Pet-sitting website Rover has released a report showing that sports-inspired names are becoming increasingly popular for pets in 2025. Josh Allen, the quarterback for the Buffalo Bills, tops the list with a 232% rise in names linked to him. The report also mentions names such as ‘Catrick Mahomes to Cee Dee Little Lamb,’ indicating how athletes are shaping pet naming trends.
The report highlights that the naming trend reflects the broader cultural impact of athletes beyond the playing field. Owners are increasingly drawing inspiration from their favorite sports figures, whether it’s quarterbacks, wide receivers, or other notable players. This trend is seen as a way to celebrate the athletes’ influence on popular culture and to create a personal connection with their pets.
Other names mentioned in the report include those inspired by football legends and current stars, showing a blend of nostalgia and modernity. The growing popularity of these names underscores the intersection of sports and pet culture, where the lines between fandom and pet ownership are blurring. With the rise of social media and the visibility of athletes, it’s no surprise that their names are being adopted as pet names at an increasing rate.