Pet Names
By Sophie Kihm · Updated September 2026
Across 25 pages
of 25
Medieval variation of Esther, Persian
"star"
The disgraced heroine of The Scarlet Letter 's name, after long neglect, just might have a chance at revival, following in the wake of sister-name Esther. We've characterized her elsewhere as an…
Diminutive of Patricia
"patrician"
Replaced Patsy as the midcentury's popular, peppy babysitter.
English word name
"shine brightly"
Over-the-top glitzy. Sparkle debuted in 1976 and peaked in 1979 when it was given to 124 baby girls. Since then, it has only been given to a small handful of girls most years in the US. Pretty…
Chicky is an informal feminine name that originated as a diminutive nickname rather than a traditional given name. It likely evolved as an affectionate form derived from 'chick,' a casual term for a…
Word name or short form of Ignacio
Not unless you want your son to grow up to be just like a wacky Jack Black character.
English
"songbird"
The chickadee gets its distinctive name from its distinctive call: chick-a-dee-dee-dee !
English animal name
"roosting bird"
Chick is an uncommon masculine name that originated as an English nickname for someone with chicken-like features or mannerisms, or alternatively as a term of endearment meaning 'young child.' As a…
Chicho is a masculine name with Spanish and Latin American origins, typically used as an affectionate nickname rather than a formal given name. Derived from the Spanish word "chico" meaning "boy" or…
Chica is a feminine name with direct Spanish origins, literally meaning 'girl' or 'small girl' in Spanish. Simple yet distinctive, this name has an endearing quality with its straightforward meaning…
Chia is a feminine name with diverse cultural origins. In Italian, it's a diminutive of Lucia, meaning "light." In Chinese, depending on the character used, it can mean "good" or "beautiful." The…
English, color and coffee name
Save this for your next run to Starbucks.
Diminutive of Myfanwy, Welsh
"my precious little one"
If Liv can stand on it's own, why not Miv?
Colonel is an unusual masculine name derived directly from the military rank, which ultimately comes from the Italian word "colonnello," meaning the commander of a column of soldiers. As a given…
Diminutive of Margaret
"pearl"
Sixties-style nickname which is also the name of a small biting insect, particularly prevalent in Scotland.
French
"beloved"
For years there was only one Cher, and then along came the charming heroine of the movie "Clueless." The world now officially has enough Chers in it.
Irish place-name
"yew-tree plain"
When ordering a baby name, hold the mayo.
Variation of Maybelline
"lovable"
Maybellene is the true one-of-a-kind baby name that Taylor and Natalie Hanson chose for their daughter in 2020. It's a variation of Maybelline, which is itself an elaboration of the name Mabel. The…
Variation of Ó Comhraidhe or Ó Corra, Irish surname, or English word name
"descendant of Comhraidhe; descandant of Corra; curry"
Perhaps too spicy for some, but this is a popular Gaelic surname that might appeal for those looking to honor a family branch or to fans of legendary British comedian Tim Curry.
Flower name, from English
"yellow wildflower"
Though Buttercup is most often reserved for cows (and pets of other kinds), this humble flower name was given to the princess in "The Princess Bride" and to one of The Power Puff Girls . Yet to rank…
