Taylor Swift-Inspired Pet Names (From Every Era)

Unless you’ve been hiding under a rock, you’ll know by now that Taylor Swift released her latest studio album, The Life of a Showgirl, on Friday 3 October. The superstar, who graced Time magazine’s 2023 Person of the Year cover with her beloved cat, is giving fans another era to obsess over. And if there’s one thing we can count on, it’s that Swifties globally will be dissecting every lyric, Easter egg and hidden details faster that you can say, “It’s me, hi, I’m the problem it’s me.”

As most Swifties will know, Taylor is not only the queen of pop, she’s a master of pet-naming prowess. From films to top TV shows, she’s all about giving her four-legged family members names that hit the high notes of pop culture. So take a leaf out of her book and choose from Taylor Swift-inspired cat and dog names for your new pet. 

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Taylor doesn’t mess around when it comes to her cats; Olivia Benson (named after Law and Order: SVU detective played by Mariska Hartigay), Meredith Grey (after Ellen Pompeo’s Grey’s Anatomy lead) and Benjamin Button (named after the title character in F Scott Fitzgerald’s novel, and the star of Swift’s Time Person of the Year cover) are such a huge part of her life that the superstar even released a line of merchandise dedicated to them back in 2018. But dog lovers don’t despair, there are plenty of Taylor Swift-inspired pet names for you, too. 

Whether you’re teaching your pup to Speak Now or hoping they don’t ‘Shake It Off’ after rolling in mud, you can still get involved. So, buckle up, because we’re about to unleash the ultimate guide to the best pet names (Taylor’s Version, of course).

Taylor Swift-inspired cat names

Karma

Make like Mariska Hartigay (who returned the gesture of Taylor naming her cat after the actor’s Law and Order: SVU character) and pick the song ‘Karma’ for your kitty. After all, “Karma is a cat”.

Diamond

Let’s be honest. Only a cat could really be named Diamond. They have just the right level of demure sass that warrants the sparkling name from ‘Bejeweled’.

Midnight

Going for the obvious here, but obvious doesn’t have to be boring. And you don’t have to have a black cat to name them Midnight, either. Channel Taylor and throw non-fans off with your very own Easter egg, and name your kitty after the album, instead. 

Achilles

A dignified name such as Achilles is appropriate only for the most distinguished of cats: Lord Achilles Meowington III. Who am I kidding? All cats are distinguished. And all could borrow the name from ‘State of Grace’ on Red. 

Gatsby

Another dignified name for the Lord or Lady of the house. If you feel like your cat is forever in their Reputation era, Gatsby is the one for you. (Let’s just hope they don’t go “rattling the chandelier” anytime soon). 

Pirate

We all know how Fearless cats can be at the best of times, so give your cat a lawless name from both Taylor’s second studio album and folklore. Eye patch optional. 

Saturn

Because they’re… wait for it… outta this world (sorry not sorry). Also from the folklore song ‘seven’. Either way, it’s a pretty cool moniker for cats and you’ll love them “to the moon and to Saturn” anyway. 

Kaleidoscope

For a cat with a vibrant and ever-changing personality (just like Taylor and her Eras), who also makes you feel a bit dizzy with their climbing. Plus, how cute is the nickname Kali?

Champagne

Just in case any cats have learnt to read, this is the third time I’m saying this: cats deserve the best. And a dignified name such as Champagne is only appropriate for the most distinguished of pets. Just hope they don’t cause you any “problems”.

Tennessee

Make like David and Victoria Beckham and name your ‘fur babies’ after a place that means something to you. Ie, the state to which Taylor moved when she was 14 to kick-start her career. Oh, and also her self-reference in ‘London Boy’: “like a Tennessee Stella McCartney on the Heath”. (Nicknames include: Nessy and Cc). 

Archer

Short, sweet and from the Lover album, this name works brilliantly for a cat with impeccable aim when it comes to knocking things off tables.

Marjorie

Named after Taylor’s grandmother and the evermore track, this sweet vintage name is perfect for a wise old soul of a cat who seems to understand everything you say. Bonus points if they have a particularly knowing stare.

Cassandra

For the cat who always seems to know what’s coming next – whether it’s the postman or dinner arriving a minute late. This The Tortured Poet’s Department reference is ideal of your prophetic feline who nobody ever believes (even if they’re always right).

Ophelia

Borrowed from ‘The Fate of Ophelia’, the opening track on The Life of a Showgirl, this dramatic and literary name is perfect for the cat who lives life like it’s a Shakespearean tragedy. Ideal for your theatrical feline who always makes an entrance (and probably knocks something over in the process).

Taylor Swift-inspired dog names

Cowboy

Yee-haw Swifties. Hopefully your pup won’t be a “bandit like me”, but they can certainly have a unique name with a reference to the evermore song ‘cowboy like me’.

Willow 

If you’re an evermore or folklore fan, the name ‘Willow’ will be right up your street. Ideal for a pup with a graceful and elegant demeanour (see also: Ivy). 

Lucky 

Lucky might already be a popular name for dogs, but that doesn't mean there isn’t a double meaning for the Swiftie pup parents out there. After all, you’ll be ‘The Lucky One’ to have your pupper, and they’ll be lucky to be named after such a hit from Red. 

Lightning 

We’ve all seen the “fast AF boi” sound and videos being stitched with speedy pups with the zoomies on social media, so why not name your dog after their favourite speed mode and Taylor Swift’s dance moves: “I’m lightning on my feet”.

Champagne

But you just said that champagne is only for dignified kitties? Yes, I know, I did. However, hear me out. Pups deserve some sparkle, too, and the kicker for me is the nickname: Champ. 

Bolter

‘The Bolter’, from the extended The Tortured Poets Department, is pretty apt for any speedy pups, especially when they have the zoomies. Hopefully they won’t be doing any “escaping”, when they’re “off to the races”.

Clyde

There’s something about giving a dog a human name that just brings me joy. Sure there is the reference to the original American bandit Clyde Chestnut “Champion” Barrow, but for Swifties there’s the double meaning of being mentioned in ‘Getaway Car’. Double trouble in the house? Bring Bonnie into the mix, too. 

Apollo

Now this is a niche name; I’ve even impressed myself here. Apollo was largely recognised as the Greek god of archery as well as god of the sun, light, music and prophecy, in reference to the Lover hit ‘The Archer’.

Romeo

For your one true Lover. Only OG fans will remember the hold ‘Love Story’ had on a millennial teenager. Bring back the nostalgia and name your pup after the Shakespearean character (and star of one of the best love songs, imho). 

Rebel 

Has your pup destroyed toys or furniture yet? Perhaps they’ve earnt themselves the Rebel moniker. From the Speak Now hit ‘Mine’, the name also has a very sweet lyric reference: “you are the best thing that’s ever been mine” (cue: tears).

August

For the pup who brings that warm, nostalgic feeling every single day. This folklore track name is both melancholic and sweet – just like those puppy dog eyes. Plus, how cute is the nickname ‘Auggie’?

Dorothea

Another folklore gem that works beautifully as a vintage-style dog name. Perfect for the pup who’s got that old-fashioned charm and makes you feel like you’re in a different era. Nicknames could include Dottie or Thea.

Betty

The folklore love triangle wouldn’t be complete without mentioning Betty. This sweet, timeless and undeniably charming name is perfect for the good girl who’s always forgiven, even when they’ve been digging in the garden again.

Honey

From track 11 on The Life of a Showgirl, this adorable name is perfect for a sweet-natured pup who makes everything feel a bit warmer and brighter. Ideal for the dog who’s always happy to see you and has that sunny disposition that melts everyone’s heart.