Articles
Scout on pet names, naming science, and the art of getting it right.
Scout has strong opinions about pet names. He has named thousands of animals and observed what works, what doesn't, and why certain names stick while others fade. Here's everything he knows -- from the psychology behind the names we choose to the practical tests that tell you if a name will actually survive contact with real life.
The Psychology of Pet Names: Why the Name You Choose Says More About You Than Your Pet
Research shows pet names reflect owner personality, lifestyle, and sense of humor. Here's what yours says about you.
How to Test a Pet Name Before You Commit
The yell test, the nickname test, and other practical ways to know if a name will actually work in real life.
The Most Popular Pet Names of 2025 -- and Why You Might Want to Avoid Them
Popularity has a downside at the dog park. How to find the sweet spot between familiar and original.
Dog Names vs. Cat Names: Why the Same Name Feels Completely Different on Each
The fascinating cultural and behavioral reasons we name dogs and cats so differently.
How Your Pet's Personality Should Drive Their Name -- Not Their Looks
Why naming a dog "Snowball" because it's white is the last thing you should do.
The Best Pet Names from Mythology, History, and Literature (And How to Pick One That Fits)
A guided tour of the richest naming traditions for pets with gravitas.
Small Pet, Big Name: Why Tiny Animals Deserve Impressive Names
The irresistible case for naming a hamster something like Wellington or Duchess.
How to Name a Pet When the Whole Family Can't Agree
A practical conflict resolution guide for households where everyone has a completely different idea.
What Vets, Trainers, and Groomers Wish You Knew Before Naming Your Pet
The practical considerations most owners never think about -- short names, hard consonants, avoiding commands.
The Art of the Pet Nickname: How Every Pet Ends Up With Five Names Anyway
Why the formal name matters even though you'll never actually use it.