Australia's most popular cat names for the coming year have been officially unveiled, with classic choices holding strong against a wave of quirky new contenders. The annual list, compiled by Pet Insurance Australia from thousands of insured pets across the nation, confirms Luna and Leo as the country's top feline names for 2025.
Classic Favourites and Rising Trends
According to the data, Australians remain loyal to timeless names, but are increasingly drawing inspiration from broader cultural trends. Luna continues its reign as the nation's favourite female cat name, appearing in nearly every state's top three rankings. It is closely followed by other perennial favourites Lucy and Daisy, with Willow and Bella also featuring prominently.
For male cats, Leo and Milo maintain their strong positions, while names like Bluey, Billy, and Simba are also popular choices nationwide. The analysis highlights a significant shift in how pets are perceived within households.
"More than ever, pets are being treated as true family members, and their names absolutely reflect that," said Pet Insurance Australia spokesperson Nadia Crighton. She described the act of naming a pet as "an emotionally significant moment" for modern families.
Influences from Food, Fantasy and Family
The 2025 list reveals several key trends influencing Australian cat owners. Human baby names are surging in popularity for pets, with choices like Lucy, Annie, Archie, and Max becoming increasingly common.
There is also a notable rise in food-themed and playful names. Mochi, Oreo, Muffin, and Honey are proving to be popular choices, reflecting a lighter, more affectionate naming style. Furthermore, fantasy and mythology are providing rich inspiration, with names such as Merlin, Loki, and Zeus gaining ground across multiple states.
The enduring impact of the "Bluey effect" is also evident, with the beloved Australian cartoon continuing to inspire cat owners nationwide.
A State-by-State Breakdown
The data uncovers interesting regional variations in naming preferences between Australia's east and west coasts.
In New South Wales, Luna and Leo topped the lists, with a noticeable rise in playful food names like Oreo and Mochi.
Victorian cat owners showed a fondness for a name inspired by Japanese culture, with Yuki becoming a top pick alongside classics like Daisy and Archie.
Queenslanders are leaning into mythical names, with Loki and Merlin trending, paired with family-friendly favourites like Lucy and Billy.
South Australia stood out with more quirky choices such as Bubbles, Sparky, and Flash, balanced by enduring picks like Bella and Simba.
In Western Australia, the favourites included Boots, Miso, and Muffin, with George and Lady also making the list.
The comprehensive analysis by Pet Insurance Australia confirms that while tradition guides many choices, Australian cat owners are increasingly creative, viewing their pets as integral members of the family whose names carry special meaning and reflect personal interests.
