Zoonimia as a reflection of relationship between humans and animals

Abstract

The aim of the work was to present contemporary pet name trends, especially for cats and dogs. It also attempts to identify the origins of pet names. The research data consisted of the pet names of patients of a veterinary clinic in the years 2014-2018. The pet names of 36,487 dogs and 14,518 cats were analyzed statistically. The results obtained revealed relationships between the animal-human relationship, the species and sex of the animals. Among the most common dog names were diminutive male names (Max) and names borrowed from culture or mythology (Nero, Ares). The most universal name was Kuba, which occurred in both male and female dogs and cats. Among cats the most numerous were those called by diminutives of the word cat (Kicia) or by female names (Zuzia) and unnamed animals. Statistical analysis indicates a link between naming and the species: there were more nameless animals among cats than among dogs. A relationship between naming and the sex of dogs and cats was also noted: males were nameless more often than females.