What's in a Name? The Stories Behind My Basenjis' Names
What's in a Name?
If you've spent any time around Basenjis, you'll know they somehow end up collecting more names and nicknames than any human ever could!
All of my dogs have ridiculously long "proper" names, although they very rarely get called them. Their official names usually only make an appearance when they've done something particularly impressive... or, more commonly, something particularly naughty.
Naming each of them has always been one of my favourite parts of welcoming a new puppy home. Every name has a story, whether it's inspired by a favourite book, a film, family tradition or simply because it felt right.
So, meet the Dearhearts...
🌈 Miss Evelyn Adora Belle Dearheart
Evie aka Piglet / Princess / Baby Girl / Queen
My very first Basenji.
Her name began with Evelyn, inspired by one of my favourite films, The Mummy (1999). If you've ever watched it, you'll know exactly who I'm talking about. A tiny nod to the Basenji's ancient Egyptian roots, and to one of cinema's greatest family adventurers.
Her middle names came from another lifelong love: Adora Belle Dearheart, the wonderfully independent character from Terry Pratchett's Discworld novels.
The moment I met her, though, she was simply Evie.
She'll always be the one that started it all.
Master Maximilian Sinclaire Dearheart
Max aka Maxi-Pad (I know, that ones bad) / MaxiMoose / Moosala Bomboosala / My Handsome Man
Max always deserved a proper gentleman's name.
Master Maximilian Sinclaire Dearheart just seemed to fit his handsome face, gentle soul and slightly dramatic personality perfectly.
It was also with Max that Dearheart became more than just part of one name. From then on, every Basenji who joined the family would carry the Dearheart name too.
Lady Lyra Elizabeth Belle Dearheart
Lyra aka MaLyly / LyLy / Empress / Boss B**ch
Lyra's name was almost chosen before she arrived.
Her mum is called Luna, her dad is Lychee, so keeping the "Ly" felt like the perfect little tribute to both of them.
At the time, I was also slightly obsessed with Greek mythology, and the name Lyra had the elegance and strength that suited her perfectly.
Looking back now, I couldn't have chosen better. She truly has become the Empress of the household.
Agnes Fiona Belle Dearheart
Agnes aka Noodle / Noodle Boop / Minoo / Noo / Nuana
Agnes continues the Terry Pratchett tradition, taking her name from the wonderfully loveable Agnes Nitt.
Although, if I'm completely honest...
Perhaps she should have been called Perdita instead.
When she first came home she was a delightfully chunky little puppy, so Agnes seemed to fit. These days she's all long legs, elegance (when she remembers) and endless mischief, and I'm convinced there's a very graceful lady hiding somewhere beneath all that chaos.
Whether she's stealing socks, demanding cuddles or singing the song of her people, she's still unmistakably Agnes.
A Family of Dearhearts
Looking back, I seem to have accidentally created a family tradition.
Every Basenji carries the Dearheart name now, linking them all together as one wonderfully weird little family.
The official names may only appear on official invitations to meet the Royals and the occasional dramatic telling-off...
…but every one of them tells a little piece of our story.
What about you?
Do your dogs have a story behind their names, or did you simply hear a name and think, "That's the one!" I'd genuinely love to hear how your four-legged family members got their names.
Leave a comment below or come and join the conversation over on Instagram.