Max, Molly, Bella, and...Bear? Top pet names of 2011

The year's top names range from old-reliables to pop culture-inspired picks

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Image: portrait of a cute purebred puppy chihuahua and kitten in front of white background

Bonzami Emmanuelle / featurepics stock

The list of top names for puppies and kittens includes classics like Rocky and Daisy as well as some new favorites like Bella and Luna.

By Kristen Stewart, Vetstreet.com

TODAY.com

updated 2/7/2012 10:08:50 AM ET

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While it's true that each and every pet is a truly special snowflake and, yes, your little guy is absolutely the cutest thing we've ever seen, the names we give our pets aren't always quite so unique — like such old reliable favorites as Spot, Fido and Precious.

But times have changed — along with the most popular pet names.

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We've culled the names of more than 950,000 puppies and 450,000 kittens born in 2011 from Vetstreet's records to determine the year's top pet monikers. While gathering our data, we also noticed some interesting trends, including owners who dole out pet names normally reserved for human kids.

Bella and Other Pop Culture-Inspired Picks

Thanks to the ongoing craze for all things Twilight, Bella was the top female name for dogs and cats. In the case of canines, it's been No. 1 since 2006, and a top choice for felines since 2007. There's just one question: Once the final movie of the series comes out, will Bella have enough bite to still hang onto the top slot?

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Other pop culture-influenced names include Lily (or Lilly) for female cats. Characters with this name appear on Modern Family and Gossip Girl — and it's also Harry's mother's name in the Harry Potter books and films. Speaking of Harry Potter, let's not discount Luna, which made the top 10 female cat names list for the first time this year.

Vetstreet.com

Human Names For Furry Companions

The No. 1 name for male dogs and cats last year was Max. This was the sixth year in a row that it held the top spot for dogs, and the fourth year in a row for felines. Max isn't quite the pop culture reference — unless you count the Grinch's dog — but the name may speak to a different cultural trend: As more and more people treat their pets like children, they also like to give them more traditional human names. Other popular "people" monikers for pets: Charlie, Lucy, Jack and Chloe.

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A Look at Old Reliables: Rocky, Bear, Daisy and Kitty

Trends come and go, but some pet names simply have staying power. Rocky has made the top five male dog names list for the past 12 years, while Bear has spent a dozen years on the top 10 male dog names list. Daisy, which made the number 10 female cat names lineup for the second year in a row, also has appeal among dog owners — it's been a top three pick for female pups for the past 12 years. Kitty, the third most popular female cat name in 2011, is also a top pick for male kittens, nabbing the No. 10 slot last year.

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Did your pet's name make any of these lists? Tell us in the comments below.

Source of Original Article: Most Popular Puppy and Kitten Names. More from Vetstreet.com.

Photos: Top 10 dog breeds in America

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Related story Top 10 dog breeds in America

America’s top dogs
Which breeds are the top contenders for man’s best friend? The American Kennel Club ranks the most popular pups of the year.

Shih Tzu
While sweet and playful, Shih Tzus are not afraid to stand up for themselves. As a matter of fact, the word Shih Tzu means "lion" in Mandarin. This portable pooch carries itself proudly, with its head well up and tail curved over the back.

Cherished by Chinese royals for more than a thousand years, the Shih Tzu was the prized house pet for most of the Ming Dynasty. During World War II, English soldiers discovered the breed and its popularity spread around the world. (Courtesy of The American Kennel Club) Share Back to slideshow navigation
9. Poodle
The poodle holds the record for being the most popular dog for 22 consecutive years (1960-1982). Though the breed’s elaborately groomed show coat often creates the misperception that it’s a pampered aristocrat, the poodle is actually one of the high achievers of the canine world.

The stylish “poodle clip” seen in dog shows was designed by hunters to help the breed move through the water more efficiently. In fact, the English word "poodle" comes from the German pudel or pudelin, which means “to splash in water.” (Courtesy of The American Kennel Club) Share Back to slideshow navigation

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8. Dachshund
The breed lovingly known as the “wiener dog” has a strong personality with a dose of charm and a playful sense of humor. They can adapt to city or country life and can get all the exercise they need exploring a small yard in the suburbs or playing with other dogs in the dog park.

Dachshunds, meaning “badger dogs” in German, were first bred in the early 1600s in Germany with the goal of creating a fearless, elongated dog that could dig the earth from a burrow and eliminate the badgers for the farmers. (Courtesy of The American Kennel Club) Share Back to slideshow navigation
7. Boxer
Easy to care for, intelligent, and faithful, the boxer is an affectionate and trustworthy pet for an active family. Boxers are known for standing up on their hind legs and batting at their opponent, appearing to box with itheir front paws.

People began importing them to America from Germany after World War I, and they began to grow in popularity in the late 1930s. (Courtesy of The American Kennel Club) Share Back to slideshow navigation

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6. Bulldog
The bulldog has been steadily rising up the list of AKC’s most popular breeds since it entered the Top 10 in 2007. A medium-size dog, they are not your typical lapdog, but would like to be! Bulldogs are calm, loyal family dogs that are happy to curl up on the sofa, eat two or three square meals a day, and have their bellies rubbed.

Said to have originated in the British Isles, the name "bull" was applied because of the dog’s connection with bull-baiting. The original bulldog had to be ferocious and courageous, and almost insensitive to pain. (Courtesy of The American Kennel Club) Share Back to slideshow navigation
5. Golden retriever
Slipping one place to fifth, golden retrievers are well-balanced, strong, active dogs with a kind expression, a gentle manner and an alert and self-confident disposition. They are intelligent, friendly and reliable, with an innate need to please their owners.

The breed originated in the Scottish Highlands in the late 1800s and the dogs were used predominantly for hunting. (Courtesy of The American Kennel Club) Share Back to slideshow navigation

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4. Beagle
The beagle is the only breed to rank in the Top 10 every decade since the founding of the AKC. Originally developed to hunt rabbits, they naturally enjoy the company of other dogs and humans. Curious and comedic, they often follow their noses – which can lead to some mischief.

Beagles like to vocalize. In fact, the origin of the name "beagle" may have been derived from the French term "be’geule," referring to the baying voice of the hounds when in pursuit of game. The most famous beagle of all, Snoopy, was named the American Kennel Club’s “most popular dog in pop culture” in 2009. (Courtesy of The American Kennel Club) Share Back to slideshow navigation

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3. Yorkshire terrier
These playful dogs offer owners a big personality in a small package. Though members of the Toy Group, this breed is terrierlike by nature — brave, determined, investigative and energetic. Yorkies are highly favored apartment dogs and lapdogs; they are very energetic as puppies and tend to be quiet and settled as adults.

In 19th century Yorkshire, England, Yorkies caught rats for workers in cloth mills. The breed’s coat was so beautiful that people said the mill workers must have spun their coats in the factories. (Courtesy of The American Kennel Club) Share Back to slideshow navigation

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2. German shepherd
Celebrated for their versatility, distinguished for their intelligence, and beloved for their devotion to their owners, German shepherds are active dogs that love to run and explore their surroundings with their excellent noses.

Hailed as the world’s leading police, guard and military dog, German shepherds also serve as guide dogs for the blind, guardians, and search-and-rescue dogs. However, they are best known for serving as devoted family friend and protector. (Courtesy of The American Kennel Club) Share Back to slideshow navigation

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1. Labrador retriever
In 1991, Labrador retrievers took over the top spot on AKC’s list of the most popular dogs in the U.S. from the cocker spaniel, and today celebrate their 20th anniversary in the top spot.

These gentle animals are happiest when with their owners, and require attention and love as much as food and water. Labs are high-energy, action-oriented dogs and can become easily bored without proper training and exercise – ideal for an active family or as a trusted hunting companion. (Courtesy of The American Kennel Club) Share Back to slideshow navigation

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