Names of Past and Future Pets

  1. Barnaby
    • Origin:

      English variation of Barnabas, Aramaic
    • Meaning:

      "son of consolation"
    • Description:

      Barnaby, a genial and energetic name with an Irish-sounding three-syllable lilt, is an ancient appellation that manages to be both unusual and highly attractive and deserves to be used more than it is. A sweet-spot name that's a real winner.
  2. Ernie
    • Origin:

      Variation of Ernest, English from German
    • Meaning:

      "serious, resolute"
    • Description:

      Can Ernie shed the rubber ducky association and make its way onto the vintage revivals list? Years ago we may have said no, but celebrity chef Stephanie Izard made a strong case for Ernie when she gave the name to her son in 2016. Princess Eugenie uses Ernie as a nickname for son Ernest, born in 2023 - showing that Ernie could be the next Augie.
  3. Henry
    • Origin:

      German
    • Meaning:

      "estate ruler"
    • Description:

      Henry is back. The classic Henry climbed back onto the Top 10 in the US in 2021 for the first time in over a century, and now stands at Number 8.
  4. Hildy
    • June
      • Origin:

        Latin
      • Meaning:

        "young"
      • Description:

        June, a sweetly old-fashioned month name derived from the goddess Juno, was long locked in a time capsule with June Allyson (born Ella) and June Cleaver, but is rising again especially as a middle name.
    • Karl
      • Origin:

        German and Scandinavian variation of Charles
      • Description:

        Manly almost to the point of macho.
    • Oscar
      • Origin:

        English or Irish
      • Meaning:

        "God spear, or deer-lover or champion warrior"
      • Description:

        Oscar is one of the most stylish Old Man Names of our era. While it's softened slightly in popularity over the past 20 years, that may be considered a very good thing.
    • Percival
      • Origin:

        French
      • Meaning:

        "one who pierces the valley"
      • Description:

        There are several Percivals scattered through the Harry Potter series, which might help transform the old-fangled, fussy image it has accrued. Actually, the original Percival was the one perfectly pure Knight of the Round Table, a worthy hero. The name was invented in the twelfth century by a poet named Chretien de Troyes, for his ideal knight in the poem Percevale, a Knight of King Arthur.
    • Thor
      • Origin:

        Norse and Scandinavian
      • Meaning:

        "thunder"
      • Description:

        Thor, the powerful name of the Norse god of thunder, strength and rain, would make a bold statement. Long a comic book staple, Thor has now invaded the big screen, and could land on birth certificates as well.