Cashew

Cashew refers to the kidney-shaped nut from the cashew tree, Anacardium occidentale, originally from northeastern Brazil. The name comes from the Portuguese caju, derived from the Tupi acaju meaning nut that produces itself. As a pet name, it's a food name with a distinctive shape association — perfect for a small, curved, warm-toned animal.

Cashew is one of the best food-based pet names out there, partly because cashews have such a distinctive shape — curved, compact, perfectly formed — and partly because the word itself just sounds affectionate. It suits small, tan or beige-colored pets naturally. Hamsters, small dogs with a caramel coat, cats with a warm ginger tone — they all make excellent Cashews. The name is also completely inoffensive, highly memorable, and will absolutely make your vet smile every time they call it in the waiting room.