Most well-liked canine names of 2026 revealed as world well-known pop star joins record

Shakira has entered the list of the most popular dog names for 2026 as celebrity-inspired names see a huge boom

Shakira has bounded to the top of Britain’s trending celebrity dog-name list, as owners give their four-legged friends a little pop star treatment.

The name shared by the Colombian superstar behind Hips Don’t Lie has soared 888% in Rover’s 2026 dog name rankings. Her rise follows a busy year touring and a surprise duet with Dua Lipa in Madrid.

Olympic swimming champion Adam Peaty is making a splash too, with Adam recording the same 888% rise following his wedding to Holly Ramsay and their announcement that they are expecting their first baby together.

And Hollywood has a new dog-park representative, with Zendaya appearing in the annual report for the first time.

The findings come from Rover’s UK Pet Names Report, which analysed millions of user-submitted pet names. Accompanying research found almost one in four (24%) dog owners have named a dog after a celebrity.

Jonathan, shared by Jonathan Ross and Jonathan Bailey, is up 188%, alongside Tupac.

You’d be forgiven for thinking it was the 90s again at your local dog park, with Noel up 45% while Liam has tumbled 97% – giving new meaning to Don’t Look Bark in Anger.

Damon, shared by Blur frontman Damon Albarn, is up 38%, while Geri and Kylie have risen 21% and 18%.

Jamie Oliver’s namesake is up 23%, while Hannah, shared by Hannah Waddingham, has climbed 21%.

Away from celebrities, Sunnie is the fastest-rising name overall, soaring 1,287%.

Grandparent favourites are enjoying a comeback too, with Winny up 537%, Melvin rising 121%, Harold climbing 99% and Hilda gaining 79%.

Ancient mythology provides Achilles, up 362%, Persephone, up 254%, and Ulysses, up 238%.

But Luna remains the most popular name overall for the sixth year running.

Rover’s survey of 1,000 dog owners also found 38% have used AI to help name their dog, while 41% have used it to help choose 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.”

The full report is available at Rover .

TOP 10 TRENDING CELEBRITY DOG NAMES IN 2026

1. Shakira (Shakira) – up 888%
2. Adam (Adam Peaty) – up 888%
3. Jonathan (Jonathan Ross / Jonathan Bailey) – up 188%
4. Tupac (Tupac) – up 188%
5. Noel (Noel Gallagher) – up 45%
6. Damon (Damon Albarn) – up 38%
7. Jamie (Jamie Oliver) – up 23%
8. Geri (Geri Halliwell) – up 21%
9. Hannah (Hannah Waddingham) – up 21%
10. Kylie (Kylie Minogue) – up 18%

TOP 10 MOST POPULAR DOG NAMES

1. Luna
2. Milo
3. Bella
4. Teddy
5. Poppy
6. Lola
7. Coco
8. Buddy
9. Daisy
10. Charlie

TOP 10 TRENDING DOG NAMES OVERALL

1. Sunnie – up 1,287%
2. Henrik – up 1,187%
3. Adam – up 888%
4. Chef – up 887%
5. Phillip – up 887%
6. Shakira – up 888%
7. Mossy – up 537%
8. Winny – up 537%
9. Silas – up 412%
10. Achilles – up 362%