Australian dog owners continue to swoon for Luna, with the celestial-inspired name eclipsing all others on Compare the Market’s list of Australia’s most popular dog names for the fourth year running.

The annual ranking, based on thousands of pet insurance quotes, shows Luna remains top dog among Australian pet owners, ahead of Teddy, Coco, Milo and Daisy.

Compare the Market’s Chris Ford said the name that had connotations of mystery and romance, showed Aussies dog owners were in touch with their sensitive side.

“Our furry friends are so special to us, we want to give them a noble name,” Mr Ford said.

“But if you’re choosing Luna because you think it’s ‘a little bit different’, it turns out you’re actually in pretty good company. Pop culture references such as Harry Potter’s Luna Lovegood and the 90s cartoon series Sailor Moon have helped make the name popular, especially among millennials.”

Teddy, Coco, Milo and Daisy rounded out the top five, suggesting Australians continue to favour cute, classic names for their four-legged family members.

While pet owners often spend weeks choosing the perfect name, Mr Ford urged Australians to put the same effort into comparing pet insurance policies, with differences in waiting periods, annual limits and reimbursement percentages potentially affecting future claims.

“Australians spend hours researching breeds, comparing food, picking out beds and loading up on toys before bringing a new puppy home,” Mr Ford said.

“But while people put a lot of thought into naming and spoiling their pets, many spend far less time comparing pet insurance policies – and that’s a decision that could potentially save you a lot of money and stress in future.

“Whether you’ve got a Luna, Teddy or something completely unique, it’s worth taking the time to compare your options.”