Most popular dog names of 2026 as Shakira joins list

Most popular dog names of 2026 as Shakira joins list The most popular dog names in the UK for 2026 have been published, with the names Shakira and Adam Peaty soaring 888% on the trending celebrity chart Pop superstar Shakira is the UK's fastest-growing celebrity dog name, research suggests. The Colombian saw a massive 888% spike in Rover's 2026 rankings following a busy tour and a surprise duet with Dua Lipa. Olympic swimmer Adam Peaty tied that 888% surge as fans rushed to name their pets 'Adam' after his recent wedding to Holly Ramsay and their pregnancy announcement. Meanwhile, Hollywood A-lister Zendaya made her debut on the annual pet name list for the very first time. The data stems from Rover's UK Pet Names Report, which examined millions of user-submitted pet names. Supporting research revealed nearly one in four (24%) dog owners have named a pooch after a celebrity, reports the Daily Star. Jonathan, belonging to Jonathan Ross and Jonathan Bailey, has jumped 188%, alongside Tupac. You could be excused for thinking it's the 90s once more at your neighbourhood dog park, with Noel climbing 45% while Liam has plummeted 97% - giving fresh significance to Don't Look Bark in Anger. Damon, belonging to Blur frontman Damon Albarn, has increased 38%, while Geri and Kylie have gained 21% and 18%. Jamie Oliver's namesake has risen 23%, while Hannah, belonging to Hannah Waddingham, has advanced 21%. Beyond celebrities, Sunnie is the fastest-climbing name overall, skyrocketing 1,287%. Names favoured by grandparents are making a resurgence, with Winny soaring by 537%, Melvin increasing by 121%, Harold up by 99%, and Hilda rising by 79%. Ancient mythology continues to inspire, with Achilles climbing 362%, Persephone up 254%, and Ulysses rising 238%. However, Luna has retained its position as the most popular dog name for the sixth consecutive year. Rover's survey of 1,000 dog owners also revealed that 38% have turned to AI for naming assistance, while 41% have used it to help select a breed. Adem Fehmi, Rover's Canine Behaviourist, said: "From Sunnie to Achilles, this year's trends show just how much our dogs ' names reflect the world around us – whether that's the weather, the big screen or a dose of nostalgia. But beyond choosing a name we love, it's important to remember that, for our dogs, their name is an important communication cue. "Dogs learn to associate their name with getting our attention and engaging with us, so a name that's clear, distinctive and easy to say can make everyday communication that little bit easier. Consistency matters too – using the same name, and building positive associations with it through attention, praise and rewards, can help your dog learn to respond reliably. "Ultimately, trends will come and go, but choosing a name that suits your dog's personality, stands out clearly from other everyday words and feels natural to call out will help set you both up for years of positive communication." TOP 10 TRENDING CELEBRITY DOG NAMES IN 2026 Shakira (Shakira) - up 888%. Adam (Adam Peaty) - up 888%. Jonathan (Jonathan Ross / Jonathan Bailey) - up 188%. Tupac (Tupac) - up 188%. Noel ( Noel Gallagher ) - up 45%. Damon (Damon Albarn) - up 38%. Jamie (Jamie Oliver) - up 23%. Geri (Geri Halliwell) - up 21%. Hannah (Hannah Waddingham) - up 21%. Kylie (Kylie Minogue) - up 18%.