Pet Names · Dog Names
By Sophie Kihm · Updated September 2026
Across 370 pages
of 370
Italian from Latin
"bear"
Cool bearlike option, though Orson might be easier to embrace.
German
"prosperity, riches"
Medieval name that still hasn't crossed the ocean, known here primarily via actress/teacher Uta Hagen.
Biblical place-name
A minimalist choice, Uz is the Biblical home of Job. It's also the name of a character in the Bible, the father of Aram and the grandson of Shem, as is Uzziah. Uz is one of those names that could go…
Hebrew
"Jehovah is my strength"
Despite its biblical pedigree and popularity in Israel, it has far too many ties to the lethal submachine gun to find many fans here.
French
"one who raises cows"
This is a French occupational namename brought to the fore by poet Vachel Lindsay, born Nicholas Vachel (Vachel being his father's first name), considered the founder of modern poetry intended to be…
Finnish
"wide river, backwater"
A popular Finnish male name properly spelt Väinö, which derives from Väinämöinen – a hero from Finnish legend. Vaino (without the diacritic marks) is a Finnish word meaning "persecution" and so is…
Latin
"healthy"
Used in Italy and Spain, but in non-Latin countries could be confused with Valencia.
Spanish
"strong"
Rare Spanish form of Valerius
English word name from Latin
"brave"
Valiant is an inspirational word name that can work for a child of any gender, though the six babies given this name last year were all boys.
"from Wales"
Intriguing way to signal Welsh ancestry; more unusual than Wallace.
Finnish; Malagasy
"light; eight"
Valo, an unusual entry in the o-ending category, can work for girls in the US. On Nameberry, it's especially popular among visitors from Bangladesh.
"vanilla"
While Vanilla might be too bland, the French version is more flavorful.
Portuguese and Spanish diminutive of Evangelina
"bringer of good news"
Vanina is a name that is, at first glance, miles apart from its origin. But once you say it aloud and look for it, you can see the direct line from Evangelina to Vanina. Vanina could also be a good…
Modern invented name
You're so vain, I bet you think this name is about you.
"green knoll"
Pleasant-sounding French surname.
An energetic Spanish surname with serious first name potential, thanks to its trendy initial V and -o ending. A famous bearer is Spanish surrealist artist Remedios Varo (1908-1963).
Hindu God of water and the ocean
This Indian name would make the perfect choice for those looking for a strong water-based name. A variation which may seem more immediately masculine to the English-speaking ear is Varun. The…
Sanskrit
"spring"
A name commonly used in India; Vasant Panchami is a Hindu festival dedicated to the goddess of learning.
"star, leading actor"
Translating to "star", but used to refer to the leading female artist in a cabaret show, for French speakers, this would be like naming your child "Showgirl". Alternatively however, it could be a…
"meadows"
Viva Las Vegas? What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas? We think not. Maybe Vega, the name of an actual heavenly star?
