Pet Names Reflect Current Affairs

Petplan is the latest pet insurer to scan its records to come up with a new top ten of pet names. The company says the way we name our pets often reflects what is happening in society at any given time - which explains Obama the kitten rescued from Battersea Dogs and Cats Home.

In December, says Petplan, the company paid out for a claim for two kittens called Credit and Crunch. Crunch came into trouble when he was found stuck down the toilet and incurred a vet bill of over £600.

Petplan's survey of the most popular pet names are:

1. Molly
2. Alfie
3. Charlie
4. Max
5. Willow
6. Jack
7. Oscar
8. Pepsi
9. Sam
10. Holly

A spokesman for Petplan, said the company saw a sudden rise in the pet name 'Alfie': "when Shane Richie's character in Eastenders became popular."

Molly and Willow were the most popular names for a cat.

Molly is also a common name for dogs, rabbits and reptiles.

Oscar is the favourite name for rodents such as gerbils or hamsters.

Holly, Bobby, Rocky and Sparky are among the top choices for birds.

32% of people practise calling possible pet names out loud before making a final decision.

23% of people say their pet's name was chosen by a combination of family members.

18% let the children decide what to call the animal.

11% named their pets after a food or drink.