Word History: Pet Name Origins

The etymology behind 12 popular pet names.

Luna
Luna comes from the Latin word Lūna, meaning the moon. The term lunatic also stems from this root, as it was believed in the Middle Ages that the moon influenced insanity.

Milo
Many people associate the names Milo and Miles with the Latin word mīles, meaning soldier, but they are more likely derived from the Slavic word mil, meaning dear or kind.

Bella
The accepted etymology of Bella is that it originates as a diminutive of Elizabeth (Elizabeth > Isabel > Bella), meaning "God is my oath". However, because it is also a homonym for the Italian word meaning beauty many interpret the name as carrying that meaning as well.

Lola
A sad etymology for this name Lola derives from the name Dolores which in turn is from a Latin word dolor meaning pain and sorrow. That root gives us the word doleful.

Coco
There are various meanings attached to the name Coco. It was undoubtedly popularised by the fashion designer, however it would have been used earlier as a nickname for those with names like Cora or Coleen.

Simba
The Lion King is to thank for this name. Simba is the Swahili word for lion.

Charlie
Charlie goes back to an old Germanic word karl, simply meaning man, with a connotation of a person of low standing, evident by the name's relation to the word churlish.

Teddy
Teddy is a short form of both Theodore and Edward. Theodore has Ancient Greek roots meaning god's gift, and Edward combines Old English words meaning wealthy and guardian.

Buddy
Informally stolen goods might be referred to as booty. In the middle ages, someone you shared your spoils with was a booty-fellow. An explanation for how buddy came to mean a friend is from that term evolving over time, later popularising into a name.

Jasper
Along with the name Casper, Jasper derives from the biblical name gizbār meaning treasurer.

Loki
Loki derives from the name of a Norse god. The etymology is disputed but the most credible origin is from an old Germanic word meaning to bend or curl. It is from that root that we refer to hair as locks.

Max
Max can be traced right back to the Latin maximus meaning the greatest.

Listen to the Word History podcast Episode 19: Pets.