Teddy bears take pride of place in the homes of most families with children. Available in all different sizes, fabrics, and colors, many children love to collect teddy bears and claim them as a part of their family. But every family member should have a name, and it can be challenging trying to decide what name is the perfect fit for each teddy. Since names carry great meaning, not just any name will do for a child’s beloved stuffed friend. Much thought and care goes into the selection of just the right handle. What are some of the most popular names for teddy bears today?
Why Do Kids Name Their Teddy Bears?
Naming a teddy bear is an age old practice and has become as commonplace as bestowing a moniker upon a much loved pet. The truth is names carry great significance and help us to form deeper bonds.
The choosing of a name is a deeply personal act. Many children select names for their teddies that have an emotional connection for them. The simple act of giving a teddy bear a name helps a child to feel a stronger bond with his toy.
Names also have longevity. The one a child selects for his favorite stuffed toy will become timeless, remembered for a lifetime. This is part of the reason why naming a teddy bear takes time. Choosing just the right name takes much thought and careful consideration because its memory will linger.
Where Did the Name “Teddy Bear” Come From?
It is only natural to wonder how America’s most cherished stuffed toy earned the handle “teddy bear.” The teddy bear takes its name from former U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt who was affectionately referred to as Teddy.
President Roosevelt was an active hunter who journeyed out on a bear-hunting expedition in 1902. During this trip, he became very troubled by actions he deemed as “unsportsmanlike” towards him when he would not kill a bear they had ensnared. When the news of Roosevelt’s refusal reached the local media outlets, cartoons began to surface which prominently featured “Teddy” and the bear that was captured and spared.
A Brooklyn shop owner by the name of Morris Michtorn decided to create a soft, stuffed bear on the basis of these political cartoons. The completed bears lined his shop window. Mr. Michtorn sought permission from President Roosevelt to name his creations “teddy bears.”
The plush toys gained instantly popularity with both ladies and children who proudly toted their teddy bears with them all throughout town. During his re-election campaign, President Roosevelt made Michtorn’s teddy bear his mascot.
How Do You Name a Teddy Bear?
Children go about the naming process in a far different manner to that of an adult. Most kids simply choose the first random name that comes to mind regardless of whether it is suited to the teddy in question or not. Yet some children do put a lot of thought into the name for their favorite childhood toy. If a child is struggling to come up with just the right “handle” for their teddy, here are some ideas that can help narrow down the choices:
- What gender is the teddy bear?
Determining if the teddy bear is a boy or a girl can help make the name process much simpler.
- Does the teddy have any unique features?
Each teddy bear has its own set of traits that makes it special. One of these characteristics might make the basis for a great name.
- Is there a particular theme for the teddy bear?
Some teddy bears come from a line of themes such as birthdays or sports themes. These can help narrow down the name options as well.
Because names do carry emotional weight, it is important to allow the child to name their own teddy.
Most Popular Names for Teddy Bears in 2019
Just as with baby names, there are many different names for teddy bears that are popular for the year 2019. Broken down by specific category, here are several names that made the list of the most commonly used teddy bear names for 2019:
Cute Names
- Snowball
- Honey
- Fudge
- Cuddles
- Wally
- Squishy
- Cuddlesworth
- Piglet
- Booboo
Boy Names
- Henry
- Tommy
- Bear
- Bruce
- Ralph
- Dusty
- Keith
- Jasper
- Johnny
- Ernie
- Fred
Girl Names
- Maddie
- Maggie
- Strawberry
- Winnie
- Ellie
- Celeste
- Lucky
- Samantha
- Lovely
- Kisses
- Audrey
Funny Names
- Baller
- Stitch
- Napolean
- Bowzer
- Barnabas
- Grylls
- Hot Sauce
- Champ
- Ruxpin
Vintage Names
- Walter
- Herman
- Alfred
- Clancy
- Gus
- Oscar
- Fenton
- Rudiger
- Clive
- Roosevelt
- Boris
- Archibald
Famous Names
- Pooh
- Elvis
- Snoopy
- Teddy
- Toto
- Yogi
- Simba
- Woody
- Paddington
Strange Names
- Wadsworth
- Wagner
- Corduroy
- Hopsical
- Polo
- Quigley
- Mooch
- Sprocket
- Koglin
Care Bear Names
- Cheer
- Share
- Funshine
- Lotsaheart
- Grumpy
- Harmony
- Tenderheart
- Wonderheart
- Brightheart
- Braveheart
- Cozyheart
Keeping Teddy Bears Safe for the Next Generation to Enjoy
As a child grows up, they often lose track of their favorite teddy bear. However, it is an excellent idea for families to carefully preserve the teddy for future generations to enjoy.
Part of the process involves keeping the plush toy clean, something that can be a difficult chore since kids love to drag their teddies everywhere, making them prone to collecting dust, dirt, spills, and other debris. To wash a teddy bear, it is recommended that it be handwashed or placed in a washer on a gentle cycle with a mild detergent. Once the teddy is clean, allow it to air dry to prevent damage to delicate features such as buttons, eye and nose fixtures, or the fur of the bear itself.
Once the time has come that teddy has become a discarded childhood toy, it is time to clean it then carefully pack it away. The child will one day grow up to have a family of his own who will love the opportunity to see the toys his mom or dad played with at their age, a cherished piece of family history.
Are you having a hard time helping your child come up with the perfect name for his cherished teddy bear? Consider our list of popular names to help narrow down the selections.