The holidays are in full swing, and many Australian families are welcoming a new four-legged friend into their homes.

With the year coming to a close, we’ve got the data for the most popular pet names of 2016.

Astoundingly, one name in particular came out on top for both dogsandcats. Talk about a runaway winner.

Bella was the golden name of the year. Charlie came a close second amongst the two species.

So as it turns out, we’ve been favouring traditionally human names for our furry pals.

Pet Insurance Australiahave released the year’s top 10 names for cats and dogs.

Meet Bella... And Bella. Image: iStock.

Here are the most popular names for our canines:

And for the felines:

Pet Insurance Australiaspokeswoman Nadia Crighton said it was great to see classic names like Buddy and Coco make a comeback, alongside newer names such as Simba and Luna.

Crighton has a nifty tip for people when naming a new pet.

"Have a few," she suggests. "Sometimes you’ll have a certainin mind then when yourarrives home he or she simply doesn’t suit the chosen."

Oh, and resist the temptation to go completely left of field.

"Remembering that your precious pup or kitten will be a cherished family member for up to 20 years, so choose athat will suit them when they are fully grown dogs and cats."

In other words, don't call your baby pooch Snuffaluffagus. It's not going to stick.

via GIPHY