Pet Naming Tips
Choosing a pet name is one of the first big decisions you’ll make with a new pet, and it’s one you’ll live with for years. You’ll say it thousands of times: calling them in from the yard, praising them for a trick, and introducing them to everyone you meet. A few simple guidelines can help you pick a name your pet learns quickly and you’ll still love years from now.
Keep it short and easy to say
Names with one or two syllables are quick to call and easy for pets to pick out from everything else they hear. Longer names are fine too, but most end up shortened to a nickname anyway, so think about what yours will turn into.
- Short and sweet: Max, Luna, Milo, Bella, Pip
- Long with a built-in nickname: Sir Reginald Fluffington becomes “Reggie”, and Clementine becomes “Clem”
Make it stand out from everyday words
Pets learn their name by its sound, so choose one that’s easy to tell apart from the words you use every day. Names with a crisp starting sound, like K, T, B or D, and an ending vowel sound, like Coco, Teddy or Kiki, tend to carry well across a room or a busy park.
Steer clear of pet names that sound like common commands. “Kit” is easy to confuse with “sit”, “Bo” with “no”, and “Ray” with “stay”. It’s also worth avoiding names that sound like someone else in your household, whether that’s a person or another pet.
The best pet name is one you’ll still love saying a thousand times from now.
Match their personality and looks
Some of the best pet names come from spending a few days getting to know your new pet. Look for inspiration in:
- Their appearance: Pepper, Ginger, Patches, Smudge
- Their personality: Zoom for the speedster, Snooze for the napper, Ziggy for the one who never sits still
- Their favorite things: Waffles, Biscuit, Sock
Keep in mind that puppies and kittens grow and change. A name like “Tiny” might not suit a fully grown Great Dane, though for some owners that’s exactly the fun of it.
Think about the long run
A pet name that’s funny today should still make you smile years from now. Before you decide, say it out loud in a few real-life situations: calling it across the park, hearing it announced in a vet’s waiting room, and introducing your pet to friends. If you’re happy saying it in all of those places, it’s a keeper.
Try a pet name for a day or two before you commit. If it feels right every time you say it, you’ve found the one.
Get everyone on board
If you share your home with others, agree on one name and make sure everyone uses it. A pet who hears “Charlie” from one person and “Chuck” from another will take longer to learn either. Nicknames are fine once your pet reliably responds to their main name. If you have kids, try giving them a shortlist to choose from. They get to be part of the decision, and you avoid ending up with a pet named “Mr. Poopypants”.
Have more than one pet? Give each a distinct sound
Matching pet names can be cute, but names that rhyme or start with the same sound, like Molly and Polly or Max and Mac, make it hard for your pets to tell who you’re calling. Pick names that sound clearly different, such as Luna and Biscuit, so each pet knows when you mean them.
Help your pet learn their name
Once you’ve chosen a name, a little practice goes a long way:
- Say their name in a happy, upbeat voice.
- The moment they look at you, reward them with a treat, praise or play.
- Repeat in short sessions a few times a day, in different rooms and situations.
- Avoid using their name when you’re scolding them, so it always means something good.
With a little patience and consistency, your pet will soon come running whenever they hear it.
Still looking for the perfect name?
Browse thousands of hand-picked pet names, each with its origin and meaning, using the Pet Name Generator, the Dog Name Generator or the Cat Name Generator. Tap Save on the names you like to build your own shortlist, then use Copy list to send it to friends and family so everyone can vote on a favorite.