Smart, affectionate, and low-maintenance, rats are social animals that can make wonderful pets. Despite their unfair reputations as sneaky pests, pet rats come with many benefits—including being super fun to name!
From cheesy to classy, sweet to silly, and with inspirations from Australia to Asia, we rounded up the best-of-the-best rat names for your furry friend. Let the rat race begin!
What are the most popular rat names? These names rank among the most common amongst pet parents in the Chewy community.
Oreo
Remy
Pepper
Remi
Ruby
Find the perfect pick for your girl rat with these feminine names.
Ami
Say hello to my little friend—named Ami! This pretty French name means “friend.”
Amity
Meaning “friendship” and “harmony,” this name of English origin is perfect for a pet.
Angelina
The children’s book series “Angelina Ballerina” revolves around the adventures of a dancing mouse.
Anwen
If your rat is white, consider this Welsh name meaning “fair.”
Arizona
Meaning “small spring,” this state-inspired name is ideal for a petite pet.
Bellamie
A French name meaning “good friend,” with a lovely nickname—Bella!
Bianca
An Italian name meaning “white.”
Blondie
This playful name is another fun choice for white-coated rats.
Charlotte
Trending once again, this classic name is derived from French and means “petite.”
Cocoa
For brown rats, Cocoa is as sweet as can be.
Cosette
Of French origin, this diminutive name means “little thing.”
Dakota
A gender-neutral name with plenty of pet potential, Dakota means “friend” or “ally.”
Darcy
A short-and-sweet Irish name meaning “dark haired.”
Demi
Meaning “half” or “small,” this sweet name was popularized by actress Demi Moore.
Ebony
Calling all black rats! Ebony is the name of a dark brown or black wood.
Esme
This trending French name means “beloved.”
Hazel
For rats with golden-brown fur, consider this color-inspired name.
Keira
Of Irish origin, meaning “black haired.”
Kerala
Found only in India, Kerala rats aren’t traditionally kept as pets—however, you can still borrow the name!
Krysa
The Russian word for “rat,” Krysa could also make for a pretty name.
Maisy
In the children’s book series of the same name, Maisy is a curious young mouse with many animal friends.
Maus
The German word for “mouse” has minimalist appeal.
Minnie
As the First Lady of Disney, Minnie Mouse is a rodent-rific namesake.
Mrs. Frisby
In the acclaimed children’s book “Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH,” Mrs. Frisby is a widowed mouse who seeks help from her rat neighbors.
Nezumi
The Japanese word for “rat,” Nezumi could also be a pretty pet name.
Olivia
In Disney’s “The Great Mouse Detective,” Olivia Flaversham is a brave little mouse.
Paulina
Meaning “small” and “humble,” Paulina is perfect for little friends.
Perla
In the Disney classic “Cinderella,” Perla was one of the mice befriended by Cinderella.
Raven
If your rat’s fur is as black as a raven’s feathers, consider borrowing this avian name.
Raya
A Hebrew name meaning “friend” or “beloved”—either way, perfect!
Rowan
For rats with rust-colored fur, Rowan is a Scottish name meaning “little red head.”
Ruth
Meaning “friendship,” this classic Hebrew name stands the test of time.
Safiya
Of Indian origin, this musical name means “best friend” or “pure.”
Sienna
In addition to being a girl’s name, Sienna is the name of a light-brown color.
Sorrel
Often used to describe a red-brown horse’s coat, Sorrel is both a girl’s name and a color.
Suki
A Japanese name meaning “fond” or “beloved.”
Suzy
Suzy is another mouse friend of Cinderella.
Tabby
If your rat’s fur is brown with streaks or mottling, consider Tabby, which is more commonly used to describe patterned cats.
Tawny
As a color, tawny is light brown with hints of orange—as a name, it’s just plain cute!
Teagan
This adorable Welsh name means “beautiful” or “darling.”
Winifred
Meaning “friend,” this Old English name shortens sweetly to Winnie!
Wren
This sweet British name is borrowed from the small, brown songbird—but we think it works just as well for small brown rats!
Find the best name for your new rat bro on this list.
Aiden
Meaning “little fire,” this Gaelic name is well-suited for a petite pet with a spicy personality.
Basil
In “The Great Mouse Detective,” Basil of Baker Street is the titular rodent gumshoe.
Bernard
In Disney’s “The Rescuers,” Bernard is a sweet, pudgy mouse.
Bertie
In the Looney Tunes universe, Bertie is a brown, buck-toothed mouse.
Botticelli
In the fantasy novel “The Tale of Despereaux,” Botticelli Remorso is the tyrannical leader of the sewer rats.
Brutus
In “Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH,” Brutus is the strong, imposing guard rat.
Buck
Fun rat fact: Male rates are called bucks!
Chuck
In honor of the legendary Chuck E. Cheese, of course!
Cole
For gray or black rats, consider this play on the word “coal.”
Darwin
The name Darwin means “good friend;” it’s also a fun nod to evolutionary biologist Charles Darwin, who studied rats.
Despereaux
The fantasy book “The Tale of Despereaux” tells the story of a brave young mouse named Despereaux Tilling.
Edwin
Whether or not your rat is rich, this Old English name meaning “wealthy friend” is rich with possibilities.
Elmo
In the “Darkwing Duck” franchise, Elmo Sputterspark is a troublemaking rat with the power of electrokinesis.
Emile
In the Pixar fave “Ratatouille,” Emile is a lovable rat with an insatiable (and undiscerning) appetite.
Fievel
Fievel Mousekewitz is the main mouse in the 1986 animated film “An American Tail.”
Finnegan
For white rats, this Irish name meaning “fair” comes with a cute nickname, Finn!
Frodo
Frodo is a hobbit in the “Lord of the Rings” universe, but we think the name is fun for any small, woodland-dwelling creature with a fondness for burrowing.
Gavin
Meaning “white hawk,” this Scottish name adds a wild wink.
Geronimo
“Geronimo Stilton” is an Italian series of children’s books starring a bespectacled mouse.
Gus
In “Cinderella,” Gus is the future princess’s chubby, cheese-loving mouse friend.
Hoogerwerf
Hoogerwerf’s rat is a species native to Indonesia—but the name is cool anywhere.
Hubie
In Looney Tunes, Hubie the mouse is Bertie’s other half.
Jaq
Jaq the mouse is Gus’s bestie in “Cinderella.”
Jerry
In the animated classic “Tom and Jerry,” Jerry is a clever mouse who outsmarts Tom the cat.
Kieran
An Irish name meaning “black haired”—or in this case, black-furred!
Lorcan
Meaning “fierce little one,” this Irish name is a strong contender for mighty mice.
Mickey
Is there a rodent more famous than Mickey Mouse? These are (literally) some big shoes to fill!
Mindoro
The Mindoro rat is native to the Philippines.
Miško
A Serbian name meaning “small mouse.”
Mordax
The Eastern rat’s scientific name is Rattus mordax.
Mortimer
Mortimer Mouse is Mickey Mouse’s longtime rival.
Nicodemus
In “The Rats of NIMH,” Nicodemus is an intellectual rat who can read.
Pat
Pat the Rat? Classic!
Philip
“Philip the Mouse” was a children’s cartoon that followed the adventures of a curious mouse and his toy cat.
Ratigan
Professor Ratigan is the main antagonist in “The Great Mouse Detective.”
Remi
As fans of “Ratatouille” know, Remi is a rat with a world-class palate who dreams of becoming a chef.
Rizzo
Rizzo the Rat is a Muppet beloved for his practical jokes and Brooklyn accent.
Roderick
In “Tiny Toon Adventures,” Roderick Rat (aka Roddy) is a trouble-making rodent.
Roscuro
In “The Tale of Despereaux,” Roscuro the rat is a kind friend to young Despereaux.
Ryan
Meaning “little king,” this Old Irish name is perfect for pampered little pets.
Samuel
In Beatrix Potter’s “The Tale of Samuel Whiskers,” Sammy is a rat who makes his home in a cat’s chimney.
Scabbers
In the “Harry Potter” universe, Scabbers is the name of Ron’s shapeshifting pet rat.
Smoky
For black or grey rats, look no further than this classic pet name.
Socrates
In the horror movie “Willard,” the main character has a pet rat named after the philosopher.
Splinter
In the “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” franchise, Splinter is a mutant rat and martial arts instructor.
Stuart
In honor of Stuart Little, the diminutive star of the book and movie of the same name.
Sylvester
In Looney Tunes, Sylvester the cat is frequently at odds with rodents. For an ironic name, Sylvester the Rat has a certain ring to it.
Templeton
In “Charlotte’s Web,” Templeton the rat helps Charlotte save Wilbur.
Timor
The Timor rat is a species of rodent found in Indonesia.
Timothy
In Disney’s “Dumbo,” Timothy Q. Mouse is a kindly rodent who befriends the young elephant.
Topo
Topo is the Italian word for “mouse.”
Is your new pet epically adorable? Consider these cute rat names to match their precious vibe.
Bebe
French for “baby,” Bebe adds a francophile flair to the term of endearment.
Biscuit
Perfect for your light brown, fluffy little friend.
Blossom
In the Disney classic “Cinderella,” Blossom was one of the mice befriended by Cinderella.
Cinderella
The Disney heroine was a friend to many a mouse.
Cinnamon
For fawn-colored coats with hints of red, Cinnamon adds a little spice.
Cupcake
Sweet as sugar, cute as can be—just like your pet!
Boo
Equal parts spooky and cute, Boo is a rat-ready winner.
Brie
The cheese also sounds like the nickname for Briana.
Brownie
A sweet choice for brown rats!
Bubbles
Perfect for the rat with a bubbly personality.
Buttercup
The tiny flower is an adorable namesake for pint-sized pets.
Cheddar
Could it get any better than Cheddar? This name is perfectly cheesy.
Crackers
If you aren’t fond of cheese-inspired names, perhaps Crackers is more palatable.
Daffodil
For short, you can call your flowery friend Daffy.
Dottie
If your rat has speckles, Dottie fits the bill!
Gadget
In “Chip and Dale Rescue Rangers,” Gadget Hackwrench is the crew’s clever mouse inventor.
Lottie
A charming nickname for Charlotte, Lottie is perfect for the pet you love a lottie.
Marshmallow
For white rats, the puffy confection is a natural namesake.
Mighty Mouse
When you think about it, rats are mighty mice, aren’t they?
Mischief
Another fun rat fact: A group of rats is called a mischief.
Muffin
If Cupcake is a little too sweet, try its cousin—Muffin.
Nibbles
Even the way rats eat is cute!
Patches
A perfect pick for a rat with a rag-tag coat.
Peanut
Rats love eating nuts—and Peanut is too cute to pass up.
Petunia
This pretty flower name has “pet” right in it.
Pikachu
Pikachu is an electric-type rat Pokémon.
Pipsqueak
Take your pick of great nicknames—Pip or Squeak!
Pixie
For a magical name, look to the mythical, forest-dwelling creatures.
Pumpkin
Perfect for fawn-coated rats, especially those adopted during the fall!
Ratoncita
Meaning “little mouse” in Spanish, Ratoncita is a term of endearment.
Rattles
With “rat” right in the name, Rattles is cute contender.
Rudolph
Rudolph the red-nosed rat? If you adopt your BFF near the holidays, this merry moniker could be just right!
Scurry
Rats have an adorable way of hustling—hurry, Scurry!
Sniffles
For the rat who is always sniffing around for a snack.
Speedy
In honor of Speedy Gonzales, the fast-footed mouse of Looney Tunes fame.
Sprinkles
A sweet and cheery name for speckled rats.
Squeaky
Rats make a variety of noises, but they’re famous for their squeaks.
Thumbelina
In the animated film, itty-bitty Thumbelina befriends a number of rodents and fellow tiny forest dwellers.
Twitch
Rats’ noses twitch when sniffing—an adorable quirk that makes for an equally adorable name.
Yoda
Yoda’s species isn’t disclosed in “Star Wars,” but we can imagine the little cutie being part rodent.
Give your rat one of these names, and you’ll also give yourself the giggles every time you address them.
Anonymouse
For the rodent who wants to protect his privacy.
Asiago
This cheesy name has a certain gravitas befitting of a rat who enjoys the finer things in life.
Big Cheese
What better name for a VIP? (That’s “very important pet,” of course.)
Bitey
In the animated series “Loud House,” Bitey is the family’s pet rat.
Brain
As fans of cartoon classic “Pinky and the Brain” will remember, Brain is a mouse fixated on world domination.
Catnip
If your rat can take a joke, Catnip could be a funny pick.
Catrat
In the children’s series “Gabby’s Dollhouse,” Catrat is an endearingly sneaky blue cat.
Danger Mouse
“Danger Mouse” was an ‘80s cartoon starring a rodent secret agent.
Dolittle
If you share a secret language with your pet, consider naming him after the legendary Dr. Dolittle.
Gordonzolla
Rats can’t roll their eyes at bad puns, so feel free to give little Gordon the cheesiest full name possible.
The Great Ratsby
You can call him “Old Sport” as a nickname.
Itchy
In honor of “Itchy and Scratchy,” the cat-and-mouse cartoon beloved by “The Simpsons.”
Julius Cheeser
You can just call him Jules for short.
L’il Sneezer
In Looney Tunes, L’il Sneezer is a tiny mouse with a super-sized sneeze.
Manchego
If your rat is named after the Spanish cheese, consider the just-as-fun nickname Manny!
Megavolt
AKA Elmo Sputterspark, Megavolt is an unhinged rat in the “Darkwing Duck” series.
Monterey Jack
Monterey Jack is an Australian mouse with a big appetite in “Chip ‘n Dale Rescue Rangers.”
Nutcracker
Not only do rats like nuts, but “The Nutcracker” ballet features a Mouse King.
Packrat
For the pet who can’t keep his room tidy.
Pinky
If Brain is a little too calculating for your pet, consider naming him after the show’s sweet sidekick, Pinky.
Rat Boy
If you’re a “Simpsons” fan, Rat Boy is probably at the top of your list.
Rat Damon
A nod to actor Matt Damon, of course!
Rat King Cole
In honor of legendary jazz singer and pianist, Nat King Cole.
Rat Sajack
“Wheel of Fortune” fans, this one is for you!
Ratalie
Natalie, but make it rodent-friendly.
Ratasha
Not quite as pretty as Natasha, but we think your pet will approve.
Ratatouille
Whether named after the dish or the movie, Ratatouille has a certain je ne sais quoi.
Ratbert
Ratbert is a character in the “Dilbert” comic strip.
Rats Domino
Inspired by rock ‘n roll pioneer Fats Domino.
Ratso
Ratso is a character in “The Brave Little Toaster” franchise.
Ratsputin
Ratsputin was a humanoid rat-man in the DC Comics universe.
Rhubella
Rhubella is Roddy Rat’s girlfriend in “Tiny Toon Adventures.”
Roquefort
An unusually distinguished name, for both a rat and a cheese.
Rover
If you invite your friends to meet your new pet Rover, they won’t be expecting a rat.
Spot
Although common for a dog, Spot is an unexpected choice for a rat.
Wererat
In the “Dungeons and Dragons” universe, wererats are humans who can transform into giant rats.
Wormtail
Before Scabbers was Ron’s pet rat in “Harry Potter,” he was a human who went by the nickname Wormtail.
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