Brunson, Wemby, and Dogcic: How Sports Stars Inspired 2024’s Top Dog Names
Sports fans, we’ve officially entered a new era of fandom—one where your favorite athlete might just inspire the name of your furry best friend. According to a recent report by pet-sitting website Rover, sports-related dog names were all the rage in 2024, and the results are as entertaining as they are surprising. From NBA superstars to NFL quarterbacks and even soccer legends, it seems no sport was left untouched in this year’s canine naming trends.
Jalen Brunson: The Top Dog (Literally)
New York Knicks star Jalen Brunson didn’t just win over Knicks fans in 2024—he also captured the hearts of dog owners everywhere. Brunson’s name saw a staggering 161% increase in popularity, making it the top trending sports-related dog name of the year. And honestly, it’s not hard to see why.
Brunson had a career-defining season, averaging a personal best of 28.7 points and 6.7 assists per game. He also led the Knicks to their first 50-win season since 2013-14. If that wasn’t enough, Brunson made headlines for signing a team-friendly deal in free agency, leaving $113 million on the table to give the Knicks more roster flexibility. Talk about a team player—and now, a dog-name icon.
Wemby and Dogcic: NBA Stars Dominate the List
Coming in at No. 2 on the list is “Wemby,” the nickname of Victor Wembanyama, the San Antonio Spurs’ rising star. Wembanyama’s name saw a 127% increase in popularity, and it’s no surprise given his incredible rookie season. The 7’4″ phenom not only won Rookie of the Year honors but also continues to dazzle fans with his unique skill set and towering presence on the court.
Another creative addition to the list is “Dogcic,” inspired by Luka Doncic of the Dallas Mavericks. It’s a clever play on words that perfectly captures the fun and fandom surrounding the NBA this year.
Bronny and LeBron Make History—and the List
“Bronny” also made waves, with a 32% increase in popularity. The name pays homage to Bronny James, who was the No. 55 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. But the real headline? Bronny and his father, LeBron James, became the first father-son duo in NBA history to take the court together. That’s a moment worth celebrating—whether you’re naming your dog or just marveling at the history being made.
Other Sports Stars Turned Dog Name Icons
While the NBA dominated the list, other sports weren’t far behind. “Witt,” inspired by Bobby Witt Jr. of the Kansas City Royals, saw a 111% increase, landing it in third place. Last year’s top name, “Kelce,” inspired by NFL stars Travis and Jason Kelce, still held strong with a 51% increase in popularity.
Other notable mentions include:
- “Purdy,” after San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (up 47%)
- “Diggs,” inspired by Houston Texans wide receiver Stefon Diggs (up 31%)
- “CeeDee,” after Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb
- “Amon-Ra,” for Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown
Messi, Simone, and Shohei Join the Fun
Soccer legend Lionel Messi also made the list, with “Messi” trending up 29%. The Inter Miami CF and Argentina star continues to be a global icon, and now, a popular dog name too.
Other new names included “Sweet Simone,” inspired by Team USA gymnast Simone Biles, “Shohei” for Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani, and even “Caitlin Clark,” after the Indiana Fever’s rising WNBA star Caitlin Clark.
What’s in a Name?
Whether it’s a tribute to a favorite player or just a fun way to show off your sports fandom, these trending dog names prove that athletes continue to inspire us in unexpected ways. So, the next time you’re at the dog park and hear someone calling for “Wemby” or “Dogcic,” don’t be surprised—it’s just another sign of how deeply sports are woven into our lives.
Originally Written by: Unknown
