Houseplants have become more and more popular in recent years,[1] and cacti are well-loved by indoor and outdoor plant enthusiasts for their variety and growing characteristics.[2]
While cacti are most associated with desert landscapes, they’re actually native to most of North and South America.[3]
There are even a few types thought to be native to East Africa, Madagascar, and Sri Lanka.[3]
In fact, there are nearly 2,000 species of cactus on Earth![3]
Regardless of which type of cactus you have in your plant family, we have over 60 cute and funny cactus name ideas below.
Scroll past the list for tips on choosing the perfect name for your cactus.
Verde
meaning “green”
Spike
reference to the cactus’ spines
Fred
Prickle Rick
a play on Pickle Rick from “Rick and Morty”
Stabitha
Pierce
Baby Bulbous
for a round-shaped cactus
Cottontail
for a bunny ears cactus
Spikey
Big Green Giant
Flora
Barb
Fluffy
ironic since cacti have spines
The Green One
Vlad the Impaler
Cactina Turner
a reference to the famous singer Tina Turner
Sunny
Cuddles
Snuggles
Sir Stabbington
Ms. Prickly
Spikasaurus Rex
a play on “Tyrannosaurus rex” referencing the cactus’ spines
Katniss
“The Hunger Games” character name that sounds somewhat like “cactus”
Emerald
Spike Lee
a reference to the notable film director
Sunshine
Prickly Pete
Needles
Gus
Blossom
for a flowering cactus
The Unwatered
Porkie
short for “porcupine,” which also has spines
Merida
for a fairy castle cactus; named after the Disney character who lives in a Scottish castle
Cherub
for a small angel wing cactus
Mr. Moon
for a moon cactus
Snowball
for a bunny ears cactus; named after the “Secret Life of Pets” rabbit character
Tiny
Eeyore
for a burro’s tail cactus, named after Winnie-the-Pooh’s donkey friend
Seraphim
for an angel wing cactus
Button
for a small plant
Thumper
for a bunny ears cactus
Gabriel
for an angel wing cactus
Whiskey
for a barrel cactus, since whiskey is aged in a barrel
Dandelion
Granny
for an old lady cactus (mammillaria hahniana)
Elsa
for a fairy castle cactus; named after the Disney character who lives in a snow castle
Tiramisu
for a ladyfinger cactus; tiramisu is made with ladyfinger sponge cake biscuits
Tony Saguaro
a play on Tony Soprano and the saguaro cactus
Tian Tian
for a panda cactus; named after the National Zoo’s famous panda
Obi-Wan
for a rat tail cactus; Ewan McGregor had a rat tail when playing the “Star Wars” character
Shane the Sharp
Marty
for a zebra cactus; named for the zebra character in “Madagascar”
Ratatouille
for a rat tail cactus
Prickles
Sharpie
Greenie
Blue Ivy
for a blue column cactus; named after Beyonce’s daughter
Dr. Green Thumb
Potted Pepper
T. Swift
for a snake plant; Taylor Swift’s “reputation” album and tour had a snake theme
Old St. Nick
for a Christmas cactus
Angelica Prickles
reference to the “Rugrats” character Angelica Pickles
Pokey
Cactus Name Generator
How to Choose the Perfect Cactus Name
Keep the following tips in mind when choosing a cactus name to help you find the perfect option:
- Decide what type of name you want. Do you prefer old-fashioned names, funny ones, pop culture references, or cute names? Whatever your preference, making this the first step in choosing your cactus name will make it easier for you to narrow down your options.
- Choose a theme based on your other interests. A movie buff, for example, could name their cacti after famous directors. Someone with interest in fishing could give their plants aquatic-themed names. If you have multiple cacti, choosing a theme will also make it easier to name your whole plant family!
- Get inspiration from your specific cactus. Great ideas can come from very obvious places, such as the plant’s colors, size, or unique features. For example, a golden barrel cactus with bright yellow spines might fit the name “Sunshine.”
- Give yourself time. The perfect cactus name won’t always come to you immediately! Take time to choose so you can find a name you truly love.