What was your process for choosing your pet’s name?

Choosing a name for a new pet can be a fun and exciting process, as it gives pet owners the opportunity to showcase their creativity and personal preferences. Recently, I reached out to friends and acquaintances online to share their stories about how they decided on their pets‘ names. The responses I received were diverse and filled with heartwarming anecdotes that shed light on the thought and meaning behind each chosen name.

Alisha Ardiana from California shared the story of how she named her pet Civetta, which means ‚little owl‘ in Italian. As an Italian chef who owns a restaurant called „Ragazza,“ which translates to ‚girlfriend,‘ Alisha found the name Civetta to be fitting for her mischievous pet. Despite the slang connotation of ‚hussy,‘ Alisha’s pet embodies the playful and troublemaking nature associated with the name.

Jaxon Riley from Washington took a more unconventional approach to naming his pet by looking in the fridge for inspiration. After jokingly suggesting the name „Pickle,“ Jaxon and his family decided that it was the perfect fit for their new furry friend.

Kathleen Huggins from Washington chose the names Shadow and Skamper for her pets based on their respective behaviors. Shadow earned his name by constantly shadowing Kathleen, while Skamper’s name reflected her energetic and playful nature as she scampered around the house.

Nathalie Mosbach Smith from California opted for Star Wars-themed names for her cats and dogs, showcasing her geeky side and love for the iconic franchise. Despite any initial skepticism, Nathalie has no regrets about her choice of names for her beloved pets.

Karen Schlosberg from Massachusetts shared the heartwarming story of how she renamed her adopted cat Roo to avoid duplicating the name of her previous pet, Ruby. Drawing inspiration from the characters Kanga and Roo from Winnie the Pooh, Karen felt that Roo was a fitting and unique name for her new furry companion.

Telani Lasoleille from Tennessee infused her Hawaiian roots into naming her dogs Koa and Kalea. Koa, meaning brave or warrior, symbolized her hopes for her fearful male dog, while Kalea, meaning joy, represented her desire to provide stability and happiness to her female dog who had faced multiple adoptions and returns to the shelter.

Jennifer Grant from New Mexico shared her method of choosing pet names by going through the alphabet until she found a name that felt right. Spoon was one of the names that resonated with her, showcasing the whimsical and spontaneous nature of naming pets.

Therese Malone from Ireland recounted the heartwarming story of adopting her senior dog Kalli, whose name perfectly encapsulated her black coat and resilient spirit. Researching the meaning of „Kalli,“ Therese discovered that it symbolized „the black free (wo)man,“ reflecting Kalli’s journey from a traumatic past to a loving and cherished life with Therese.

Terry Kaye from California named her puppy Ellie Joy as a tribute to her previous pets Belle and Delta, who had brought immense joy into her life. The name Ellie honored the memory of her past pets, while Joy symbolized the happiness and light that her new furry companion brought back into her life.

Rubin Dietz-Gilpin from Washington creatively named his street dog Oscar by rearranging the letters in Costa Rica, where the dog originated from. The name Oscar also paid homage to the dog’s cheeky and resourceful nature, reminiscent of the beloved Sesame Street character Oscar the Grouch.

Tom Quinn from Washington shared his penchant for naming his cats after literary characters and queens, showcasing his love for literature and history. From naming his cats after characters from Les Misérables to adopting a tomcat named Enzo from The Godfather, Tom’s naming process reflects his diverse interests and creative flair.

Overall, the stories shared by pet owners highlight the significance of choosing a name that resonates with the pet’s personality, history, and the owner’s personal preferences. Each name carries a unique story and meaning, adding depth and character to the bond between pet and owner. As more pet guardians chime in with their stories, it becomes evident that the process of naming a pet is not just a simple task but a meaningful and heartfelt decision that reflects the love and connection shared between humans and their furry companions. Stay tuned for more captivating stories in the upcoming weeks as pet owners continue to share their experiences of naming their beloved pets.