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Baby names

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'Dog names now same as top baby names'

78 replies

PaigeTurner · 20/08/2010 12:56

Eep! Not sure what to think of this story - all my shortlist boys' names could be dogs' names!

In parks around the country, cries of "Charlie! Daisy! Come here at once!" are surprisingly not being directed at children, but instead at man's best friend.

Dog-owners have been giving their pets trendy middle-class baby names instead of more traditional doggy names such as Bonnie and Buster, a recent survey has revealed.

A poll of names given to 80,000 dogs in the past 12 months has revealed a trend for choosing pet names that are the same as the current most popular baby names.

The study, carried out by insurance giant www.protectyourbubble.com, showed that while in the 70s the most popular dog names were Lassie, Lady and Rex, today the top three pooch names are Alfie, Poppy and Mollie.

It seems that dog owners are either lacking in imagination or they really see their pets as part of their family.

Stephen Ebbett, of www.protectyourbubble.com, said: "It is getting to the point where naming a child will get harder and harder, as parents struggle not to give their little ones the same name as the family dog.

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MrsvWoolf · 20/08/2010 13:07

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

NorbertDentressangle · 20/08/2010 13:06

I read this yesterday and its certainly true of the recent spate of new puppies that have appeared at the school gates around here.

They seem to be the new fashion accessory amongst the middle-class families whose youngest child has been at school for approx. 1 year. Its as though the family need a new 'baby'...and yes they are all Daisy, Mollie and Alfie

BunnyLebowski · 20/08/2010 13:01

'It seems that dog owners are either lacking in imagination or they really see their pets as part of their family.'

Imo it's the latter. People have gone daft with anthropomorphising their pets. I know loads of people (mostly women) who give their dogs cutesy baby girl names and talk about them (and to them) like it's their child.

Boke.