Pet Names
By Sophie Kihm · Updated September 2026
Across 25 pages
of 25
Chiquila is a distinctive feminine name with Latin American, likely Spanish or indigenous origins. It appears to be related to the Spanish word 'chica' (girl) with a diminutive suffix, suggesting a…
Diminutive of Margaret, Greek
"pearl"
Peg is a nostalgic turn-of-the-last-century nickname, sociable but slight. Like near-identical twin Peggy, Peg is in mothballs.
Spanish
"little one"
As a term of endearment, maybe, but not as a proper name, where it would practically demand the refrain "Banana."
Chilli is an uncommon feminine name with origins as a modern nature-inspired choice. Derived from the spicy chili pepper, it conveys a sense of vibrancy, warmth, and boldness. While traditionally…
Word name
Spicy but insubstantial nickname name.
Chita is a feminine name with multicultural origins. In Spanish, it serves as a diminutive of names like Conchita (from Concepción). In Filipino culture, the name means 'small' or can be a nickname…
English from Greek
"leaf"
Petal is the soft and sweet-smelling name of a character in the novel and film, The Shipping News . With the rise of such flower names as Poppy and Posy, we believe Petal — down-to-earth yet romantic…
Color name
The singer known as Pink (born Alecia) brought this hue onto the name-possibility palette, especially as a middle choice. Could Pink be the next Blue?
Norse variation of Philippa
"lover of horses"
Pippi may be cute but isn't very practical. In addition to being forever Pippi Longstocking, there is that variant pee-pee spelling to consider. Try Pippa instead.
"to attempt, attack"
Pirate is best known as one of the middle names of pop sensation Billie Eilish, who was born Billie Eilish Pirate Baird O'Connell. In a 2017 BBC interview, she revealed, "Pirate was going to be my…
English word name from Greek
A bold new word name that conjures up images of peg-legs and eyepatches. It was brought to national attention by pop musician Billie Eilish, whose full name is Billie Eilish Pirate Baird O'Connell.…
Choctaw, Native American
"handsome"
A short, snappy name of Choctaw origin, with a charming meaning, Chito might also be used in Georgian where it means "bird", and as a Filipino and Spanish short form and pet name.
Nugget is an unconventional masculine name derived from the English word for a small lump of gold or other precious metal. As a nickname-turned-given name, it emerged in contemporary naming culture…
Word name, English from Greek
"cinnamon"
A sweet and rare spice name, which made its first and only appearance on the US baby name charts in 1969 — the year Neil Young's song "Cinnamon Girl" was released.
"boy"
Friendly but flimsy.
Latin
"small plum"
Most ella names are hot, but this is one that won't catch fire because of the disagreeable connotations of prunes.
English word name
"pumpkin"
A common name for orange-colored cats. Fun fact: the word pumpkin is derived from the Greek pepōn , translating to "large melon."
Italian and Spanish diminutive of Nina
"little girl"
Might be carrying things too far -- little little girl? -- though could freshen up this favorite.
Feminine variation of Nigel; botanical name from Latin
"black"
A name that sounded unthinkably priggish until it became attached to Domestic Goddess British TV chef Nigella Lawson (named for her father), who gave it a big dollop of glamour.
German flower name
"rampion; lamb's lettuce"
Rapunzel is famous as the long-haired heroine of the fairy tale, locked in a tower only to fall in love with a handsome prince who climbed to her side via her hair. Rapunzel has never been widely…
