Pet Names
Once you have the basics covered - like providing a bed, food and pet insurance for your new companion - you will need to think about naming your new family member. Choosing a name for your newest pet may seem like an impossible task; there are literally thousands of pet names for dogs and names for cats to choose from!
You should try to keep the name simple and easy. This makes it easier when you are calling your pet and easier for them to learn and recognise their name when you call them. When naming your pet try to use just one or two syllables. Also if you already have other pets you should try to make each pet's name distinctive so there isn't any confusion when you use their names.
Sometimes by just observing your new pet a name will become obvious. Some people get the names from the manners and actions of the animal or by the colour and distinctive markings. One of our staff has a tabby cat with a red snout and reddish fur on her tummy. So they called her Rusty! Here are some more examples:
- Blackie / Tawny / Misty / Cocoa
- Snowball / Spot / Rusty / Tabby
- Tiger / Buttercup / Butterscotch / Sunny
- Pepper / Flash / Whiskers / Lightening
There are thousands of pet names to choose from.
The most popular pet names change from time to time depending on current fashions and where you live. Here are some of the most popular pet names that have been used in the UK:
- Alfie / Molly / Max / Barney
- Poppy / Meg / Cassie / Charlie
- Sam / Holly / Rufus / Jack
- Tigger / Oscar / Smudge / Jasper
Some popular pet names that are used frequently outside of the UK are listed below:
- Teddy / Belle / Daisy / Bella
- Ben / Buddy / Diesel / Joey
- Maggie / Max / Millie / Scooter
- Rocky / Princess / Coco / Lady
Many people like to choose a name for their dog that reflects the characteristics of the breed they are. Below you will find dog names that you might like and will fit with your dog's personality.
Labrador Retrievers are popular dogs which make excellent family pets in families with older children. They are also good hunting dogs and loyal companions. Labs usually are black, chocolate, yellow or golden in colour. Some of the names listed below are based on the colour of the dog.
- Ebony / Blackie / Cola / Cosmo
- Hershey / Midnight / Shadow / Velvet
- Biscuit / Amber / Harlow / Nugget
- Sandy / Sunshine / Honey / Vanilla
German Shepherds are great watch dogs and family dogs. They are hardy dogs who are hard working and are used for police work and for service animals.
- Admiral / Ajax / Ace / Apollo
- Bandit / Boris / Bruno / Brandy
- Duke / Gunnar / Hawk / Kilroy
- K-9 / Lugar / Major / Rex
Chihuahuas are a small dog but they can have a big dog attitude. This cute little dog is a very popular breed and they usually have more bark than bite. Some of the dog names below reflect the big dog attitude in a little package.
- Angel / Attila / Baby / Dinky
- Nipper / Shorty / Tinkerbell / Tiny
- Attila / Hulk / Boomer / Jaws
- Samson / Terminator / Titan / Goliath
Golden Retrievers are great family dogs and are loyal companions. They are naturally affectionate and are very intelligent which makes them easy to train.
- Amanda / Amaretto / Bambi / Brandy
- Candy / Cody / Cupcake / Chianti
- Delilah / Dakota / Dazzle / Dusty
- Goldie / Harlow / Moose / Wags
Rottweilers are big, strong and very loyal. Even though they are tough looking this breed has a gentle nature. They are actually pretty calm and laid back animals. Here are some pet names that reflect their personality and physical traits.
- Apollo / Arnold / Bear / Jericho
- Bruno / Lancelot / Lurch / Tank
- Goliath / Titan / Hercules / Quasimodo
- Rambo / Muscles / Harley / Zeus
Yorkshire Terriers are small, regal looking little mites. They are loyal and just adorable pets who love attention and to cuddle.
- Bambi / Minuet / Chewbacca / Bonbon
- Baby / Elf / Little One / Midge
- Nibbles / Nipper / Peaches / Peewee
- Rascal / Squeaky / Squirt / Widget
The list of possible names for your pet is endless and you can get creative as you want. Some people choose to name their pets after famous people or places. Others find names from favourite books, movies or television shows. Try not to stress about a name. The perfect name will make itself known sooner or later as you and your pet get to know one another. Pets are going to give you their undying love and loyalty no matter what you name them. Animal Friends Pet Insurance has put together one of the most comprehensive lists for pet owners around the world so now you can join the three to five thousand visitors we get per month all on these two pages. Page 2 is a list of names arranged alphabetically for you to go through at any time you like.
Don't forget that whatever your choice of name for your pet, you have certain responsibilities as a pet owner. Just one of these is to ensure that your new pet dog or cat is in good health and can be medically cared for when necessary. You should take out at least a basic pet insurance policy to help you cope with the financial burden of pet health care. There are many different types of pet insurance plan on the market: AFI ethical insurance provides a way to help animals in trouble whilst protecting your pet, as we donate all of our net profits to animal charities and welfare organisations around the globe.
A to Z
Expectant parents spend months agonising over what to call their new baby. Many of you go through the same process when you welcome a new pet into your home. So, if you don't fancy "Rover" or "Tiddles" what are you going to call the new member of your family?
Perhaps you fancy something "alternative" but if you do just make sure it sounds as good being yelled across the park as it did over a cosy pint or three!
If imagination deserts you then perhaps Animal Friends can come to your rescue. We have compiled a list of popular, funny or unusual names from our files which may help you or give you inspiration. Enjoy!
