Pet Names · Dog Names
By Sophie Kihm · Updated September 2026
Across 370 pages
of 370
Scottish Gaelic
"warrior"
This spelling variation of Marsaili simplifies and sleekens one of the most distinctive Scottish names for girls .
English
"drop of the sea, bitter, or beloved"
Variant of Marian
Spanish, diminutive of Filomena
Actress Mena Suvari (named after an Egyptian hotel) made this name seem especially appealing. Mena is also a minor Roman goddess of fertility.
Diminutive of Jebediah, Hebrew
"beloved friend"
Both Jeb and Jed are very attractive Old Testament short forms with long and bright futures. Jeb's main current association is with the Bush brother and former governor of Florida, but the name was a…
Female version of Morgan, Welsh
"sea-circle"
Since Morgan is used as--or more--frequently for girls as for boys, this feminization has fallen by the wayside. It drew some brief attention via the pop singer Morgana King. The similar Morgiana…
Finnish variation of Nicholas; diminutive of Nikolaos, Greek
"victory of the people"
Niko was used for 17 baby girls in the US last year, and twin sister Nico for another 35 -- though that's still far fewer than the 2700 baby boys who were given either of those two names. There were…
English word name
"month name"
Most things Jul-related – from the month of July to popular modern names Julia and Julian – originate with Roman emperor Julius Caesar, and the month name July is no exception. Fifteen girls and…
Diminutive of Rachel or Raymond; word name
Most female Rays used to spell their names Rae, but now the Ray Charles, ray-of-sunshine way is cool for both genders. Ray was used for 26 baby girls last year in the US - compared to over 300 boys.…
Welsh
"noisy one"
"Help Me, Rhonda. sang the Beach Boys -- help me convince my parents not to give me this sixties name.
Japanese, Frisian
"blessing, wise, intelligent, gemstone; horn, victory or the people"
A succinct Japanese with plenty of positive meanings, Kei can denote wisdom, celebration, and excellence, along with (square) gemstones and Japanese Judas-trees, depending on which kanji is used. In…
Scottish place and surname
"chalk ridge, lime mountain"
This name of a town in Scotland, one of the earliest recorded surnames in the whole British Isles, has more vitality than Kelsey. Distinctive in sound with a cool -o ending and a stylish K initial,…
Thai, Yiddish, Romanian, Arabic "brave, princess, grey, to travel by night"
"brave, princess, grey, to travel by night"
This pretty multicultural name makes a pleasant update to Sarah.
Georgian variation of Tamar, Hebrew
"date palm tree"
Tamari is a rare form of Tamar that used on girls and boys in the US. Beware that tamari is a gluten-free soy sauce-like condiment.
Japanese
"handball; heaven ball"
Temari is the name of an ancient Japanese toy — embroidered balls that were used to play games and eventually became a symbol of loyal friendship. Temari is not a given name in Japan, but it was used…
Place name, English, Spanish, French, Latin "worth; valley"
"worth; valley"
A distinctive and unusual choice, Vail may stem from the Latin, French, and Spanish valor and valeur , denoting worth, merit, and value: a perfect meaning for a baby. There is the possibility however…
Spanish
"pure, virginal"
Y is a very rare initial, and this feisty mini-name packs a double punch with its spiky final Z. Inez or Inez are the more familiar spellings of this chic name, which is related to Agnes and could be…
Variation of Elouan, Breton and French
"light"
Modern French form of the saint's name Elouan. Loan is currently a Top 200 choice in France.
Roman
"sun"
This little-known Ancient Roman name might make a fresh spin on the popular Ella, Ayla, Isla contingent. The "ae" is pronounced "ee" (think Aesop's fables). The Annals of Aeliana is a children's…
French
"gold town"
Only if you're an aviation buff or seriously addicted to popcorn.
Old English
"God's friend"
Ancient name, near obsolete now, but could make a good alternative to Owen for the adventurous baby namer. Doctor Who fans will recognize this as part of his companion's name, Clara Oswin Oswald.
