Pet Names · Cat Names
By Brynn McKeon · Updated September 2026
Across 9 pages
of 9
English surname
"flat-topped hill"
Though Embry became famous as the name of a boy werewolf in Twilight , we think its Em- beginning and -y ending make it perfectly appropriate for a girl. You might consider it as an alternative to…
English
An attractive and now underused nature name belonging to a tree whose wood is prized for its dark color and dense texture, which shines when polished. Ebony joined the most popular girl names list in…
Scottish diminutive of William, German, English
"resolute protection; from Wylye"
The Wylie spelling (with that feminine Y) is much more common among girls than Wiley, but both have been climbing the ranks. Could Wiley be the next Riley?
Color name
This color name, spelled either Gray or Grey is rapidly catching on. Actress Jenny von Oy recently called her daughter Gray Audrey.
"pasture, meadow"
The original brief, breezy name is somewhat out of favor now even as a middle name. The Leigh spelling has more substance and is more identifiable as female.
"faithful, loyal"
Loyal has history as a boy name—most popular in the late 19th century, later falling off the charts in 1948. This was back when loyalty suggested faithfulness to one's country, rather than fidelity…
Diminutive of Theodora
"divine gift, gift of God"
Most commonly used as a short form of Theodora or Theodosia, this "boyish" nickname for girls is used much less frequently than Thea, Dora, or Teddy. One notable appearance however, was as the…
German, diminutive of names beginning Sig/Zig
"victory"
Fitting in with Scottie, Stevie, Frankie, and Birdie, Ziggy is a nickname-y choice that feels energetic, cutesy, and cool. Borrowing star quality from Ziggy Stardust and Ziggy Marley, Ziggy is…
Diminutive of Rachel or Raymond; word name
Most female Rays used to spell their names Rae, but now the Ray Charles, ray-of-sunshine way is cool for both genders. Ray was used for 26 baby girls last year in the US - compared to over 300 boys.…
Diminutive of Ashley, English
"ash tree"
Ash is a gender-neutral choice that calls to mind the '80s favorite: Ashley. But view it as a nature name -- as in the tree, not the charred bit of soot in the fireplace -- and it makes a cool choice…
Irish
"white, fair"
The most enduringly popular hero of Irish myth was Finn McCool, whose name is one of the coolest ever. When used for the female protagonist of How to Make an American Quilt , Finn established its…
Word name
Straightforward yet romantic, this is one newly minted name with long-term appeal, especially as a middle name. It was used as such for Tea Leoni and David Duchovny's Madelaine, whom they call West.…
Latin
"aristocratic"
Modern parents tend to reject Puritan names, but Noble was a Puritan favorite worth revival. Integrity and generosity are attractive qualities in anyone, so it's apparent why parents are starting to…
Latin or Tswana
"new or gift"
Neo, indeed--though it was a male character in "The Matrix." In the Southern African language of Tswana, it is a unisex name meaning "gift".
"friend"
Ames is that jewel of a name that's simple and familiar while at the same time being unusual and rare. With gender neutral surname names ending in S trending today -- think Brooks, Wells, Oakes --…
Greek mythology
"most beautiful"
Best known as one of the moons of Jupiter, Callisto was a nymph coveted by Zeus who was turned into a bear by Hera, becoming the Great Bear (Ursa Major) constellation.
Mineral and word name
Though this may be thought of as a short form of the legitimate name Jetta, that one's gone to the cars. This sounds more modern if a bit supersonic. In the Netherlands, it's in the Top 100,…
