Pet Names
By Sophie Kihm · Updated September 2026
Across 25 pages
of 25
French diminutive of Josephine, Hebrew
"Jehovah increases"
Fifi is a perfect name -- for a French poodle. But Fifi may seem more child-friendly as names like Coco and Lulu rise. Fifi in its fluffiness also balances the seriousness of such full names as…
Diminutive of Florence
"flourishing, prosperous"
Flossie was an extremely popular Florence nickname that was used independently in the early twentieth century, given to over five hundred girls per year a century ago. Appealing, sweet as candy…
Word name
We've had Apples, Plums, Peaches, Cherries, and Berries added to the fruit basket: you could be the first to pick a Tangerine.
German, diminutive of Frederica
"peaceful ruler"
Like Mitzi, the bubbly Fritzi shows signs of rising again. Has a bit of a comic-strip feel.
Short form of Gertrude
Gertie has a certain homespun charm, summoning to mind butter-yellow braids and denim overalls, summoning mind the adorable character played by little Drew Barrymore in E.T. Is the world ready for…
Modern invented name
Gidget was the surfer girl who started it all. She was the subject of six novels by Frederick Kohner, and the 1959 film in which she made her theatrical debut, starring Sandra Dee, helped make…
English diminutive of Antigone, Greek
"worthy of one's parents, in place of one's parents"
An energetic nickname name occasionally encountered in England, particularly among Telegraph-reading circles. It is traditionally short for Antigone, but nowadays it's just as often bestowed as a…
English
"covered with gold"
Gilda, although related to the words gold and gilded, has definitely tarnished. It once shimmered with the seductive image of Rita Hayworth in the film Gilda, then was associated with the beloved…
Tiny is an endearing feminine name that originated as a diminutive nickname before occasionally being used as a given name. It directly references small stature or youthfulness, deriving from the…
Jimbo is a masculine name that originated as a familiar, affectionate nickname for James. With English-American origins, it combines the shortened form 'Jim' with the suffix 'bo,' which was a popular…
Variation of Gertha, English from Scandinavian
"enclosure, stronghold"
Don't put "girth" in a baby name.
Latin
"of the garden"
Hortense is actually the French feminine form of Hortensia, the name of a strong, politically active early Roman woman. Hortense began to be used in the English-speaking world in the nineteenth…
Diminutive of Harriet
"estate ruler"
So-old-it's-cute-again short from of Harriet, reminiscent of Patsy and Betsy but fresher and more appealing than either of those choices. Hattie is another adorable short form.
"one in the shadow"
Pretty French sound, but there might be a lot of "umbrella" cracks.
Greek mythology name
"willpower or far-reaching"
In Greek mythology, Hecate is associated with witchcraft and magic. The name may mean "willpower" or "far-reaching". She was often associated with the moon and with storms, making this name a good…
Hawaiian
"carry + embryo; hold + essence"
In Hawaiian mythology, Hiʻiaka is the youngest sister of the volcano goddess Pele. In the legend, Pele's mother entrusts her with looking after an egg, which then turns into a baby girl who Pele…
English diminutive of Henrietta, English, or Mehetabel, Hebrew
"estate ruler; God makes happy"
A classic short form of Henrietta, also seen as a nickname for Mehetabel.
"blessed"
Saintly, and a Mother Superior to boot.
English diminutive of Beatrice or any other B name
High-kicking cohort of Coco, Gigi, Fifi, Kiki, et al.
Invented nickname
Up-and-coming actress Beanie Feldstein is attracting attention toward her unusual — but rather cute — nickname. She was born Elizabeth Greer Feldstein but nicknamed "Elizabeanie" by her childhood…
