The Dog Name Popularity Playground
See how common any dog name really is, from real records of Auckland dogs in our care. Search a name, open the birth-year time machine, or browse the all-time top list.
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What you can explore
Type in any name. We show its all-time rank, its rate per 1,000 dogs and whether it is rising or falling. The birth-year time machine ranks names by the year dogs were born. We only show a number when enough dogs share the name to keep each pet private.
From the charts to the perfect pick
A rank is a starting point, not an answer. When a name catches your eye, open its page for the meaning, how to say it and how it calls. Or let the Matchmaker weigh the charts against your dog's nature. You can also browse every name A–Z or explore our curated collections.
Frequently asked questions
What are the most popular dog names in Auckland?
Search any name to see its all-time rank, or open the top-25 list to see the local favourites. Classics like Luna, Bella and Charlie tend to lead most years.
How do you measure how common a name is?
We count how many of our dogs carry each name. We share it as a rate per 1,000 dogs, with a rank. A number is only shown when at least five dogs have the name and the group is big enough to keep each pet private.
What is the birth-year time machine?
It ranks names by the year dogs were born. You can see what was hot the year your dog arrived, and how tastes have shifted since.
Is this a count of all dogs in New Zealand?
No. It covers dogs cared for at our five Auckland centres. It is real, local and current, but it is our pack, not the whole country.
Key terms
Callability is defined as how easy a name is to call out loud across a busy park, based on its sound and length.
Share per 1,000 refers to how many dogs out of every 1,000 in the Pets In The City community carry that name.
A birth-year cohort is defined as a group of dogs born in the same year, used to compare how name popularity changes over time.
A verified dog name refers to a name our editors have checked for spelling, meaning, pronunciation and cultural accuracy before it is published.
By the numbers
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- 5 Auckland centres: Parnell Central Bark, Mt Wellington, Silverdale, Wairau Park and Westgate
- Open 7 days for daycare, hotel stays, grooming and tours
- Every staff member uses kind, force-free care, every day
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Pets In The City — Auckland's premier pet care since 2006, with 5 Auckland locations open 7 days. Email hello@petsinthecity.co.nz.