As the new “25” vehicle registration plates appear in showrooms across the UK, a poll conducted by The Motor Ombudsman has revealed the most popular names car owners intend to give their vehicles. The survey, which polled nearly 1,600 car owners, indicates a clear preference for traditional names.
“Betty” emerged as the top choice, with 30% of respondents selecting it from the top five names. “Fred” was the second most popular name overall, and the most favoured male name, accounting for 26% of the top five selections.
The survey found that 18% of car owners admit to naming their vehicles, considering them akin to family members or trusted companions. Younger drivers, aged 18 to 24, were most likely to name their cars, with 27% doing so, reflecting the vehicle’s role as a symbol of status and independence. Conversely, only 14% of drivers aged 55 and over reported naming their cars.
The top five names selected by respondents suggest a trend towards classic and historically significant names. “Betty,” derived from “Elizabeth,” and “Fred,” originating from a title for noble leaders, reflect this preference. “Ruby,” associated with the gemstone, was the third most popular name, chosen by 17% of respondents, demonstrating its enduring appeal. “Bessie,” a 16th-century nickname for Elizabeth, and “Fifi,” a shortened version of “Josephine,” completed the top five.
The rise of electric vehicles (EVs) has also influenced naming trends, with “Eevee” emerging as a popular choice for zero-emission models.
In addition to gender-specific names, some owners opted for neutral names such as “Mystery Machine,” “The Black Bullet,” and “Silver Streak.” Literature and film references were also evident, with “Quasimodo” from “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” and “Genie” from “Aladdin” appearing as choices.
Commenting on the survey findings, Bill Fennell, Chief Ombudsman and Managing Director of The Motor Ombudsman, said: “Getting the keys to a new vehicle is an exciting time, especially when you’re amongst the first to drive off the forecourt with one sporting the year’s first new registration. Furthermore, with such a financial and emotional investment that goes into buying a car, personalisation in the modern era highlights the significance in creating something which is unique to them, whilst the principle of naming is designed to the reinforce the importance that drivers place in their vehicles as an integral part of their lifestyle.”
Bill added: “Whilst the survey has shown that many of the top choices of names hark back to past eras, it will be interesting to see whether the ongoing shift to zero emission and electrification changes these trends going forward, as the first EV-derived names start to creep into the top choices.”
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