A SOUTHAMPTON pet store has helped to reveal the most popular pet names of 2017.

Pets at Home in Shirley conducted the research in the hunt for the most popular pet names for new animal companions including birds, cats, dogs, fish and horses.

According to the store’s figures, the most popular name for cats was Bella, and for dogs, it was Poppy.

The store also says that celebrities and films play a big role in selecting names.

Luna, the name chosen by model Chrissy Teigen and singer John Legend for their daughter, has become the third most popular name for felines.

Films and TV also seem to influence people, with Disney film Finding Dory propelling the character’s name into fifth for the most popular pet fish names.

TV series Spongebob Squarepants has also moulded some pet names for fish.

Gavin Hawthorn, of Pets at Home, said: “It’s interesting to see that just as popular culture and famous faces influence what parents name their children, likewise, these trends can help British pet owners select a name for an animal companion.

“It seems likely that children being entrusted to name their first family pet forms a big part of the name choice, particularly among the film and TV inspired monikers.

“However, it’s also interesting to see how many cute, traditional names retain their popularity, suggesting that sweet yet simple options will always remain popular when it comes to naming a pet.

“I’m sure many of the names chosen for Southampton animal companions are raising a smile.”

The most popular name for birds is Charlie, Bob for a fish and Jack for a horse.

For reptiles, the most commonly used name is Spike, with Rex in second.

For other small animals, Nibbles was the most selected name.