Lulu

Lulu is a playful reduplication — a doubled nickname that has been used as a standalone name across several cultures. In Arabic, Lulu means "pearl." In Swahili-influenced regions, it carries associations with something precious and rare. In Western folk naming, it simply became a term of endearment, a name you give to someone you find utterly delightful. The bouncing sound of it mirrors the personality it tends to attract.

Lulu holds the #31 spot among US pet names, with over 2,100 companions sharing it. It is one of those names that is almost impossible to say without smiling — two identical syllables that bounce off the tongue like the companion itself bouncing off the walls. Lulu suits playful, spirited animals who have strong personalities and an absolute gift for making their humans laugh. The name has been riding a wave of popularity as owners rediscover the joy of expressive, character-rich names.