I still remember the first time I named a hamster. It was this tiny fluffball with eyes like midnight and a personality way too big for his size. I called him “Nugget.” It made no sense, really—until it did. Because that name stuck. It felt right.
That’s the thing about naming pets in America these days—it’s not just about cuteness. It’s personal. According to the APPA (American Pet Products Association), over 6 million small animals (like hamsters, guinea pigs, and mice) are kept as pets in the U.S. The bond we form with them is real—more than 70% of U.S. households own a pet, and many pet parents (yep, that’s what we call ourselves now) say naming their pet is one of the most emotional steps of adoption.
Why? Because that name turns a “small rodent” into your hamster. Into family. Into a companion with a name you’ll whisper every morning and giggle at when they’re spinning wildly in that squeaky wheel.
Key Takeaways
- Over 200 perfect hamster names, organized by category.
- Includes male, female, unisex, food-inspired, funny, and pop culture names.
- Inspiration from U.S. trends, TV shows, snacks, and holidays.
- Great for kids, adults, and first-time pet owners.
- Plus, naming tips to help you choose quickly and confidently.
Most Popular Hamster Names in the U.S.
You want a name that feels familiar but not overused? Something people will “aww” at but that your hamster can totally own? Based on pet forums, TikTok trends, and name surveys from sites like Rover and Reddit, here are the top trending hamster names across the U.S.:
Top 10 Trending Hamster Names
- Mochi
- Nibbles
- Oreo
- Bean
- Cheeks
- Marshmallow
- Peanut
- Biscuit
- Bubbles
- Poppy
These names are short, sweet, and fit with the current American pet naming vibe—which leans heavy into comfort food and “adorable chaos.”
Male Hamster Names
Whether you’ve got a macho fluffball or a brainy little introvert, there’s a name here for your boy hamster. I’ve pulled names from Marvel heroes, old-school classics, and some unexpected gems.
Classic Boy Names
- Max
- Charlie
- Oliver
- Leo
- Teddy
Cool & Unique
- Axel
- Rocket
- Blaze
- Draco
- Maverick
TV & Pop Culture Inspired
- Sheldon (Big Bang Theory)
- Loki (Marvel)
- Grogu (The Mandalorian)
- Simba (The Lion King)
- Gus (Cinderella)
What I’ve noticed is that male hamster names tend to go one of two ways: tough or tiny. Either you’re naming your hamster “Tank” ironically… or leaning full baby mode with “Teddy.”
Female Hamster Names
Female hamsters have this way of looking at you like they know they run the show. So yeah, their names should match that energy. Whether you’re into soft floral names or bold pop diva vibes, I’ve got you.
Sweet & Pretty
- Daisy
- Rosie
- Bella
- Lulu
- Mabel
Sassy & Strong
- Roxy
- Cleo
- Juno
- Suki
- Zelda
Pop Culture Queens
- Taylor (Swift, obviously)
- Ariana
- Moana
- Raven (That’s So Raven)
- Barbie
I always say—if your hamster has main-character energy, go with something like “Barbie” or “Zelda.” If she’s more of a background-vibe queen? “Daisy” or “Mabel” all day.
Unisex & Gender-Neutral Hamster Names
Not sure of your hamster’s gender? Or just want a name that works no matter what? Totally get it. Gender-neutral hamster names are on the rise, especially among Gen Z and millennial pet parents who love inclusivity and flexibility.
Best Unisex Hamster Names
- Peanut
- Coco
- Mochi
- River
- Noodle
- Scout
- Sunny
- Blue
- Marble
- Tofu
These names work because they’re not tied to expectations. They’re playful, modern, and they leave space for personality.
Food-Inspired Hamster Names
You know you’re a true foodie when your pet’s name sounds like a snack. I’m guilty—I once named a hamster “Pop-Tart.” No regrets.
Sweet Snacks
- Oreo
- Cupcake
- Brownie
- Skittles
- Muffin
Savory Snacks
- Nacho
- Pickles
- Taco
- Cheddar
- Pretzel
Seasonal Flavors
- Pumpkin
- Cinnamon
- Marshmallow
- Toffee
- Ginger
Here’s the thing: Food names are always cute and memorable. You’ll never forget yelling “TACO!” across the room.
Pop Culture Hamster Names
Let’s be real—most of us name pets the same way we choose gamer tags: pop culture references all day. If you’re a movie buff or a Netflix binge-watcher, these will hit.
Movie & TV Names
- Frodo (LOTR)
- Eleven (Stranger Things)
- Stitch (Lilo & Stitch)
- Groot (Guardians of the Galaxy)
- Olaf (Frozen)
Music & Celeb Inspired
- Swiftie
- Cardi
- Elvis
- Billie
- Kanye (okay, maybe not for everyone)
Bookish Picks
- Gatsby
- Hermione
- Scout
- Percy
- Luna
Naming your hamster “Groot”? That’s a power move. Just saying.
Funny & Punny Hamster Names
Now, this is where the creativity explodes. I’m a sucker for a good pun—and hamsters are just begging for them.
Hilarious Name Ideas
- Ham Solo
- Chew-Barka
- Sir Nibbles
- Furball McGraw
- Hamtaro
- Houdini (for the escape artists)
- Godzilla (for the ironically tiny ones)
- Puff Daddy
- Sir Squeaks-a-Lot
- Hamsterdam
Trust me, if you laugh every time you say your hamster’s name—you chose the right one.
Themed Hamster Names (Seasons, Holidays & Colors)
These names are perfect if you adopted your hamster on a holiday, in a specific season, or just love a certain vibe. I always lean toward seasonal names because they’re timeless and meaningful.
Holiday-Inspired
- Cupid
- Jingle
- Liberty
- Boo
- Clover
Seasonal Vibes
- Autumn
- Snowflake
- Sunny
- Frost
- Blossom
Color-Themed
- Mocha
- Ginger
- Cloud
- Midnight
- Ivory
There’s something poetic about naming a winter white hamster “Frost” or a golden Syrian “Sunbeam.”
How to Choose the Perfect Hamster Name
Feeling overwhelmed? Here’s what I recommend—don’t overthink it, but do follow these tips:
Step-by-Step Naming Guide
- Watch how they act. Are they fast? Chill? A little chaotic? Names like “Zoom” or “Mellow” might just fit.
- Note their color and markings. A white hamster could be “Snowball”; a brown one might be “Cocoa.”
- Say it out loud. You’ll be using it daily—so if it’s awkward, ditch it.
- Avoid hard-to-pronounce names. Especially if kids are involved.
- Test a few. Sometimes a name grows on you. Try it for a day or two.
What I’ve found is that the right name clicks. You’ll just know.
Bonus: Name Generators & Resources
If you’re still stuck (been there), here are a few tools that can help:
- Petfinder Name Generator – Custom names based on personality.
- Rover Pet Name Finder – Tracks popular pet names across the U.S.
- Pinterest – Seriously, search “hamster names” and fall into a rabbit hole.
- Name quizzes – Just search “What should I name my pet quiz” and go from there.
- AI name tools – Like using ChatGPT just for fun prompts.
Final Thoughts
You’re naming a tiny ball of fur that’s about to take over your heart and probably your bookshelf, too. Whether you go with something adorable, iconic, hilarious, or just… you—make it personal. That’s what matters.
And hey—if all else fails? Just call them “Nugget.” It worked for me.
