Submissive Pet Names: Meanings, Examples & Why People Love Them

Submissive pet names can be affectionate, playful, embarrassing, comforting or a little bit cheeky. They can also have a completely different meaning depending on the person using them and the relationship between the people involved.

In BDSM, a pet name can be a way of expressing affection, submission, ownership or simply enjoying a particular dynamic. Some people already have a name they love being called, while others discover one naturally over time.

Personally, I enjoy using pet names when I’ve got to know someone, when a name comes naturally or when I particularly like the name they’ve chosen for themselves. I think it’s quite cute when a name develops over time without anyone really planning it.

What Are Submissive Pet Names?

Submissive pet names are names or nicknames used within a BDSM relationship, role-play or power exchange dynamic. They might be chosen by the submissive, given by the dominant or developed together.

Some names are affectionate, others emphasise submission, and some are deliberately silly or teasing. Not every pet name has to be sexual, humiliating or connected to animal play.

For example, calling someone “good boy” might be a way of showing appreciation. Calling someone “puppy” could be connected to pet play, or it might simply be an affectionate nickname.

The important thing is what the name means to the people using it.

Examples of Submissive Pet Names

There are lots of different names used in BDSM. Some are gentle and affectionate, while others are associated with particular roles or fantasies.

Good Boy and Good Girl

These are probably two of the most recognisable submissive pet names.

They can be used as praise, reassurance or playful encouragement. For some submissives, hearing “good boy” or “good girl” from someone they respect or feel attracted to can be surprisingly meaningful.

These are names I personally enjoy using, particularly when they suit the person and the moment.

Pet

“Pet” can be affectionate while also suggesting a sense of belonging or ownership within a consensual dynamic.

Some people enjoy the simplicity of being someone’s pet without wanting to act like an animal or participate in traditional pet play.

Puppy or Pup

Puppy and pup are commonly associated with puppy play, but they can also be used as playful nicknames.

For some people, being called puppy creates a feeling of affection, attention or belonging. For others, it is connected to a more developed animal role-play fantasy.

Kitten or Kitty

Kitten and kitty are often associated with affection, playfulness and feline role-play.

Someone might enjoy being called kitten without wanting to dress up, crawl around or take part in full kitten play.

Princess or Prince

These names can suggest affection, special treatment or playful teasing. They don’t necessarily indicate submission on their own, but can take on that meaning within a particular dynamic.

One person might enjoy being treated like a pampered princess, while another might enjoy the name being used teasingly.

Slave or Servant

These are more explicitly connected to power exchange and service-oriented dynamics.

For some people, being called a slave or servant reinforces an agreed role. Others might prefer something softer and less formal.

These terms can carry more weight than ordinary affectionate nicknames, so it’s worth discussing how someone feels about them before using them.

Piggy and Other Teasing Names

Some submissives enjoy names that are cheeky, embarrassing or deliberately less flattering.

Piggy is one example, but there are many others depending on the fantasy and the people involved.

What one person finds funny or exciting might genuinely upset someone else. A teasing name should be something both people are comfortable with, rather than an excuse to ignore someone’s boundaries.

Why Do People Enjoy Being Given Submissive Pet Names?

There isn’t one single reason. Different names can create different feelings, and those feelings can change depending on who is using them.

Praise and Appreciation

Sometimes a simple “good boy” or “good girl” can make someone feel appreciated. It might acknowledge something they’ve done, or simply be a nice moment between two people.

Not every expression of submission has to involve strict instructions or punishment. Appreciation can be an enjoyable part of the dynamic too.

A Feeling of Belonging

A personal nickname can make someone feel recognised and connected to another person.

For people who enjoy consensual ownership dynamics, a pet name might reinforce that feeling of belonging. For others, it’s simply a sign of affection.

Playfulness and Teasing

This is one of the things I enjoy about pet names. They can be playful, and a little teasing, without everything having to become a serious BDSM ritual.

Sometimes a name makes someone smile, blush or react in a way that’s quite entertaining. Other times it’s just a sweet way of addressing them.

Exploring a Different Side of Yourself

A submissive pet name can give someone permission to explore a role or part of their personality they don’t usually express.

Someone who is very responsible or independent in everyday life might enjoy having a completely different role during a session.

That doesn’t mean everyone wants to give up their identity. Sometimes it’s simply fun to be called something different.

Who Chooses a Submissive Pet Name?

There aren’t any fixed rules about who gets to choose a name.

Some submissives already have a pet name they identify with and would like their dominant to use. Others prefer the dominant to choose something for them. Sometimes the name is decided together.

If someone tells me they already have a pet name, that’s absolutely fine. I’ll try to remember it, especially if it’s important to them.

I also think it’s cute when a name develops naturally over time. Perhaps something gets said during a conversation or a session, it makes both people smile, and eventually it becomes their name.

There’s no need to force it.

Do Submissive Pet Names Have to Be Humiliating?

Not at all.

Although humiliation can be part of BDSM for people who enjoy it, submissive pet names don’t automatically have to be degrading.

A name can be loving, reassuring, funny, cheeky, respectful or deliberately embarrassing. The same name might even have different meanings depending on the tone in which it’s said.

It’s worth discussing whether someone enjoys affectionate names, teasing names or something more intense.

And if someone dislikes a particular name, there’s no reason to insist on using it.

Submissive Pet Names and Pet Play

Pet play is a form of role-play where someone takes on characteristics or behaviours associated with an animal. Puppy play, kitten play and pony play are some of the better-known examples.

Pet names and pet play can overlap, but they’re not the same thing.

Someone might enjoy being called puppy without wanting to participate in animal role-play. Equally, someone who enjoys puppy play might have a completely different everyday submissive nickname.

I’ve explored puppy play myself, and I’ve also used collars and leads without necessarily turning the interaction into full pet play.

For some people, accessories such as collars, leads, ears or masks help them get into character. Others prefer to keep things simple.

There is no requirement to buy equipment or behave in a particular way simply because you enjoy an animal-inspired pet name.

Can You Use Pet Names Without a Full BDSM Relationship?

Yes. You don’t need to be in a long-term dominant and submissive relationship to enjoy using pet names.

They can be part of an established relationship, a casual dynamic, role-play or a private session.

Some people enjoy having a name that is used regularly. Others only want to explore it occasionally.

For beginners, pet names can be an accessible way to explore what they enjoy about submission without immediately moving into more elaborate activities.

Experienced submissives may already know which names they like, which ones they dislike and what those names mean to them.

How to Find a Submissive Pet Name That Suits You

If you’re curious about submissive pet names, you don’t need to decide on something immediately.

Think about whether you prefer affectionate names, praise, playful teasing or names connected to a particular role.

You could also consider:

• Do you want a name that makes you feel appreciated?
• Do you enjoy being teased or made to blush?
• Would you prefer something cute or something more formal?
• Does the name have a personal meaning to you?
• Would you like to choose it yourself or discover one together?

It’s also perfectly fine to try a name and later decide it doesn’t suit you.

Personally, I think the nicest names are often the ones that feel natural rather than something chosen simply because it’s supposed to sound dominant or submissive.

Final Thoughts on Submissive Pet Names

Submissive pet names can be a lovely part of exploring BDSM, whether you’re completely new to submission or have been enjoying it for years.

They don’t all have to be serious, humiliating or connected to strict rules. Sometimes a name is affectionate, sometimes it’s teasing, and sometimes it’s simply something that makes both people smile.

For me, it depends on the person and the connection. I enjoy using pet names when they feel right, and I particularly like it when something develops naturally over time.

If you’re interested in exploring other aspects of submission, you can also read more about my service submissive dynamics or private sessions in East London.