Pet Names · Dog Names
By Sophie Kihm · Updated September 2026
Across 370 pages
of 370
Italian and Spanish
"serene"
Placido was commonly used by early Christians to convey their serenity in the faith, and it was borne by several minor saints.
Greek
"broad-shouldered"
The name of one of the greatest Western philosophers is often used as a first name in its land of origin, Greece, and would make a really interesting, thought-provoking choice here. It is remembered…
French
"flat land"
A surname with a lot of "juice," as they say, in Hollywood. In addition to veteran character actor Oliver Platt, there's La La Land producer Marc Platt and his actor son, Ben Platt, who won a Tony…
Word name
An admirable quality to impart; Pleasant was used by Charles Dickens in Our Mutual Friend and in modern times is known via American Girl dolls creator Pleasant Rowland.
English diminutive of Augusta, Latin
"great, magnificent"
Gussie fits the growing trend of boyish nicknames for girls - alongside Charlie and Frankie. But Gussie is a bit fussy — try Gus.
Chie is a feminine Japanese name that carries significant cultural meaning. In Japanese, Chie (知恵 or 智恵) typically means 'wisdom' or 'intelligence,' though the exact meaning can vary depending on the…
Latin
"north star"
The astronomical Polaris is better known as the North Star, the brightest star in the Ursa Minor constellation. It's also the name of a character in the Marvel Universe, the daughter of Magneto.…
Irish
"glutton"
Gulliver is an obscure Gaelic surname known almost solely through its literary Travels until actor Gary Oldman used it for his son, instantly transforming it into a lively option. British actors…
"many gifts"
As Polydoros, this rare Greek name belonged to several figures in Greek mythology, including a son of King Priam of Troy. This Anglicized form (also spelled Polidore) has been borne by eminent people…
French diminutive
"apple"
Pom is a shortened word name that's not much used in France, but cute and familiar here as one of Babar (the Elephant's) triplets. Pom, pommy and pommie are (non-derogatory) terms sometimes used by…
French, related to "apple"
A rarely heard--even in France--name, most prominent as the third name of Charlotte Marie Pomeline Casiraghi, the daughter of Princess Caroline of Monaco and granddaughter of Grace Kelly.
Une amie for Gwyneth's little girl.
This name of the Roman goddess of fruit trees is also associated with a suburban town in Southern California.
Spanish
"fifth"
Spanish explorer Ponce de Leon may be a worthy namesake, but "poncey" is British slang for effeminate. An alternative might be Quintus, this name's Latin equivalent, or one of its variations.
"female aviator"
Aviator is equally appropriate for a girl, of course, but lovers of Beatrix and Bellatrix might appreciate the spiky sound of this unique occupational name.
The Shakespearean Portia may be a real name, but Porsche is now and forever a car, not a little girl.
English
"boar battle"
Averill is an ancient name, most properly spelled Averil, that has a Boston Brahmin air – probably due to the image of statesman Averill Harriman. It's of the rare English surname names that…
"land near the port"
There are two lovely Portlands, in Maine and Oregon, but not many babies with their name.
Toni Morrison, a master of character naming, coined this one for the best friend of hero Milkman Dead in Song of Solomon . Definitely a cool choice, with a twang.
A (male) character in Toni Morrison's great Song of Solomon , but also plays for a girl.
