Balu

A variant of Baloo, the lovable bear from Rudyard Kipling's The Jungle Book, whose name derives from the Hindi word for bear — suggesting a big, warm, protective presence.

Balu carries the warmth of a bear hug in two easy syllables. It's soft and rounded, like the creature it evokes — big-hearted, gently clumsy, and absolutely reliable when the chips are down. Any large, fluffy dog seems born to wear this name, but it also works wonderfully for an oversized cat who has essentially become furniture. The Jungle Book connection gives it a whimsical, storybook quality that makes it feel both classic and joyful. Balu's person is probably someone who values loyalty above almost everything else.