Cute Pet Names: Our Favorites

 

While the late nights and potty accidents are tough, one of the most unexpectedly difficult parts of getting a new pet is the naming process. Choosing a name for your new baby is tricky, because you want it to fit both their looks and their personality. That’s a lot of pressure! 

Luckily, we’re here to help. We’ve come up with a list of pet names by category, along with our favorites in each. We also have a few tips on choosing a name and teaching it to your pet. Hopefully you’ll find some inspiration! 

Tips For Naming Your Pet

Before we get into the names, let’s discuss a few tips for choosing a name.

To start, you don’t have to always have a name when you bring your new pet home. In many cases, the best way to come up with the perfect name is to wait a few days and watch your pet’s behavior and personality. That can at least clue you in to the category of name you should be looking at. You might be surprised by how easily the name comes to you after you’ve gotten to know your pet a little bit more.

When choosing a name, it’s best to go with a short name that is less than three syllables. Long names are often difficult for pets to learn, and you also want to make sure that the name is something that you can easily yell out to get your pet’s attention in potentially dangerous situations. You don’t want to be shouting out a lengthy name if you’re trying to get your dog not to run into the road, no matter how cute or witty that name may be. Keep it short and sweet.

Finally, try to avoid pet names that also sound like commands you may teach them. Names that rhyme with “no,” “stay,” “sit,” or other common commands will confuse your dog and make it more difficult to teach them those commands. Save both you and your pet the frustration by choosing a name that doesn’t rhyme with a training command.

If you’re still unsure, try the “backdoor” test. Just stand at your backdoor and practice calling your dog. You’ll know you’ve hit your pet’s new name when it just sounds right.

Now, on to the names!

Royalty Inspired Names

Since we all like to think of our pets as the kings and queens of the castle, royalty inspired names are incredibly popular. These names can be inspired by current royals, or be throwbacks to royal names of the past. Either way, giving your pet a royal name also gives them a more regal air, like a monarch sitting on the throne. Here is a list of some of our favorite royalty inspired pet names:

For females:

• Princess
• Lady
• Duchess
• Queen
• Cleopatra
• Josephine
• Elizabeth
• Victoria
• Diana
• Anastasia
• Nefertiti

For males:

• Duke
• Prince
• Caesar
• King
• Baron
• Earl
• Royal
• Knight
• Pharaoh
• Henry
• George
• Harry
• Louis
• Napoleon
• William
• Albert

Food and Drink Related Names

For those not interested in royalty, food and drink related names offer another cute, yet down to earth, naming solution. This is a great option for foodies, who want to name their pets after something that is important to them. It also provides pet owners with a nearly endless amount of options, which can be catered (pun intended)  to what they’re interested in. For the most part, food and drink names are gender neutral, as well.

• Mochi
• Noodles
• Lambchop
• Panko
• Nugget
• Moon Pie
• Oreo
• Matcha
• Pepper
• Frito
• Latte
• Mocha
• Dumpling
• Skittles
• Cookie
• Cupcake

Pop Culture Reference Names

Pop culture gives us an almost endless amount of pet naming options, perfect for people who have a specific niche interest in a movie series, television show, etc. Pets can be named specifically for a character, or owners can take a riff on the name. Here is just a small sample of some of the cutest pop culture pet names we’ve seen.

• Yoda
• Elsa
• Rey
• Katniss
• Juno
• Dobby
• Nala
• Gizmo
• Simba
• Yoshi
• Loki
• Goose
• Chewy
• Thor
• Bolt
• Hedwig

Traditional Pet Names

As far as pet names go, sometimes the traditional route is best! Instead of stressing yourself out trying to find a brand new, witty pet name, consider one of the more traditional names for your new furry bundle of joy. They’ve been around so long for a reason, and they definitely fit the “cute” bill.

• Buddy
• Max
• Charlie
• Lucy
• Bailey
• Bella
• Daisy
• Bear
• Maggie
• Cooper
• Oliver
• Lily
• Angel

Sports Related Pet Names

Sports are a very important part of many cultures. It makes sense that so many pets end up being named after famous sports professionals or teams. If sports are your life, this may be right up your alley. Here is a selection of our favorites:

• Ace
• Coach
• Homer
• Indy
• Wrigley
• Birdie
• Slugger
• Puck
• Venus
• Hope
• Tyson
• Yogi
• Ty
• Pele

How To Teach Your Pet Its Name

Once you’ve chosen a name, it’s time to help your pet learn it! This process is obviously different depending on the species of your pet, so we’ll focus on dogs because they are the most likely to need to know their own names. 

This technique, from the American Kennel Club, is called “The Name Game.”

Start by gathering some small, easily chewed treats that your pet is interested in. This may vary due to food allergies and pet preference, but many people will either purchase treats specifically for training or use small pieces of cooked hot dog or cheese. 

Go to a relatively small area with your dog, either on or off-leash depending on the situation. You’ll want it to be fairly quiet with as few distractions as possible so that your pet focuses only on you. The kitchen works great for this.

Watch your dog, and wait for them to lose focus and look away. As soon as they do, say their name using an upbeat, happy voice. When they turn to look at you, “mark” that behavior using either a quick word like “good” or “yes,” or by using a clicker. Follow that immediately with a treat. Do this a few more times.

Once your dog has a good handle on their name one on one, take the game out into the world. Carry treats with you at all times, and randomly call your dog’s name while hanging out on the couch, out in the yard, or getting ready for bed.

In addition, try not to associate your pet’s name with negative interactions. Correct their behavior without using their name, if possible, so that they don’t begin to think of their name as a “bad” thing. You’ll be surprised how much faster they’ll stop and listen when they hear it!

Our Favorite Witty Pet Names

Although these names don’t all fit into the tips for appropriately naming a pet, we’d be remiss to not mention a few of our absolute favorite, witty pet names.

• Kitty Purry
• Dave Growl
• Mr. Meowgi
• Harry Pawtter
• Corndog
• Deogie (D-O-G, get it?)
• Hashtag

Naming your pet is one of the most important choices you’ll make. Choosing a name that fits your pet, and knowing how to correctly teach your pet his or her name in a positive way, can make the process of bringing home a new family member go as smoothly as possible. Your pet will be with you for a long time. Make sure the name you choose is the right one. Congrats on your new pet!

Sources:

https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/puppy-names

https://food52.com/blog/17416-the-most-adorable-food-related-pet-names

https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/dog-name-game