Are pet names always off limits?

abbyful

Love the name Penelope, it's on our short-list for girl names. But several years ago, we had a guinea pig named that. It was just a guinea pig, not a cat or dog. I had completely forgotten about the rodent until I saw the "wasted names" post.

WashingtonQueen

If you feel fine using it then do it.

bumpuser9353653

If you forgot the animal even existed, then I think you're fine using it.

joyfullyfound

I don't think so! I had a childhood dog named Toby but wouldn't hesitate to consider a name with Toby as the NN... I think it depends on the relationship you had with said pet and how recently they were part of your life. 

If that's the name you love, I'd totally go for it. No one would ever know it was your guinea pig's name as well unless you told them... 

CallaLily25

I think you're safe!

LisaG09

One time I was looking at old photos and found a picture of a dog, on the back it said Lisa. I asked my dad why my name was written on it and he said that was the dog's name. It was taken like five years before I was born...not a big deal I guess!

helloblueeyes

If my DH and i ever have a boy his name will be Oliver. Currently our cat goes by Vers, my DH named him (before we got together) from the way one of his friends said Oliver. So i say no. 

shannm

My mom had a pomeranian with my name before she had me.  I survived.