The name panda has a unique story connected to different cultures and languages. It originally came from the Nepali word ponya, meaning “bamboo eater.” The name was first used for the red panda, a small, tree-dwelling animal. Later, it was given to the giant panda when it was discovered in China because of its similar diet and bamboo-loving nature.
Giant pandas, known as dàxióngmāo (big bear cat) in Chinese, are famous for their black-and-white fur and peaceful demeanor. They are a symbol of wildlife conservation and are deeply tied to Chinese culture. Today, the giant panda is celebrated worldwide as a rare and lovable creature.
Cool Panda Names
Names that highlight a panda’s calm yet edgy vibe. These are inspired by nature, colors, and cool elements, reflecting their unique and mysterious charm.
- Shadow
- Bamboo
- Frost
- Onyx
- Eclipse
- Thunder
- Midnight
- Jet
- Glacier
- Storm
- Arctic
- Phantom
- Zen
- Echo
- Titan
- Obsidian
- Maverick
- Blaze
- Vortex
- Ember
- Chill
- Nexus
- Quartz
- Frostbite
- Polar
Read more: 350+ Unique Deer Names
How Did A panda Get Its Name?
The name “panda” originates from the Nepali word ponya, meaning “bamboo eater” or “bamboo foot.” Initially, it was used for the red panda, a smaller bamboo-eating animal. When European explorers encountered the giant panda in China, they extended the name due to similarities. Over time, “panda” became synonymous with the giant panda, overshadowing its red panda origins.
In Chinese, the giant panda is called dàxióngmāo (大熊猫), meaning “big bear cat,” reflecting its bear-like body and cat-like markings. Western scientists adopted “panda” to highlight its bamboo-eating traits. Its striking black-and-white appearance made it iconic worldwide. The name symbolizes its unique connection to bamboo forests and its cultural significance.
Cute Panda Names
Adorable names that emphasize a panda’s cuddly, lovable appearance. Perfect for showcasing their playful and gentle personality.
- Pookie
- Snuggles
- Bubbles
- Daisy
- Cupcake
- Muffin
- Pudding
- Chubby
- Jellybean
- Peaches
- Sprinkle
- Tofu
- Marshmallow
- Sugar
- Waffles
- Cocoa
- Buttons
- Honeybee
- Giggles
- Dottie
- Pompom
- Fluffy
- Nibbles
- Cuddles
- Mochi
Panda Names With Meaning
Meaningful names are often inspired by Chinese words, reflecting the cultural significance of pandas and their traits like beauty, peace, and strength.
- Mei (Beautiful in Chinese)
- Bao (Treasure in Chinese)
- Xue (Snow in Chinese)
- Hua (Flower in Chinese)
- Ming (Bright in Chinese)
- Ping (Peaceful in Chinese)
- An (Safe in Chinese)
- Jin (Gold in Chinese)
- Lan (Orchid in Chinese)
- Li (Strength in Chinese)
- Chun (Spring in Chinese)
- Yan (Swallow in Chinese)
- Fen (Fragrance in Chinese)
- Ling (Soul in Chinese)
- Cheng (Accomplished in Chinese)
- Kai (Victory in Chinese)
- Shan (Mountain in Chinese)
- Rui (Sharp in Chinese)
- Nian (Year in Chinese)
- Yun (Cloud in Chinese)
- Zhao (Morning in Chinese)
- Hao (Good in Chinese)
- Feng (Phoenix in Chinese)
- Zhu (Bamboo in Chinese)
- Mu (Wood in Chinese)
Funny Panda Names
Humorous names to make you smile! These are playful, pun-filled, and lighthearted, matching the panda’s lazy yet charming behavior.
- Pandemonium
- Fuzzy McFluff
- Bamboo Bandit
- Chonk
- Tuxedo Ted
- Wiggles
- Lazy Lou
- Snack Attack
- Pawsome
- Puffball
- Bear E. White
- Kung Fu Floof
- Chewbacca
- Rollie Pollie
- Beary Potter
- Panda Express
- Mr. Snooze
- Huggy Wuggy
- Blubber
- Flopster
- Bamboozer
- Chubzilla
- Nap King
- Sleepyhead
- Slo-Mo
Baby Panda Names
Soft and sweet names are suitable for tiny, newborn pandas. These emphasize their innocence, cuteness, and small size.
- Tiny
- Pippa
- Tumbles
- Nibbles
- Poppy
- Pip
- Peanut
- Doodle
- Bambi
- Bitsy
- Coco
- Twinkle
- Mini
- Boo
- Sunny
- Winky
- Snowy
- Skippy
- Fifi
- Cherry
- Kiki
- Lulu
- Lilo
- Roo
- Bobo
Male Panda Names
Strong and classic names tailored for male pandas. They reflect masculinity, confidence, and a protective nature.
- Max
- Leo
- Rocky
- Kai
- Hugo
- Theo
- Jasper
- Bruno
- Jack
- Ace
- Odin
- Felix
- Rex
- Charlie
- Finn
- Duke
- Bear
- Milo
- Wyatt
- Griffin
- Hunter
- Archer
- Zane
- Blaze
- Orion
Female Panda Names
Elegant and beautiful names that capture the feminine grace and charm of female pandas.
- Bella
- Luna
- Daisy
- Rosie
- Ruby
- Stella
- Chloe
- Lily
- Mia
- Ellie
- Willow
- Hazel
- Zoey
- Olive
- Cleo
- Ivy
- Aurora
- Nova
- Poppy
- Ruby
- Sophie
- Tessa
- Zara
- Jade
- Harper
Best Panda Names
All-time favorite names for pandas that suit any personality, inspired by their iconic black-and-white appearance and loving nature.
- Panda
- Oreo
- Tux
- Yin-Yang
- Pandy
- Mocha
- Blackie
- Whitey
- Puffy
- Bandit
- Socks
- Blizzard
- Boba
- Cloud
- Panda Bear
- Speckles
- Dusty
- Domino
- Latte
- Snowball
- Twilight
- Starry
- Panda Boo
- Bamboo
- Panda Paw
Badass Panda Names
Powerful and edgy names for pandas with a fierce or independent streak. These names highlight strength and resilience.
- Fang
- Claw
- Savage
- Titan
- Chaos
- Rogue
- Blaze
- Shadow
- Fury
- Venom
- Hunter
- Storm
- Bullet
- Raven
- Wolf
- Axe
- Crusher
- Steel
- Iron
- Hawk
- Drake
- Thunder
- Maverick
- Cobra
- Phantom
Unique Panda Names
Creative and rare names for pandas that stand out. These reflect individuality and are often inspired by celestial, mythical, or unusual themes.
- Zephyr
- Eon
- Solstice
- Nimbus
- Quasar
- Vega
- Lyric
- Nova
- Aether
- Orion
- Callisto
- Echo
- Pyxis
- Halcyon
- Zenith
- Aria
- Ocelot
- Selene
- Astrid
- Cosmo
- Lumen
- Phoenix
- Rune
- Umbra
- Cirrus
Chinese Panda Names
Traditional names are rooted in the Chinese language and culture, often emphasizing values like peace, nature, and beauty.
- Mei Mei (Little Sister)
- Ling Ling (Darling)
- Ming Ming (Bright Bright)
- Bao Bao (Precious)
- Hao Hao (Good Good)
- Zhu Zhu (Bamboo Bamboo)
- Xiang Xiang (Fragrance)
- Jing Jing (Quiet)
- Lan Lan (Orchid)
- Ping Ping (Peace)
- Chun Chun (Spring)
- Li Li (Strength)
- Shan Shan (Mountain)
- Yun Yun (Cloud)
- Hua Hua (Flower)
- An An (Safe)
- Kai Kai (Victory)
- Xue Xue (Snow)
- Zhao Zhao (Morning)
- Jin Jin (Gold)
- Nian Nian (Year)
- Fen Fen (Fragrance)
- Ling Ling (Soul)
- Rui Rui (Sharp)
- Mu Mu (Wood)
Nicknames for Panda
Short and casual names are perfect for creating a fun, personal bond with your panda. They are playful and easy to remember.
- Pandy
- PanPan
- Boo
- Puffles
- Chubs
- Bambam
- Snugs
- Tuxy
- Panda Bear
- Bobo
- Puffy
- Paws
- Snoozy
- Lolo
- Fifi
- Nini
- Panda-monium
- Zuzu
- Fluffy
- Tux
- Mo
- Cuddly
- Baboo
- Coco
- Pookie
Final Words
The name “panda” carries a fascinating history, bridging cultures and languages. Derived from the Nepali word pony, meaning “bamboo eater,” it was first associated with the red panda, a smaller, bamboo-loving creature. When Western explorers discovered the giant panda in China, they borrowed the name to describe this new, bamboo-eating species. Over time, the giant panda became the primary symbol of the name, its striking appearance and gentle nature capturing hearts worldwide.
In China, the giant panda is called dàxióngmāo (大熊猫), meaning “big bear cat,” which reflects its bear-like strength and cat-like markings. The West’s adoption of the name “panda” emphasized its connection to bamboo and its unique habitat. Today, the name symbolizes more than just a species—it represents a global icon of wildlife conservation and cultural heritage, reminding us of the beauty and fragility of the natural world.
As the creator of Petmonica, my goal is to provide pet owners with the best names for their beloved animals, along with helpful tips and information about pets. I believe a perfect name can strengthen the bond between you and your pet, and through my blog, I aim to make the naming process easier and more enjoyable. Whether you’re searching for the ideal name for your new pet or just love learning more about animals, Petmonica is here to inspire and assist you on your pet journey.
