Anime characters are becoming a major source of inspiration for pet owners in the United States, according to Rover’s 2026 Top Pet Names Report. Characters from KPop Demon Hunters and Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle feature prominently among this year’s fastest-rising dog and cat names, reflecting how popular entertainment continues to influence everyday choices.
Released on October 20, 2026, Rover’s 14th annual report analyzes millions of user-submitted dog and cat names to identify naming trends. The company found that names inspired by movies and television ranked as the third-highest trending category in the United States, behind cottagecore and vintage revival aesthetics.
Rumi and Demon Slayer Characters Lead Anime-Inspired Pet Names
Rumi from KPop Demon Hunters emerged as the top trending dog name in the United States, rising 71% according to Rover’s data. The franchise also contributed Jinu to the trending dog-name list, alongside characters and names from other popular films and shows.
For cats, Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle made a particularly strong showing. Giyu and Shinobu ranked among the five leading trending names, joined by Jinu and Derpy from KPop Demon Hunters and Nessa from Wicked: For Good.
Other entertainment-inspired dog names include Telemachus from The Odyssey, Kleya from Star Wars: Andor, Heathcliff from Wuthering Heights, and Fiyero from Wicked: For Good. These results suggest that both anime fandom and broader screen culture are shaping how Americans name their pets.
Rover’s report identifies additional names inspired by recent entertainment releases. Dogs named Dek, inspired by Predator: Badlands, Reze from Chainsaw Man: Reze Arc, and Slurp from Wednesday are among the new entries highlighted in the findings. Cat names include Kamek from The Super Mario Bros. Movie, Kleya from Andor, and Makima from Chainsaw Man: Reze Arc.
Rover’s report also shows that familiar names remain popular. Charlie continues to lead among male dogs in the United States, while Luna remains a favorite for female dogs and cats. The contrast between these enduring choices and rising anime-inspired names shows how pet naming blends tradition with current fandoms.
According to Rover’s official 2026 Top Pet Names Report, the findings draw on millions of user-submitted pet names and 14 years of historical data. Rover Pet People Panelist Nicole Ellis described pet names as “vibrant time capsules of our cultural history,” reflecting the entertainment and cultural moments that resonate with their owners.
