Scotty is the name you give a pet when you want a nickname energy without committing to what it's short for. It's warm, slightly old-fashioned, and carries a faint Star Trek undercurrent that is either irrelevant or exactly the point depending on who's naming the pet.
The Star Trek Angle
Montgomery "Scotty" Scott from Star Trek is one of the most recognizable nicknames in sci-fi. "Beam me up, Scotty" is a cultural touchstone even for people who've never watched the show. Naming a pet Scotty carries that reference lightly — it's an association, not a costume. For a tabby cat who seems to operate on their own mysterious schedule, the engineering genius angle is not entirely inapt.
The Scottish Terrier Connection
Scotty also has the obvious breed connection: Scottish terriers, familiarly called Scotties, are practically the breed mascot. A Scottish terrier named Scotty is almost tautological, but there's comfort in that circularity. It works perfectly on Westies and other Scottish breeds too. The human name Scotty derives from Scott, meaning someone from Scotland.
The Charm vs. Cheesiness Question
Scotty lands right on the edge between charming and slightly corny, which puts it in a category where personal taste is the deciding factor. If you lean into it consciously, it works. If you're not sure, Porter or Crosby give you human-name vibes with less ambiguity. Browse all pet names to compare.