Source : Perth Now news
Cries of “Spot!” or “Buddy!” used to ring out at Aussie parks, but a recent study suggests there’s been a shift to the types of names we give our beloved family pets these days.
Now, it’s more likely you’ll hear the moniker of “Douglas” or “Stephen” being bestowed Aussies’ furry loved ones, according to new data by Pet Insurance Australia.
PIA spokesperson Nadia Crichton said the findings reflect a tendency to value pets as true members of the family.
“There’s something genuinely funny about hearing someone call out ‘Barry, stop eating that!’ across a dog park,” Ms Crighton said.
“Ten years ago, you might have expected to hear names like Rex, Rover or Fluffy. Today, you’re just as likely to meet a Labrador called Kevin or a British Shorthair named Alice.”
Ms Crichton said the trend also represents a broader cultural shift, with many households and young adults opting not to have children and instead welcome pets into their homes.
In naming domesticated animals like children, a natural link between their personalities and those of humans can be identified.
“Our pets have become part of the family in every sense of the word,” Ms Crighton continued.
“They’re travelling with us, sleeping inside, celebrating birthdays and becoming central members of our lives. Choosing a human name feels like another way of recognising that special bond.”
The spokesperson said there has also been a revival of “old-fashioned” names, particularly in male pets.
“The funniest part is hearing owners call these wonderfully serious names in public. You can’t help but smile when someone is desperately trying to stop George from chasing ducks or Stanley from stealing sausages at a family BBQ,” she said.
See below a list of the most common human-inspired pet names across the country, according to data gathered by Pet Insurance Australia.
Most popular human-inspired male pet names
- Charlie
- Frankie
- Henry
- Lenny
- Walter
- Douglas
- Beau
- Bruce
- Kevin
- Stanley
- Theodore
- Albert
- Barry
- George
- Stephen
- Larry
Most popular human-inspired female pet names
- Bella
- Charlie
- Frankie
- Gracie
- Hazel
- Sophie
- Alice
- Georgie
- Phoebe
- Penelope
- Amber
