🏷️ Trends · 📅 July 28, 2026 · ⏱ 7 min read
"Luna was officially the most popular pet name in the U.S. in 2025 — and the rest of the night sky isn't far behind."
Look around any dog park or cat café and you'll hear it: Luna. Nova. Bodhi. Pet parents have been reaching for the stars — literally — when it comes to naming their new companions, and the data backs it up. According to TrustedHousesitters' 2025 study of 100,000 registered pet names, Luna took the #1 spot overall, beating out longtime favorites like Bella and Charlie.
But "celestial" is a big sky to cover. Some names — the ones tied to the moon and classic stars — are already mainstream. Others, like Bodhi and Astra, are newer arrivals riding a wave of interest in names with deeper meaning. Here's exactly which cosmic names are climbing in 2026, grouped by where they come from in the universe, plus which ones are starting to cool off.
📊 What the Data Actually Shows
Luna is the most-registered pet name in the U.S. as of 2025, ranking #1 for both dogs and cats. Nova and Bodhi are both flagged as breakout trending names for 2026, with Bodhi's Sanskrit meaning ("awakening") resonating with owners who want something more meaningful than a classic.
At the same time, "celestial names" as a broad category are trending slightly down year-over-year with new puppy owners — meaning the safest, most obvious picks (Luna, Star) are giving way to rarer cosmic names like Elara, Astra, and Cosmo.
🌙 Moon Names
Moon-inspired names remain the single most popular corner of the celestial naming trend, led by the reigning #1 pet name in the country.
1. Luna
#1 Overall 2025Meaning: "Moon" in Latin/Spanish.
Why It's Popular: Soft, easy to say, and works for cats and dogs of any size — it's the reigning most popular pet name in the U.S.
Selene
Greek goddess of the moon; elegant and uncommon.
Artemis
Greek goddess of the hunt and moon; fits strong, independent pets.
Elara
One of Jupiter's moons; rare, elegant, easy to pronounce.
Titan
Saturn's largest moon; bold, great for big, energetic dogs.
⭐ Star & Supernova Names
Where moon names feel soft, star names bring the energy — and Nova is leading the charge as one of the fastest-rising dog names of 2026.
2. Nova
Fast Riser 2026Meaning: Latin for "new"; also a star that suddenly brightens.
Why It's Popular: Short, punchy, and easy for a dog to learn — one of the most-watched trending dog names for 2026.
Vega
One of the brightest stars in the night sky; sleek and modern.
Sirius
The "Dog Star" — the brightest star visible from Earth.
Astra
Greek for "star"; feels graceful and futuristic.
Stella
Classic Latin "star" name, still a Top 25 favorite.
🌌 Galaxy & Constellation Names
For owners who want something rarer than Luna or Nova, deep-space names offer the same cosmic feel with far less overlap.
Orion
One of the most recognizable constellations; mythic and strong.
Cassiopeia
Sweeping cosmic elegance; shorten to "Cassie" for daily use.
Andromeda
The nearest major galaxy to the Milky Way; grand and unforgettable.
Cosmo
Playful, retro-cool, and easy to say — a favorite for cats.
✨ Spiritual & Cosmic-Meaning Names
The newest wave of celestial-adjacent names isn't about outer space at all — it's about names that carry a sense of awakening, energy, or free spirit.
3. Bodhi
Breakout 2026Meaning: "Awakening" or "enlightenment" in Sanskrit.
Why It's Popular: Owners looking for a name with real meaning — not just a pretty sound — have made Bodhi one of the standout trending dog names of the year.
Koda
Native American for "friend"; friendly and approachable.
Indie
Short for "independent"; free-spirited energy.
Echo
Mysterious and quiet; fits a thoughtful, watchful pet.
Aura
Uncommon celestial-adjacent pick with a soft, mystical feel.
Rising vs. cooling: Luna, Star, and Comet are so common now that "celestial names" as a broad category are trending slightly down with brand-new puppy owners. If you want the cosmic vibe without the crowd, lean toward Elara, Astra, Bodhi, or Cosmo instead of the obvious picks.
Naming by personality instead? If you'd rather match your pet's name to their actual zodiac sign and personality traits, check out our full guide: Written in the Stars: The Guide to Pet Names Based on Zodiac Signs.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What's the most popular celestial pet name in 2026?
Luna remains the top celestial pet name overall, ranking #1 among all registered pet names in the U.S. Nova and Bodhi are the fastest-rising newcomers.
What does Bodhi mean as a pet name?
Bodhi is a Sanskrit word meaning "awakening" or "enlightenment." It's become popular among owners who want a name with spiritual depth rather than a purely decorative one.
Are celestial names good for cats or just dogs?
Both. Luna is the top name for both cats and dogs, and softer picks like Astra, Cosmo, and Selene work especially well for cats, while bolder names like Titan and Orion suit larger dogs.
Is Nova a boy or girl pet name?
Nova is fully unisex and works well for any pet, regardless of gender — one of the reasons it's climbing so quickly in popularity.
Find Your Pet's Cosmic Name
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