Pet Names
By Pamela Redmond · Updated September 2026
Across 5 pages
of 5
Flower name, from Greek
"blue larkspur; precious stone"
Though it may not be as sweet and gentle as, say, Violet, the purple-hued Hyacinth still might hold some appeal for the parent seeking a truly unusual flower name. In Greek mythology, Hyacinthus was…
Latin
"to give"
The name of the great Italian Renaissance sculptor known as Donatello (but born DONATO), is one that could easily emigrate to modern America, just like sister DONATELLA.
"light-bearer"
Lucifer is the name of the archangel cast into hell and while theologians disagree on whether he and Satan are separate beings, it long been on the list of forbidden names for religious and…
Color name
Blue suddenly came into the spotlight, as the unusual color name chosen by Beyonce and Jay-Z for their baby girl Blue Ivy. Blue is also a starbaby middle name du jour, used for both sexes in…
Michaelangelo is a masculine name that directly honors the renowned Italian Renaissance artist Michelangelo Buonarroti (1475-1564). The name combines the elements Michael (Hebrew: 'who is like God?')…
Diminutive of Vladimir, Slavic
"great ruler, peaceful ruler, ruler of the world"
The most famous Vlad was nicknamed "the Impaler." Enough said.
English, diminutive of Walter or Wallace
A Leave It to Beaver/old comic-strip name, vacationing for years with the Griswolds in WallyWorld, but now back as WALL-E?
Vinnie is primarily a masculine name that originated as a diminutive form of Vincent, though it can occasionally be used for girls as well. The name derives from the Latin 'Vincentius,' meaning…
English
"rainbow"
Colorful, yes, but also probably among the hippiest of hippie names. Holly Madison recently chose it for her little girl.
Greek mythology name
"foam or born from the sea"
The name of the Greek goddess of love has rarely descended to mortal use, though the Roman equivalent Venus, thanks to tennis star Williams, now seems completely possible. But with the new fashion…
Modern nickname
An old-fashioned nickname in the Bud/Buzz/Biff mold; this one's kind of belligerent. Michelle Hicks and Jonny Lee Miller moved outside the box when they used it for their son--given the safer middle…
Old Norse via Russian
"warrior"
Musical association with Igor Stravinsky, but also Dr. Frankenstein's right-hand man.
Gustave is a masculine name of Swedish and French origin, derived from the Old Norse elements 'Gautr' (referring to the Geats people of southern Sweden) and 'stafr' meaning 'staff' or 'support.' The…
English word name, diminutive of Sylvester
A bit too cunning.
Diminutive of Charles
So far out it's almost ready to be let back in.
Latin, diminutive of Ignatius
"fiery"
Iggy is the quintessential pop star name, though it's the nickname Cate Blanchett uses for son Ignatius. Iggy does bring any grander-sounding name down to earth.
Brother for Biff and Bud. McFly rocker Tom Fletcher transformed this from midcentury short form to modern cool name when he used it for his newborn son.
English word name, diminutive of Barbara, Latin
"foreign woman"
Baby is rarely seen as a given name — or even nickname — these days, although it did rank in the Top 1000 from 1989 to 2003. These instances can be accounted for in two ways. Firstly, infants whose…
Hebrew
"not exalted"
Jezebel, the wife of King Ahab in the Hebrew Book of Kings, has long had a bad girl reputation. But in the modern secular world, this is somewhat mitigated by the feminist perspective of her as a…
Greek
"sea-green jewel"
Dated British favorite that never caught on in this country, where Jade remains the green gem of choice. Interesting namesakes: British writer Beryl Bainbridge and British aviatrix Beryl Markham.
