Pet Names

It doesn't matter what type of pet you have, you are eventually going to need to name it. Naming anything can be overwhelming for just about anyone, and when you add to this mix the fact that you naming a living creature, well it is readily understandable that a person can quickly become daunted. Instead of resorting to the common standby of calling your dog "Spot" or "Rover" why not go for some originality?

The prospect of originality, when it comes to names, fills many people with dread. Well, never fear, since all that is needed is to use these simple guidelines and you are going to be able to have the perfect name for your companion, and don't be surprised if you end up calling your pet iguana "Fluffy." If the name fits, go with it.

• Personality. The very first step in coming up with a name for your pet is to assess it's personality. This is not a process that is over and done with quickly, but in fact it can be a process that can take several days. Carefully observe your pet's interaction with the world around it, and use that information as a key. If your cat acts like a king or queen, then you might want to begin looking for some royal names.
• Looks. As with anything, looks does play a role. This does not mean simply the color of your bird's feathers, or your ferret's fur. Everyone (and this includes pets) tend to look like a particular name, or group of names. While you are observing the animal's personality jot down a few names as to what he or she looks like.
• Popularity. Unless you want to be simply one of the crowd, do not go with the popular pet names. Instead look at what the most popular people names are and try one of them. In fact, I would suggest that you look at baby name books, and websites, to help you determine the new name for your pet. You might find a name that you like, as well as learn what it might mean. Popularity doesn't always equal a bad thing. It just depends on how you use it.
• Trial and error. Don't be afraid to take several days to determine your pet's name. In fact, what you are probably going to want to do is go through a "trial" stage. Just like you would try on clothes, don't be afraid to try on names. One of my favorite ways to name a dog is to use the above named methods, and then to randomly (over the space of a few days) try several of the names that I came up with. If the dog answers to a particular one, well then that's his name. This method may work just as well with other animals as well.