Picking a pet name is one of the small joys of adoption. We've put together a starter list — sorted by personality, by theme, and by what we've heard most often in shelters across India. Add your favourite and tell us at hello@thewagandwhisk.com; we update this page often.
For a sweet, gentle pet
Mishti, Honey, Coco, Bunny, Mowgli, Laddoo, Peaches, Toffee, Rasgulla, Cookie, Pebble, Muffin, Pari, Snowy, Cleo.
For a brave, bold pet
Bagheera, Simba, Loki, Raja, Sherlock, Thor, Kali, Zeus, Maharani, Rocky, Tara, Apollo, Nawab, Storm, Asha.
For a playful, mischievous pet
Pikachu, Pixel, Noodle, Zara, Tofu, Pesto, Bubbles, Goofy, Marble, Whiskey, Cricket, Pickle, Mango, Fizz, Tashi.
Indie-name classics
Some of the loveliest names we've come across at Indian shelters: Moti, Kaalu, Bhaalu, Goldie, Tommy, Julie, Bruno, Sheru, Tiger, Rani, Jimmy, Lucky, Champ, Pinky, Babli.
For cats specifically
Mittens, Salem, Luna, Misha, Pearl, Nimbus, Tabby, Kaju, Saffron, Mochi, Onyx, Jasper, Iris, Echo, Aanchal.
For dogs specifically
Buddy, Maple, Rocky, Bear, Bo, Cooper, Daisy, Finn, Hazel, Ollie, Penny, Roxy, Scout, Tuck, Willow.
Inspired by food
Biscuit, Cinnamon, Pepper, Saffron, Chai, Mocha, Bhindi, Halwa, Dhokla, Gulab, Imli, Khichdi, Murabba, Paani, Reshmi.
Inspired by place
Bombay, Kolkata, Manali, Goa, Kashmir, Cherrapunji, Khajuraho, Tashkent, Banaras, Pondy, Coorg, Leh, Madras, Patiala, Daman.
Naming tips
- Keep it short — one or two syllables. "Bagheera" works because it stays distinct even when called sharply across a park.
- Avoid sound-alikes for your commands. "Kit" sounds like "sit". "Ray" sounds like "stay". Make the name and cues clearly different.
- Try it out loud for a day. If you wouldn't be comfortable shouting it across a beach in five years, change it now.
- You can rename a rescue. Pets pick up a new name in a week or two with consistent use plus a treat at every hearing.
Looking for the right pet to name?
Start with our Adopt a Pet page, or grab the Adoption Checklist before you bring them home.