Not every trend comes from a screen. Many of this year’s most creative pet names were born outdoors—or somewhere beyond the stratosphere. Rover’s 2025 data shows that pet parents are drawing inspiration from mountains, trees, weather patterns, and even galaxies. It’s a naming wave rooted in wonder, a reminder that the natural world still fuels imagination in an increasingly digital age.

Nature is inspiring a new wave of beautiful names.

Grounded And Growing

For dogs, earthy and elemental themes took center stage. Names like Hopi (up 681%), Stonie (481%), and Harvest (281%) reflect a growing love of the soil underfoot—an echo of the outdoor lifestyle boom sparked by recent years of staycations and weekend hikes. Others, such as Reishi and Tulsi, nod to herbalism and wellness trends that have crossed from human kitchens to canine collars. They carry the same soothing resonance as words like “homegrown” or “handmade,” fitting the moment perfectly.

Even more poetic are names like Aerie and Poplar, both up more than 200%. They sound light, windswept, and full of sky—qualities many dog parents seem to want to associate with their four-legged companions. According to Rover, this connection between nature and naming keeps expanding each year.

Pet names are grounded in earth and sky this year.

Cosmic Cats Take Flight

If dogs are grounding us, cats are helping us look up. Space-themed names have exploded in popularity, with Grimmy (up 932%) and Orión (432%) leading the charge. The feline list glitters with stargazer favorites like Moonshadow (149%), Supernova and Lunabelle (both 132%), and Kaos (99%). There’s even a dash of myth and mystery with Pazuzu and Leviathan. The effect is half sci-fi, half spiritual—a reflection of how cats seem to straddle both worlds anyway.

One theory behind this trend? Cosmic names let pet parents project big feelings onto small creatures. Space represents both adventure and calm, the unknown and the eternal—much like sharing your home with a cat who seems to know secrets you never will.

The natural world is shaping what we call our pets.

Meaning In The Elements

From plants to planets, this naming wave suggests a craving for connection and permanence. As society grows more digital, naming a dog Harvest or a cat Supernova feels grounding. It’s a way of keeping nature—and wonder—close. And the trend might just be expanding: Rover notes new entries like Birdie, Grizz, and Duck starting to rise. Each sounds organic, joyful, and slightly whimsical, reflecting the affection we feel for the natural world and its creatures.

What’s Next?

Expect more hybrid inspirations in 2026. As sustainability and space exploration continue to dominate headlines, the next wave of pet names could bridge both worlds—think Solaris the husky or Driftwood the tabby. Wherever we go, nature—and the cosmos—seem determined to tag along.