Pet Names · Cat Names
By Sophie Kihm · Updated September 2026
Across 122 pages
of 122
Hebrew
"fortress, strength"
Maoz is a symbolic name given to boys born at Hannukah because of the song "Maoz Tzur," "Rock of Ages," which is sung at that time.
"the Lord's secret"
Most graceful of the Raz names, relates to Graziella.
Offbeat, under-the-radar choice to honor a Grandma Rosalie.
French surname
"little redhead"
Rousseau gives French flair to other red-haired names like Russell and Rory. It is associated with the influential eighteenth century philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau, as well as the painter Henri…
German, Swedish diminutive of names beginning with Mein- or Magn-
"strong"
The names from which Meja derived, including Meinhild and Magnhild, are long gone, but a Swedish singer called Meja (born Anna Pernilla Torndahl) has piqued interest in this modern derivative. Meja…
French form of Millicent, German
"strong in work"
This old-time fairy tale name is rarely heard in the modern English-speaking world, but it's so, well, mellifluous, that it would make a lovely choice for a twenty-first century girl--a romanticized…
Finnish
"poem"
An appealing Finnish name, with a touch of literary magic and whimsy, Runo means "poem" in its native language. Traditionally said with a slightly rolled R and a softer 'oh' sound at the end (more…
Brazilian Portuguese fruit and tree name
The açai palm is a tree native to Brazil that produces açai berries (the base of those trendy smoothie bowls). Since US birth certificates don't allow for diacritical marks, we are unsure if people…
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…
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…
" 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.
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.
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.
