A Fun Chinese Guide for Naming Cats, Dogs, Birds, and More!

Q: Can I use human names for my pets in Chinese?

Yes, many people do! Names like [speak 小明] (Xiǎo Míng) or [speak 丽丽] (Lì Lì) can be playful for pets, especially if you want to give them a "human-like" personality.

Q: What’s a good Chinese name for a big dog?

Names like [speak 大壮] (Dà Zhuàng) meaning "Big and Strong" or [speak 虎子] (Hǔ Zǐ) meaning "Tiger" are great names for large, muscular dogs.

Q: Are there traditional Chinese pet names?

Yes, traditional names like [speak 旺财] (Wàng Cái ) are still popular, especially for dogs. It means the cute buddy could bring great prosperity or fortune to the family.

40+ Pet Names in Chinese!

In Chinese culture, pet names often reflect the pet’s personality, appearance, or even the owner’s best wishes for their pet’s life.

And there are fun ones you should know that only Chinese people will call their pet.

In this blog, we’ll explore some fun and meaningful pet names for different species so you don’t run out of ideas for your furry or scaly mates!

Chinese Pet Names || For Cats
Chinese Pet Names || For Dogs
Chinese Pet Names || For Birds
Chinese Pet Names || For Rodents
Chinese Pet Names || For Snakes
Chinese Pet Names || For Other Pets

PLAY

A name that starts with little 小 (xiǎo) or has repetitive characters sounds charming, and these are common for our cute buddies.

Chinese people love to name their pets in this way to show their affection for their beloved companion.

Or they will borrow words with metaphorical meanings as a wish for their pet’s wellbeing.

Now, let’s dive into some examples of different species.

Chinese Pet Names || For Cats

When giving your furry friend a Chinese name, why not have some fun with it?

Cats are the cutest, aren’t they? Unlike dogs, they can be sassy and independent sometimes.

We need some special pet names to match their vibe.

^{Xiǎo Hǔ}

小虎

_{Little Tiger}

Perfect for a feisty, brave cat with a lot of energy.

^{Mī Mī}

咪咪

_{Meow Meow}

A cute, classic sound-based name for cats.

^Xuě’ér

雪儿

_Snowy

Ideal for a fluffy white or soft-colored cat. Just like a snowball.

^{Bǎo Bèi}

宝贝

_Precious

A classic name for your cherished and affectionate companion.

^{Hēi Zǐ}

黑子

_Blackie

Great for a black-furred cat, simple yet adorable. It sounds down-to-earth as well.

^{Dà Wáng}

大王

_King

If your cat rules the house like royalty, this name suits them perfectly.

^{Líng Māo}

灵猫

_{Spirit Cat}

It is a mystical and ethereal name for a cat who likes to play hide and seek with you.

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Chinese Pet Names || For Dogs

Dogs are our most loyal friends and companions in life. They deserve an awesome name.

Whether they’re a big old goofball or a total hero, a Chinese name full of their personality will make them stand out in the park.

Or if you’re living in China already and are getting a dog there, a Mandarin name will help them blend into the crowd!

Ready to pick the perfect one for your dog?

^{Wàng Cái}

旺财

_Prosperity

A name that brings luck. It’s a down-to-earth name often used for an easygoing local breed.

^{Xiǎo Xióng}

小熊

_{Little Bear}

Perfect for a fluffy, playful dog.

^{Ā Fú}

阿福

_Lucky

A traditional Chinese name symbolizing good fortune. Perfect if your buddy has those puppy eyes you can’t resist.

^{Dà Zhuàng}

大壮

_{Big and Strong}

A name suited for a fierce bulldog or lab. It shows off their lean muscle.

^{Máo Máo}

毛毛

_Fluffy

Ideal for a dog with a lot of fur. It’s a playful and affectionate name perfect for the fluffy goofball.

^{Guāi Guāi}

乖乖

_Well-behaved

This is the cutest name for the dog that’s always listening and following commands.

^{Xiǎo Láng}

小狼

_{Little Wolf}

Great for a dog with the spirit of a wolf and can’t stop howling when you’re away.

Chinese Pet Names || For Birds

Bird lovers! Birds might not be as cuddly as dogs or cats, but they have a unique character.

If your bird friend has a colorful personality or is more of a strong silent type, we have a name for your friend.

^{Cǎi Hóng}

彩虹

_Rainbow

A colorful name for a parrot or bird with bright feathers, just like the colorful rainbow.

^{Fēi Fēi}

飞飞

_{Fly Fly}

Simple and fun. It’s classic for an energetic bird that loves to soar.

^{Míng Míng}

鸣鸣

_{Chirp Chirp}

Great for birds known for their beautiful singing.

^{Ā Huáng}

阿黄

_{Little Yellow}

For yellow birds, this cute name is widely used in China. Adding a prefix 阿 (Ā) adds a lot of intimacy with your birdie friend.

^{Tiān Shǐ}

天使

_Angel

It is a heavenly name, perfect for a pure white or graceful bird.

^Fēng’ér

风儿

_Wind

Sounds so spiritual! Perfect for a bird that moves swiftly and gracefully through the air.

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Chinese Pet Names || For Rodents

Oh those cute fluffy hamsters, guinea pigs, chinchillas, and capybaras! They deserve a name that lives up to their overload cuteness!

Chinese names for rodents can be super cute and quirky, just like their tiny furballs. Let’s pick one that makes them like a big star.

^{Xiǎo Dòu}

小豆

_{Little Bean}

A tiny, cute name, perfect for a hamster or small guinea pig.

^{Bèng Bèng}

蹦蹦

_Bouncy

Great for energetic little hamsters or chinchilas that are always on the move.

^{Máo Qiú}

毛球

_Furball

It is a fluffy name for a guinea pig or a rodent with soft fur.

^{Shǎn Diàn}

闪电

_Lightning

If your pets love to zip around their cages, this is a perfect one.

^{Pí Pí}

皮皮

_Mischievous

A cute way to call your buddy that is always up to some playful antics.

^{Xiǎo Mántóu}

小馒头

_{Little Bun}

A cute, food-inspired name for round and cuddly rodents.

^{Xiǎo Bǎo}

小宝

_{Little Treasure}

This affectionate name is perfect for pets that feel like your precious little gem, showing how much they mean to you!

Chinese Pet Names || For Snakes

Snakes, lizards, and other reptiles might not be everyone’s first pick for a pet. But when they are, it’s definitely cool. They are sleek, mysterious, and may be misunderstood sometimes.

So why not give them a fierce one that matches their reptilian buddy vibe?

^{Xiǎo Qīng}

小青

_{Little Green}

It comes from the classic literature “The Legend of the White Snake” 白蛇传 (Bái Shé Zhuàn). Perfect for a green snake, inspired by legends of the green snake spirits which is upbeat and rejuvenating.

^{Cháng Shēng}

长生

_Longevity

Reflecting the long life of snakes, this name has its great wishes and is a traditionally beloved name.

^{Yù Lóng}

玉龙

_{Jade Dragon}

For a snake with beautiful, jade-like skin, it’s such a cool name.

^{Líng Shé}

灵蛇

_{Spirit Snake}

A mystical name that reflects the serpent’s connection to ancient lore.

^{Hēi Yǐng}

黑影

_{Black Shadow}

Wow, how mysterious does it sound? Perfect for a dark-colored snake that looks mysterious and elegant.

Chinese Pet Names || For Other Pets

Not everyone has a traditional pet! Here are some fun name ideas for turtles, lizards, or even fish.

^{Màn Màn}

慢慢

_Slowpoke

It’s such a cute and endearing way to call your slow-moving turtle or tortoise.

^{Lóng Lóng}

龙龙

_{Little Dragon}

Perfect for a pet lizard, referencing their dragon-like appearance.

^{Shuǐ Jīng}

水晶

_Crystal

It is a beautiful name for a fish, showing off their shiny, glassy appearance in water.

^{Xiǎo Měi}

小美

_{Little Beauty}

Just another classic name to call your sweet, graceful fish.

^{Tiào Tiào}

跳跳

_Jumper

A playful name for frogs or pets that are always on the move.

^{Bǎo Shí}

宝石

_Gemstone

This is perfect for a pet with striking colors, such as a brightly colored fish or lizard.

^{Dòu Dòu}

豆豆

_Bean

A cute and playful name that works for small pets like hamsters, birds, or even a tiny dog or cat.

Now, you should have some ideas in your head. You can even mix and match till you find the name that matches your dearest buddy’s vibe. Be creative!

Does your pet have a Chinese name? Share it with us in the comments!

Chinese Pet Names || FAQs

Can I use human names for my pets in Chinese?

Yes, many people do! Names like 小明 (Xiǎo Míng) or 丽丽 (Lì Lì) can be playful for pets, especially if you want to give them a “human-like” personality.

What’s a good Chinese name for a big dog?

Names like 大壮 (Dà Zhuàng) meaning “Big and Strong” or 虎子 (Hǔ Zǐ) meaning “Tiger” are great names for large, muscular dogs.

Should I choose a name based on my pet’s personality?

Absolutely! Observe your pet’s habits and characters. If your cat is mischievous, names like 小淘气 (Xiǎo Táo Qì) meaning “Little Rascal” could be perfect.

Are there traditional Chinese pet names?

Yes, traditional names like 旺财 (Wàng Cái) are still popular, especially for dogs. It means the cute buddy could bring great prosperity or fortune to the family.

Are there any cultural considerations to keep in mind when naming a pet in Chinese?

Yes. You should avoid negative words with unlucky meanings like the number four四(sì) because it sounds like the word for death 死(sǐ). You can use more words like 福 (fú), meaning “blessing,” or 旺 (wàng), meaning “prosperous.”

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