Bruno

Bruno comes from Old High German, meaning "brown" or "armored" — from the element brun meaning the color brown, which was also associated with the brown bear. It was a name carried by German nobility and several Catholic saints, giving it a historical weight that its cheerful modern usage has largely set aside. Today Bruno suggests warmth, solidity, and a certain roguish energy.

Bruno holds the #39 spot among US pet names, with over 1,800 companions sharing it. The name experienced a significant cultural boost with the 2021 Disney film Encanto, whose breakout hit song "We Don't Talk About Bruno" made the name impossible to ignore. Before Encanto, Bruno was already a well-established choice for larger, darker-colored companions; after it, the name surged dramatically. It suits companions who are sturdy, warm-hearted, and quietly larger than life.