How to Name a Guinea Pig

A guinea pig, or cavy, can live up to 7 years, so you want a name that you will like to repeat for that amount of time. Animal shelter workers know that giving a rescue pet a proper name is key to attract people to adopt the animal. With some guinea pigs, you look at them for the first time and their name pops immediately out of your mouth. But for others, it takes time.

Things You'll Need

  • Nameless guinea pig
  • Piece of paper
  • Pen or pencil
  • Observation
  • Patience
Show More

Instructions

  1. Name That Pig

    • 1

      Get a piece of blank paper and write out some name suggestions. Some people can do this in their heads, but it does help to be able to immediately see the words and compare them.

    • 2

      Pay attention to your nameless guinea pig. Ask yourself if the guinea pig's body, hair style or color remind you of anything like a food, a physical object or another animal. Write those words down on your list.

    • 3

      Then pay attention to the guinea pig's movements and actions. Does the guinea pig do anything that really stands out from any other pet you've had? This could be the way the guinea pig squeaks, runs around, waddles, sits up or plays with certain objects. Write those words down.

    • 4

      Does the guinea pig's looks, voice or actions remind you of any person you have ever met, seen on television or read about? Write those names down.

    • 5

      Take the list and cross out those names that you just don't like for whatever reason--even if you don't have any reason.

    • 6

      When you narrow the list down to a few, try them on the guinea pig. Say the name in a high-pitched voice. If the guinea pig turns to look at you, this is a good indication that the name works.