A few years back I wrote a column about animal names, and since I am in the very privileged position of hearing so many amazing pet names I just had to do an updated version to share some of the funny, fierce and fabulous names people give to their precious pets.

In the same way that baby names are cyclic and popularity waxes and wanes over the years, so too are the pet names. Top of the list currently are Bella, Luna and Teddy, but there has been a recent and noticeable rise in Stella. I have to say I’m partial to that one since it is my daughter’s name.

Some people favour the regal approach, with King and Queen a favourite with the bully breeds, while Princess is still popular for the toy breeds. I have seen a few Dukes and Duchesses thrown in for good measure in this category. I’m sure these pets all live up to their royal status beautifully.

There has also been a run on flower names, Lily, Daisy, Violet and Rosey all doing well, as is Cedar. But my personal favourite in the garden bunch is Juniper.

Speaking of the beverage-loving owners, we have Mango Daiquiri, Rum, Martini and Olive, not to mention Cider and Whiskey. I do believe we have a Gin in the mix also. And one owner who just couldn’t decide and so went with Guinness Bailey.

And if you do not like a tipple, there are also the foodies such as Ragu, Meatball and Noodle, which sounds like a delicious combination to me. We also have Salt and Pepper, Sushi and Seaweed, and for the cereal lovers Krispy and Pop. My personal favourite of the foodies went all in with Banana Pea Split, I’m not sure where the Pea came in, but it made me smile all the same.

And then we come to the travellers. In this category we have Dallas, Huston, Boston, London and the parishes Devon and Paget – who funnily enough live in Sandys.

I always laugh when I see animals named after other animals, such as Bear and Goose for dogs, and Monkey, Chicken and Mouse for cats. And I do love a good person name such as Dave, Kevin, Roger for cats, and the ever-popular Lucy the Labrador or Charlie the Cavalier King Charles. I especially like Chaplin.

The superheroes also get a look in with Vada and Black Knight, Leia and Wonder Woman. But there are always those owners who are looking for something a little different and unique such as Cindi Lapper the cat who just wants to have fun, and Princess Bella Petunia the very important sounding dog, who definitely lives up to her grand name.

We choose our animal names for a variety of reasons, sometimes to honour a person, sometimes a favourite thing or place. Sometimes the animal reminds you of something with a particular colouring or character trait, and sometimes it’s just a name to make you smile. Whatever the reason, keep getting creative and enjoying this playful and personal part of owning a pet.

• Lucy Richardson graduated from Edinburgh University in 2005. She started CedarTree Vets in August 2012 with her husband, Mark. They live at the practice with their two children, Ray and Stella, and their dog, two cats and two guinea pigs. She is also the FEI national head veterinarian for Bermuda