Pet Names
By Sophie Kihm · Updated September 2026
Across 14 pages
of 14
Latin
"springlike"
Verne is a masculine name of Latin origin, derived from the Latin word 'vernus,' meaning 'spring-like' or 'flourishing.' This name gained recognition largely through the famous French author Jules…
Provencal; Icelandic
"hawk; thunder god"
Similar to the floral name Aster, this spelling derives separately from Old Provençal astur "hawk") and from the Icelandic name elements as ("god") and þor ("thunder"). As a surname, it has several…
English
"flower name"
A rare and picturesque floral name, elaborating on the popular Lily. Waterlilies symbolize peace and tranquility, and there's a lovely artistic association too, thanks to French Impressionist painter…
"elf counsel"
Short form of Alfred that had fallen out of favor, but could come back alongside Alfie and other clunky old-style nicknames like Gus and Ike.
English word name
"undulating"
Short for Waverly or a fresh twist on Navy, Wavy is a quirky and interesting new word name option.
This name belonging to boxer Zelfa Barrett could work on a boy or a girl.
French feminine variation of Albert
"bright, noble"
Albertine and Alberta are old-fashioned feminizations ala Geraldine and Roberta: a little bit clunky, a little bit regal, just waiting for a celeb to use them to make them cool again. Familiar in…
Short form of Zipporah
Zippy is a cute nickname that livens up the Biblical Zipporah. Too cute? Your call.
Shellian is a distinctive feminine name that appears to be a modern creation, possibly derived from combining 'Shell' (potentially inspired by the natural object) with the feminine suffix '-ian.' The…
Feminine variation of Howard, English from German
"high guardian; brave heart"
You’re unlikely to hear Howardena on a baby girl today, but art lovers may recognize it as the name of Howardena Pindell, an American painter and mixed media artist.
Irish
"sea tide"
Hurley is a possibility as a unisex surname-name ending with the "lee" sound. It is perhaps most associated with British actress Elizabeth Hurley, and is much rarer than Harley, because the "ur"…
Basque
"pond, pool"
This Spanish place name derives from a Basque word meaning "pond".
Greek
"kingfisher bird"
This highly unusual name -- the Halycyone was a mythic bird who could calm the seas -- conjures up images of utter peace and tranquility because of the phrase "Halycon days"...and the sleeping pill.
German
"bald"
Contrary to popular belief, the name Kahlo has German origins, rather than Spanish. It derives from kahl , a German word meaning "bald." Mexican Artist Frida Kahlo was born to a German father,…
English diminutive of Augusta, Latin
"great, magnificent"
Gussie fits the growing trend of boyish nicknames for girls - alongside Charlie and Frankie. But Gussie is a bit fussy — try Gus.
Italian
"from Greece"
A name with a lot of panache, with ties to the great Spanish Mannerist painter El Greco--though his real name was DOMENICOS.
Yoruba
"second-born of twins or one who falls behind"
This African name, which derives from the Yoruba tribe of Nigeria, is used for both girls and boys -- but in the US, its most notable bearer is (male) artist Kehinde Wiley. Wiley, who paints brown-…
Kiwi is an uncommon feminine name derived from the flightless bird native to New Zealand, which also lends its name to the kiwifruit. The term comes from the Māori language, where it is an…
Nature name
The nature boy version of the Scandinavian Leif, which actually means "heir". In the creative-naming Phoenix family, Leaf is the former name of the actor we know as Joaquin.
Russian place-name and surname
Perky, quirky literary and artistic name tied to the "father of Soviet literature" Maxim and influential Armenian-American painter Arshile.
