Merry operates on two distinct registers for a female pet: as a word meaning cheerful and bright, and as a Tolkien character — Meriadoc Brandybuck, the loyal Hobbit companion in The Lord of the Rings. Both are excellent justifications, and the word-meaning alone is strong enough to need no explanation.
The Tolkien Connection
Merry Brandybuck is one of the fellowship's most underrated members : steadfast, brave, and genuinely funny. Naming a pet Merry is a gentle Tolkien tribute that doesn't require the full mythology to land. It pairs naturally with Pippin for owners who want a Hobbit duo. The human name Merry (also spelled Merri or Meri) has a soft vintage charm that suits female pets.
The Word-Name Appeal
Merry as a straightforward adjective name — meaning happy, full of cheer — works on the same principle as Joy, Bliss, or Sunny. It's an aspirational descriptor: the owner wants the animal to embody the word. For small, bright-eyed female dogs, Pembroke Welsh Corgis and Pomeranians carry the cheerful connotation visually and behaviorally.
The Counter-Reading: Seasonal Confusion
Merry will be assumed to be a Christmas-themed name by a significant portion of people who hear it, especially in November and December. If the dog was born in summer, this creates a small ongoing explanation. The seasonal association is mild enough that most owners don't find it limiting — but it exists.