Easy Ways to Come Up With a Pet’s Name

Image by Schweerchichi via Flickr

I know that sometimes it can be a daunting task to come up with a name for your newest pet.  My wife has compiled a list of around 800 unique names for Chihuahuas, or other pets for that mater.  I have put them into a data base, set not to allow duplicates.  At the bottom of this post, you will find a link to this list in MS Word format. It is a free download, and I welcome you to use it.  If you find it useful, or have suggestions to add to the list please let me know.  I will have  a link in the side bar at some time in the near future.  I will also add a link to a list of names on Famous Chihuahua at the bottom of this post.

We have owned a number of different pets over the years.  Each species and breed seems to require a different naming style.  Since we started breeding the Chihuahuas, we have developed a few methods for deciding on a name for our dogs.

One of the most useful, is to think of songs that you listen to and love.  The characters in the songs many times have names that mean something special to you.  Perhaps you have a favorite book that brings you certain joy every time you read it.  Who are the characters that peak your interest or passion in those novels.  How about that place you would love to visit, weather it be another country, or simply a favored vacation spot.  There are locations, monuments, or buildings in those areas that have names that could be inspirational to you.

One of the best ways to come up with a name though, is simply to  watch your pet.  Figure out what their personality and habits are.  You may very well find your Chihuahua, or other pet, naming itself.  Many of our dogs have been named this way. For instance Peanut got his name simply because he looked like a peanut when he was a baby.  You may give you dog a name, and then as it grows and develops interesting and unique traits, give it a nickname reflecting those traits.  You’ll probably find yourself calling your dog by the nickname more than by their real name.  Tia Marie very quickly became known as Little Diva because of her posing and posturing. 

Of course you can always ask friends and family for help.  There is always someone willing to give suggestions for a name.  Annie Mae was named after Blinda’s Mother.  We got Annie shortly after Blinda’s Mother’s death, and she wanted to pay tribute to her.

You can also check the Internet, there are all kinds of forums and clubs dedicated to pets or even specific breeds.  I have been involved with a Chihuahua club on both Yahoo and Ebay.  Requests for help on naming a new dog was common to say the least.  Perhaps you are in a social network site like MySpace, FaceBook, Or Plurk.  Your friends there will be more than willing to help with the naming of your new family member.

I found a list of names on Famous Chihuahua, that is quite large, and may be of some help. I have embedded our list below where you can review or download it for free. In any event, don’t let naming you pet cause any undue stress, for you’ll find it easier than you think.

Names - Upload a Document to Scribd

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