Great Names for Dogs or Cats From Shakespeare, Myths, and Other Sources

Author:: L C David

I am an English teacher who teaches at a state university. I also teach classes online.

If your dog is high energy, consider that when picking a name.
Aaandy [Public domain] via Wikimedia Commons

Do You Have a New Pet?

Getting a new pet is so exciting. There is a lot that you need to do to prepare to bring a new pet into your home—and choosing a great name for your new pet is one of the most fun parts.

Some pets may already have a name that was given to them by the rescue group, humane society, or breeder. However, if you're not crazy about the name or want to personalize it, that's okay. Most pets, even adult pets, will adjust to a new name within a few weeks.

Here are some tips for choosing a name for your dog or cat.

Consider Mythology

If you are looking to move beyond the usual pet names such as Spot or Tiger, and you truly want to pick something unique, consider looking at the names in mythology.

You can match a personality with a name from Greek, Roman, or Norse mythology. Think about the characteristics of your specific pet, as well as the characteristics of your pet's breed, when you are looking for that perfect name.

Pet Names Inspired by Norse Mythology

Name	Who They Were	Pet Characteristics to Go With Name
Loki	Trickster god	Pet that is playful or sneaky
Odin	God of battle and poetry	A Large muscular pet or one that is beautiful, like a poem
Saga	Goddess of poetry and runes and drinking buddy of Odin	A beautiful pet or one that came to you when they were older
Vor	Goddess of knowledge	Great for a particularly smart pet
Thor	God of sky, thunder and fertility	Great for a large pet or one who is loud
Vali	Son of Loki, known for turning into a wolf	Great for large dogs with wolf characteristics
Modgud	Guardian of the bridge	Great for an animal that loves water or one that is a great protector

Loki might be a good name for a black cat.
Jon Sullivan [Public domain]

Pet Names Inspired by Greek and Roman Mythology

Greek Name	Roman Name	Who They Were	Pet Characteristics to Go With Name
Zeus	Jupiter	Supreme god of all others	Great for a commanding pet or one that is naturally a leader
Poseidon	Neptune	God of the sea	Use for a pet that loves water
Artemis	Diana	Goddess of the hunt	Great for a hunting dog or a cat that loves to prowl around
Athena	Minerva	Goddess of wisdom	Consider for an exceptionally intelligent pet
Hades	Pluto	God of the underworld	Best for an all black pet or one that is mischevious
Eros	Cupid	God of love (son of goddess of love)	Good for a very affectionate pet
Hestia	Vesta	Goddess of hearth and home	Good for a pet that is calm and loves to snuggle on the couch

Shakespeare can be another great source for fun cat or dog names.
Martin Droeshout [Public domain]

Shakespeare: Another Great Source for Unique Pet Names

What's in a name?

We owe so much of our language, including many everyday expressions, to William Shakespeare. Many of his characters had unique habits, talents, and problems—and many of those same characters would also make great names for pets.

Here are some names to consider from the world of Shakespeare when you are choosing a name for your pet.

Shakespeare Names for Pets

Name	Characteristics	What kind of pet might fit the name
Ajax	Leader of the Greeks, sometimes makes dumb choices	A pet that's a bit clumsy but friendly
Amiens	Follower	A pet that follows others around
Benvolio	Friend of Romeo	Consider for a pet that is great friend, very friendly
Banquo	Ghost in Macbeth	Great for an all white pet
Camillo	Loyal companion	A breen that is loyal to its owner.
Dogberry	A clown	For a pet that's always making you laugh
Duncan	King	Good for a regal pet
Jachimo	Villian	Great for a sneaky pet
Lafew	A Lord	Great for a pet that thinks he's a king
Leonine	She is ordered to kill but captured by pirates	Could be used for a pet that appears mean but is actually sweet.
Marina	Virtuous woman	For a very sweet female pet
Pompey	A clown	Great for a funny pet
Quintus	Defies his father	Good for a stubborn pet
Somerset	A follower	Good for a pet that likes everyone
Stafford	Doesn't speak	Consider for a quieter pet
Talbot	Brave warrior	Would be good for a bold pet
Tybalt	Quick tempered	Possible for a pet that's grouchy or short tempered
Viola	Woman who disguises herself as a man	Good for a female pet that everyone thinks is a boy

Other Sources for Interesting Pet Names

A pet's name should reflect your personality and theirs.

Consider these ideas to help generate a great name for your pet:

Foreign countries
Favorite foods
Favorite books or characters
Hobbies
Sports and sports figures
TV shows
Movies

While there is nothing wrong with an ordinary name that is used often, if you are trying to avoid the most commonly used pet names then consider staying away from the following:

Max, Spot, Buddy, Bear, Ginger, Daisy, Tiger, Sammy, Roxie, Sasha, Pepper, Blackie, Brownie, Moose, Scout, Rosco, Lexi

How to Teach a Dog or Cat Its Name

Once you have picked that great new name for your pet, it's time to get them used to it.

Use the name consistently and clearly.
Associate their name with praise. When they respond to their name, pet them and give them a treat.

When you do these things, they will begin to associate their name with themselves. Even cats can learn and respond to their names.

Final Thoughts

Naming a pet can be fun—but it's also an important decision. Remember that you and your pet may have to live with that name for 15 years or more.

Be open to new names and pick something unique. It can be a great conversation starter when someone asks you why you chose a particular name for your pet. Most of all, pick a name that reflects who they are and how they enhance your life and your family.