For many pet parents, loyalty to a sports team runs as deep as loyalty to their pets—and this year, that passion is showing up on the name tag. Rover’s 2025 data reveals that football, basketball, and even golf are fueling a new wave of athletic inspiration in pet naming. From Josh Allen to Scottie, sports fandom is no longer confined to jerseys and game days—it’s now woven into the everyday lives of dog and cat lovers.

Sports fans are turning their heroes into pet names.

Football Dominates The Field

When it comes to pet names, football reigns supreme. Quarterbacks are leading the pack, with Arch up 181%, Josh Allen up 131%, and Saquon up 81%. Fans of the gridiron even got playful this year with inventive hybrids like Barkley Saquon and Cee Dee Little Lamb—names that blend humor with devotion. It’s a phenomenon that shows how emotionally tied sports are to family life. After all, cheering for your team often happens with a dog at your feet or a cat on your lap.

According to Rover, naming pets after star players serves as “a fun, lighthearted expression of identity and community.” For many owners, it’s not just about idolizing athletes—it’s about belonging to something bigger, celebrating shared excitement season after season.

Sports fandom now lives on the name tag.

Hoops Names On The Rise

Basketball isn’t far behind. Flagg (up 31%) and Luka (up 51%) are both trending, inspired by rising stars who’ve captured the public’s imagination. The crossovers don’t stop there—cats and dogs alike are being named Scottie (up 22%) and Jalen (up 232%). It’s the language of admiration, condensed into a single syllable that still sounds affectionate when called across a park or hallway.

There’s a kind of poetry in shouting “Come here, Luka!” and seeing a wagging tail race toward you. Sports names lend everyday life a touch of drama and celebration, transforming ordinary moments—fetch, dinner, bedtime—into mini highlights.

Golfers Join The Game

Even golf has found its place in the pet name playbook. Scottie and Scottie Scheffler are both trending in tribute to the calm and precision of the PGA pro. It’s a surprising twist that proves the athletic influence on naming goes beyond adrenaline-fueled sports. Sometimes, fans just want to bring a bit of cool composure home.

Athletic icons are inspiring a new naming trend.

Why Sports Names Stick

There’s a reason these names have staying power. They’re short, easy to say, and emotionally loaded. Whether it’s the thrill of a win or the shared heartbreak of a loss, sports connect us. And in homes where pets are family, that connection naturally extends to them. As one Rover spokesperson put it, “A name like Saquon isn’t just a shoutout—it’s a story of Sunday afternoons, tailgates, and memories.”

The Next Draft

Looking ahead, Rover predicts new sports names will follow breakout stars from 2025 drafts and championship seasons. Expect to see more creative crossovers—maybe a Kelce cat or a Marchy goldendoodle—because when passion meets playtime, everyone’s a winner.