Munch is an onomatopoeic pet name. It describes exactly what the animal does, usually enthusiastically and constantly. Dogs and cats named Munch are typically observed-and-named rather than pre-named: the owner saw the eating behavior, found it irresistible, and the name stuck. It's a trait name in the most direct possible sense.
The Sound-Description Pet Name
Names that describe a pet's most characteristic behavior sit in their own category: Chomper, Nibble, Chew, Munch. These names are usually irrefutable once given. The animal earns them through demonstration. Munch is the gentlest of these, suggesting enthusiastic eating rather than destructive behavior, which makes it affectionate rather than warning-sign. Beagles and Pugs, both breeds with legendary food motivation, get this name at higher rates than less food-driven animals.
The Edvard Munch Bonus
Munch is also the Norwegian expressionist painter of "The Scream," which gives the name an unlikely art-historical layer available to owners who want it. A pet named Munch who also happens to scream dramatically for food is a fully realized art joke. The Law & Order character John Munch (played by Richard Belzer) adds a further pop-culture dimension for TV fans. Browse other playful personality-based pet names if this register appeals.
The Counter-Reading: One-Dimensional
A name that describes a single behavior can feel limiting as the animal grows and reveals a full personality. The eating obsession that was charming at eight weeks may be less charming at five years when it's caused three garbage-can incidents. Munch ties the name to a behavior that owners may eventually want to discourage.