Ever looked at a Jack Russell Terrier and thought, "Yeah, he looks like a Max"? Most of us have. When Illumination released The Secret Life of Pets back in 2016, they didn't just give us a movie about what dogs do when we leave for work. They gave us a roster of personalities that felt weirdly familiar. The character names in Secret Life of Pets weren't chosen by accident. They are a mix of classic "dog park" staples and irony-heavy monikers that tell you exactly who these animals are before they even bark.
Names matter. In animation, they're shorthand for character design. When you hear "Duke," you expect someone large, maybe a bit messy, but ultimately soft-hearted. When you hear "Snowball," you definitely don't expect a militant, underground-dwelling rabbit with a god complex. But that’s the charm.
Max and Duke: The Odd Couple Dynamic
Max is basically the Everydog. Voiced originally by Louis C.K. and later by Patton Oswalt, Max is a Terrier mix. The name "Max" has sat at the top of the "Most Popular Male Dog Names" list for nearly a decade. It’s a safe name. It’s a "good boy" name. Max represents the pampered, slightly anxious New York City lifestyle. He's loyal to a fault to his owner, Katie.
Then there's Duke.
Duke is a massive, shaggy brown mutt. His name suggests royalty or at least some kind of high-standing pedigree, which is funny because he starts the movie as a stray from the pound. The irony is thick. Duke is voiced by Eric Stonestreet, who brings a bumbling, oversized energy to the role. Duke isn't actually a "Duke" in the regal sense; he's a displaced soul looking for a home. His backstory—linked to an elderly owner named Fred—gives the name a sentimental weight that the first half of the film hides under layers of slapstick rivalry.
The friction between Max and Duke is the engine of the first film. It's the classic "new sibling" trope. One is small, tight-knit, and neurotic. The other is a walking carpet who takes up too much space on the rug.
Snowball: The Name That Lies to You
If you want to talk about the most iconic character names in Secret Life of Pets, you have to start with Snowball. Kevin Hart’s performance as this tiny, white bunny is arguably the highlight of the entire franchise.
Snowball is a subversion of expectations.
In most movies, a bunny named Snowball would be nibbling a carrot in a cage. This Snowball? He’s the leader of "The Flushed Pets." He hates humans. He’s tactical. He’s loud. He’s prone to manic outbursts. The name is a brilliant bit of misdirection. By giving the most "cuddly" name to the most "vicious" character, the writers created an instant comedic hook. It’s also a nod to the fact that many of these pets were abandoned; "Snowball" was likely the sweet name given to him by the owners who eventually dumped him, which adds a layer of tragic irony to his rage.
By the second movie, Snowball undergoes a massive shift. He becomes a "superhero" (at least in his own mind) named Captain Snowball. It’s a hilarious evolution of his ego.
Gidget, Chloe, and the Apartment Crew
While Max is out getting lost in the city, the supporting cast holds down the fort in the Upper West Side apartment building.
Gidget is a white Pomeranian with a massive crush on Max. Voiced by Jenny Slate, she’s the "tougher than she looks" character. Her name sounds like something from a 1950s sitcom—dainty, feminine, and slightly old-fashioned. But Gidget is the one who rallies the troops to find Max. She’s the muscle when she needs to be. Honestly, her fight scene against a literal army of cats is one of the best-animated sequences in the series.
Then we have Chloe.
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Chloe is a Tabby cat. Her name fits her perfectly. It’s elegant, slightly aloof, and carries a "I’m better than you" energy. Voiced by Lake Bell, Chloe is the voice of reason—or rather, the voice of cynical indifference. She represents the quintessential cat experience. She’s not "evil," she’s just busy being a cat.
Then there are the others:
- Mel: A hyperactive Pug. Pugs are inherently funny, and Mel’s obsession with squirrels is peak dog energy.
- Buddy: A laid-back Dachshund who uses a kitchen mixer as a back massager. "Buddy" is another one of those universal dog names that just feels right.
- Pops: An old Basset Hound in a wheelchair. Voiced by the legendary Dana Carvey. Pops is the "guy who knows a guy." His name is a term of respect, even if he’s a bit cranky.
- Sweetpea: A parakeet who thinks he’s a fighter pilot. Another name that contrasts with the character's internal ambition.
Rooster and the Shift to the Farm
In the sequel, The Secret Life of Pets 2, the naming convention takes a turn for the rugged. Enter Rooster.
Harrison Ford voices Rooster, a Welsh Sheepdog who lives on a farm. The name "Rooster" isn't just about the bird; it’s about authority. He is the wake-up call Max needs. Max is dealing with massive anxiety over the safety of Katie’s new son, Liam. Rooster is the antidote to that city-bred neurosis. He doesn't have time for "feelings" or "safety harnesses."
Rooster’s name is a sharp contrast to the soft, urban names like Max or Gidget. It’s a name that feels like leather and dirt. It’s one of the few times the franchise uses a name to signal a mentor figure rather than just a comedic archetype.
Why These Names Stick
Why do we care about these names? Because they reflect our own relationship with animals. We tend to name pets one of two ways:
- Human names that feel like little people: Max, Chloe, Duke, Katie.
- Descriptive or ironic names: Snowball, Sweetpea, Tiny.
The character names in Secret Life of Pets work because they tap into the cultural zeitgeist of pet ownership. According to data from Rover and the AKC, names like Max and Bella consistently top the charts. By using these, the movie feels "real" to pet owners. You likely know a dog named Max. You might even own a cat as judgmental as Chloe.
The complexity comes in the subversion. When a movie gives a "soft" name to a "hard" character (like Snowball or the massive viper named Vasel), it creates an immediate comedic payoff. It’s the "Biggie Smalls" effect of the animal kingdom.
The Flushed Pets: A Different Naming Convention
The underground world of abandoned pets uses names as a badge of honor or a scar of their past.
- Tattoo: A pig covered in ink from a tattoo parlor where he was used for practice.
- Ripper: A name that clearly defines the dog’s (perceived) aggression.
- Crocodile: Well, he’s a literal crocodile living in the sewers.
These names aren't "cute." They are functional. They are names given by the streets—or the sewers. This distinguishes the "domesticated" pets from the "wild" ones. The domestic pets have names that reflect their owners' love or whimsy. The flushed pets have names that reflect their survival.
Practical Insights for Pet Owners
If you're looking at this list of character names in Secret Life of Pets because you're trying to name your own new furbaby, there are a few things to keep in mind.
Names with two syllables—like Gidget, Chloe, or Buddy—are generally easier for dogs to recognize. They have a natural cadence that catches an animal's ear. Short, punchy names like Max or Duke are also great for recall.
Avoid names that sound too much like commands. For example, "Kit" might sound like "Sit" to a confused puppy. "Snowball" is distinct. "Rooster" is unmistakable.
Beyond just being a fun movie, these films actually highlight the psychology of how we perceive different breeds. We expect the Pomeranian to be "Gidget" and the Basset Hound to be "Pops." When you name your own pet, you can either lean into those tropes or—like Snowball—completely shatter them.
Next Steps for Fans and Owners
To get the most out of your Secret Life of Pets obsession or your new pet-naming journey, consider these steps:
- Watch for the Easter Eggs: Next time you watch, look at the posters in the background of the NYC streets. You’ll see names of other Illumination characters, which adds a bit of "multiverse" fun to the naming conventions.
- Test the "Two-Syllable" Rule: If you’re naming a pet, say the name out loud three times fast. If it feels clunky (like "Captain Snowball"), maybe save the full version for their Instagram profile and use a nickname for training.
- Check the Breed History: Research why your dog’s breed might fit a certain name. Max the Terrier fits because Terriers are notoriously spunky and energetic.
- Explore the Voice Actors: Sometimes knowing who voiced the character makes the name better. Hearing Harrison Ford’s gravelly voice makes the name "Rooster" feel ten times more intimidating.
The names in this franchise aren't just labels; they are the foundation of the characters' identities. Whether it's a bunny who thinks he's a warlord or a dog who just wants his favorite ball back, the names tell the story before the first line of dialogue is even spoken.