Dividend aristocrats are companies that have raised their dividends for 25+ consecutive years and are part of the S&P 500 index.

Although quarterly dividend pay-outs and  yearly consecutive dividend increases are not common in Europe, there is a list of European Dividend Aristocrats. Major difference is an increasing or stable dividend for at least 10 consecutive years for the European edition versus 25+ consecutive increased dividend years for the S&P 500 (US).

The Dividend Kings List is even more exclusive.  It is comprised of a small set of companies with 50+ years of consecutive dividend increases.

Dividend Champions are US companies which have increased their dividend for 25 or more consecutive years. Dividend Champions are not necessarily members of the S&P 500 index.

To find dividend investment ideas, the list of stocks that pay over 100 years of dividend can be an inspiration. As you will notice not all 100+ years dividend payers are good in increasing their dividends like the dividend aristocrats.