With so many dog and cat names to pick from, how can you choose the perfect one for your new puppy, kitten or adult rescue cat
or dog?
After all, your animal will have to respond to this title for the next decade
or so. And just because you like the name Rainbow Sparkle Cotton Candy, remember you may get some strange looks when calling your pooch at the dog park.
To help you pick the ideal name for your new family
member, we’ve come up with a list of naming do’s and don’ts. Just remember: Your
pet doesn’t really care what you call him, as long as you love him and give him the veterinary care he needs.
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Do Find Inspiration in Your Favorite Celebrities, Books, Food, Etc.
As with human baby names, pet names are often inspired by
pop culture. Can’t stop listening to that Sia song that’s always on the radio? Sia
would be a great name for a dog or cat. Are you fan of Cubist artwork? Can’t go wrong with Pawcasso. We have a feeling Star Wars names are going to be big this year and wouldn’t be surprised if the new Harry Potter play inspires more Harrys, Hermiones and Rons. As long
as the name is positive and you’re happy with it, anything goes!
Do Choose a Name That’s Easy to Say
One- or two-syllable names that end with “a” or “e” sounds usually roll off the tongue. Think Stella, Zoe, Buddy, Lucy and Rocky.
If you want to go for a longer name, consider using a nickname. For instance, Tomeranian is a
cute play on the word “Pomeranian,” but you may want to call him Tommy for
short.
Don’t Pick a Name That Rhymes With “No”
You don’t want your dog or cat to think he’s in trouble every time
you say his name. Bo, Joe and Coco are trendy monikers, but as Dr. Marty Becker
explains, a pet could hear those names as “no” and form a negative association
with his own name.
Don’t Choose a Name That Comes With Negative Associations
Speaking of forming negative associations, names like Trouble and Killer might sound great to you, but other people may assume that your pet must be truly difficult or dangerous to get a name like that. In other words, a negative name
may lead to negative reactions from people, which could have a negative effect on your dog or cat. So don’t risk it; pick a positive, happy name.
Do Consider the Trends and Popularity of Names
Some people like pet names that are popular and trendy, some
want to pick one that’s truly unique and others may want to pick a name that
used to be popular, but isn’t anymore. If you don’t mind running into three
different Bellas at the dog park, go for one of these popular puppy or kitten names. If you
like to keep it classic, by all means name him Rusty, Shadow, Rascal or one of these
monikers that used to be trendy for dogs and cats. It’s really your preference.
Do Find Inspiration in Your Favorite Celebrities, Books, Food, Etc.
As with human baby names, pet names are often inspired by
pop culture. Can’t stop listening to that Sia song that’s always on the radio? Sia
would be a great name for a dog or cat. Are you fan of Cubist artwork? Can’t go wrong with Pawcasso. We have a feeling Star Wars names are going to be big this year and wouldn’t be surprised if the new Harry Potter play inspires more Harrys, Hermiones and Rons. As long
as the name is positive and you’re happy with it, anything goes!
Do Choose a Name That’s Easy to Say
One- or two-syllable names that end with “a” or “e” sounds usually roll off the tongue. Think Stella, Zoe, Buddy, Lucy and Rocky.
If you want to go for a longer name, consider using a nickname. For instance, Tomeranian is a
cute play on the word “Pomeranian,” but you may want to call him Tommy for
short.
