Humankind have long viewed animals as if they shared human characteristics. Naturally this view is expressed in the naming of the beloved family pet, a farm animal, a race horse, an exotic bird, an insect, or any other animal.

Arranged by type of name (genetic, descriptive, incident, link, group, pedigree and show, horse and hound, farm, famous, mythical and legendary, and fictional), this is a reference to how people name animals. For each type there is an introductory section followed by numerous examples with the stories behind the particular name.