Pet Names · Dog Names
By Sophie Kihm · Updated September 2026
Across 370 pages
of 370
English
"citizen of Rome"
Originally a surname deriving from the Roman twin Romulus, this attractive name was introduced to the English-speaking world as a first name by painter Augustus John who used it for his son. Romilly…
Spanish variation of Eleazar or Lazarus
"God is my Helper"
Elizar is the Spanish version of this attractive name, on the cusp of going from uncommon to big.
French, Catalan and Spanish from the Latin Eligius
"the chosen"
From the saintly name Eligius, Eloi is popular in Catalonia but rarely used by English speakers. There's potential for confusion with Eli - and with the Aramaic word eloi, said to mean "my God",…
"wetland, marsh"
A fen is an English marshland, and Fenn came into use as a habitational surname for a person who dwelt near one. Now, it's a rarely used first name too, a handsome alternative to Finn.
"dweller in open country"
An uncommon surname name with that energetic -er ending. Might appeal especially to baseball fans.
Swahili
"hope"
This name gained widespread attention via the actress Taraji P. Henson, who was nominated for an Academy Award as Best Supporting Actress for her role in The Curious Case of Benjamin Button . A…
Diminutive of Natasha
See NATASHA.
English flower name
This name of the bright orange flower found in Asia has been used occasionally in English-speaking countries. A notable namesake is Tiger Lily, the Native American princess from Peter Pan . Read more…
Italian place-name
This is the Italian way to say Venice -- Ven-ETZ-ee-a -- but you might also opt for the softer Venetia or Venice itself.
"army guard"
With Yale and Brown in the mainstream, why not this upscale college name and surname as well.
Spelling variation of Hawthorne
The version with the e at the end relates to novelist Nathaniel, so that may be the one most parents attracted to this unusual name would choose. Hawthorn nudges it toward the nature category:…
Persian
"golden"
Alternative form of Zarin and Zari.
Basque, medieval Spanish variation of Ignatius
"fiery"
Inigo, almost unknown in the U.S., is an intriguing choice, with its strong beat, creative and evocative sound, and associations with the great early British architect and stage designer Inigo Jones.…
Scottish variation of Welsh Ifor, English form of Norse Ívarr
"lord; yew tree, bow warrior"
Ivor, a favorite choice for upscale characters in Brit Lit novels by authors like P.G. Wodehouse and Evelyn Waugh, is an interesting and unusual name just waiting to be discovered by parents in this…
"brave"
Jasiri is the Swahili word for "brave," and a unisex name primarily used in eastern Africa. Despite all it has going for it — a resonant meaning, on-trend I ending, and gender-neutral style — Jasiri…
Literary name or short form of Jedidiah, Hebrew
"Beloved by the Lord"
Star Wars fans may know the lore behind the origin of the word and the concept Jedi well enough to confidently choose their name for their child. It has to do with balancing the forces of the…
"immaculate"
Anahita is the name of the water goddess who rules, among other things, fertility and wisdom. Associated with Venue, Anahita is a stylish Iranian name for girls. Anahita was derived from the Old…
Hebrew
"messenger from God, angel"
Bell-like and original.
Mythological name
Another name for Jupiter, king of the Roman gods, this jovial name is eminently ready for modern use. Feminine variations include Jovita and Jovie.
Kikuyu
"quiet warrior"
Kamau is from the Kikuyu language native to Kenya. It is recognizable as the middle name of comedian W. Kamau Bell.
