How Do I Name My Pets And Do They Like It?

In my household, pets have always been given thoughtful and meaningful names based on their personalities and unique characteristics. My current dog, a large Leonberger named Paddington, is an excellent example of how a dog's name can echo their behavior and appearance. Parentheses aside, I believe pets do recognize the names we give them, perhaps even recognizing the inflection and tone in our voice. Below, I share some insights and anecdotes about why and how I name my pets.

Paddington: A Bear of InGenious Brain

My Leonberger, Pad, is a Leonberger. Although he looks like a cuddly bear cub, he has a curious and loyal nature. I wanted to call him Beowolf, an Old Norse name meaning "Bear-Wolf," reflecting his bear-like appearance. However, my husband felt it was too pretentious, so we opted for a more bear-like name: Paddington. Much like the eponymous character from the Paddington Bear series, my dog has perfected the art of the hard stare and shows no interest in marmalade, though unlike his fictional counterpart, he loves playing with stuffed bears.

Inspiration From History: Naming By Character

When I name my pets, I often draw inspiration from historical figures known for their determination, aggression, or unique traits. For instance, my cat Jeanne d’Arc references the French war heroine known for her unwavering resolve and leadership. Julius Caesar, an aggressive figure known for expanding the Roman Empire and invading personal spaces, inspired the name of my other dog. It only seemed right to give him a name that reflected his nature.

Adopting Pets And Naming Decisions

When my pets were adopted, they were often very young, and it was necessary to give them names to differentiate them from their original companions or to celebrate their new family. The fully-grown black Lab, Biko, already had a name given from my son, Biko, a South African opponent of apartheid. This name was preserved out of respect and love. My son has a severe way of handling his dogs, and Biko adapted to their new environment, becoming a beloved family member.

In another instance, we adopted a Flat-Coat/Golden Retriever cross, named Ele, a Hawaiian word meaning “black.” This adoption came about from a litter of puppies born from a visit by two Golden Retriever sisters to a Flat-Coat Retriever. Our next adoption, an Australian Shepherd from my cousin in Texas, was dubbed Lolo, a Hawaiian term for “crazy.” This name perfectly encapsulates his energetic and curious nature. Another cousin gifted us an Aussie named Ilio, which means “puppy,” a term I found quite fitting for this larger and heavier dog with black and tan coloring. Despite his size, Ilio had the most soulful eyes, a trait that endeared him to my family.

The Uniqueness of Koa

The most recent addition to our family, a Berger-Pickard from a Humane Shelter, had previously been called “Buddy” or a similar name. We needed to find a name that better reflected this intelligent and loyal dog. The word Koa, meaning roughly “warrior” in Hawaiian, captured the essence of this dog. Not only that, but the first time I said the name, Koa’s ears perked up, and he turned to look at me. This was a sign that the name resonated with him, and it was declared: his name would be Koa. The vet placed him around three years old, and indeed, Koa has proved to be quite the protector and companion.

Each pet has a unique story, and their names are integral to their personalities. Whether it’s a stubborn cat or a loyal dog, the names we give them become part of their narrative. Perhaps, in their own way, they do like the names we give them, knowing that they are part of a world that cares for them and values their presence.