You found the perfect pet, but now you’re probably wondering what to name them.
We’ve heard a lot of dog and cat names, but how do you know which name is right for your pet?
Here are some tips to get you started.
Finding Inspiration
If your preference is something wacky like the names below, you might have to think outside the box.
Take these pet names from Nationwide Insurance’s 2018 Wacky Pet Name Competition for instance:
- Franklin Woofsevelt (dog)
- Sir Lix A Lot (dog)
- Vladimir Poochin (dog)
- Bobcat the Builder (cat)
- Edward Scissorpaws (cat)
- Pablo Purrcasso (cat)
We’re sure you can see where these unique names came from: artists, presidents, and tv characters etc.
Please know that while these are creative names, a simple name will do just fine.
Tips for Simpler Names
You can find inspiration for a simpler name using your pet’s personality, character, breed, behavior, appearance, or even consider other animal or human names as ideas.
For example, if your cat is a blackish-gray color, you might consider using the name “Smokey.” If your dog likes to hide in dark or dusty places, you could name them “Chimney.”
Just make sure when choosing a name based on these ideas, you keep these things in mind:
- Shorter names that start with hard consonants are better, especially for dogs because it’s easier for them to recognize 1 or 2 syllable words/names.
- Don’t use a name you’re not comfortable saying in public.
- Avoid names that sound like commands. This can confuse your dog. Anything that sounds similar to “no,” “stop,” “sit,” “stay,” “wait,” and other commands should be avoided. For example, the name “Ray” is too close to the command “stay.”
- Don’t give your pet, preferably dogs, the same name as someone who lives in your home to avoid confusion as to whose name you’re calling.
Still don’t have a name picked out?
Don’t stress about picking a name right away. Take time to get to know your pet.
The right name is sure to come!