Run, Spot, Run: Max and Bella Now Top Dog Names

Traditional dog names like Spot and Buster have been abandoned for human names such as Max and Lucy, according to a survey of most popular pet names. The list was compiled by a pet health insurance company from the names of dogs in its database, reports USA Today. Max, Buddy, and Rocky are the most popular names for males, and Bella and Molly the most often picked for female dogs.

"Over 50 years ago, Spotty was common," said a longtime Florida dog owner. "Now, I don't know of any dog that doesn't have a human name." One anthropologist said the names are "a reflection of the position that pets hold in a household. They are integral members of the family, just like a child." (More dog stories.)