Lilo

A distinctive pick — fewer than 345 pets share this name.

More girlsspiritedaffectionate
#350

Meaning & Story

Lilo gained wide recognition through the 2002 Disney animated film Lilo and Stitch, where the Hawaiian girl protagonist bears a name that reflects the film's Hawaiian setting. In the context of the film, the name suggests the Hawaiian word lilo, meaning "lost" — though the character's story is ultimately one of belonging and family. The name has a lilting, musical quality that has made it a popular choice for pets, especially after the film's enduring popularity.

Lilo is a name with an undeniable sweetness and a touch of the unconventional — perfect for a companion with a big heart and a slightly different way of seeing the world. It carries the warm, sun-drenched spirit of Hawaii and the wholesome charm of a beloved animated film, making it an instant conversation starter. Pets named Lilo tend to be affectionate and spirited, sometimes a little misunderstood, but fiercely loyal to the people who truly know and love them.

About the Pet Name Lilo

NamesPop Editorial TeamBy NamesPop Editorial Team··1 min read

Lilo ranks #350 with 345 entries and is one of the most movie-anchored female pet names on the lower-mid chart. The Disney connection is unusually direct, and most owners pick the name through that exact reference. The cultural fit is the entire pitch.

The Lilo & Stitch lineage

Disney's Lilo & Stitch (2002) cemented the name in American pet-naming culture, and the 2025 live-action remake gave it a fresh wave of awareness. The film's Hawaiian setting, family-loyalty theme (ohana), and the pairing of a young girl with an unusual pet make Lilo unusually fitting as a pet name itself. Owners often pick Lilo and a paired Stitch for a multi-pet household, and that paired-naming pattern is one of the more visible clusters around the name.

The Hawaiian-name register

Lilo is a real Hawaiian name meaning generous one or lost, depending on context. For owners with Hawaiian heritage or strong Hawaii connections, the name carries weight beyond the Disney anchor. The two readings coexist, with the film providing the dominant reach into mainstream American adoption.

Sound fit and breed lean

Two syllables (LEE-loh), front-stressed, with a soft L-opener and an open -oh finish. Recall is moderate. French Bulldogs, small mixes, and friendly toy breeds wear it especially well, fitting the Disney-coded register. One reading worth flagging: the name is so cleanly tied to the film that owners who have not seen it report occasional disconnect when the reference comes up. The human Lilo page shows a recent SSA climb tied directly to the film's cultural footprint.

Famous Pets Named Lilo

  • Lilo from Lilo and Stitchfrom Disney

At a Glance

#350
Overall Rank
345
Registered
Girls
Popular With

Popular Breeds Named Lilo

Breeds that commonly use the name Lilo
BreedPets Named
Chihuahua29
French Bulldog28
Shih Tzu19
Domestic Shorthair4
American Shorthair1
Mix1

Lilo's Personality

Pets named Lilo are most often described as:

  • spiritedStrong match
  • affectionateCommon
  • loyalSometimes
  • sweetOccasionally

Trait order based on owner reports across pet registries.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Lilo a good pet name?

Lilo is a well-known pet name with 345 registered pets. Pets named Lilo are often described as spirited, affectionate, loyal.

Is Lilo a boy or girl pet name?

Lilo is more commonly given to female pets, though it can be used for any pet.

Last updated June 2026 · Data: NYC & Seattle pet licensing records · Methodology