Meaning & Story
Todd is an English and Scottish surname transferred to given name use, derived from the Middle English tod meaning fox, which itself traces back to Old English and possibly Old Norse origins. Originally a nickname for a fox-like person or someone who hunted foxes, Todd became a common first name in the 20th century, particularly in the United States. For pets, Todd is most beloved through The Fox and the Hound, where Tod is the fox protagonist.
Todd is a name with a fox inside it, literally, which makes it perfect for a male companion with a pointed, clever face and a talent for getting in and out of situations with remarkable agility. The Fox and the Hound connection makes it especially appropriate for a companion whose friendship crosses expected boundaries. As a human name given to a pet, it also works on the simple level of being comically, charmingly ordinary. Whether the fox etymology is intentional or incidental, Todd is a name with genuine warmth and a sly, knowing quality.