- Oscar and Alfie top their respective league tables
- Owners opt for popular human names over traditional pet names
Britain’s most popular feline name is Oscar and the favourite for the canine cousin is Alfie, according to new analysis1 of Metro and Direct Line’s Pet of the Day data.
Gone are the days of the Snoopies and Rovers as owners opt for traditional ‘human’ names, with five of the top 10 dog and cat names being popular human names.
Indeed, so popular are human names that many even reflect the top names given to children so far this year – with both Oscar and Alfie amongst the most popular boys’ names in this year’s ONS baby name data.
Edd Barclay, head of pet insurance at Direct Line, comments:“Traditional British names are topping the pet name charts this year, suggesting pets really are ‘part of the family’.
“It is important to make sure you are set up to look after your extended family. Pet owners care about their furry friends but sometimes forget that, without insurance, health cover costs can really spiral.”
The analysis, by Direct Line Pet Insurance, also revealed some interesting habitual activities of our furry friends. Old favourites including ‘football’ and ‘walkies’ still featured very regularly, but the analysis also highlighted some more alternative activities. ‘Constant sunbathing’, kickboxing and a penchant for public relations were among some of the more unusual hobbies that the nation’s favourite cats and dogs currently enjoy.
Direct Line’s top pet names 2013
Source: Pet of the Day, Metro, 2013
ENDS
Notes to editors
- Analysis of Metro and Direct Line’s Pet of the Day data, carried out for Direct Line Pet Insurance
- Official data taken from The Office of National Statistics’ latest baby name data - http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/publications/re-reference-tables.html?edition=tcm%3A77-318071
For further information please contact:
Claire Foster
Direct Line
claire.foster@directlinegroup.co.uk
0208 285 8682
07900 217 264
Kia McLean
Citigate Dewe Rogerson
0207 282 1092
Direct Line
Started in 1985, Direct Line became the first UK insurance company to use the telephone as its main channel of communication. It provides motor, home, travel and pet insurance cover direct to customers by phone or on-line.
Direct Line general insurance policies are underwritten by U K Insurance Limited, Registered office: The Wharf, Neville Street, Leeds LS1 4AZ. Registered in England No 1179980. U K Insurance Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority.
Direct Line and UK Insurance limited are both part of Direct Line Insurance Group plc.
Customers can find out more about Direct Line products or get a quote by calling 0845 246 3761 or visiting www.directline.com
| Position | Cat Name | Dog Name |
| 1. | Oscar | Alfie |
| 2. | Charlie | Molly |
| 3. | Molly | Charlie |
| 4. | Max | Bella |
| 5. | Bella | Poppy |
| 6. | Coco | Oscar |
| 7. | Leo | Bailey |
| 8. | Simba | Lola |
| 9. | Tilly | Ruby |
| 10. | Gizmo | Daisy |
| 11. | Jasper | Marley |
| 12. | Poppy | Buster |
| 13. | Smudge | Milo |
| 14. | Alfie | Ollie |
| 15. | Lola | Archie |
| 16. | Rosie | Jack |
| 17. | Cleo | Millie |
| 18. | Fluffy | Roxy |
| 19. | Monty | Max |
| 20. | Snowy | Jess |
Notes to editors:
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