Have you ever gazed at a web glistening with morning dew and wondered about the architect behind it? Spiders—these eight-legged wonders—weave themselves into our lives, from the corners of our homes to the depths of our imagination.
Whether you’re a proud spider pet parent looking for the perfect name, a mythology enthusiast, or simply spider-curious, I’ve got you covered with this comprehensive guide to spider names.
Growing up, I was terrified of spiders until I learned about their incredible role in our ecosystem. That fear transformed into fascination, and I’ve been sharing that passion ever since. Let’s embark on this eight-legged journey together!
Best Spider Names
Looking for the absolute cream of the crop when it comes to spider names? These top-tier options blend creativity, personality, and a touch of spider essence:
- Charlotte – Meaning “free woman,” originated from the beloved character in Charlotte’s Web
- Aragog – From Harry Potter, conveying size and mystery
- Spinner – Reflects a spider’s web-making ability
- Webber – Occupational name meaning “web maker”
- Shadow – Perfect for dark-colored or stealthy spiders
- Silk – References the spider’s amazing thread-spinning abilities
- Luna – Meaning “moon,” ideal for nocturnal hunters
- Pixel – For small, precise spiders, especially jumping varieties
- Legs – Playful reference to their eight appendages
- Shelob – From Lord of the Rings, meaning “female spider”
- Venom – Highlighting their natural defense mechanism
- Orb – Referencing the beautiful circular webs some spiders create
- Weaver – Celebrating their web-making skills
- Ziggy – For spiders with zigzag patterns in their webs
- Arachne – From Greek mythology, the first spider
- Hunter – Perfect for active hunting spiders like wolf or jumping spiders
- Bindy – Derived from “bind,” referencing web-binding abilities
- Octavia – Latin for “eighth,” referencing their eight legs
- Widow – Sophisticated and slightly mysterious
- Arach – Short for Arachnid, the scientific class of spiders
- Fangs – Highlighting one of a spider’s most distinctive features
- Itsy – From the famous “Itsy Bitsy Spider” nursery rhyme
- Cobweb – Referencing their silky creations
- Tarantino – A play on tarantula with a cinematic twist
- Webster – Meaning “weaver,” with a formal twist
My friend named his Chilean Rose tarantula “Webster,” and it’s always fun seeing people’s reactions when they realize the clever wordplay involved!
Names For A Female Spider
Female spiders are often larger and more visually striking than males, making them perfect candidates for these powerful feminine names:
- Athena – Greek goddess associated with wisdom and weaving
- Gwen – Inspired by Gwen Stacy from Spider-Man, meaning “white, fair”
- Duchess – Regal and elegant, perfect for impressive specimens
- Morticia – Gothic name meaning “death,” for dark-colored spiders
- Ariadne – In Greek mythology, associated with labyrinths and threads
- Silkia – Created from “silk,” emphasizing web-making abilities
- Arachnia – Feminine form derived from “arachnid”
- Nephila – Genus of golden silk orb-weavers, meaning “fond of spinning”
- Belladonna – Means “beautiful lady” but also references poison
- Nyx – Greek goddess of night, perfect for nocturnal spiders
- Velvet – Referencing the soft appearance of some spiders
- Tess – Short and sweet, meaning “harvester”
- Latrodecta – Feminine form of the black widow genus Latrodectus
- Pandora – Greek for “all-gifted,” with mysterious connotations
- Webbigail – Playful feminine web-maker name
- Octavia – Refers to “eight,” for their eight legs
- Spinnerella – Whimsical name for prolific web spinners
- Onyx – For black spiders, referring to the black gemstone
- Jewel – For colorful or iridescent spiders
- Theraphosa – Genus of the Goliath bird-eater spider
- Nightshade – References both darkness and poison
- Crimson – For reddish spiders or those with red markings
- Ebony – Means “dark black wood,” perfect for dark spiders
- Widow – Classic name referencing the famous black widow
- Lace – Elegant name referencing the delicate patterns of webs
I once met a pet jumping spider named “Duchess” who seemed to live up to her name—she had a particularly regal way of observing her surroundings from her terrarium!
Names For A Male Spider
Male spiders may be smaller, but they’re often more active and colorful than females, making these masculine names a perfect fit:
- Peter – After Peter Parker (Spider-Man), meaning “rock”
- Websley – Masculine play on “web,” with an aristocratic touch
- Fang – Emphasizing the spider’s striking appendages
- Boris – Slavic name meaning “fighter,” good for active spiders
- Hunter – Perfect for predatory spiders that don’t rely on webs
- Ziggy – For spiders with zigzag patterns in their webs
- Duke – Regal name for impressive specimens
- Silko – Masculine form inspired by a spider’s silk production
- Anansi – West African spider god known for cleverness
- Aragog – The male acromantula from Harry Potter
- Baron – Noble title for distinguished-looking spiders
- Felix – Means “lucky,” contrasting the unlucky perception of spiders
- Loki – Norse trickster god, fitting for unpredictable spiders
- Spindle – References web-spinning tools
- Odysseus – Greek hero known for cleverness and adaptability
- Orion – Mighty hunter from Greek mythology
- Phantom – For elusive or pale-colored spiders
- Spike – Reference to their often bristly appearance
- Jumper – Perfect for jumping spiders
- Venom – References their defensive capabilities
- Shadow – For dark or stealthy spiders
- Thaddeus – Greek for “courageous heart,” sounds distinguished
- Obsidian – For glossy black spiders
- Bruno – Means “brown,” good for brown spiders
- Houdini – For escape artist spiders that seem to disappear
My brother’s pet tarantula “Houdini” lived up to his name by somehow managing to escape his enclosure twice—thankfully always found safely hanging out on the terrarium lid!
Baby Spider Names
Baby spiders (spiderlings) are tiny, curious, and full of potential—perfect candidates for these adorable names:
- Bitsy – From “Itsy Bitsy Spider,” perfect for tiny babies
- Speck – Highlighting their minuscule size
- Dot – Simple name referencing their tiny appearance
- Wisp – For delicate, barely-visible spiderlings
- Pixel – References their tiny, dot-like appearance
- Pebble – Small but solid, like a tiny pebble
- Niblet – Cute diminutive name for the smallest specimens
- Sprout – Referencing their growth potential
- Mite – Though technically different arachnids, references small size
- Sunny – Bright and cheerful for a new addition
- Tiny – Straightforward description of a spiderling
- Seedling – Referencing their growth potential
- Fluff – For fuzzy baby tarantulas
- Nugget – Small but valuable
- Teeny – Emphasizing their minuscule size
- Pinpoint – For extremely small spiderlings
- Button – Small, cute, like a tiny button
- Pipsqueak – Affectionate term for something very small
- Dewdrop – Tiny and precious, like morning dew
- Fidget – For particularly active baby spiders
- Micro – Scientific prefix meaning “small”
- Tadpole – Baby form, though from a different animal
- Hatchling – References their emergence from egg sacs
- Peewee – Affectionate term for something small
- Mochi – Japanese rice cake, small and soft like a baby spider
When I volunteered at an insect zoo, we had a clutch of baby jumping spiders we collectively called “The Pixels” because they were so tiny they looked like moving dots on the enclosure glass!
Unisex Spider Names
Looking for gender-neutral options that work for any spider? These versatile names are perfect regardless of your spider’s sex:
- Web – Simple and appropriate for all web-spinners
- Silk – References the material all spiders produce
- Spinner – Activity-based name for any spider
- Shadow – Works for dark-colored spiders of any gender
- Aragog – Fictional character name that works universally
- Phantom – Mysterious name for any elusive spider
- Fuzzy – For hairy species like tarantulas
- Ghost – For pale or white spiders of any gender
- Ziggy – Playful name referencing zigzag web patterns
- Spook – Playfully scary name for any spider
- Obsidian – For glossy black spiders of any gender
- Ember – For reddish or orange-tinted spiders
- Storm – Powerful name for active, fast-moving spiders
- Midnight – For dark-colored nocturnal hunters
- Flicker – For quick-moving species
- Onyx – Gemstone name for black spiders
- Marble – For spiders with distinctive patterning
- Scout – For exploratory, adventurous spiders
- Rogue – For independent, solitary spiders
- Webby – Cute, simple name for any spider
- Leaf – For spiders that camouflage among foliage
- Echo – Mysterious, ethereal name for any spider
- Nimble – Describing the dexterity of all spiders
- Wisp – For delicate, small spiders
- Tango – Energetic name for active spiders
I named my pet jumping spider “Echo” because of how it seemed to mirror my movements when I approached its enclosure—a perfect gender-neutral name that matched its personality!
Wolf Spider Names
Wolf spiders are active hunters without webs, making these fierce, predatory names especially fitting:
- Artemis – Greek goddess of the hunt
- Luna – Moon goddess, as wolf spiders are often nocturnal hunters
- Tracker – Referencing their hunting abilities
- Hunter – Direct reference to their predatory nature
- Lycos – From Lycosidae, their family name meaning “wolf”
- Fenrir – The great wolf from Norse mythology
- Scout – For their roaming, searching behavior
- Stalker – Referencing their hunting technique
- Ranger – For their wide roaming territory
- Apollo – God of many things including hunting
- Fang – Highlighting their prominent appendages
- Lupine – Directly meaning “wolf-like”
- Prowler – Describing their hunting style
- Nomad – For their wandering lifestyle
- Shadow – For their stealthy hunting approach
- Lupa – Female wolf in Roman mythology
- Coyote – Another cunning canid predator
- Huntress – Female hunter, good for female wolf spiders
- Timber – Evoking forests where many wolf spiders live
- Chase – For their active hunting style
- Orion – The hunter constellation in Greek mythology
- Diana – Roman goddess of the hunt
- Akela – The leader wolf from The Jungle Book
- Ridge – For their often rugged appearance
- Sierra – Meaning “mountain range,” for their rugged habitats
My cousin found a wolf spider in her garden and temporarily named it “Ranger” before relocating it to a wooded area—fitting for a spider that patrols territories like a park ranger!
Love predatory names? Check out these ninja team names that could suit stealthy spiders too!
Cute Spider Names
Want to emphasize the adorable side of your eight-legged friend? These cute names highlight the charming aspects of spiders:
- Fuzzy – Perfect for hairy species like tarantulas
- Button – Cute as a button, especially for spiders with prominent eyes
- Peanut – Small and endearing
- Jellybean – Sweet and small
- Marshmallow – For light-colored or fuzzy spiders
- Pom-Pom – For round, fuzzy tarantulas
- Sprinkles – For spiders with colorful markings
- Cupcake – Sweet and small
- Buttons – Referencing their multiple eyes
- Cookie – Simple, sweet name for any pet
- Snuggles – Ironically cute for an animal rarely snuggled
- Pumpkin – For orange or round spiders
- Biscuit – Small and sweet
- Muffin – Cute, round name for stocky spiders
- Bubbles – Playful name for active spiders
- Cuddles – Ironic but adorable
- Giggles – For spiders that seem to have personality
- Twinkle – For spiders with iridescent coloring
- Gummy – Soft and sweet
- Peaches – For peachy or orange-colored spiders
- Waffles – Playful breakfast-inspired name
- Doodle – Playful, artistic name
- Skittles – For colorful spiders
- Blossom – For spiders found near flowers
- Teddy – For fuzzy tarantulas
I once met a pet jumping spider named “Pom-Pom” at an exotic pet show, and it was the perfect name—this tiny fuzzy spider would raise its front legs when approached, looking just like a tiny cheerleader with pom-poms!
Good Spider Names
Looking for solid, reliable names that work well for any spider pet? These good all-around options never disappoint:
- Charlotte – Classic spider name from literature
- Webster – Traditional name meaning “weaver”
- Spinner – Descriptive of a key spider skill
- Octavia – Referencing their eight legs
- Parker – Subtle nod to Peter Parker/Spider-Man
- Shelob – Literary reference to Tolkien’s giant spider
- Aragog – From Harry Potter, immediately recognizable
- Weaver – Direct reference to web-making ability
- Silk – The material all spiders produce
- Ariadne – Greek mythological figure associated with thread
- Felix – Means “lucky,” a positive association
- Luna – For nocturnal species
- Hunter – Good for active hunting species
- Shadow – For dark-colored or shy spiders
- Aurora – Beautiful name for colorful species
- Ziggy – Referencing zigzag web patterns
- Orb – For orb-weaver spiders
- Tango – For quick-moving, “dancing” spiders
- Echo – Elegant, mysterious name
- Pebble – Simple, earthy name for grounded pets
- Scout – For exploratory spiders
- Pixel – Perfect for tiny species
- Nova – Bright and energetic
- Jasper – Gemstone name with character
- Sage – Wise and simple
After much deliberation, my neighbor settled on “Octavia” for her pet tarantula—a perfect balance of elegance and scientific accuracy that never fails to start conversations!
Funny Names For A Pet Spider
Want to make people laugh when they hear your spider’s name? These humorous options are guaranteed to bring a smile:
- Sir Legs-a-Lot – Knightly title with a leg pun
- Itsy Bitsy Crisis – Play on the nursery rhyme and reactions to spiders
- Web Designer – Perfect occupational pun
- Aragog Schwarzenegger – Combining Harry Potter and the famous actor
- Charlotte’s Website – Modern update to the classic character
- Lord of the Flies – Literary pun on what spiders eat
- Leg Day – Gym humor for an animal that never skips leg day
- Inspector Gadget – For spiders with prominent appendages
- Daddy Issues – Play on “Daddy Long Legs”
- Spidey Sense Tingling – Spider-Man reference
- Hermione Spinner – Harry Potter character pun
- Octopaws – Play on octopus and paws
- Legs Benedict – Food pun on Eggs Benedict
- Webflix and Chill – Modern streaming service pun
- Miss Muffet’s Nightmare – Nursery rhyme reference
- Thread Zeppelin – Rock band pun on Led Zeppelin
- Silkroad – Historical trade route pun
- World Wide Web – Internet pun
- Spiderella – Fairy tale spider mashup
- Arachnophobia – Ironic name for a pet spider
- Crawlbert Einstein – Genius spider pun
- Web MD – Medical website pun
- J.R.R. Trollkien – Author pun
- Tarant-ulysses – Classical literature spider pun
- Webby Goldberg – Celebrity spider pun
My colleague’s jumping spider is named “Web Designer,” and he even created a tiny desk setup with a miniature computer in its enclosure—the commitment to the joke makes it even funnier!
Cool Spider Names
Looking for names with an edge? These cool options give your spider an instant boost in the awesome department:
- Onyx – Sleek black gemstone name
- Phantom – Mysterious and elusive
- Venom – Powerful reference to their natural defense
- Shadow – Stealthy and mysterious
- Eclipse – Dramatic celestial event
- Obsidian – Volcanic glass with edge
- Hex – Magical, slightly mysterious
- Rogue – Independent and unpredictable
- Specter – Ghost-like and mysterious
- Dusk – The mysterious time between day and night
- Fang – Highlighting one of their most dangerous features
- Phoenix – Mythical creature of rebirth
- Midnight – Dark and mysterious
- Rebel – For spiders that don’t follow rules
- Blade – Sharp and dangerous
- Storm – Powerful natural force
- Stealth – For their silent hunting abilities
- Ghost – Ethereal and mysterious
- Echo – Mysterious sound phenomenon
- Shade – Cool alternative to Shadow
- Smoke – Elusive and difficult to grasp
- Cipher – Mysterious code
- Jinx – Slightly dangerous supernatural reference
- Reaper – Dark reference to death (appropriate for predators)
- Matrix – For web-spinners, creating their own matrix
I once encountered a glossy black jumping spider at a friend’s exotic pet shop named “Obsidian”—watching it move across the dark volcanic rocks in its terrarium was like watching a living piece of the stone come to life!
Want more cool naming options? Check out these dark team names for shadowy inspiration!
Jumping Spider Names
Jumping spiders are known for their intelligence, personality, and, of course, impressive jumps! These names capture their active, inquisitive nature:
- Hop – Simple reference to their primary movement
- Bounce – For their springy movements
- Pixel – For their tiny, precise movements
- Scout – For their curious, exploring nature
- Pogo – Like a pogo stick, always bouncing
- Zippy – Fast and energetic
- Leap – Direct reference to their ability
- Jumper – Straightforward description
- Spring – For their coiled-spring jumping ability
- Flash – For their quick movements
- Ricochet – For the way they bounce around
- Salticid – From their family name Salticidae
- Rocket – For their launch-like jumps
- Boing – Cartoonish sound of jumping
- Hopper – Classic name for anything that jumps
- Pounce – For their hunting technique
- Jitterbug – Lively dance name for active spiders
- Zoom – For their quick movements
- Skippy – Playful jumping name
- Dart – For their quick movements
- Grasshopper – Another famous jumper from the insect world
- Sproing – Onomatopoeic jumping sound
- Twitch – For their alert, sometimes jerky movements
- Bounder – One who moves in leaps and bounds
- Flea – Another famous jumper (though from a different order)
My smallest jumping spider was named “Pixel” because it was so tiny yet so precisely coordinated—just like a single pixel that somehow contains a complete image of personality!
Creepy Spider Names
Leaning into the spooky side of spiders? These eerie names enhance the mysterious, sometimes frightening aura spiders can project:
- Widow – Evoking the deadly black widow
- Shroud – Dark covering associated with death
- Phantom – Ghost-like and mysterious
- Grimm – Dark, fairy-tale quality
- Morticia – From The Addams Family, darkly elegant
- Dracula – Famous vampire with a predatory nature
- Bane – Causing death or great distress
- Hex – Magical curse or spell
- Reaper – Harvester of souls
- Vex – To cause annoyance or distress
- Doom – Impending fate or death
- Shade – Ghostly apparition
- Wraith – Ghost or spirit
- Morgue – Place associated with death
- Poe – Author of macabre tales
- Voodoo – Mysterious magical practice
- Spite – Malice or ill will
- Abyss – Deep, dark void
- Omen – Sign of impending doom
- Raven – Dark bird associated with death
- Macabre – Disturbing because of involvement with death
- Crypt – Burial chamber
- Hyde – Evil side of Dr. Jekyll
- Nightshade – Poisonous plant
- Gloom – Partial or total darkness
During a Halloween event at our local nature center, they temporarily renamed their black widow “Morticia”—the name was so perfect with her elegant, dark appearance that they kept it permanently!
Famous Spider Names
These well-known spiders from literature, movies, mythology, and pop culture make instantly recognizable names for your pet:
- Charlotte – From Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White
- Aragog – The giant spider from Harry Potter
- Shelob – The ancient evil spider from Lord of the Rings
- Anansi – The trickster spider god from West African folklore
- Parker – After Peter Parker/Spider-Man
- Arachne – The weaver turned into the first spider in Greek mythology
- Lucas – The adorable jumping spider from children’s videos
- Rosie – Hagrid’s pet tarantula in Harry Potter
- Ungoliant – Primordial spider entity from Tolkien’s works
- Lolth – Spider Queen goddess from Dungeons & Dragons
- Jessica Drew – Spider-Woman’s real name in Marvel comics
- Webster – From the children’s book Charlotte’s Web
- Kaine – Spider-Man clone from Marvel comics
- Venom – Spider-Man’s symbiote enemy
- Jorogumo – Shape-shifting spider woman from Japanese folklore
- Tsuchigumo – Giant spider creatures from Japanese folklore
- Atlach-Nacha – Spider god from the Cthulhu mythos
- Kumonga – Giant spider kaiju from Godzilla films
- Queenie – From James and the Giant Peach
- Jeff – From the animated film Penelope
- Muffet – From the game Undertale
- Neith – Egyptian goddess sometimes associated with spiders
- Kumo – Spider yokai from Japanese folklore
- Bilbo – Named after the character who fought spiders in The Hobbit
- Webby – From DuckTales, though not a spider herself
I once visited an arachnid exhibit where they had a huge tarantula named “Shelob”—seeing this impressive specimen immediately brought Tolkien’s terrifying creation to life in my imagination!
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Black Spider Names
Dark-colored spiders deserve names that highlight their sleek, mysterious appearance. Here are perfect options for black arachnids:
- Onyx – Black gemstone with beautiful luster
- Midnight – The darkest hour of night
- Ebony – Dark black wood with a smooth finish
- Shadow – Dark area created by blocking light
- Raven – Black bird associated with mystery
- Obsidian – Black volcanic glass
- Widow – Referencing the black widow spider
- Eclipse – When light is blocked by darkness
- Coal – Black fossil fuel
- Jet – Deep black mineral
- Shade – Variation of shadow
- Ink – Black liquid for writing
- Darkness – Absence of light
- Pitch – Thick, dark, sticky substance
- Charcoal – Black carbon residue
- Sable – Very dark color in heraldry
- Noir – French for “black”
- Blackjack – Card game with black symbolism
- Eclipse – When the sun is covered, creating darkness
- Phantom – Dark, mysterious entity
- Morticia – Dark character from The Addams Family
- Nyx – Greek goddess of night
- Umbra – Darkest part of a shadow
- Vanta – After Vantablack, the darkest substance
- Darth – From Star Wars villain, associated with darkness
My friend’s black jumping spider is named “Obsidian,” and watching it move across dark rocks in its terrarium is like watching a piece of the volcanic glass come to life—the name perfectly captures its sleek, polished appearance!
Looking for more inspiration for black spiders? Check out these black team names!
Common Spider Names
These straightforward, traditional names work well for any spider species and have stood the test of time:
- Spinner – References their web-spinning ability
- Charlotte – Classic spider name from literature
- Webby – Simple reference to their web-making
- Legs – Highlighting their eight appendages
- Arachne – The original spider from Greek mythology
- Webster – Traditional name meaning “weaver”
- Spidey – Affectionate diminutive
- Fuzzy – For hairy species like tarantulas
- Crawler – Descriptive of movement
- Spider-Man – After the famous superhero
- Widow – After the black widow spider
- Aragog – Popular from Harry Potter
- Bitsy – From “Itsy Bitsy Spider” rhyme
- Wolf – After wolf spiders
- Shelob – Well-known from Lord of the Rings
- Weaver – References web-weaving ability
- Silky – References their silk production
- Jumper – For jumping spiders
- Tarantula – Using the species name
- Recluse – After brown recluse spider
- Creepy – Playful reference to fear of spiders
- Orb – After orb-weaver spiders
- Octavia – Referencing eight legs
- Fang – Highlighting their fangs
- Hunter – For predatory species
When I was teaching a children’s class about arachnids, we had a pet tarantula simply named “Fuzzy.” It was perfect—descriptive, easy for kids to remember, and it helped make the spider seem less scary and more approachable!
Spider Names That Start With S
The letter S offers a wealth of spider-appropriate names, with many having subtle connections to spider traits or sounds:
- Silk – References spider thread
- Shadow – For dark-colored or stealthy spiders
- Spinner – Web-spinning reference
- Speck – For tiny species
- Shelob – Famous literary spider
- Spiral – For spiral web patterns
- Shimmer – For iridescent spiders
- Storm – Powerful and impressive
- Sting – References their bite
- Shade – For dark-colored spiders
- Spindrift – Poetic term for spray blown from waves, sounds spider-like
- Spy – For observant, watching spiders
- Stealthy – For quiet, hidden spiders
- Speckle – For spotted species
- Sprocket – Mechanical-sounding name for precise movements
- Swift – For fast-moving species
- Spice – Adds flavor, like spiders add ecosystem balance
- Salticid – Scientific family name of jumping spiders
- Spiderling – Cute term for baby spiders
- Sneak – For stealthy hunters
- Spindle – Tool for spinning thread
- Saber – For spiders with prominent fangs
- Sleek – For smooth-bodied species
- Scout – For exploratory spiders
- Snap – For quick-moving or quick-striking species
I met a little jumping spider at an exotic pet show named “Scout,” and it was constantly exploring its enclosure, climbing to the highest points to look around—living up to its name perfectly!
Pun Spider Names
Love wordplay? These punny spider names combine humor and arachnid attributes for memorable, laugh-inducing results:
- Web MD – Medical website pun
- Charlotte’s Website – Modern update to the classic
- Aragog Schwarzenegger – Harry Potter meets bodybuilder
- Silk Minaj – Singer name pun
- Spidey Gonzalez – Speedy Gonzalez spider version
- Lord of the Flies – Literary pun on prey
- Legs Benedict – Breakfast food pun
- Octopaw – Octopus + paw for eight legs
- Spinderella – DJ name spider pun
- Web Designer – Occupational pun
- Tarant-ulysses – Classical hero spider pun
- Incy Wincy Rider – Ghost Rider + nursery rhyme
- Sir Spins-a-Lot – Knight spider pun
- Harry Legger – Harry Potter spider pun
- Leggy Stardust – David Bowie spider pun
- Spider Vicious – Sid Vicious spider pun
- Thread Zeppelin – Led Zeppelin spider pun
- Webbie Wonder – Stevie Wonder spider pun
- Silkway – Silk + subway
- Webflix – Netflix spider pun
- InstaSpam – Instagram spider pun
- Arachni Cooper – Alice Cooper spider pun
- Spindiana Jones – Indiana Jones spider pun
- Crawlbert Einstein – Albert Einstein spider pun
- Spiderman-dalorian – The Mandalorian spider pun
My friend’s jumping spider has the perfect name—”Web Designer.” She even created a tiny computer setup in its enclosure to complete the joke. Whenever anyone visits, she introduces her pet by saying, “He works in web development.” The groans are always worth it!
Need more funny inspiration? These funny team names might spark some spider pun ideas!
Female Spider Names
These distinctly feminine names complement the often larger, more impressive female spiders:
- Arachnia – Feminine form of “arachnid”
- Charlotte – Classic female spider name
- Widow – After the black widow spider
- Athena – Goddess associated with weaving
- Gwen – After Gwen Stacy from Spider-Man
- Shelob – Tolkien’s female spider
- Ariadne – Greek figure associated with thread
- Velvet – Luxurious fabric name
- Silk – Elegant material all spiders produce
- Duchess – Noble title with elegant associations
- Nyx – Goddess of night
- Luna – Moon goddess
- Nephila – Genus of golden silk orb-weavers
- Morticia – Elegant gothic character
- Belladonna – Means “beautiful lady” but also poisonous
- Webbigail – Cute feminine web-maker name
- Arachne – Original spider from mythology
- Latrodecta – Feminine form of black widow genus
- Tempestria – Dramatic, weather-inspired name
- Octavia – Referencing eight legs
- Rosie – After the Chilean rose tarantula
- Lace – Delicate woven material
- Silkia – Created from “silk”
- Gossamer – Fine, light spider thread
- Spinnerella – Playful spinner name
I once visited an arachnid exhibit with a massive female Goliath bird-eater tarantula named “Duchess.” The name perfectly captured her impressive size and somewhat regal bearing as she sat on her log throne!
Male Spider Names
These masculine names work particularly well for male spiders, who are often more colorful or active than females:
- Websley – Masculine play on “web”
- Peter – After Peter Parker
- Aragog – Male spider from Harry Potter
- Anansi – Male spider god from West African folklore
- Hunter – For their predatory nature
- Duke – Noble title
- Fang – Highlighting their striking appendages
- Baron – Another noble title
- Silko – Masculine form inspired by silk
- Phantom – Mysterious entity
- Orion – Hunter from mythology
- Shadow – For dark or stealthy spiders
- Venom – Powerful defense reference
- Felix – Means “lucky”
- Loki – Trickster god
- Bruno – Means “brown,” good for brown spiders
- Obsidian – For glossy black specimens
- Boris – Slavic name meaning “fighter”
- Spike – For spiny or bristly specimens
- Ziggy – For zigzag web patterns
- Houdini – For escape artist spiders
- Thaddeus – Distinguished-sounding name
- Rex – Means “king”
- Scout – For exploratory behavior
- Jumper – For jumping species
My brother named his male jumping spider “Loki” after watching its tricky hunting behavior—the spider would pretend to look away from prey before suddenly pouncing from an unexpected angle, truly living up to its trickster namesake!
Baby Spider Names
These adorable names are perfect for the tiniest spiderlings:
- Bitsy – From the nursery rhyme
- Speck – Highlighting their tiny size
- Dot – Simple reference to small size
- Wisp – For barely-visible babies
- Pixel – Digital reference to tiny size
- Pebble – Small but solid
- Niblet – Tiny bite-sized
- Sprout – Small but growing
- Mite – Very small arachnid reference
- Tiny – Straightforward description
- Seedling – Small with growth potential
- Fluff – For fuzzy baby tarantulas
- Nugget – Small but valuable
- Button – Small and cute
- Pinpoint – Extremely small
- Dewdrop – Tiny and precious
- Micro – Scientific term for small
- Tadpole – Baby form reference
- Hatchling – Newly emerged
- Peewee – Affectionately small
- Mochi – Small, soft Japanese treat
- Pip – Seed or small thing
- Midget – Very small
- Crumb – Tiny piece
- Atom – Smallest unit reference
I helped care for a clutch of baby jumping spiders at a nature center, and we nicknamed one particularly active spiderling “Sprout” because it seemed to grow faster than the others—within weeks, it was noticeably larger and more adventurous than its siblings!
Good Spider Names
These reliable, appealing names work well for any spider pet:
- Charlotte – Classic literary spider name
- Webster – Traditional “weaver” name
- Spinner – Descriptive of their skill
- Octavia – Referencing eight legs
- Parker – Subtle Spider-Man reference
- Shelob – Literary reference
- Aragog – From Harry Potter
- Weaver – Direct skill reference
- Silk – Material they produce
- Ariadne – Mythological thread reference
- Felix – Means “lucky”
- Luna – For nocturnal species
- Hunter – For active species
- Shadow – For dark or shy spiders
- Aurora – For colorful species
- Ziggy – For zigzag web patterns
- Orb – For orb-weaver species
- Tango – For active, “dancing” movement
- Echo – Mysterious, elegant
- Pebble – Simple, earthy
- Scout – For exploratory behavior
- Pixel – Perfect for small species
- Nova – Bright and energetic
- Jasper – Gemstone with character
- Sage – Wise and dignified
When helping my niece name her first pet spider, we settled on “Aurora” for her colorful jumping spider. The name has been perfect—elegant enough to make her friends interested rather than scared, while still capturing the iridescent beauty of her little pet.
Gender-Neutral Spider Names
Looking for names that work regardless of your spider’s sex? These universal options are perfect:
- Web – Simple, appropriate for all web-spinners
- Silk – Material all spiders produce
- Spinner – Activity-based name
- Shadow – For dark-colored spiders
- Aragog – Character name that works for any spider
- Phantom – Mysterious for any spider
- Fuzzy – For hairy species
- Ghost – For pale or white spiders
- Ziggy – Playful web pattern reference
- Spook – Playfully scary
- Obsidian – For glossy black spiders
- Ember – For reddish spiders
- Storm – Powerful, active name
- Midnight – For dark-colored hunters
- Flicker – For quick-moving species
- Onyx – For black spiders
- Marble – For patterned spiders
- Scout – For exploratory spiders
- Rogue – For independent spiders
- Webby – Simple, universal
- Leaf – For camouflage spiders
- Echo – Mysterious, ethereal
- Nimble – For dexterous spiders
- Wisp – For delicate spiders
- Tango – Energetic, active name
I named my pet jumping spider “Echo” because of how it seemed to mirror my movements—a perfect gender-neutral name that matched its responsive personality rather than focusing on physical characteristics.
Mythical Spider Names
Draw inspiration from global mythology and folklore with these legendary spider names:
- Anansi – West African spider trickster god
- Arachne – Greek woman transformed into first spider
- Lolth – Spider Queen goddess from D&D
- Neith – Egyptian goddess associated with weaving
- Iktomi – Native American spider trickster
- Jorogumo – Japanese spider woman yokai
- Tsuchigumo – Japanese earth spider yokai
- Atlach-Nacha – Spider god from Cthulhu mythos
- Uttu – Sumerian spider goddess of weaving
- Ungoliant – Primordial spider entity from Tolkien
- Shelob – Ungoliant’s descendant in Lord of the Rings
- Aragog – Acromantula from Harry Potter
- Ariadne – Associated with thread in Greek mythology
- Kumo – Japanese word for spider, often in yokai tales
- Nephila – Named after Greek “Nephilim”
- Aranea – Spider creatures from various mythologies
- Isidora – Contains “Isis,” who taught weaving
- Thaïs – Associated with Greek mythology and webs
- Moirai – Fate-weavers in Greek mythology
- Norns – Norse fate-weavers
- Kumonga – Giant spider kaiju from Godzilla
- Argiope – Named after nymph in Greek mythology
- Rakna – From various game mythologies
- Shallan – From fantasy literature, associated with drawing/spinning
- Dibella – From game mythology, associated with artistry
During a mythology unit at a summer camp I worked at, we had a resident spider mascot named “Anansi” that helped us tell trickster tales from West African folklore—the children were fascinated both by the stories and by seeing a real spider that embodied these ancient tales!
Love mythical names? Check out these Norse cat names for more inspiration from mythology!
Poisonous Spider Names
These names highlight the venomous nature of many spider species, perfect for species with medically significant venom:
- Venom – Direct reference to their defense mechanism
- Toxin – Scientific term for poison
- Widow – After the venomous black widow
- Atrax – Genus of Sydney funnel-web spider
- Latrodectus – Scientific name of widow spiders
- Loxosceles – Genus of brown recluse
- Phoneutria – Genus of Brazilian wandering spiders
- Poison – Direct reference
- Belladonna – Beautiful but deadly plant
- Hemlock – Poisonous plant
- Nightshade – Toxic plant family
- Thorn – Painful deterrent
- Toxic – Poisonous or harmful
- Sting – Effect of venom
- Viper – Venomous snake crossover
- Fang – Delivery method for venom
- Naja – Cobra genus, another venomous creature
- Mamba – Deadly snake reference
- Vesper – Sounds sinister, like viper
- Bane – Cause of harm
- Wolfsbane – Poisonous plant
- Aconite – Another name for wolfsbane
- Arsenic – Toxic element
- Ricin – Powerful plant toxin
- Strychnine – Toxic alkaloid
At a venomous animal exhibit, I saw a black widow spider aptly named “Belladonna”—beautiful and deadly, perfectly capturing the dual nature of these fascinating but dangerous creatures.
Names That Mean Spider
These names from various languages and cultures directly translate to or strongly associate with spiders:
- Arachne – Greek origin, associated with the first spider
- Anansi – West African, spider god
- Araneae – Scientific order name for spiders
- Arachnid – Scientific class including spiders
- Jorōgumo – Japanese spider woman
- Kumo – Japanese for “spider”
- Araña – Spanish for “spider”
- Spinne – German for “spider”
- Ragno – Italian for “spider”
- Araignée – French for “spider”
- Паук (Pauk) – Russian for “spider”
- Zirneklis – Latvian for “spider”
- Spindel – Swedish for “spider”
- Hämähäkki – Finnish for “spider”
- Edderkopp – Norwegian for “spider”
- Pók – Hungarian for “spider”
- 蜘蛛 (Zhizhu) – Chinese for “spider”
- 거미 (Geomi) – Korean for “spider”
- Iktomi – Lakota spider spirit
- Tsuchigumo – Japanese earth spider
- Atlach-Nacha – Cthulhu mythos spider god
- Lolth – Spider goddess from fantasy
- Araneus – Latin-derived term for spider
- Arakno – Esperanto for “spider”
- Vefur – Icelandic term related to webs/weaving
I once met a pet tarantula at an exotic pet show named “Kumo,” and the owner explained it was the Japanese word for spider. The simple elegance of using “spider” from another language made for a perfect name that was both meaningful and unique to English speakers!
Badass Names For Spiders
These powerful names emphasize the fierce, impressive aspects of spiders:
- Venom – Deadly defense mechanism
- Fang – Powerful striking appendage
- Shadow Striker – Stealthy predator
- Obsidian – Dark, powerful stone
- Widowmaker – Deadly reference
- Executioner – Final judgment
- Reaper – Death harvester
- Talon – Sharp claw reference
- Phantom – Mysterious hunter
- Scythe – Harvesting tool/weapon
- Rogue – Independent operator
- Predator – Ultimate hunter
- Toxin – Deadly substance
- Dread – Inspiring fear
- Stalker – Patient hunter
- Night Terror – Fearsome nighttime hunter
- Wraith – Ghostly avenger
- Havoc – Causing destruction
- Malice – Evil intent
- Carnage – Destruction and bloodshed
- Eclipse – Powerful darkness
- Anarchy – Chaos and disorder
- Nemesis – Unbeatable opponent
- Spectre – Frightening apparition
- Hellfire – Ultimate punishment
My friend’s aggressive Cobalt Blue tarantula is perfectly named “Reaper”—watching its swift, decisive strikes when hunting prey makes the name seem particularly appropriate!
Unique Names For A Pet Spider
Stand out from the crowd with these original, creative spider names:
- Fibonacci – Mathematical sequence found in web patterns
- Kaleidoscope – For colorful, patterned spiders
- Quantum – Small but powerful
- Parallax – Optical effect, sounds spider-like
- Labyrinth – Complex maze like some webs
- Tesseract – Four-dimensional cube, complex like webs
- Paradox – Contradictory element
- Helix – Spiral structure
- Nebula – Cosmic cloud, ethereal
- Synapse – Neural connection, like web connections
- Meridian – Line of longitude, like web strands
- Zenith – Highest point
- Cipher – Secret code
- Prism – Light-splitting crystal
- Enigma – Mystery or puzzle
- Eclipse – Celestial shadow
- Equinox – Balance of day and night
- Nimbus – Cloud halo
- Spectra – Range of colors
- Axiom – Self-evident truth
- Azimuth – Directional measurement
- Quasar – Extremely luminous object
- Zephyr – Gentle breeze
- Schrödinger – Quantum physics reference
- Nexus – Connection or center
I once met a jumping spider at an exotic pet show with the perfect name “Axiom”—watching its precise, mathematical movements as it calculated jumps made the name seem particularly fitting!
Famous Spider Names
These celebrity spiders from pop culture make instantly recognizable pet names:
- Charlotte – From Charlotte’s Web
- Aragog – From Harry Potter
- Shelob – From Lord of the Rings
- Peter Parker – Spider-Man’s alter ego
- Anansi – West African folktale spider
- Arachne – First spider from Greek mythology
- Lucas – From the viral videos of Lucas the Spider
- Spider-Gwen – Marvel character
- Ungoliant – From Tolkien’s Silmarillion
- Lolth – Spider Queen from Dungeons & Dragons
- Jessica Drew – Spider-Woman’s real name
- Rosie – Hagrid’s pet tarantula in Harry Potter
- Kumonga – Giant spider from Godzilla films
- Kaine – Spider-Man clone from comics
- Jorogumo – Japanese mythological spider woman
- Webster – From Charlotte’s Web
- Tsuchigumo – Giant spider from Japanese folklore
- Miss Spider – From James and the Giant Peach
- Atlach-Nacha – Spider god from Cthulhu mythos
- Muffet – Spider character from Undertale
- Webby – Character from DuckTales
- Jeff – Spider from the animated film Penelope
- Spider Jerusalem – From comic Transmetropolitan
- Scroop – Spider-like villain from Treasure Planet
- Theraphosa – Famous genus of the Goliath birdeater
At an educational spider exhibit, they had a jumping spider named “Lucas” after the adorable animated character—the real spider seemed just as curious and friendly as its namesake, making kids much more comfortable approaching it!
Love famous characters? Check out these superhero team names that could work for heroic spiders!
Disney Spider Names
The magical world of Disney offers wonderful inspiration for spider names:
- Charlotte – From the Disney adaptation of Charlotte’s Web
- Rosie – Spider reference from A Bug’s Life
- Webby – Character from DuckTales
- Ursula – Villain with tentacle-like appendages
- Jafar – Villain who transforms into a snake
- Sebastian – Crab with multiple legs
- Pascal – Chameleon who can climb walls
- Bruni – Cute salamander from Frozen 2
- Hades – Underworld god with spider associations
- Cruella – Villain with black and white theme
- Mushu – Small but mighty dragon
- Flotsam – Eel minion with slithering movement
- Maleficent – Dark, powerful villain
- Tiana – Princess who becomes a frog (transformative)
- Merlin – Wizard who can transform
- Cheshire – Cat that can appear/disappear
- Doc – For smart, observant spiders
- Loki – Marvel/Disney trickster
- Stitch – Small but powerful alien
- Mittens – For fuzzy spiders
- Ray – Light-emitting firefly
- Evinrude – Dragonfly from The Rescuers
- Archimedes – Wise owl from Sword in the Stone
- Heimlich – Caterpillar from A Bug’s Life
- Sisu – Dragon from Raya and the Last Dragon
My cousin named her jumper spider “Webby” after the DuckTales character, and it’s adorable how she’s decorated its enclosure with tiny DuckTales-themed items—a perfect Disney homage for her eight-legged friend!
Cartoon Spider Names
These animated arachnids from cartoons and comics make fun, recognizable names:
- Charlotte – From Charlotte’s Web
- Lucas – From Lucas the Spider YouTube series
- Spider-Man – Marvel superhero
- Webby – From DuckTales
- Anansi – Featured in various animated shows
- Jeff – From the animated film Penelope
- Miss Spider – From James and the Giant Peach
- Muffet – From Undertale game
- Spider-Gwen – Marvel character
- Spidra – From Hanna-Barbera’s Scooby-Doo
- Arachne – Featured in various animated shows
- Spider Byte – From Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
- Webster – From Spider-Man animated series
- Spinnerette – Comic book superhero
- Kumonga – From Godzilla animated series
- Scroop – From Disney’s Treasure Planet
- Spider Jerusalem – From comic Transmetropolitan
- Black Widow – Avengers character
- Tarantulas – Transformer character
- Arachnnior – From Ben 10
- Venom – Spider-Man villain
- Queenie – From James and the Giant Peach
- Spider Ham – Marvel cartoon character
- Spinner – From various children’s shows
- Web-Head – Nickname for Spider-Man
I met a jumping spider at an educational exhibit named “Lucas,” and the keeper had set up its enclosure to look like the animated character’s home from the YouTube series—complete with tiny furniture. Kids absolutely loved making the connection between the cute cartoon and the real spider!
Fantasy Spider Names
These magical, otherworldly names are perfect for spiders with a mystical quality:
- Ungoliant – Primordial spider entity from Tolkien
- Shelob – Evil spider from Lord of the Rings
- Aragog – Acromantula from Harry Potter
- Lolth – Spider Queen goddess from D&D
- Atlach-Nacha – Spider god from Cthulhu mythos
- Arachnia – Magical spider name
- Nightweaver – Fantasy spider title
- Shadowsilk – Magical web reference
- Mirkspinner – Dark forest spider
- Moonshadow – Mystical night hunter
- Webmistress – Powerful female spider title
- Dreamweaver – Mystical web creator
- Silkfang – Fantasy spider name
- Thornclaw – Sharp appendage reference
- Duskspinner – Evening web creator
- Voidweaver – Dark dimension reference
- Frostbite – Icy spider name
- Emberweave – Fire-associated spider
- Stormspinner – Weather-themed name
- Gloomweaver – Darkness-themed
- Soulsnare – Mystical trapping ability
- Crimsonfang – Blood-colored fangs
- Mistweaver – Fog-associated spinner
- Ebonthread – Dark web creator
- Starweaver – Cosmic web spinner
My friend works at a book-themed café with a resident tarantula mascot named “Shelob.” They’ve created a special enclosure designed to look like a miniature Mordor landscape—a perfect homage to Tolkien’s terrifying spider!
Love fantasy names? Check out these fantasy house names that could inspire spider homes!
Names For A Black Spider
These names highlight the sleek, dark beauty of black-colored spiders:
- Onyx – Black gemstone
- Midnight – Darkest time of night
- Ebony – Dark black wood
- Shadow – Dark area created by blocking light
- Raven – Black bird
- Obsidian – Black volcanic glass
- Widow – Reference to black widow
- Eclipse – When light is blocked
- Coal – Black fossil fuel
- Jet – Deep black mineral
- Shade – Variation of shadow
- Ink – Black writing liquid
- Darkness – Absence of light
- Pitch – Thick, dark substance
- Charcoal – Black carbon residue
- Sable – Very dark color
- Noir – French for “black”
- Blackjack – Card game with black symbolism
- Phantom – Dark, mysterious entity
- Morticia – Dark character from The Addams Family
- Nyx – Greek goddess of night
- Umbra – Darkest part of a shadow
- Vanta – After Vantablack, the darkest substance
- Darth – From Star Wars villain, associated with darkness
- Nightshade – Poisonous plant with dark associations
I’ll never forget my friend’s glossy black jumping spider named “Obsidian.” Watching it move across dark volcanic stones in its terrarium was mesmerizing—like seeing a piece of the stone itself come to life! The name perfectly captured both its appearance and mysterious personality.
Jumping Spider Names
Jumping spiders are known for their intelligence, personality, and impressive leaps. These names capture their active, curious nature:
- Hop – Simple reference to their movement
- Bounce – For their springy jumps
- Pixel – For their tiny, precise movements
- Scout – For their exploring nature
- Pogo – Like a pogo stick, always bouncing
- Zippy – Fast and energetic
- Leap – Direct reference to their ability
- Jumper – Straightforward description
- Spring – For their coiled-spring jumping
- Flash – For their quick movements
- Ricochet – For how they bounce around
- Salticid – From their family name Salticidae
- Rocket – For their launch-like jumps
- Boing – Cartoonish sound of jumping
- Hopper – Classic name for jumpers
- Pounce – For their hunting technique
- Jitterbug – Lively dance name
- Zoom – For their quick movements
- Skippy – Playful jumping name
- Dart – For their quick movements
- Grasshopper – Another famous jumper
- Sproing – Onomatopoeic jumping sound
- Twitch – For their alert movements
- Bounder – One who leaps and bounds
- Flea – Another famous jumper
My smallest jumping spider was named “Pixel,” and it was the perfect fit! This tiny creature was so small yet so precisely coordinated—just like a single pixel that somehow contains a complete image of personality. Watching it calculate jumps with such precision always amazed me.
Russian Names For A Spider
These Russian-inspired names add an exotic touch to your eight-legged friend:
- Паук (Pauk) – Literally “spider” in Russian
- Natasha – Popular Russian name meaning “birthday”
- Boris – Russian name meaning “fighter”
- Anastasia – Means “resurrection,” for molting spiders
- Dmitri – Derived from Demeter, earth goddess
- Sasha – Unisex Russian diminutive name
- Volkov – Means “wolf,” good for wolf spiders
- Mishka – “Little bear,” for large furry tarantulas
- Katyusha – Affectionate form of Ekaterina
- Zabivaka – “The scorer,” for hunting spiders
- Chekhov – After the famous Russian author
- Rasputin – Mysterious historical figure
- Volk – Means “wolf” in Russian
- Laika – First dog in space, for jumpers
- Czar – Russian emperor title
- Balakirev – Russian composer name
- Tchaikovsky – Famous Russian composer
- Kazakh – Central Asian ethnicity in Russia
- Putnik – Means “traveler” in Russian
- Misha – Diminutive of Mikhail
- Nikita – Unisex Russian name
- Belka – “Squirrel” in Russian, for agile spiders
- Babushka – “Grandmother,” for large spiders
- Zoya – Russian name meaning “life”
- Volga – Famous Russian river
I once visited a friend’s exotic pet collection, which included a massive Russian tarantula named “Czar.” The name fit perfectly—this impressive spider had a commanding presence in its enclosure, seeming to survey its territory with the authority of a true emperor!
Interested in more Slavic names? Check out these Slavic last names that could work for spiders!
German Names For A Spider
These German-inspired names add a touch of European flair to your arachnid companion:
- Spinne – Literally “spider” in German
- Weber – Means “weaver” in German
- Kaiser – “Emperor,” for impressive specimens
- Jäger – “Hunter” in German
- Netz – “Web” or “net” in German
- Schwarz – “Black” in German
- Fang – “Catch” in German
- Waldgeist – “Forest spirit”
- Acht – “Eight” in German (for legs)
- Seide – “Silk” in German
- Schatten – “Shadow” in German
- König – “King” in German
- Sprung – “Jump” in German
- Nachtjäger – “Night hunter”
- Wächter – “Guardian” in German
- Mondlicht – “Moonlight” in German
- Dunkel – “Dark” in German
- Weben – “To weave” in German
- Fräulein – “Miss” in German, for female spiders
- Krieger – “Warrior” in German
- Krabbler – “Crawler” in German
- Spinnenseide – “Spider silk”
- Waldspinne – “Forest spider”
- Hüpfer – “Hopper” in German
- Schleicher – “Sneaker” in German
During a visit to a German arachnid exhibition, I was introduced to a fascinating jumping spider named “Sprung.” The keeper explained that the name meant “jump” in German—perfectly capturing this little spider’s impressive leaping abilities while adding a touch of European sophistication!
Latin Names For Spiders
These Latin-inspired names add a touch of classical elegance and scientific flair:
- Aranea – “Spider” in Latin
- Textor – “Weaver” in Latin
- Venator – “Hunter” in Latin
- Saliens – “Jumping” in Latin
- Nocturna – “Night” in Latin form
- Octipes – “Eight-footed” in Latin
- Arachne – From Greek mythology, adopted in Latin
- Latro – “Hunter” or “brigand” in Latin
- Domina – “Mistress/lady” in Latin
- Mortifera – “Deadly” in Latin
- Candens – “Glowing white” in Latin
- Sericum – “Silk” in Latin
- Umbra – “Shadow” in Latin
- Saltator – “Dancer/jumper” in Latin
- Rete – “Net” in Latin
- Noctis – “Of the night” in Latin
- Parvus – “Small” in Latin
- Raptor – “Seizer/predator” in Latin
- Venenum – “Poison” in Latin
- Niger – “Black” in Latin
- Silvestris – “Of the forest” in Latin
- Callidus – “Clever” in Latin
- Velox – “Swift” in Latin
- Texit – “He/she weaves” in Latin
- Araneola – “Little spider” in Latin
I had the pleasure of meeting a pet tarantula named “Textor” at a university biology department. The professor explained that the name means “weaver” in Latin—a perfect scholarly name that honored both the spider’s web-making abilities and the department’s academic traditions!
Looking for more classical inspiration? Check out these Latin guild team names!
Japanese Names For A Spider
These Japanese-inspired names add an elegant Eastern touch to your eight-legged friend:
- Kumo – Literally “spider” in Japanese
- Jorogumo – Spider woman from Japanese folklore
- Tsuchigumo – Earth spider from Japanese mythology
- Oni – Japanese demon or ogre
- Kage – “Shadow” in Japanese
- Yuki – “Snow,” for pale spiders
- Akane – “Deep red,” for reddish spiders
- Kuro – “Black” in Japanese
- Hachi – “Eight” in Japanese (for legs)
- Shinobi – Another word for ninja, stealthy
- Taka – “Hawk,” for hunting spiders
- Ito – “Thread” or “string” in Japanese
- Mori – “Forest” in Japanese
- Yoru – “Night” in Japanese
- Gin – “Silver” in Japanese
- Kitsune – Fox spirit, for clever spiders
- Chibi – “Small” or “tiny” in Japanese
- Akumu – “Nightmare” in Japanese
- Tanoshi – “Fun” or “enjoyable” in Japanese
- Hoshi – “Star” in Japanese
- Kaminari – “Thunder” in Japanese
- Tsuki – “Moon” in Japanese
- Hayai – “Fast” in Japanese
- Amaterasu – Shinto sun goddess
- Musashi – Famous samurai name
My friend’s jumping spider has the perfect name—”Shinobi.” This little hunter is remarkably stealthy, often seeming to appear out of nowhere before pouncing on prey. Watching it patiently stalk and then suddenly strike reminds me of the legendary ninja skills its Japanese name references!
Names For A Big Spider
Large spiders like tarantulas deserve names that highlight their impressive size and presence:
- Goliath – Biblical giant
- Titan – Mythological giants predating Greek gods
- Colossus – Enormous statue or being
- Mammoth – Extinct large mammal
- Behemoth – Biblical enormous creature
- Gargantua – Literary giant character
- Atlas – Titan who held up the sky
- Kong – After King Kong
- Kraken – Enormous sea monster
- Leviathan – Biblical sea monster
- Gigantus – Latin-derived term for giant
- Hulk – Massive superhero
- Boulder – Large rock
- Mountain – Largest landform
- Jumbo – Famously large elephant
- Biggie – Simple reference to size
- Kaiju – Japanese for “strange beast”/giant monster
- Colossal – Extremely large
- Magnus – Latin for “great” or “large”
- Maximus – “Greatest” in Latin
- Moose – Large animal reference
- Sequoia – Giant tree species
- Everest – Tallest mountain
- Jupiter – Largest planet
- Godzilla – Famous giant monster
I’ll never forget seeing my cousin’s enormous Goliath bird-eater tarantula appropriately named “Titan.” When it stretched out its legs, it covered an area larger than a dinner plate! The name perfectly captured not just its size but also its commanding presence—truly a titan among spiders!
Names For A Small Spider
Tiny spiders deserve names that celebrate their diminutive charm:
- Pixel – Tiny digital unit
- Dot – Simple small point
- Speck – Tiny visible particle
- Mite – Very small arachnid relative
- Bitsy – From “Itsy Bitsy Spider”
- Mini – Short for miniature
- Atom – Smallest indivisible particle
- Pico – Scientific prefix for very small
- Nano – Scientific prefix for tiny
- Crumb – Small fragment
- Wisp – Thin, delicate strand
- Pinpoint – Extremely small point
- Particle – Tiny bit of matter
- Micro – Small prefix
- Pebble – Small stone
- Droplet – Tiny drop of liquid
- Sprout – Small growing thing
- Nugget – Small valuable piece
- Button – Small fastener
- Pip – Small seed
- Pocket – Small space
- Teeny – Colloquial for very small
- Niblet – Small bite
- Tidbit – Small tasty morsel
- Spark – Tiny light flash
My jumping spider “Pixel” was so tiny I sometimes needed a magnifying glass to observe it closely! Despite its size, this little spider had boundless personality—calculating jumps many times its body length with incredible precision. The name perfectly captured its small but precise nature!
Spooky Spider Names
Embrace the eerie associations spiders sometimes evoke with these spine-tingling names:
- Phantom – Ghostly apparition
- Shadow – Dark, mysterious form
- Specter – Ghostly appearance
- Haunt – To visit as a ghost
- Wraith – Ghostly appearance
- Nightmare – Frightening dream
- Dread – Great fear or apprehension
- Omen – Prophetic sign
- Widow – After deadly black widow
- Gloom – Darkness or shadow
- Midnight – Darkest hour
- Fang – Sharp predatory tooth
- Creep – Move stealthily
- Lurk – Wait in hiding
- Venom – Poisonous fluid
- Shroud – Burial cloth
- Hex – Evil spell or curse
- Crypt – Underground burial chamber
- Doom – Inescapable destiny
- Ghoul – Evil spirit
- Banshee – Wailing spirit
- Reaper – Death personified
- Diablo – Spanish for “devil”
- Morticia – From The Addams Family
- Raven – Dark bird associated with death
During a Halloween spider exhibit, I met a stunning black widow aptly named “Phantom.” Watching it move silently through its web in the dim lighting created a truly spectral effect—it seemed to appear and disappear like a true ghost! The name perfectly captured its mysterious, somewhat unsettling beauty.
Evil Names For A Pet Spider
For spiders with a mischievous or intimidating presence, these villainous names add a touch of darkness:
- Malice – Intent to harm
- Venom – Poisonous substance
- Nightmare – Frightening dream
- Diablo – Spanish for “devil”
- Lucifer – Fallen angel
- Mephisto – Demon from literature
- Carnage – Great destruction
- Viper – Venomous snake
- Loki – Norse trickster god
- Hades – Greek god of underworld
- Moriarty – Sherlock Holmes villain
- Maleficent – Disney villain
- Mystique – X-Men shapeshifter
- Bellatrix – Harry Potter villain
- Dracula – Famous vampire
- Sauron – Lord of the Rings villain
- Morgoth – Ultimate evil in Tolkien
- Thanos – Marvel villain
- Joker – Batman villain
- Machiavelli – Political schemer
- Lilith – Demonic figure
- Crowley – Character from Good Omens
- Medusa – Mythological monster
- Hex – Evil spell
- Nemesis – Arch-enemy
My friend’s particularly aggressive jumping spider earned the name “Loki” after we watched it seemingly trick its prey—it would pretend to look away before suddenly pouncing from an unexpected angle. Just like the Norse trickster god, this little spider seemed to revel in chaos and mischief!
Looking for more villainous inspiration? Check out these devil-worthy motorcycle club names!
Inspiration for Your Spider Name
Still looking for the perfect spider name? Let these categories inspire your creativity:
- Web Patterns – Spiral, Zigzag, Orb
- Spider Movement – Scuttle, Dash, Creep
- Spider Anatomy – Fang, Spinnerets, Chelicerae
- Web Materials – Silk, Thread, Gossamer
- Spider Colors – Onyx, Ruby, Amber
- Hunting Styles – Ambush, Pounce, Trap
- Spider Habitats – Forest, Desert, Cave
- Spider Behaviors – Stalker, Weaver, Jumper
- Mythological Weavers – Arachne, Anansi, Neith
- Literary Spiders – Charlotte, Aragog, Shelob
- Gemstones – Obsidian, Jade, Garnet
- Ancient Languages – Latin, Greek, Sanskrit
- Astronomy – Nova, Nebula, Comet
- Weather Phenomena – Storm, Mist, Frost
- Musical Terms – Tempo, Staccato, Crescendo
- Art Movements – Gothic, Baroque, Surreal
- Alchemy – Elixir, Athanor, Quintessence
- Time Periods – Victorian, Medieval, Renaissance
- Scientific Terms – Quantum, Synapse, Nucleus
- Cultural References – Ninja, Samurai, Knight
- Personality Traits – Curious, Shy, Bold
- Celestial Bodies – Luna, Sol, Stella
- Ancient Deities – Hades, Osiris, Kali
- Geographic Features – Mountain, River, Canyon
- Fictional Realms – Mordor, Narnia, Westeros
The Silk-Spinning Significance of Spiders
Spiders aren’t just creepy crawlies—they’re ecosystem engineers. These remarkable arachnids control insect populations, protecting our crops and reducing disease-carrying pests. Without spiders, we’d be overrun with flies, mosquitoes, and countless other bugs.
But their impact extends far beyond pest control. Spiders have inspired countless stories, characters, and even technological innovations. Spider silk—stronger than steel by weight—has influenced everything from fishing nets to bulletproof vests.
Naming these creatures connects us to them. Whether it’s a pet tarantula you’ve welcomed into your home or learning about famous spiders in books and movies, names give these eight-legged friends identity and personality.
In this article, we’ll explore common spider species names, creative pet naming ideas, pop culture references, and so much more. By the end, you’ll be equipped with the perfect name for your pet spider or at least a newfound appreciation for these misunderstood creatures.
Common Spider Names: Meeting the Famous Eight-Leggers
Let’s get acquainted with some of the most well-known spider species that have made their mark on our world:
Black Widow (Latrodectus)
The iconic Black Widow with her glossy black body and striking red hourglass marking has earned her fearsome reputation. Despite her venomous bite, she’s actually quite shy and only bites when threatened.
Brown Recluse (Loxosceles)
The Brown Recluse is recognized by the violin-shaped marking on its back. These spiders prefer to avoid human contact (hence the “recluse” in their name) and are found primarily in the central and southern United States.
Tarantula (Theraphosidae)
Tarantulas are the gentle giants of the spider world. Despite their imposing size and furry appearance, most species are docile, making them popular exotic pets. They come in a stunning array of colors and patterns.
Daddy Long Legs (Pholcidae)
Though not technically true spiders, Daddy Long Legs or cellar spiders are commonly mistaken for them. They’re characterized by their extremely long, delicate legs and small bodies.
Wolf Spider (Lycosidae)
Unlike most spiders, Wolf Spiders don’t build webs to catch prey. Instead, these hunters chase down their meals like their namesake. Mother wolf spiders carry their young on their backs—a touching display of arachnid maternal care.
Jumping Spider (Salticidae)
The Jumping Spider might be small, but what they lack in size, they make up for in personality. With their excellent vision and curious nature, these spiders are known to observe humans and even “wave” with their front legs.
Orb Weaver (Araneidae)
The architects of the spider world, Orb Weavers create those perfect, wheel-shaped webs that capture morning dew so beautifully. Their intricate web designs are mathematical marvels.
Huntsman Spider (Sparassidae)
The Huntsman Spider is known for its impressive speed and size. Despite their intimidating appearance, these spiders are beneficial houseguests in many parts of the world, keeping cockroach populations in check.
Crab Spider (Thomisidae)
Crab Spiders earned their name from their crab-like appearance and sideways walking style. Many species can change color to match their surroundings, making them masters of camouflage.
Goliath Bird-Eating Spider (Theraphosa blondi)
The Goliath Bird-Eating Spider holds the title of the world’s largest spider by mass. Despite the name, they rarely eat birds, preferring insects, frogs, and small mammals.
These common spider types have distinctive characteristics that might inspire names for your pet spider or simply deepen your appreciation for the diversity of these amazing creatures.
Creative and Fun Pet Spider Names
If you’ve welcomed an eight-legged friend into your home, finding the perfect name can be as fun as watching them build their first web. Here are some creative naming categories to consider:
Cute Names
- Itsy: The classic from the nursery rhyme
- Bitsy: Itsy’s natural companion
- Webby: For the industrious web-spinner
- Fuzzy: Perfect for a tarantula
- Speck: For those tiny jumpers
- Pebble: Small but mighty
- Nugget: A little treasure
- Buttons: Those multiple eyes look like buttons!
- Sprinkles: For colorful spiders
- Marshmallow: For the light-colored or fluffy ones
Cool Names
- Venom: Embracing the power
- Shadow Weaver: Mysterious and skillful
- Phantom: For the elusive ones
- Eclipse: Dark and fascinating
- Onyx: For black spiders
- Obsidian: Sleek and dark
- Rogue: The independent spirit
- Phoenix: For colorful or red spiders
- Artemis: The skilled hunter
- Orion: Another legendary hunter
Funny Names
- Sir Spins-a-Lot: For the web enthusiasts
- Webby Goldberg: A play on Rube Goldberg and web building
- Crawlbert Einstein: A genius among spiders
- Legs Benedict: A breakfast pun for the morning observer
- Charlotte Web Developer: For tech-savvy owners
- Harry Legger: A wizarding world pun
- Spidey Cents: For the economical spider keeper
- Tarant-ulysses: A classical touch
- Web Marino: Sports fans will appreciate this one
- Silkroad: A historical play on their silk-producing abilities
Literary and Poetic Names
- Sonnet: For the artistic soul
- Poe: Dark and mysterious
- Sylvia: Literary and elegant
- Byron: Romantic and bold
- Keats: Delicate and beautiful
- Dickens: Classic and timeless
- Shakespeare: The ultimate wordsmith
- Austen: Proper but with hidden depth
I named my first pet jumping spider “Pixel” because she was tiny but full of personality—like a single pixel that makes a big impression. The perfect name often reveals itself as you observe your spider’s unique behaviors and characteristics.
Check out more pet naming ideas with these baddie usernames that could work for fierce spiders!
Famous Spider Names in Pop Culture
Spiders have crawled their way into our stories, becoming some of the most memorable characters in books, movies, and mythology. These famous arachnids have shaped how we perceive spiders in culture:
Charlotte (Charlotte’s Web)
Perhaps the most beloved spider in literature, Charlotte from E.B. White’s classic novel showed the world that spiders could be wise, selfless, and kind. Her web messages saved Wilbur the pig and taught generations about friendship and sacrifice.
Aragog (Harry Potter)
In J.K. Rowling’s wizarding world, Aragog was an Acromantula (giant spider) who lived in the Forbidden Forest. Despite his fearsome appearance and offspring, Aragog showed loyalty to Hagrid, revealing that even the scariest creatures can form meaningful bonds.
Shelob (Lord of the Rings)
Shelob, the ancient spider who dwelled in the pass of Cirith Ungol in Tolkien’s Middle Earth, represented pure predatory malice. Her character draws from the feared aspects of spiders while creating a memorable obstacle in Frodo and Sam’s journey.
Peter Parker/Spider-Man
While not a spider himself, Peter Parker gained spider-like abilities after being bitten by a radioactive spider, becoming the iconic superhero Spider-Man. His character has popularized the amazing abilities of spiders—proportionate strength, agility, and “spider-sense.”
Anansi (African folklore)
Anansi is a trickster god from West African folklore who often takes the form of a spider. These stories traveled to the Caribbean and Americas during the transatlantic slave trade, making Anansi one of the most widespread spider characters in global folklore.
Arachne (Greek mythology)
In Greek mythology, Arachne was a talented mortal weaver who challenged the goddess Athena to a weaving contest. Her hubris led to her transformation into the first spider, forever weaving but never receiving recognition for her artistry.
These famous spiders have contributed to our cultural understanding and sometimes misunderstanding of these fascinating creatures. From Charlotte’s wisdom to Shelob’s terror, they represent the duality in how humans perceive arachnids.
Love mythology? Explore these mythical Norse cat names that could work for mysterious spiders too!
Mythological and Historical Spider Names
Beyond popular entertainment, spiders have deep roots in world mythology and history. These ancient spider figures continue to influence our understanding of arachnids:
Jorogumo (Japanese folklore)
In Japanese folklore, Jorogumo (“binding bride”) was a spider that could transform into a beautiful woman to lure men to their doom. This creature represents the fear of deception and the unknown.
Ungoliant (Tolkien’s legendarium)
Before Shelob, there was Ungoliant, an ancient spirit of darkness in the form of a monstrous spider who devoured light and eventually consumed herself out of insatiable hunger. Tolkien created this primordial being to embody unchecked consumption and destruction.
Lolth (Dungeons & Dragons deity)
The Demon Queen of Spiders in D&D lore, Lolth is the chaotic evil goddess of the drow (dark elves). Her spider form represents deception, darkness, and chaos, influencing countless fantasy stories and games since her creation.
Tsuchigumo (Japanese mythology)
Tsuchigumo were mythical earth spiders in Japanese folklore, often depicted as giant spiders with human faces. They were believed to be transformed bandits or warriors who haunted mountain passes.
Neith (Egyptian mythology)
Though not exclusively a spider goddess, Neith was associated with weaving and sometimes depicted with spider symbols in ancient Egyptian religion. As one of the oldest deities, she bridges the connection between creation and spiders’ weaving abilities.
Uttu (Sumerian mythology)
The Sumerian goddess Uttu was associated with weaving and spiders. As one of humanity’s earliest civilizations, the Sumerian connection between divine figures and spiders shows how long these creatures have fascinated us.
Historical records show that spiders have been named and categorized throughout human history. Aristotle was among the first to describe spider species scientifically, while Carl Linnaeus established the modern taxonomic system that gives spiders their scientific names today.
Scientific Classification of Spiders
For those fascinated by the technical side of spider naming, understanding taxonomy adds another dimension to appreciating these creatures:
The Spider Family Tree
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Class: Arachnida
- Order: Araneae
Impressive Numbers
- Over 52,700 described species globally
- Scientists estimate that only one-third to one-half of existing spider species have been formally identified
- New species are discovered regularly, particularly in remote tropical regions
Major Suborders
- Mesothelae: The most primitive spiders, with segmented abdomens
- Opisthothelae: Most modern spiders, divided into:
- Mygalomorphae: Includes tarantulas and trapdoor spiders
- Araneomorphae: True spiders, including orb-weavers and jumping spiders
Notable Families
- Salticidae (Jumping Spiders): The largest family with over 6,000 species
- Theridiidae (Cobweb Spiders): Includes black widows
- Thomisidae (Crab Spiders): Masters of camouflage
- Theraphosidae (Tarantulas): Large, hairy spiders popular as pets
- Lycosidae (Wolf Spiders): Active hunters that carry their young
Scientific naming follows a binomial system, with genus and species (like Latrodectus mactans for the Southern black widow). These Latin names provide precise identification regardless of language barriers or common name variations.
The naming of new species often honors people (discoverers, scientists, celebrities), places (where they were found), or distinctive features. For example, a recently discovered trapdoor spider was named Cryptocteniza kawtak after the Native American word for “spider” in the region where it was found.
Unique Naming Ideas Based on Characteristics
Looking for inspiration? Consider these characteristic-based naming approaches for your spider:
Color-Based Names
- Onyx: For jet-black spiders
- Amber: Perfect for golden-brown arachnids
- Crimson: For spiders with red markings
- Ivory: For pale or white spiders
- Jade: For spiders with green hues
- Azure: For rare blue-tinted spiders
- Sienna: For rich brown coloration
- Slate: For gray spiders
Behavior-Based Names
- Spinneroo: For prolific web builders
- Pouncer: Perfect for jumping spiders
- Ambush: For spiders that lie in wait
- Scout: For wandering spiders
- Zipline: For spiders that drop on silk lines
- Nightwatch: For nocturnal hunters
- Architect: For spiders that build complex webs
- Sprinter: For particularly quick spiders
Exotic Names from Scientific Terms
- Aranea: Latin for “spider”
- Argiope: Genus of orb-weaver spiders
- Atrax: Genus containing the Sydney funnel-web spider
- Latrodectus: Genus of widow spiders
- Theraphosa: Genus of the Goliath bird-eater
- Phoneutria: Genus of Brazilian wandering spiders
- Nephila: Genus of golden silk orb-weavers
- Lycosa: Genus of wolf spiders
Size-Based Names
- Colossal: For the largest pet spiders
- Titan: Another great name for large species
- Pixel: For tiny species
- Dot: For small spiderlings
- Mighty: Ironic for small species, fitting for large ones
- Goliath: For impressively large specimens
- Nano: For the smallest species
- Giant: Simple but effective for large tarantulas
When I visit spider exhibits at nature centers, I’m always charmed by the thoughtful names keepers choose based on unique markings or behaviors. One memorable jumping spider was named “Einstein” because the markings on its head resembled wild white hair!
Interesting Facts About Spiders
To truly appreciate these incredible creatures (and find even more naming inspiration), consider these fascinating spider facts:
Global Presence
- Spiders are found on every continent except Antarctica
- They’ve been on Earth for over 300 million years, predating dinosaurs
- Some species can survive underwater by trapping air bubbles around their bodies
Size Extremes
- The largest spider: Goliath Bird-Eating Spider with a leg span up to 12 inches
- The smallest spider: Patu digua with a body size less than one millimeter (smaller than a pinhead!)
- The largest web spinner: Giant Golden Orb Weaver can create webs over 6 feet wide
Longevity Legends
- Most spiders live 1-2 years, but some tarantulas can live 20-25 years in captivity
- A female trapdoor spider in Australia lived to 43 years old—the longest recorded lifespan for a spider
Silk Superpowers
- Spiders can produce up to seven different types of silk for various purposes
- Spider silk is proportionally stronger than steel and more elastic than rubber
- Some spider silk is being studied for medical applications, including wound dressings and artificial tendons
Sensory Specialties
- Jumping spiders have the best vision of any spider, with four pairs of eyes that provide nearly 360-degree views
- Many spiders “taste” with their feet
- Spiders don’t have ears but can detect vibrations through hairs and slits in their legs
Surprising Behaviors
- Some spiders are social and live in colonies of thousands
- Certain jumping spiders perform elaborate dances to attract mates
- Some spiders can glide through the air by releasing silk strands (a process called “ballooning”)
I once watched a tiny jumping spider track my finger movements across a table, turning to follow like a curious puppy. These moments of connection with such ancient creatures remind us how little we truly understand about the minds of our eight-legged neighbors.
How to Choose the Perfect Name for Your Spider
Naming your spider companion is a personal journey. Here’s how to find that perfect match:
Observe First, Name Later
Take time to watch your spider’s unique behaviors:
- Does it build webs methodically or haphazardly?
- Is it active during certain times of day?
- Does it have distinctive markings or movements?
Consider Physical Attributes
- Size: Is your spider tiny and delicate or impressively large?
- Color: Does it have striking patterns or color combinations?
- Distinctive features: Unusually long legs, unique markings, or special behaviors
Reflect Your Relationship
- A scientific name might suit a spider you’re studying
- A whimsical name could be perfect for a household pet
- A powerful name might match a spider you respect from a distance
Cultural Significance
- Names from mythology can honor ancient connections
- Literary references can reflect your personal interests
- Names from your heritage can create meaningful connections
Practical Tips
- Say it out loud: Make sure you feel comfortable using the name
- Keep it simple if you’ll be sharing the name with others (especially children)
- Consider a name that grows with your spider, particularly for species with long lifespans
- Don’t rush the process—sometimes the perfect name becomes obvious after spending time with your spider
When I helped my nephew name his first pet tarantula, he spent days observing her cautious, deliberate movements before declaring her “Professor Patience.” The name fit perfectly and taught him the value of careful observation—a lesson he’s carried into his now-growing interest in biology.
Need name ideas for multiple spiders? Explore these duo team names for a perfect pair!
The Web We Weave: Understanding Spider Impact
As we’ve journeyed through the world of spider names—from scientific classifications to mythological figures—I hope you’ve gained a new appreciation for these remarkable creatures. Their role in our ecosystem can’t be overstated:
- A single spider can consume hundreds of insects annually
- Their presence indicates a healthy ecosystem
- Their venom is being studied for potential medical applications, including treatments for stroke, pain, and erectile dysfunction
- They’ve inspired technological innovations, from adhesives to artificial muscle design
The next time you spot a spider in your home, perhaps instead of reaching for a shoe, you might consider giving it a name and watching its intricate work. You might be surprised by the connection you feel to one of nature’s oldest and most successful designers.
Whether you’re naming a pet spider, creating a character, or simply appreciating these animals from afar, remember that our relationship with spiders reflects our broader connection to the natural world—complex, sometimes fearful, but ultimately full of wonder and respect.
What’s your favorite spider name or fact? Have you overcome arachnophobia by learning more about these fascinating creatures? The spider world is vast and varied—there’s always more to discover about our eight-legged neighbors.
Greetings, I’m Alex – an expert in the art of naming teams, groups or brands, and businesses. With years of experience as a consultant for some of the most recognized companies out there, I want to pass on my knowledge and share tips that will help you craft an unforgettable name for your project through TeamGroupNames.Com!