Taylor Swift, Kelce Top Pet Names Trends: What’s Hot In DC Region

WASHINGTON, DC — Before you know it, many cats in the Baltimore region within earshot may come running to the call, “Swiftie! Here kitty, kitty, kitty.” Or the command, “Kelce, fetch!” may send any number of dogs on a chase for a football or, more likely, a frisbee or stick.

Those trending pet names were inspired by the current “it” couple — mega pop star Taylor Swift and Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce — and also by the other Kelce brother, Jason, the Philadelphia Eagles’ center. That’s according to the 11th annual Top Pet Names Report, a breezy analysis of customer data by Rover.com, an online pet care products business.

In fact, the folks at Rover say Kelce is the top-trending dog name in America. Among cat owners, Swift was the top trending name, up 133 percent from 2022, and Taylor was up 21 percent. Swiftie made the list for the first time. Cat names Este and Karma, inspired by the artist’s songs, are also popular.

References to the “Barbie” movie that colored the world pink earlier this year spritzed this list, too. So did sports figures, comfort foods and alcohol. Still, longtime favorites dominated.

In the Washington, D.C., area, the top five dog names for 2023 are, respectively, Bella, Lucy, Luna, Lola and Rosie for females and Charlie, Milo, Teddy, Max and Ollie for males.
The top five cat names for 2023 are, respectively, Leo, Oliver, Milo, Jack and Henry for males and Luna, Pepper, Lily, Coco and Bella for females.

DC Pet Name Trends

#1 Trending Dog Name: Astro (up 1215%)
#1 Trending Cat Name: Maple (up 621%)

This is a no-brainer: President is up 48% as a popular dog name in Washington, D.C.
Terry made the list of trending dog names for the first time, inspired by Washington Commanders star receiver Terry McLaurin.
Our Founding Fathers continue to drive name trends in Washington D.C. this year. George is up 8% and Jefferson is up 5%.