Luna has topped a list of NSW’s ten most popular dog names, released by the state government to mark International Dog Day.
The NSW Office of Local Government drew on the NSW Pet Registry to rank the state’s favourite dog names for the 2025-26 financial year. Teddy, Daisy and Milo rounded out the top four, followed by Coco, Ruby, Charlie, Frankie, Bella and Molly.
The data, covering all 128 local government areas in NSW, shows dog owners are not short on imagination. Almost 79 per cent of names recorded during the year were used only once, while the ten most popular names accounted for about 8 per cent of all dog registrations.
International Dog Day was founded in the United States in 2004 by pet lifestyle expert and animal rescue advocate Colleen Paige. The date, 26 August, marks the day Paige adopted her first dog, a Sheltie, from a local shelter when she was ten years old. The observance has since grown into a global event aimed at encouraging pet adoption and highlighting the number of dogs still waiting to be rescued each year.
The NSW Pet Registry records microchipped dogs and cats along with their owners’ details, making it easier to reunite lost pets with their families. Cats and dogs in NSW must be microchipped and registered by 12 weeks of age, or immediately upon transfer to a new owner, whichever comes first. Registration fees go towards the Companion Animals Fund, which supports pounds and shelters, council ranger services, dog off-leash areas and responsible pet ownership programs.
Minister for Local Government Ron Hoenig said the list was a light-hearted way of marking the occasion.
“Anyone who has called ‘Luna’ across a dog park and had three dogs turn around now has an explanation,” Minister Hoenig said.
“This list is a bit of fun for International Dog Day, but it also says something about the place dogs have in the lives of so many families across NSW.”
“Whatever you call your dog, the important thing is making sure they’re microchipped, registered and that your details are kept up to date.”
“That gives you the best chance of being reunited if they ever go missing.”
Office of Local Government Deputy Secretary Brett Whitworth said it was the first time the office had released the data, drawn from the most popular names entered on the Pet Registry over the past year.
“Registering your dog or cat is a legal requirement, but more importantly it makes sure your furry friend can be safely returned if they get lost,” Mr Whitworth said.
“Registering your pet on the Pet Registry is also an easy way to keep your details up to date, and your one-time lifetime registration fee goes towards programs to help dogs and cats across the state.”
“This International Dog Day, one of the best things you can do for your dog is to make sure they’re registered so you and your family can have peace of mind.”
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