Pet Names · Dog Names
By Pamela Redmond · Updated September 2026
Across 6 pages
of 6
Czech, variation of Ruth
"companion, friend"
Pronounced ROOT in its native land, but in a rut here.
Nature name
Name of the licorice plant, this spice comes in the shape of a star, giving this name an extra level of sweetness.
English
"friend's farm"
See WYNTON.
Japanese
"good, respectful"
A classic Japanese name known to kids around the world as a Nintendo video-game character.
Feminine variation of Edwin, English
"wealthy friend"
Edwina may still be taking tea in the parlor, but we can see her joining friends like Matilda and Josephine for a comeback, especially if pronounced like Edwin rather than Edween. She had a very…
Hindi, Persian, Greek
"friend; earth mother"
Deriving from the Sanskrit Mithra , Mitra is the Hindu god of the sun and of friendship. This transcription is unisex in Hindi, while in Persian, it is the feminine form. Notable bearers of Mitra…
"northern friend"
Alvin, Melvin, Norvin -- most vin names, except maybe Kevin and Gavin -- are not vinners.
"noble friend; friend of the elves"
Archie, Albie, and Alfie are coming back into style, so naturally, we think Alvie could be next. Alternate spelling Alvy was used by Woody Allen for his character in Annie Hall .
German
"noble friend, friend of the elves"
Softer, milder, and sans chipmunk references, Alwin is a likable alternative to Alvin. Win makes a nice nickname.
"elf friend"
Sounds elven in every sense of the word.
Irish
"love, friendship"
Connelly is an open, inviting, and rarely used Irish surname that can make a perfect alternative to the overused Connor or Colin for a boy.
Hindi, Hebrew, and Choctaw
"friendly, to plant, and bear"
One of those slender names, like Lena or Etta, that's used in several cultures and carries a range of meanings. But by being so many things, it doesn't feel decidedly like anything.
English and Scottish surname
"dear friend's place"
When Matthew McConaughey and wife Camila Alves chose the old English surname and place name Livingston for their third child, they elevated it from half of a Stanley & Livingston joke to a modern…
Arabic
"kind and gentle"
Singer-actress Queen Latifah -- born Dana Owens -- makes this North African Muslim name sing.
Hebrew
"friend of God"
Spelling a bit elaborate and confusing.
Variation of Samira
"companion in evening conversation"
This more elaborate version of the name is heard occasionally, but Samira or the related Samara is simpler and just as rhythmic.
"charming friend"
Native-American feel via similarity to Winona.
Sioux
"friend to all"
This name of a subtribe in the Great Sioux Nation could make an inventive twist on the overused Dakota.
Danish
"fellow / partner"
Lauge is unheard of in most English-speaking countries, but is in the Top 50 in many Nordic countries. Despite is lovely meaning, Lauge's pronunciation and spelling issues are unlikely to make it…
"generous, fair"
Commonly used in Japanese families.
