Pet Names
By Grace Royal · Updated October 2026
Across 7 pages
of 7
Fruit name
Another entry in the fruit name category, this one borne by writer Strawberry Saroyan, granddaughter of William, so named by her hippie parents. While fruit names may become more familiar, they'll…
Nature name
With the recent arrival of fruit names like Apple and Plum, this more traditional example, symbolic of fertility, might rise in popularity. Photographer Berry Berenson was born Berinthia.…
English nickname
A quirky and playful nickname, which could be a fun spin on Lizzy, Izzy, Mitzi, and Dottie, Dizzy was used in the 2004 book Dizzy by Cathy Cassidy, in which the main character is named Dizzy by her…
English, diminutive of Elizabeth
"pledged to God"
Yes, it's a word name, but Busy is also a rare pet form of Elizabeth. And yes, actress Busy Philipps was christened Elizabeth--she was given the nickname because she was such an active child. She…
Word name or surname
"one who smiles; small clearing"
You've heard of Joy and Sunny; you might have heard of Happy and Lucky being used as names too, but how about this upbeat option? Traditionally a nickname for someone with a smile ever on their face,…
Word name
"sudden bright light"
A name that's sure to catch everyone's attention, Flare is a bright and fiery choice, usually used to describe a sudden bright light, often released as a signal, a message, a call for help, or simply…
Word and comic book name
Flash Gordon makes this a superhero name, but Flash might just appeal to modern parents looking for one of the new active boys' names, ala Ace and Breaker and Ranger. We'd recommend something more…
English word name
"ornamental case worn round the neck"
Worn round the neck and close to the heart, lockets are often used to hold small items of sentimental value, like a photo, a lock of hair, or a letter. Used as a surname, but rarely as a given name,…
A popular classic for cats, alongside Mittens, Snowball, Kitty, Shadow, and Tabby. Whiskers is also a cat food brand.
"excellent, powerful, brilliant"
A big, superlative name to bestow upon a child, but also in line with names that Top US hits like Royal, Saint, and Chosen. Associated with superpowers, Superman, and work well done, it was chosen by…
Chatty is an uncommon feminine name that originated as a diminutive nickname before occasionally being used as a given name. Derived from the English word meaning 'talkative' or 'conversational,'…
American nickname
The quintessential midcentury nickname, famously found in Arthur Miller's play "Death of a Salesman." Biff is late 19th century slang meaning to "hit", so Biff may have originated as a nickname for a…
Somersault is a gymnastic word that no one ever considered as a baby name... until now. Meaning a heels-over-head jump, Somersault entered English via Old French, and is ultimately from Latin supra…
"small, spotted beetle"
Also known as a ladybug, the small, spotted beetle gets its name from the phrase "Our Lady's birds", lady referring to the Virgin Mary, who was often depicted wearing a red cloak in early art. The…
Short form of Jamila, James, Jamesina and similar, Arabic, English, Hebrew, Persian
"beautiful; the supplanter; twin"
Sweet and simple, Jam is a name with variety of roots. As a playful short form, it could come from the Arabic Jamila meaning "beautiful" or from one of its derivatives, such as Jamari or Jamariah.…
Short form of Adamson, Word name, English
"son of Adam; plum of Damascus"
A word name, a color name, and a brand name, Damson is associated with a type of fruit, a shade of purple and the fashion brand, Damson Madder. While some may find it far too close to the word damn…
"deep, resonant sound"
Model Lucky Blue Smith welcomed daughter Rumble Honey in 2020, introducing a new name to the pool and putting it among the craziest celebrity baby names of the year. We don't see Rumble inspiring…
Silkie is a whimsical, uncommon feminine name with several possible origins. It might connect to the Silkie folk tales from Scottish and Irish mythology about seal-like creatures that can transform…
Popular choice for silvery pets.
Diminutive of Florence
"flourishing, prosperous"
A diminutive of Florence, with a cosy vintage vibe, a candyfloss sweetness, and a touch of sassy and outdoorsyness too. Occasionally used as a given name back in the 19th century in the US, though…
