Creative Dog and Cat Names for Your Pawfect Pet

Are you on the hunt for a wildly original name for your furry friend? Or maybe you want a well-loved name so your pet can find their sister from another mister? This list has a ton of silly, sassy and special ideas. Plus a bunch of the classics. Your pet is a part of your family and a total extension of you. So their name should fit right into your world.

Most popular dog names

Here are the top 10 most common dog names and their etymology:

Male dogs

1. Max

From the name Maximilian, which means “greatest” in Latin. Max originated from the Roman last name Maximus.

2. Charlie

Short for Charles, which originated from the Germanic word karal (“free man”) or kerle (“warrior”).

3. Cooper

This was originally an occupational name that meant “barrel maker” in Medieval England (a time when this was a prized craft).

4. Teddy

Coming from French, it means both “God’s gift” and “wealthy protector”.

5. Milo

This Germanic name translates to “merciful” or “soldier”.

6. Ollie

It can be short for Oliver, which derives from Latin for “olive tree”. Or it could be a reference to the creation of the skateboarding trick in 1978.

7. Bear

With both British and German origins, it means “to carry” and “the brown one”.

8. Rocky

This commonly references Rocky Balboa, the legendary boxer. But it originated from Italian and means either “rest” or “full of rocks”.

9. Finn

It comes from the Irish “Fionn”, who was a mythical Irish warrior. It means “blessed” or “fair”.

10. Leo

In Latin, this is the word for “lion” and commonly was shortened from Leon.

Female dogs

1. Luna

This Latin name is in reverence to the Roman goddess of the moon of the same name, in her chariot in the sky.

2. Bella

In Latin, Italian, and Spanish it means “beautiful”.

3. Daisy

It references sunshine or daylight, originating from the Old English word dægeseage which means “day’s eye”.

4. Maggie

Short for Margaret, which means “pearl” in Greek.

5. Willow

Derived from the Old English word welig, which means “willow tree”.

6. Lucy

This name comes from the Latin name Lucius, which translates to “light” or “light bringer”.

7. Bailey

A blend of Old French and Middle English, this was an occupational name for stewards. It translated to “berry clearing”, “bailiff”, and “city fortification”.

8. Rosie

From the Latin name Rosa, which means “rose”.

9. Sadie

This name means “princess” with its origins in Hebrew.

10. Lola

Short for Dolores, this Spanish name means “sorrows”. It also references the Virgin Mary (Nuestra Señora de los Dolores).

Most popular cat names

Here are the 10 most common cat names and their etymology:

Male cats

1. Charlie

Short for Charles, which comes from the Germanic word karal (“free man”) or kerle (“warrior”).

2. Leo

In Latin, this is the word for “lion” and commonly was shortened from Leon.

3. Max

From the name Maximilian, which means “greatest” in Latin. The name originated from the Roman last name Maximus.

4. Simon

A Hebrew name that means “to hear” or “listen”.

5. Oscar

This Irish name comes from Gaelic and means “God’s spear”, “deer lover” or “champion lover”.

6. Shadow

Derived from the Old English word shadwe, which means “shade”.

7. Milo

This Germanic name translates to “merciful” or “soldier”.

8. Jack

In Medieval England, this was short for John and in Old French, it was short for Jacques. It means “God is gracious” or “holder of the heel”.

9. Oliver

From the Latin word olivarius for “olive tree”, as a symbol for peace, fruitfulness, and beauty.

10. Rocky

This commonly references Rocky Balboa, the legendary boxer. But it originated from Italian and means either “rest” or “full of rocks”.

Female cats

1. Luna

From Latin, this was the name of the Roman goddess of the moon.

2. Bella

In Latin, Italian, and Spanish it means “beautiful”.

3. Charlie

This name is historically a gender-neutral one, derived from both Charles and Charlotte.

4. Lucy

Shortened from the Latin name Lucius. It translates to “light” or “light bringer”.

5. Sophie

Coming from Sophia, this Greek name means “wisdom” and “intelligence”.

6. Stella

From the Middle Ages, it comes from both the Latin and Italian word for “star”.

7. Shadow

Derived from the Old English word shadwe, which means “shade”.

8. Lily

This name comes from the Latin word lilium, for the Lily flower.

9. Lola

Short for Dolores, this Spanish name means “sorrows”. It also references the Virgin Mary (Nuestra Señora de los Dolores).

10. Ginger

This originates both from Old English gingifer and from the ancient South Indian word for “root”.

Picking a name that fits you

Not sold on any of the old hits? Never fear, we’ve got your back. The following names are divided by interest and lifestyle so you can find the theme that speaks to you.

Foodies

Basil

This is that one herb beloved by both kids and grandparents. A great name for a family pet.

Paprika

She’s spicy, she’s sweet, she’s got a kick. Maybe also loves to lick?

Truffles

This name can go either way. A pet who exemplifies luxury OR a pet whose nose is always deep in the dirt. 

Fleur de Sel

A good name for a pet who is a little salty sometimes, but still the star of the show.

Agar

Maybe you’re vegan or very into molecular gastronomy. If your pet is extra wiggly and jiggly, this could be the perfect name.

Cronut

A little flakey and not always reliable. But oh so sweet when it’s cuddle time.

Kimchi

Does your pet bring the flavor? This name is a little funky and a lot fresh.

Audiophiles

Timbre

In music, this is the quality of sound determined by its overtones. If your pet has a very distinct bark or meow, this could be a fit.

Clef

A musical symbol that tells you the pitch of that part of the music. In a way, it’s a musical guide. So good for an emotional support animal!

Tchaikovsky

The composer of The Nutcracker, among other timeless classical works. Challenge your veg to spell this one correctly every time!

Ella or Fitz

Both pay homage to Ella Fitzgerald, “The First Lady of Song”.

Jimi

After Jimi Hendrix, one of the most legendary guitar players of all time.

Formerly Known as Prince

Maybe your pet has drastic moods or loves to wear purple. It works for both.

Marley

For revolutionary and reggae star Bob Marley. A good name for a very, very chilled out pet.

Swiftie

If your pet is always on the run, this is the name for them. If you need more explanation, you’re probably not a Swiftie.

Bookworms

Cullen

Love or hate the Twilight series, this last name will live (and sparkle) forever. Perfect for a white cat with 9 lives.

Puck

The Shakespearean prankster from “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”. Good for a little troublemaker who can get away with anything.

Gatsby or Daisy

The mysterious protagonist who watches over the parties – or the woman he forever dreams about. Both characters from “The Great Gatsby” are great names for the fancy and flawed love of your life.

Aslan

The biggest cat in the Narnia world. This name originally comes from the Turkish word for “lion”. If your cat’s paws are big enough to fill these shoes, it’s a very powerful name.

Murakami

The master of magical realism, Haruki Murakami. If your pet has imaginary worlds all of their own, this could be a great name.

Zora

Pillar of the Harlem Renaissance, Zora Neale Hurston wrote “Their Eyes Were Watching God”. A strong name for a strong pet.

Wilbur

Charlotte’s Web may be a children’s book, but it stays with you for life. Wilbur was the titular spider’s best friend, so they could be a contender for man’s best friend too.

For the pet who’s smarter than you

Aristotle

The Greek philosopher who contributed to everything from math and physics to ethics and politics. This pet really knows it all, and will let you know it.

Curie

After Marie Curie, the physicist and chemist who discovered radium and worked on treating cancer. This would be an apt name for a pet who volunteers in hospitals!

Nietzche

The father of nihilism, Friedrich Nietzche. This is a great name for that pet who really won’t pay attention to anyone and rebels against everything you say.

Pythagoras

The great mathematical mind that created the Pythagorean Theorem. If your pet is inventing new equations to sneak into the food containers or open doors, you’ve got your name. 

Galileo

As the discoverer of the cosmos, this Italian scientist changed everything we know about the sky, the stars and beyond. If your pet is always staring into space, this could be the right name.

Neil

Neil deGrasse Tyson is one of the most enthusiastic scientists of our day. If your pet gets so excited about showing you things that you can’t help smiling, then maybe this is the name for them.

Ken

Ken Jennings is the longest running Jeopardy winner (and future host). He knows more random trivia than anyone else to grace the show. A great name for a smartie pet.

Celebrity pet names

Arizona

Kendall Jenner’s horse’s name. A Great Dane or Maine Coone are almost as big as a small horse, so it could work!

Meredith Grey

Taylor Swift’s cat was named after the Grey’s Anatomy character, which herself was named after the real medical textbook. If you choose this name for your pet, it would be a quadruple layered reference!

Stripes

This was the name of Olivia Rodrigo’s first pet snake. Can totally work for a dog or cat with a cool pattern, or who has an extra long tongue.

Tinkerbell

Paris Hilton’s iconic dog. She has so many small dogs at all times, but Tinkerbell was the original handbag dog.

Pippin

After Audrey Hepburn’s pet deer that she first met on the set of a film. She called him “Ip” for short. See, Pippin already comes with a built-in nickname!

Bo

Obama’s dog lived a good life in the White House. The perfect name for a Portuguese Water Dog who has presidential energy. 

Whatever pawesome name you choose for your cat or dog, Animalia pet insurance is here to help cover the cost of care. Whether you have a dog or a cat, you can grant them both a great name and the serenity of having Animalia’s top-notch coverage.