As sports fandom continues to influence popular culture, a new trend has emerged among pet owners in 2025: naming their furry companions after beloved athletes and iconic sports figures. From NFL superstar Patrick Mahomes inspiring the playful “Catrick Mahomes” to rising college football star Cee Dee Lamb lending his name to “Cee Dee Little Lamb,” ESPN explores the most popular sports-related pet names capturing fans’ imaginations this year. This phenomenon not only reflects the deep connection between sports and everyday life but also highlights how athletes’ personalities and achievements resonate beyond the playing field.
Catrick Mahomes and Cee Dee Little Lamb Leading the Charge in Sports-Inspired Pet Names
Sports fandom has taken a unique turn in 2025 as pet owners channel their love for the game into the names they choose for their furry companions. Leading this playful trend are imaginative monikers such as Catrick Mahomes and Cee Dee Little Lamb, clever nods to NFL star Patrick Mahomes and wide receiver CeeDee Lamb. These names have quickly captivated animal lovers and sports fans alike, reflecting a fusion of passion and personality in pet naming conventions.
Beyond football, the trend spans multiple sports and creates a whimsical intersection of athletic fame and pet identity. From courtside to the kennel, pets are suiting up with names inspired by top athletes, making every walk and park visit a statement of fandom. Here’s a snapshot of some of the most popular sports-related pet names gaining traction this year:
- Catrick Mahomes – For spirited pets with a winning attitude.
- Cee Dee Little Lamb – A playful homage to precision and agility.
- Steph Furry Curry – Perfect for energetic and quick pups.
- Serena Whiskers – For pets that dominate their territory.
- Tiger Paws – Evoking fierce elegance in felines.
| Pet Name | Athlete Inspiration | Pet Type |
|---|---|---|
| Catrick Mahomes | Patrick Mahomes (NFL) | Dog |
| Cee Dee Little Lamb | CeeDee Lamb (NFL) | Dog |
| Steph Furry Curry | Stephen Curry (NBA) | Dog |
| Serena Whiskers | Serena Williams (Tennis) | Cat |
| Tiger Paws | Tiger Woods (Golf) | Cat |
How Athletes Influence Pet Naming Trends in 2025
In 2025, the sports arena is not only influencing the scoreboard but also the world of pet naming, as fans channel their admiration into creative monikers for their furry companions. Athletes like Patrick Mahomes and CeeDee Lamb have inspired a surge of playful, pun-filled pet names that merge athletic prowess with endearing charm. These names encapsulate a cultural blend of fandom and personal expression, with pet owners opting for names that celebrate their favorite players in fun and novel ways. From naming a sprightly pup “Mahomes Slice” to a cheeky feline “Cee Dee Whiskers,” the trend exemplifies how sports celebrities have become household icons beyond the stadiums.
Recent data collected from pet registries and social media platforms highlight this phenomenon, revealing popular trends that reflect the ongoing sports seasons and viral moments. Here are some of the top sports-inspired pet names making waves in 2025:
- Mahomes Slice – A tribute to Patrick Mahomes’ precise plays and slick moves.
- Cee Dee Whiskers – A playful take on CeeDee Lamb’s sharp agility and style.
- LeBark James – Celebrating the legendary stature of LeBron James with a canine twist.
- Slam Dunk – Perfect for energetic pets with a flair for dramatic entrances.
| Athlete | Pet Name | Meaning/Inspiration | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Patrick Mahomes | Mahomes Slice | Precision and game-winning moves | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| CeeDee Lamb | Cee Dee Whiskers | Agility and sleek style | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| LeBron James | LeBark James | Strength and iconic presence | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Various Basketball Stars | Slam Dunk | Energetic and dramatic personality | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Athlete | Pet Name | Meaning/Inspiration | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Patrick Mahomes | Mahomes Slice | Precision and game-winning moves | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| CeeDee Lamb | Cee Dee Whiskers | Agility and sleek style | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| LeBron James | LeBark James | Strength and iconic presence |
| Region | Top Name #1 | Top Name #2 | Top Name #3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Midwest | Catrick Mahomes | Russell Woofson | Moose Brady |
| West Coast | Lebruff James | Cee Dee Little Lamb | |
| West Coast | Lebruff James | Cee Dee Little Lamb | Klay Barker |
| South | Bruno Marsch | Tiger Woodsie | Houndy Sanders |
| Northeast | Pawtrick Kane | Barky Gretzky | Sidney Claws |
| Pet Trait | Suggested Sports-Inspired Names | Sport |
|---|---|---|
| Energetic & Agile | Mo Salah, Bolt, Zaza | Soccer, Track, Basketball |
| Loyal & Protective | Gronk, Rocky, Hulk | Football, Boxing, Wrestling |
| Calm & Observant | Simone, Kobe, Nadia | Gymnastics, Basketball, Gymnastics |
| Playful & Mischievous | Cee Dee, Pippen, Marley | Football, Basketball, Surfing |
Concluding Remarks
As sports fans continue to blend their passions for athletics and pet companionship, the rise of names like Catrick Mahomes and Cee Dee Little Lamb highlights a growing trend in 2025’s pet-naming landscape. These monikers not only celebrate iconic athletes but also reflect the cultural impact of sports beyond the game itself. Whether inspired by record-breaking quarterbacks or standout rookies, it’s clear that sports-themed pet names are carving out a unique niche in popular culture-one that ESPN will continue to monitor closely as the year unfolds.




