Pet Names · Dog Names
By Brynn McKeon · Updated September 2026
Across 4 pages
of 4
English, diminutive of Edward
"wealthy guardian"
Ned is a gently old-fashioned Nancy Drew-Bobbsey Twins-era short form for Edward that sounds cooler than Ed and is enjoying a small style renaissance. Usage of Ned in literature goes back to a Ben…
Greek
"bear guardian"
The brightest star in the constellation Boötes, and the third-brightest in the night sky. According to Greek myth, Arcturus was placed in the sky by Zeus to protect the two bears — the adjacent…
"bright, shining, glistening"
Also spelled as Argos, this name appears in Greek mythology, borne by Odysseus's loyal dog, by a giant creature with a hundred eye, a son of Zeus and King of Argos, and an Argonaut ship builder. The…
Latin
"angelic"
This spelling variation of Angelica was popularized by actress Anjelica Huston.
Hindi, Persian, Greek
"friend; earth mother"
Deriving from the Sanskrit Mithra , Mitra is the Hindu god of the sun and of friendship. This transcription is unisex in Hindi, while in Persian, it is the feminine form. Notable bearers of Mitra…
Arabic
"spring"
Thought to be one of the ten angels who accompanies the sun on its daily course: a lovely image redolent of mythology. If you're looking for names that mean new beginnings , this makes an unusual and…
Hebrew, feminine variation of Raphael
"God has healed"
A euphonious and lovely name with a dark-eyed, long-flowing-haired image, Raphaela is, like Gabriella and Isabella, beginning to be drawn into the American mainstream.
Combination of Maria + Angela
"Angel Mary"
A traditional smoosh name with a peaceful, religious feel.
English occupational name
"guardian of the hedged enclosure"
Possible Hayden alternative.
Maori
"angel"
This feminine name — simply "angel" imported into Māori phonology — is fresher than Angela and less Hollywood than Angelina.
German
"angel-raven"
An undiscovered surname possibility with upscale overtones, could be enlivened with nickname Ingo.
Thai
"Angel"
Like the Maori name, Anahera, Atchara is a good option for parents looking for the perfect name for their little angel, but wanting to avoid Angela and Angelina.
"bright angel"
One of the rarest Bert names, Engelbert has been used at least since the time of Charlemagne and is the name of several saints. But mostly, it's impossible not to associate it with Engelbert…
French from Germanic
An archaic French form of the name Ingram, itself a rare, attractive last name option.
English occupational surname or Norman variation of Edward
"shepherd; wealthy guardian"
Ewart has long been extinct as a first name, and the prominent placement of "ew" and "wart" probably has something to do with it. Ewart originated as a Norman form of Edward and an occupational…
Scandinavian
"people's guardian"
Folke - which has two syllables - is a Top 100 name in its native Sweden, but rarely heard elsewhere. A related alternative is Fulk, popular with the Normans but little-used now.
"high-ranking angel"
Arcangela is a heavenly possibility if Angel or Angela isn't elevated enough for you.
English occupational surname
An appealing alternative to Hayden and Hayes, perhaps in homage to Old Hollywood actress Rita Hayward.
Short form of Angelo
Angie was an accepted nickname for boys at the same time that Patsy was, meaning, too long ago to be relevant now.
Japanese
"strawberry; one guardian"
Ichigo is a unisex — but primarily male — Japanese name. As a male name, it is typically written in kanji giving it the meaning "one guardian" (which can be interpreted to mean "best guardian"). As a…
