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.
Stabitha
Spike
reference to the cactus’ spines
Prickle Rick
a play on Pickle Rick from “Rick and Morty”
Fred
Verde
meaning “green”
Spikey
Pierce
Cottontail
for a bunny ears cactus
Greenie
Fluffy
ironic since cacti have spines
Sir Stabbington
Katniss
“The Hunger Games” character name that sounds somewhat like “cactus”
Snuggles
Cactina Turner
a reference to the famous singer Tina Turner
Blossom
for a flowering cactus
Button
for a small plant
Sunny
Thumper
for a bunny ears cactus
Dandelion
Shane the Sharp
Prickles
Ms. Prickly
Barb
Flora
Baby Bulbous
for a round-shaped cactus
Big Green Giant
Cherub
for a small angel wing cactus
Granny
for an old lady cactus (mammillaria hahniana)
Emerald
Pokey
Spikasaurus Rex
a play on “Tyrannosaurus rex” referencing the cactus’ spines
Prickly Pete
Vlad the Impaler
Spike Lee
a reference to the notable film director
Needles
The Green One
Cuddles
Sunshine
Gus
Porkie
short for “porcupine,” which also has spines
Eeyore
for a burro’s tail cactus, named after Winnie-the-Pooh’s donkey friend
Elsa
for a fairy castle cactus; named after the Disney character who lives in a snow castle
Obi-Wan
for a rat tail cactus; Ewan McGregor had a rat tail when playing the “Star Wars” character
Marty
for a zebra cactus; named for the zebra character in “Madagascar”
Ratatouille
for a rat tail cactus
The Unwatered
Merida
for a fairy castle cactus; named after the Disney character who lives in a Scottish castle
Mr. Moon
for a moon cactus
Snowball
for a bunny ears cactus; named after the “Secret Life of Pets” rabbit character
Tiny
Seraphim
for an angel wing cactus
Gabriel
for an angel wing cactus
Whiskey
for a barrel cactus, since whiskey is aged in a barrel
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
Sharpie
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
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.
93 Best Pet Rock Names (Curated & Ranked) + Generator
123 Best Four-Letter Nicknames (Curated & Ranked) + Generator
143 Best Three-Letter Nicknames (Curated & Ranked) + Generator
