Anime characters have significantly influenced pet naming trends in the United States for 2026, with popular series such as KPop Demon Hunters and Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle providing many of the top choices for dogs and cats. Names inspired by movies and television shows ranked as the third most popular trend for pet monikers, following closely behind cottagecore and vintage revival themes, according to data compiled by Rover.
Rumi, derived from KPop Demon Hunters, and Lumi, from Lumi and the Great Big Galaxy, have emerged as the top two trending dog names. Other popular dog names include Telemachus (The Odyssey), Kleya (Andor), Heathcliff (Wuthering Heights), Fiyero (Wicked: For Good), and Jinu (KPop Demon Hunters).
For feline companions, the top trending names are Giyu and Shinobu, both from Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle. Jinu and Derpy, characters from KPop Demon Hunters, along with Nessa from Wicked: For Good, also feature prominently in the top cat names.
Newer additions to the trending list include Dek from Predator: Badlands, Reze from Chainsaw Man: Reze Arc, and Slurp from Wednesday for dogs. Cats are also being named Kamek (The Super Mario Bros. Movie), Kleya (Andor), and Makima (Chainsaw Man: Reze Arc), reflecting a continued influx of pop culture influences on pet owners' choices.
This trend highlights the growing intersection of entertainment media and pet ownership, with fans increasingly drawing inspiration from their favorite characters and series when naming their animal companions.