260+ Names That Mean Doll, Puppet or Toy (With Meanings)

You know, I was thinking about doll names the other day, and it brought back so many memories. Remember that special doll you had as a kid? The one you just had to give the absolute perfect name to? We’ve all been there!

I actually had a doll named Rose when I was little – took me days to pick that name because it just had to be right. That’s what’s so special about naming dolls – it’s like giving them a tiny piece of your heart. Whether you’re 5 or 50, there’s something really magical about that moment when the perfect name just clicks.

The whole doll-naming thing is actually super old – way older than any of us! Get this – back in ancient Egypt (we’re talking pyramids and everything), kids would name their dolls and even have them buried with them. Wild, right? But you can totally see why – their dolls were their best friends, just like they are for kids today.

You know what’s funny? Even though we don’t go around burying dolls anymore (thank goodness!), picking out that perfect name is still this huge deal. I see it all the time with my niece – she spends ages picking just the right name for each of her dolls. And honestly? Some of her choices are way more creative than anything I could come up with!

Want to know something else cool about doll names? They’re like little time capsules of what’s popular when we name them. My mom had a doll named Betty in the 60s, I had my Rose in the 90s, and now kids are naming their dolls after their favorite YouTube stars. How times change, right?

So, ready to dive into the wonderful world of doll names? Trust me, it’s going to be fun – I’ve got some great stories and ideas to share with you!

Names That Mean Doll

• Gudiya (Hindi) – Literally means “doll,” often used as a term of endearment
• Boneka (Indonesian) – Means “doll” or “puppet”
• Pupa (Latin) – Original meaning “little doll”
• Bambola (Italian) – Direct translation for “doll”
• Nina (Spanish) – Derived from “muñeca” meaning “doll”
• Lalka (Polish) – Means “doll” or “little toy”
• Bebek (Turkish) – Refers to “doll” or “baby”
• Docka (Swedish) – Translates to “doll”
• Puppe (German) – Means “doll”
• Bamba (African) – Means “doll” in some dialects
• Kukla (Russian) – Means “doll” or “puppet”
• Dami (Korean) – Refers to a traditional Korean doll
• Manika (Sanskrit) – Means “doll” or “little girl”
• Barbie (English) – Famous doll name now used as given name
• Ningyō (Japanese) – Means “doll” or “puppet”
• Muñeca (Spanish) – Direct translation for “doll”
• Poupée (French) – Means “doll”
• Dukke (Danish) – Means “doll”
• Bup Be (Vietnamese) – Means “doll”
• Boneca (Portuguese) – Means “doll”

Love cultural names? Check out our collection of Japanese group team names!

Nicknames Meaning Puppet

• Marionette (French) – Little Marion, referring to puppet
• Strings (English) – Reference to puppet strings
• Woody (English) – Like the famous puppet from Toy Story
• Pinoke (Italian) – Short for Pinocchio
• Howdy (American) – After Howdy Doody puppet
• Punch (English) – From Punch and Judy shows
• Judy (English) – From traditional puppet shows
• Poppet (English) – Old term for small puppet
• Puppet (English) – Direct nickname
• Stringy (English) – Playful reference to puppet strings
• Muppet (English) – After famous puppet characters
• Dummy (English) – Referring to ventriloquist puppets
• Shadow (English) – From shadow puppetry
• Kermie (English) – After Kermit the puppet
• Gepetto (Italian) – Famous puppet maker’s name
• Jiminy (English) – From Pinocchio story
• Bunraku (Japanese) – Traditional puppet theater
• Sock (English) – Reference to sock puppets
• Puppetino (Italian) – Little puppet
• Stringless (English) – Ironic puppet nickname

For more unique naming ideas, take a look at our unique group names list!

Names That Mean Puppet

You know what’s fascinating about puppet names? They come from all over the world! Let’s check out some really cool options:

• Karakuri (Japanese) – Means “mechanical puppet”
• Wayang (Indonesian) – Traditional puppet from shadow plays
• Petrusha (Russian) – Folk puppet character name
• Pulcinella (Italian) – Traditional puppet theater character
• Marion (French) – Root word for marionette
• Kukla (Slavic) – Simply means “puppet”
• Vidusaka (Sanskrit) – Puppet character in ancient theater
• Tholpavakoothu (Indian) – Shadow puppet art form
• Karagöz (Turkish) – Famous shadow puppet character
• Burattino (Italian) – Wooden puppet
• Petrushka (Russian) – Traditional puppet character
• Kašpárek (Czech) – Famous puppet character
• Fantoccino (Italian) – Little puppet
• Guignol (French) – Famous puppet character
• Handpop (Dutch) – Means hand puppet
• Titella (Catalan) – Means puppet
• Loutkový (Czech) – Relating to puppets
• Kasperle (German) – Traditional puppet character
• Pupazzo (Italian) – Means puppet or doll
• Marionet (Dutch) – Means marionette

Hey, if you’re into unique names like these, you might want to check out our medieval last names collection!

Names Meaning Puppet

Let’s dive into another batch of puppet-inspired names – these are super interesting:

• Pinocchio (Italian) – World’s most famous puppet
• Colombina (Italian) – Commedia dell’arte puppet
• Shakti (Indian) – String puppet tradition
• Bunraku (Japanese) – Traditional puppet theater style
• Putli (Hindi) – Means puppet
• Marotte (French) – Jester’s puppet stick
• Pierrot (French) – Famous puppet character
• Geppetto (Italian) – Famous puppet maker
• Polichinelle (French) – Traditional puppet character
• Théâtre (French) – Puppet theater tradition
• Tolpava (Indian) – Shadow puppet art
• Kathputli (Indian) – String puppet
• Karagiozis (Greek) – Shadow puppet character
• Sbek (Cambodian) – Shadow puppet
• Potehi (Indonesian) – Glove puppet theater
• Golek (Javanese) – Rod puppet
• Nang (Thai) – Shadow puppet
• Glove (English) – Type of puppet
• String (English) – Type of puppet control
• Shadow (English) – Type of puppet art

Love these traditional names? You might enjoy our collection of traditional latin last names!

Names That Mean ‘Doll’ in Japanese

Hey there! Let’s explore some beautiful Japanese names that are all about dolls. Japanese culture has such a rich history with dolls – they’re not just toys but works of art!

• Ningyō – The most direct way to say “doll”
• Hinamatsuri – From the doll festival
• Ayatsuri – Means “puppet doll”
• Kikou – Mechanical doll
• Tamaki – Beautiful doll
• Haruko – Spring doll child
• Yūrei – Spirit doll
• Kokeshi – Traditional Japanese doll
• Hina – Doll, especially festival dolls
• Bunraku – Puppet theater doll
• Ichimatsu – Named after traditional dolls
• Chikamatsu – Puppet theater master
• Saori – Puppet weaver
• Karakuri – Mechanical doll
• Ohinasama – Honorary doll
• Kugutsume – Puppeteer
• Hitogata – Human-shaped doll
• Tezuma – Magic doll
• Dekoboko – Decorative doll
• Momoko – Peach doll child

Love Japanese names? Check out our Japanese usernames collection!

Girl Names That Mean Doll

These names are just adorable! Each one has a special connection to dolls and playtime:

• Midge (English) – Friend of Barbie doll
• Darling (English) – Precious like a doll
• Bonnie (Scottish) – Pretty, doll-like
• Gudiya (Indian) – Literally means “doll”
• Lalka (Slavic) – Means “doll”
• Manika (Sanskrit) – Means “doll”
• Poppet (English) – Term of endearment meaning little doll
• Barbie (English) – After the famous doll
• Dolly (English) – Little doll
• Nina (Spanish) – From “muñeca” (doll)
• Bambola (Italian) – Means “doll”
• Kukla (Russian) – Means “doll”
• Pupa (Latin) – Little doll
• Babette (French) – Little doll
• Bitsy (English) – Tiny doll
• Christie (English) – After the doll line
• Skipper (English) – Barbie’s sister
• Stacie (English) – Another doll name
• Kelly (English) – Little doll
• Baby (English) – Like a baby doll

Want more girly name ideas? Take a peek at our team names for girls!

Boy Names That Mean Doll

Let’s talk about boy names connected to dolls and puppetry! You might be surprised how many cool options there are:

• Ken – The most famous male doll name ever, right?
• Cody – Means “helpful,” like a toy companion
• Karagöz – From Turkish puppet theater
• Pinocchio – The wooden puppet who became real
• Punch – From traditional puppet shows
• Andy – Like Andy’s toys in Toy Story
• Woody – The beloved cowboy doll
• Howdy – After Howdy Doody puppet
• Gepetto – The famous dollmaker
• Baxter – Means “baker,” like making dolls
• Todd – Like a fox puppet
• Garrick – Means “puppet ruler”
• Marion – Root of “marionette”
• Paolo – Like the puppet maker
• Casey – Playful like a puppet
• Tommy – Common toy soldier name
• Roger – Like puppet shows
• Blaine – Means “slender,” like a puppet
• Felix – Happy like a toy
• Jack – Like a jack-in-the-box

Into boy names? You’ll love our boys group names collection!

Names That Mean Puppet Master

These names have such a cool vibe – they’re all about being in control of the show:

• Ayatsuri (Japanese) – Puppet master
• Dalang (Indonesian) – Shadow puppet master
• Maestro (Italian) – Master of performance
• Dominus (Latin) – Master controller
• Kugutsushi (Japanese) – Puppeteer
• Rajju (Sanskrit) – String master
• Sutradhar (Indian) – Holder of strings
• Meister (German) – Master craftsman
• Pupparius (Latin) – Puppet maker
• Manipulator (English) – Controller of puppets
• Bunrakuza (Japanese) – Puppet theater master
• Cordis (Latin) – Of the strings
• Régisseur (French) – Stage director
• Titerero (Spanish) – Puppeteer
• Dhalang (Javanese) – Master storyteller
• Marionettist (English) – Puppet controller
• Tammer (English) – One who controls
• Ringmaster (English) – Show controller
• Director (English) – Show leader
• Master (English) – Controller of performance

Want more powerful names? Check out our powerful team names list!

Names That Mean Puppeteer

You know what’s really cool about puppeteer names? They’re like little stories in themselves! Each one tells us something about the art of bringing puppets to life:

• Dalang (Indonesian) – The coolest part? This is what they call shadow puppet masters!
• Kugutsu (Japanese) – Such a beautiful word for puppet artistry
• Remy (French) – Means “oarsman,” like steering puppets
• Harper (English) – One who plays strings, like puppet strings
• Fletcher (English) – Means “arrow maker,” like crafting puppet movements
• Takumi (Japanese) – Master craftsperson
• Weaver (English) – Like weaving stories with puppets
• Turner (English) – One who can turn and manipulate
• Walker (English) – Makes puppets walk and move
• Smith (English) – Craftsperson, like making puppets
• Carter (English) – One who transports, like moving puppets
• Reed (English) – Flexible like a puppet master
• Archer (English) – One with precise control
• Cooper (English) – Maker and craftsperson
• Fisher (English) – One who catches and controls
• Palmer (English) – One who holds and guides
• Thayer (English) – Toy maker
• Wright (English) – Maker and creator
• Mason (English) – Skilled craftsperson
• Chandler (English) – Controller of movement

Hey, if you’re into crafty names like these, why not check out our creative usernames?

Barbie Doll Names for Girls

Okay, this is super fun! Remember playing with Barbies? These names come straight from that magical world of fashion and friendship:

• Barbie – The queen herself!
• Skipper – Barbie’s spunky little sister
• Stacie – The middle sister with attitude
• Chelsea – The adorable youngest sister
• Kelly – Remember her? Such a cutie!
• Midge – Barbie’s first best friend
• Teresa – The loyal friend
• Summer – Perfect beach buddy
• Nikki – The cool friend
• Grace – The elegant one
• Whitney – The athletic one
• Raquelle – The dramatic friend
• Harper – The artistic one
• Madison – The trendy one
• Brooklyn – The city girl
• Kira – The nature lover
• Christie – The fashion icon
• Daisy – The sweet one
• Blaine – The surfer girl
• Melody – The musical one

Love these girly names? You’ll definitely want to see our team names for girls!

Japanese Names That Mean Puppet (Male)

Hey, ready to dive into some really fascinating Japanese names? The way Japanese culture looks at puppets is super interesting – they’re not just toys, but an important part of their artistic heritage!

• Karakuri – So this one’s really cool! It means “mechanical puppet” and was used for those amazing old Japanese automatons
• Bunraku – Named after the traditional puppet theater – how awesome is that?
• Ayatsuri – This literally means “puppeteer,” but it’s used as a name too
• Ningyo – It’s like the Japanese version of “puppet boy”
• Deku – A wooden puppet (yep, just like in those anime shows!)
• Kugutsu – An ancient word for puppet master
• Tezuka – Means “hand master,” like someone who’s great with puppet manipulation
• Takumi – Means “artisan,” often used for puppet makers
• Shinji – Can mean “divine puppet”
• Ichiro – When used with certain kanji, can mean “first puppet”
• Akira – Can mean “bright puppet” with specific characters
• Katashi – Means “firm,” like a well-made puppet
• Hiroshi – Can mean “puppet master” with certain kanji
• Makoto – Truth/sincerity (think Pinocchio!)
• Isamu – Means “brave,” like puppet warriors
• Kenji – Can mean “intelligent puppet”
• Rokuro – Named after the puppet-making wheel
• Saburo – Can mean “third puppet”
• Yutaka – Abundant, like a collection of puppets
• Masashi – Elegant puppet master

Want more Japanese-inspired names? Take a peek at my guide to Japanese usernames!

Cultural Diversity in Doll Names

Different cultures have such beautiful ways of naming their dolls. Here’s a peek at some traditions:

African Doll Names:

• Amara (Igbo) – meaning “grace” or “mercy”
• Zuri (Swahili) – meaning “beautiful”
• Thandiwe (Zulu) – meaning “beloved”

Asian Doll Names:

• Mei (Chinese) – meaning “beautiful”
• Sakura (Japanese) – meaning “cherry blossom”
• Priya (Indian) – meaning “beloved”

Want some more cultural inspiration? Take a look at our collection of Japanese group team names!

Popular Doll Names by Gender

Let’s break down some favorite doll names by gender. I’ve organized them in this handy table:

Female Names	Male Names	Unisex Names
Rose	James	Sam
Lily	William	Alex
Emma	Benjamin	Jordan
Sophie	Oliver	Taylor
Isabella	Henry	Casey

Looking for more naming ideas? Check out our creative usernames collection!

Creative and Unique Doll Names

Now, let’s get creative! There are so many wonderful ways to come up with unique doll names. I love how people draw inspiration from all sorts of places:

Fantasy-Inspired Names:

• Starlight
• Moonbeam
• Crystal
• Phoenix
• Rainbow

Nature-Inspired Names:

• River
• Sky
• Forest
• Ocean
• Mountain

For more nature-themed inspiration, take a peek at our nature last names collection!

Pop Culture and Famous Doll Names

You know what’s really fun? Looking at all the famous dolls that have become household names over the years. I bet you’ll recognize quite a few of these!

Literary Doll Names:

• Raggedy Ann
• Pinocchio
• Nutcracker
• Clara’s doll from The Nutcracker
• Velveteen Rabbit (okay, technically a stuffed bunny, but too classic not to mention!)

Movie and TV Dolls:

• Chucky (though maybe not the best choice for a kid’s doll!)
• Jessie from Toy Story
• Miss Piggy
• Big Bird
• Elmo

Into collecting famous characters? You might enjoy our guide to Star Wars team names!

How to Name Your Doll

Picking out the perfect name for your doll is super exciting! Here are some things to think about:

1. Look at Your Doll’s Personality
   • Does your doll look happy? Maybe a cheerful name like Sunny
   • Got a sophisticated-looking doll? Consider Elizabeth or Victoria
   • Is your doll sporty? Try names like Alex or Jamie
2. Think About the Culture
   • If you have a Japanese doll, a Japanese name might be perfect
   • Love Italian culture? Go for a beautiful Italian name
   • Want something unique? Mix cultures creatively!

For more cultural naming ideas, check out our Italian team names collection!

The Psychology of Doll Names

Did you know that naming dolls actually helps kids develop? It’s true! When children name their dolls, they’re doing some pretty amazing things:

• Building emotional connections
• Developing storytelling skills
• Learning about relationships
• Practicing social skills
• Growing their imagination

Fun fact: Studies show that kids who name their toys often show more empathy and better social skills. Pretty cool, right?

International Doll Names

Let’s take a little trip around the world of doll names! Different languages have such beautiful words for dolls:

Language	Word for Doll	Common Doll Names
French	Poupée	Margot, Céleste
Spanish	Muñeca	Rosa, Luna
German	Puppe	Greta, Hans
Japanese	Ningyō	Yuki, Hana

Want more international inspiration? Browse our French team names!

Trendy vs Classic Names

Just like baby names, doll names go through trends too! Here’s what’s hot right now:

Trending Doll Names:

• Luna
• Nova
• Atlas
• Sage
• River

Classic Names That Never Go Out of Style:

• Mary
• John
• Elizabeth
• William
• Sarah

Looking for more classic inspiration? Check out our vintage usernames guide!

Creating Your Own Doll Names

Want to make up your own super-special doll name? Here’s a fun trick I love: mix and match these elements:

1. Nature word + Classic name: RoseEmma, SkyJames
2. Color + Feeling: BlueStar, RedJoy
3. Season + Flower: SpringLily, WinterRose

Final Thoughts

Naming a doll is way more than just picking a random name – it’s about creating a friend, building stories, and letting imagination soar. Whether you go classic or creative, cultural or completely made-up, the perfect name is out there waiting to be discovered.

Remember, there’s no “right” or “wrong” way to name a doll. The best name is the one that makes you smile when you say it!

Want more naming inspiration? Don’t forget to check out our unique group names list!