Britain's favourite names for man's best friend have been unveiled, with classic choices holding strong but one unexpected contender making a remarkable leap up the rankings. While Teddy and Willow remain perennially popular, the name Milo has seen a meteoric rise over the past decade, now sitting as the second most popular name for male dogs in the UK.
The Dramatic Rise of Milo
Figures obtained from the latest National Dog Survey show a fascinating shift in canine nomenclature. In 2011, Milo was ranked a modest 13th for male dogs. By 2018, it had climbed to fourth place, and the most recent data for 2025 confirms it has secured the second-place spot, just behind the enduring favourite, Teddy. The analysis gathered information from 342,974 people about a total of 423,175 dogs, providing a comprehensive snapshot of the nation's naming habits.
Robert Christley, Head of Research at Dogs Trust, offered insight into Milo's appeal. "Milo has become a very popular dog name in the UK in recent years, probably because it ticks several boxes; it's short, friendly, and easy to say," he explained. "Two-syllable names like Milo are growing in popularity as cue words such as sit, come, and down are typically one syllable, making the dog's name easier for them to distinguish."
Dogs as Family: The Humanisation of Pet Names
Experts point to a broader cultural trend driving these choices: the deepening bond between owners and their pets. "We're also seeing dog-naming trends increasingly mirror human baby-name trends, reflecting the way we relate to our pets today," Christley added. The survey found that half of all owners describe themselves as their dog's parent, a figure that rises to 66% among 25–34-year-olds.
Lars B. Andersen, a name expert and Managing Director at mynametags.com, echoed this sentiment. "The names we choose for our dogs are becoming more similar to those we choose for our children as we increasingly view pets as part of the family. We've seen Milo rise in popularity amongst parents in recent years... So, it's no surprise that it's increasing in favour amongst pet owners too." Interestingly, despite its canine popularity, Milo ranked only 148th for baby boys in 2025, falling 30 places from the previous year.
Influence of Media, Training and a Special Bond
The name's surge may have been partly popularised by the 1994 film *The Mask*, which featured a Jack Russell Terrier named Milo. However, Andersen notes the name is now most popular amongst Spaniels, suggesting the film alone doesn't explain its decade-long climb. Social media has also played a role, with Instagram and TikTok pet accounts often featuring dogs named Milo, Coco, Luna, and Bella.
For guide dog owner Scott, the name Milo carries profound significance. His golden retriever guide dog, Milo, has been transformative. "Milo has saved my life in more ways than one," Scott said. "From my bad mental health, to physically saving my life whilst out walking on the streets. My whole family have seen a change in me since Milo came along."
Kyla McVicar, Manager of Name A Puppy at Guide Dogs, confirmed Milo's popularity in their programme. "At the moment we have seven young 'Milos' around the UK on their way to becoming guide dogs, and six partnered and working," she said. She highlighted the practical benefits: "A two-syllable dog name is ideal for training; it flows well when calling out, and you can change your pitch on the second syllable, which the dog will pick up on."
The full list of top names for 2025 crowned Poppy as the most popular female dog name with 3,767 instances, while Teddy led for males with 2,750. The continued preference for soft, affectionate names like Milo, Bella, and Luna underscores that for British dog owners, a name is more than a label—it's a reflection of a cherished family member.
