King

King comes from Old English cyning, meaning ruler or monarch — the supreme leader of a people. As a name rather than a title, it declares something about how the bearer is perceived: as the highest-ranking presence in the room, deserving of the best everything. For a companion, it is a name of genuine affection dressed in the language of authority.

King holds the #61 spot among US pet names, with over 1,400 companions sharing it. The name carries a particular appeal for larger, powerful animals — those whose bearing seems to justify the royal title. But King is also given affectionately to companions of any size whose owners find them simply outstanding. It is direct, uncomplicated, and impossible to misinterpret. The name says: this companion is exceptional, and I want everyone to know it.