, Fox, Mouse, Bee, Horse, Pig, Koala, Possum, Rhino, Otter and Chicken.

Pop culture continues to prove inspirational for pet names, including: Corporal Walter Radar O’Reilly, Dora, Disney, Lady Gaga, Pompey Magnus, Yogi, Mowgli, Rafiki, Miley, Simba, Zeus, Sansa, Billy-Jean, Top Cat, Ozzy, Verstappen, Barbie, Houdini, Buffy, Yoda, Chewie, Hercules, Maximus, Stitch, James Brown, Paddington, Napoleon, Nefertiti and Elvis.

Breeds inspiring creative names

As a common working dog breed in New Zealand, Border Collies and Border Collie Crosses have an unusually high number of quirky names, with owners leaning towards creative and adventurous options, such as: Bodacious, Epic, Fig, Mojo, Quest, Rocket, Spoon, Zeus, Chop, Fez, Gas, JiuJiu, Liquorice, Mambo, ObeCanine.

Staffordshire Bull Terriers and Staffy crosses inspired some of the boldest names, including: Tazer, Cruizer, Hades, Bonkers, Chief, Coach, Tank, Kaiju and Fitzchivalry. Cavoodle owners were also creative, naming their dogs: Ronnie Reagan, Wilbur Fozie, Miss Brunel, Bagel and Squid, while Dachshunds featured some of the most apt food names, including Frankfurter and Weenie (although Rambo and Stanley Tucci were also standouts).

Top pet names for 2026

While the name Luna has topped the charts for both cats and dogs, here are the traditional favourites Kiwis have deemed for this year.

So whether you’re looking for inspiration for your own future fur-babies, or just enjoy the annual Pet Name Hall of Fame, there is no shortage of creativity this year.

About AA Pet Insurance

For over 120 years, the AA has been there in the moments that move us forward – a first car, a growing family, a career on the rise, and even a new pet. Every one of those moments carries a financial weight: a risk to protect or an opportunity to grow. Through their range of financial services, they’re empowering all Kiwis with choices through life’s journey. Their award-winning AA Pet Insurance is easy to get and built for real life – with flexible cover, 24/7 VetChat access and GapOnly® vet payment services.

This article was written with information provided by AA Pet Insurance.