Memphis

Memphis is an anglicized form of the Greek Memphe, derived from the ancient Egyptian Men-nefer, meaning 'enduring and beautiful' or 'established and good.' It is the name of the ancient capital of Egypt as well as the Tennessee city that became the birthplace of the blues and rock and roll.

Memphis carries the weight of two great civilizations and the sound of both. Whether you're thinking of pharaohs along the Nile or the birthplace of Elvis Presley and B.B. King, the name conjures something large, soulful, and distinctly American-yet-ancient. For pets it works especially well for males with a certain gravitas — a big dog who seems to understand more than he lets on, or a cat with the commanding presence of someone who once ran a kingdom. It's a geographic name with extraordinary range.