Pet Names · Cat Names
By Sophie Kihm · Updated September 2026
Across 122 pages
of 122
Igbo
"tiger"
In its native Nigeria, Agu is a surname that signifies strength and being a force of nature. Agu as a first name has some pedigree, however: most notably via Agu Casmir, a famous Nigerian-Singaporean…
English word name
"kept from knowledge or view"
Mysterious. In 2016, 13 baby girls in the United States were given this unusual word name -- at least according to the Social Security Administration. We can't help but suspect that some of those…
Cherokee
"rain"
Traditional Cherokee choice that could work for a daughter born on a rainy day.
French
"famous wealth"
A medieval French name which belonged to the mother of Eleanor of Aquitaine (incidentally, Aenor is thought to be an older form of the name Eleanor). Its etymology is uncertain, but it may derive…
Hindi
"moon"
Indu is truly unusual, but shares sounds with more popular choices like Indie and Indigo. Other moon names to consider: Luna, Serena, Io.
Dutch
"healthy, strong"
Harv and Marv are out, and this difficult Dutch choice doesn't fare any better.
Latin from Greek
"strength, valor"
Nerio was one of the Roman goddesses of war and a wife of Mars. Her name is among the many intriguing names that mean strong .
English
"fair-haired"
If ever there was a one-person name, it's probably Sherlock. But Sherlock Holmes the character has arguably never been hotter: he's been played by Robert Downey Jr., Ian McKellen, Jonny Lee Miller…
Italian from Latin
"bear"
Cool bearlike option, though Orson might be easier to embrace.
" a suspension of airborne particulates and gases emitted from a burning substance"
Word name with an air of mystery and edginess. Influencers Julia and Hunt Havens named their son Smoke Hemmingway in 2023.
The name of the beloved Beagle from the Peanuts cartoons may not be a suitable choice for a baby, but would make an adorable moniker for a pet.
Greek
"safe power, healthy and strong, whole and powerful"
Associated with the ancient Greek philosopher, Socrates (often spelled Sokratis) is quite common in traditional Greek families, but for others, we think Plato (the name of his pupil) might be easier…
Short form of Piritta, Finnish
"strength; exalted one"
Pipsa is a nickname for the Finnish names Piritta — or its diminutive forms, Pirkko, Priita, and Pirjo — all of which are ultimately variations of Bridget. In Finland, Peppa Pig is called Pipsa Possu.
Spanish, diminutive of Alexandra
"man's defender"
The initial X is pronounced like a Z. Confusing? Potentially. But there are enough Alexandras and Xanders through the Western World these days that this spelling wouldn't seem outlandish.
Finnish variation of Birgitta
A gentler form of Birgitta, linked to either Irish Bridget or Norse Birger, Piritta is a spirited Finnish name, which leads to short forms Pirjo, Pikko, and Pipsa.
Hindi and Sanskrit
"good character, wise"
Sunita is an easily-translated name brought to the American lexicon by astronaut Sunita "Suni" Williams, who holds the record for most spacewalks by a woman.
Animal name
Grrrr.
Diminutive of Piritta, Finnish
Cute and quirky nickname that stands on its own in Finland.
Japanese
"phliosophy"
If you're prone to pondering the questions of the universe, this might be the name for you.
Latin or Greek
"crossing swords; strong"
Pronounced KILL-on, might lead a young boy astray--though that doesn't seem to have halted the progress of the popular Killian.
