The most popular dog name in New York City has been revealed — and it is astronomy themed

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2024’s Top Dog Names in New York City

New York City, known for its vibrant culture and diverse pet ownership, has released its latest data on the most popular dog names for 2024. The Big Apple’s dog owners continue to draw inspiration from celestial themes, with "Luna" topping the list for the third consecutive year. Derived from the Latin word for "moon," Luna was registered 591 times across the five boroughs, as per the data from the New York City Department of Health. This name reflects the timeless appeal of celestial themes among pet owners.

A Shift in Popularity and the Rise of Unique Names

While "Luna" remains the favorite, "Bella" closely follows in second place with 531 registrations. However, the true competition isn’t just between these two names. Interestingly, over 2,600 dog licenses were issued without specific names, leaving room for debate about the actual distribution of preferences. Beyond the top names, other popular choices like Milo, Coco, Max, and Charlie are frequently heard in dog parks across the city. Additionally, there’s a noticeable trend towards unique names, with 37 dogs named Onyx, 25 named Butter, and 19 named Mr. standing out from the crowd.

Breed Popularity and Name Trends

The data also reveals intriguing insights into breed popularity and name trends. For instance, 26 dogs were named "Shih Tzu," all of which were indeed Shih Tzu breeds. Interestingly, most Lunas were also Shih Tzus, though this breed was only the second most popular in 2024. Yorkshire Terriers, or Yorkies, claimed the top spot with 2,498 licenses issued. This highlights the strong affinity of New Yorkers for smaller, toy breeds. The connection between breed type and name choice is a fascinating aspect of pet ownership in the city.

The Fluctuating Trend of Dog Ownership

Dog ownership in New York City has seen significant fluctuations over the years. In 2024, the number of dog licenses issued dropped by 37% compared to 2023, with a total of 51,863 licenses approved. This downturn contrasts sharply with the peak during the COVID-19 pandemic, when New Yorkers adopted pets in unprecedented numbers. Between 2016 and 2020, an average of 74,000 licenses were issued annually. However, during the pandemic, this number skyrocketed to 108,312 in 2020 and 92,559 in 2021, reflecting the companionship people sought during quarantine.

The Impact of the Pandemic on Pet Adoption

The COVID-19 pandemic had a profound impact on pet adoption rates in New York City. As people faced isolation and remote work, many turned to pets for companionship, leading to a surge in dog adoptions. This trend was evident in the significant increase in dog licenses issued during 2020 and 2021. However, as life gradually returned to normalcy, the number of licenses issued in 2022 dropped to 49,470, although it rebounded slightly to 83,220 in 2023. This fluctuation illustrates the dynamic nature of pet ownership trends in response to societal changes.

Conclusion: The Ever-Changing Landscape of Dog Ownership in NYC

The data from the New York City Department of Health paints a vivid picture of the evolving landscape of dog ownership in the Big Apple. From the consistent popularity of names like "Luna" to the rise of unique and breed-specific names, the choices of New York’s dog owners are a reflection of the city’s diverse and dynamic culture. Additionally, the fluctuations in dog ownership rates highlight the influence of broader societal trends, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, on pet adoption. As the city continues to adapt, it will be interesting to see how these trends evolve in the future.

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