999+ Opossum Names: Cute, Funny & Meaningful Ideas

Need a name for a tiny night visitor, rescued opossum, mascot, or fictional possum character? You’re in the right place. This list brings together cute, funny, cool, clever, unique, cartoon, food-inspired, and meaningful opossum names.

Best opossum names with cute, funny, cool, unique, pet, cartoon, opossum name generator and meaningful ideas, plus helpful tips for choosing the right name. Each category gives you a different naming style, so you can quickly find something that fits.

The word opossum is often shortened to “possum” in everyday speech. The Virginia opossum is North America’s only marsupial found north of Mexico, and its scientific name is Didelphis virginiana. National Zoo Opossum Society of the United States also provides public education about these unusual animals and wildlife rehabilitation.

Opossum Name Generator

A good opossum name generator should do more than combine random syllables. A useful name can reflect the animal’s appearance, behavior, habitat, personality, or nocturnal lifestyle.

Here are some quick generator-style ideas:

Try this three-step method:

1. Pick one visible trait.
2. Pick one personality or behavior.
3. Combine it with a short, memorable word.

For example, a nighttime opossum might become Moon, Nox, or Shadow, while a goofy-looking visitor could be Pogo, Nibbles, or Snickers.

Cute Opossum Names

Cute names work especially well when the animal has a small face, soft-looking fur, or a playful personality.

• Mochi
• Poppy
• Bean
• Pebble
• Bambi
• Coco
• Mimi
• Pip
• Pippin
• Nibbles
• Biscuit
• Muffin
• Waffles
• Pickle
• Button
• Bubbles
• Peanut
• Jellybean
• Sprout
• Cupcake
• Marshmallow
• Toffee
• Cookie
• Dumpling
• Pumpkin
• Tater Tot
• Honey
• Fudge
• Pudding
• Cinnamon

Some names sound adorable simply because they’re short.

Pip, Bean, Mochi, and Poppy are easy to remember and work particularly well for fictional characters, mascots, or naming contests.

Funny Opossum Names

Opossums already have plenty of unusual behaviors to inspire humor. Their reputation for playing dead gives you a huge naming opportunity.

• Fauxpossum
• Possum Malone
• Sir Pounce
• Deadpool
• Professor Pouch
• Count Possula
• Possum Prime
• Pouch Potato
• Naptime
• Mr. Wiggles
• Trash Panda Jr.
• Stinky
• Sneaky Pete
• Captain Pouch
• Sir Hiss
• Sleepy
• Drama
• Flop
• Wobble
• Goober
• Pickles
• Noodle
• Potato
• Squeaky
• Wiggles
• Cheddar
• Nacho
• Tater
• Grumpy
• Bananas

Pouch Potato is especially fitting because it combines a marsupial feature with a familiar phrase.

[IMAGE: Funny opossum wearing a tiny crown beside a sign reading “Pouch Potato,” “Professor Pouch,” and “Possum Malone”]

Opossum Names Girl

Female opossum names can be sweet, elegant, funny, or nature-inspired. You don’t need a traditionally feminine name, either.

Here are some ideas:

• Luna
• Willow
• Daisy
• Ruby
• Rosie
• Hazel
• Olive
• Pearl
• Ivy
• Lily
• Poppy
• Maple
• Clover
• Maisie
• Millie
• Winnie
• Bella
• Coco
• Nova
• Misty
• Nala
• Cleo
• Zoey
• Piper
• Juniper
• Honey
• Mocha
• Skye
• Star
• Moonbeam

For a more unusual feel:

• Vesper
• Nyx
• Zari
• Echo
• Raven
• Sable
• Onyx
• Fable
• Ember
• Solstice

Vesper and Nyx have a nighttime feeling, which suits a nocturnal animal particularly well.

Female Opossum Names With Meanings

Unique Boy Possum Names

If you want something less ordinary, choose a name connected to nature, nighttime behavior, or the opossum’s unusual appearance.

• Nox
• Atlas
• Cosmo
• Jasper
• Otis
• Milo
• Finn
• Theo
• Loki
• Ziggy
• Arlo
• Bruno
• Gus
• Archie
• Benny
• Oscar
• Remy
• Louie
• Percy
• Toby
• Felix
• Scout
• Dash
• Rocket
• Shadow
• Midnight
• Bandit
• Comet
• Storm
• Ghost

Cool Opossum Names

Cool names tend to work better when they’re short.

• Onyx
• Shadow
• Midnight
• Ghost
• Raven
• Storm
• Viper
• Phantom
• Slate
• Smoke
• Frost
• Eclipse
• Nova
• Comet
• Jet
• Ace
• Rogue
• Blade
• Echo
• Nightfall
• Orion
• Zero
• Orbit
• Cosmo
• Salem
• Sable
• Drift
• Ash
• Thunder
• Moon

Shadow, Nox, Echo, and Eclipse all create a strong nighttime image without being difficult to pronounce.

Opossum Names Cartoon

Cartoon names can be exaggerated. That’s part of the fun.

• Pogo
• Wally
• Binky
• Mopsy
• Dizzy
• Doodle
• Goofy
• Scruffy
• Fuzz
• Wiggy
• Noodle
• Boomer
• Bobo
• Zippy
• Tippy
• Snuffy
• Puffy
• Munch
• Chippy
• Squeak
• Wobble
• Fluffy
• Grizzle
• Ringo
• Tumble

Famous Opossum Names

Some real or fictional opossum names can inspire your own choice. For example, the Smithsonian’s National Zoo currently identifies its male Virginia opossum ambassador as Basil.

Other famous-style ideas include:

• Basil
• Pogo
• Possum
• Midnight
• Bandit
• Shadow
• Mopsy
• Wally
• Nox
• Tux
• Ghost
• Scout
• Smokey
• Lucky
• Ziggy

Basil is a good example of a normal name that can still feel distinctive on an unusual animal.

Opossum Names Pet

A pet-style name should be easy to say every day.

Good choices include:

• Buddy
• Charlie
• Milo
• Teddy
• Max
• Ollie
• Toby
• Louie
• Benny
• Oscar
• Archie
• Finn
• Coco
• Pepper
• Peanut
• Cookie
• Mochi
• Pickle
• Waffles
• Poppy
• Daisy
• Rosie
• Ruby
• Hazel
• Olive
• Winnie
• Pip
• Bean
• Nibbles
• Scout

If you’re naming a wild backyard visitor, here’s what actually works: choose a nickname that describes the visitor rather than treating it like a domesticated pet.

OSUS advises against keeping wild opossums as pets and says injured or orphaned animals should be handled with help from a qualified wildlife rehabilitator.

Good Names for Opossums

A good name does not have to be complicated.

These are balanced choices:

1. Nox
2. Basil
3. Mochi
4. Shadow
5. Poppy
6. Bandit
7. Bean
8. Midnight
9. Pogo
10. Hazel
11. Scout
12. Pepper
13. Willow
14. Echo
15. Pickle
16. Luna
17. Nibbles
18. Ghost
19. Waffles
20. Jasper

Best Names for a Backyard Opossum

If the animal only visits your yard, a descriptive nickname can be more fitting.

• Midnight
• Porch
• Shadow
• Moon
• Bandit
• Garden
• Twig
• Scout
• Nighty
• Sneaker
• Wanderer
• Rooftop
• Leaf
• Pebble
• Rustle
• Moonbeam
• Backyard Bob
• Patio Pete
• Night Walker
• Little Ghost

Baby Opossum Names

Baby opossums are tiny, so soft names can be especially appealing.

• Bean
• Pip
• Tiny
• Peanut
• Button
• Sprout
• Pebble
• Dot
• Poppy
• Mochi
• Mini
• Tinker
• Niblet
• Bubbles
• Jellybean
• Munchkin
• Little One
• Roo
• Tater Tot
• Muffin
• Biscuit
• Pudding
• Cupcake
• Dumpling
• Snuggle
• Fuzz
• Tiny Toes
• Pouch
• Pocket
• Pipkin

Baby Opossum Names Inspired by Their Biology

The marsupial pouch offers some excellent ideas:

• Pouchy
• Pocket
• Joey
• Pouchkin
• Little Pouch
• Pocket Bean
• Pouch Puff
• Joey Bean
• Pouch Pie
• Tiny Joey

A female Virginia opossum can have a litter of four to 25 joeys, according to the Smithsonian National Zoo[1].

Opossum Names Water

Water-themed names work nicely for an opossum seen near a stream, pond, pool, or garden water source.

• River
• Brook
• Rain
• Mist
• Ripple
• Splash
• Dew
• Aqua
• Lake
• Creek
• Wave
• Drizzle
• Storm
• Puddle
• Marina
• Blue
• Misty
• Raindrop
• Riverstone
• Moonwater

For a backyard visitor, Puddle, Rain, or Brook can make a memorable nickname.

Opossum Names From Movies

Movie-inspired names can make a character feel instantly recognizable without requiring the animal itself to resemble the character.

• Simba
• Nemo
• Stitch
• Remy
• Rocket
• Bruno
• Dobby
• Yoda
• Gizmo
• Toto
• Woody
• Buzz
• Sulley
• Olaf
• Baloo
• Milo
• Bolt
• Scooby
• Shrek
• Merlin

For a more opossum-specific movie vibe, turn the name into a playful variation:

• Possum Potter
• Opossum Skywalker
• Captain Pouch
• Pouch Solo
• Possum Prime
• Sir Pouch
• Doctor Nox
• Agent Midnight
• Professor Possum
• The Night Wanderer

Male Opossum Names

• Basil
• Milo
• Otis
• Jasper
• Theo
• Archie
• Oscar
• Finn
• Toby
• Benny
• Charlie
• Louie
• Gus
• Felix
• Bruno
• Remy
• Arlo
• Max
• Teddy
• Scout
• Oliver
• Percy
• Henry
• Winston
• Harvey
• Murphy
• Rocky
• Cooper
• Leo
• Theo

Female Opossum Names

• Luna
• Daisy
• Rosie
• Hazel
• Ruby
• Olive
• Poppy
• Willow
• Ivy
• Pearl
• Lily
• Clover
• Maisie
• Millie
• Winnie
• Coco
• Piper
• Nova
• Misty
• Skye
• Honey
• Maple
• Ember
• Echo
• Raven
• Sable
• Fable
• Juniper
• Star
• Moonbeam

Clever Opossum Names

Clever names usually hide a small joke or biological reference.

• Fauxpossum
• Pouch Potato
• Tonic
• Deadpan
• Night Shift
• Pouch Professor
• Tick Tack
• Sir Plays-Dead
• Pocket Rocket
• Noxious
• Possum Einstein
• Professor Pouch
• Dr. Night
• Count Possula
• Possum Prime
• Pouch Logic
• Night Owl
• The Great Pretender
• Master of Disguise
• Captain Nocturnal

Tonic is a particularly clever choice because “tonic immobility” is the scientific term associated with the defensive state commonly described as “playing dead.”

Group of Opossums Name

A group name can be silly or descriptive.

• A Pouch
• A Possum Parade
• A Night Crew
• A Pouch Party
• A Shadow Squad
• A Midnight Mob
• A Pouch Patrol
• A Possum Pack
• A Night Gang
• A Moon Mob
• A Pouch Parade
• A Scramble
• A Mischief
• A Nightwatch
• A Shadow Crowd

For a fictional story or game, The Pouch Patrol is an easy group name to remember.

Opossum Names by Personality

For a Shy Opossum

• Whisper
• Mouse
• Shadow
• Ghost
• Mist
• Quiet
• Moon
• Hush
• Sneak
• Shylo

For a Playful Opossum

• Pogo
• Ziggy
• Bubbles
• Tippy
• Waffles
• Noodle
• Pickle
• Wiggles
• Zippy
• Scooter

For a Sleepy Opossum

• Napper
• Snooze
• Dreamer
• Dozer
• Sleepy
• Pillow
• Midnight
• Yawn
• Snore
• Naptime

For a Mischievous Opossum

• Bandit
• Sneaky
• Rascal
• Trouble
• Pickle
• Gremlin
• Chaos
• Scamp
• Trickster
• Rebel

For a Calm Opossum

• Zen
• Willow
• Sage
• Peace
• River
• Mist
• Cloud
• Moon
• Cedar
• Breeze

Cute Possum Names Inspired by Food

Food names are popular because they’re easy to make playful.

• Mochi
• Cookie
• Biscuit
• Waffles
• Pickle
• Peanut
• Muffin
• Pudding
• Brownie
• Toffee
• Fudge
• Jellybean
• Popcorn
• Noodle
• Dumpling
• Cupcake
• Pancake
• Donut
• Marshmallow
• Cinnamon
• Cheddar
• Nacho
• Tater
• Pretzel
• Honey
• Caramel
• Oreo
• Peaches
• Berry
• Butterscotch

Nature-Inspired Opossum Names

• Willow
• Maple
• Cedar
• Clover
• Fern
• Moss
• River
• Brook
• Rain
• Storm
• Leaf
• Twig
• Pebble
• Stone
• Forest
• Meadow
• Daisy
• Ivy
• Hazel
• Juniper
• Pine
• Birch
• Aspen
• Oak
• Moon
• Star
• Cloud
• Breeze
• Ember
• Frost

Names Inspired by Nighttime

Virginia opossums are nocturnal, making nighttime one of the richest themes for naming.

• Nox
• Luna
• Midnight
• Shadow
• Moon
• Eclipse
• Vesper
• Night
• Twilight
• Dusk
• Starlight
• Moonbeam
• Nightfall
• Raven
• Ghost
• Phantom
• Dream
• Star
• Comet
• Nova
• Cosmos
• Orbit
• Darkling
• Evening
• Sundown
• Afterglow
• Nighty
• Moonlight
• Nocturne
• Nightwalker

Names Inspired by the Opossum’s Pouch

• Pouchy
• Pocket
• Joey
• Pouch Bean
• Pocket Puff
• Pouch Pie
• Little Pocket
• Pouchkin
• Joey Bean
• Pocket Rocket
• Pouch Pal
• Pouch Pop
• Pocket Poppy
• Pouch Puffin
• Pouch Buddy

Names Inspired by the Opossum’s Tail

The Virginia opossum has a long, hairless, prehensile tail that helps it grasp branches and balance.

• Tails
• Taily
• Whip
• Twiggy
• Grabber
• Hook
• Loop
• Curl
• Swivel
• Tangle
• Rope
• Vine
• Climber
• Branch
• Swing
• Hooktail
• Longtail
• Tailspin
• Twisty
• Cling

Names Inspired by Their Teeth

Here’s the thing: opossums have a surprisingly large number of teeth.

OSUS states that the Virginia opossum has 50 teeth, more than any North American land mammal.

That makes these funny options possible:

• Fifty
• Chomper
• Fang
• Nibbler
• Bitey
• Chewy
• Tooth
• Smiley
• Chomp
• Molar
• Fangster
• Grinner
• Chompers
• Tiny Fang
• Fifty-Fang

Most people assume a small animal needs a small name. The data says otherwise: a name like Fifty can be a fun reference to a genuine physical feature.

Funny Opossum Names Based on Playing Dead

Opossums are famous for pretending to be dead when threatened. Smithsonian notes that this behavior is particularly common in young opossums.

• Deadpan
• Nap Attack
• Sleep Mode
• Pretender
• Fakeout
• Drama
• Freeze
• Flop
• Statue
• Still Life
• Napper
• Dozer
• Pretzel
• Flatline
• Snoozer
• Fake Sleep
• Sleep Switch
• Dramatic
• The Pretender
• Captain Freeze

Some experts and wildlife educators emphasize that “playing dead” is a defensive response rather than the animal simply being lazy. That’s useful when choosing a name tied to the behavior.

Opossum Names Inspired by Their Helpful Side

Opossums eat many insects and other small animals, including snails, and can help remove unwanted pests from an area. The Cary Institute has also discussed research showing how effectively opossums remove black-legged ticks through grooming; one estimate from the research was around 5,000 ticks in one season.

That makes these names fun:

• Tickbuster
• Bug Boss
• Garden Guard
• Pest Patrol
• Cleanup
• Ranger
• Guardian
• Scout
• Bug Hunter
• Night Guard
• Nature’s Helper
• Little Ranger
• Garden Hero
• Bug Buddy
• Night Ranger

What most guides skip is the biology behind the nickname. A name becomes more memorable when the reader understands the joke.

Opossum Scientific Name and Species Info

The Virginia opossum is scientifically known as Didelphis virginiana. Smithsonian classifies it in the order Didelphimorphia and family Didelphidae. National Zoo

It is the only marsupial naturally found north of Mexico. Its young develop in a pouch, much like other marsupials. National Zoo The word opossum also has a long linguistic history. OSUS explains that the name comes from an Algonquian word associated with a white animal.

How to Choose the Right Opossum Name

Choosing from hundreds of names can get messy. Keep it simple.

1. Look at the animal’s appearance.
   A pale face might inspire Ghost or Snow.
2. Think about its behavior.
   A nighttime visitor could be Midnight or Nox.
3. Choose a personality.
   Playful animals suit Pogo or Ziggy.
4. Use a biological detail.
   Pouchy, Fifty, or Tails can create a more specific name.
5. Keep the name easy to say.
   Short names are usually easier to remember.
6. Match the situation.
   A wildlife nickname can be different from a fictional character name.

Pet Name vs. Backyard Nickname

Pet-style names are usually personal, friendly, and easy to call out. Backyard nicknames can instead describe when or where the animal appears, such as Midnight, Porch, Shadow, or Garden. The key difference is whether you’re naming an individual you care for or simply identifying a recurring wild visitor.

OSUS specifically recommends leaving healthy wild opossums in the wild and contacting a qualified wildlife rehabilitator when an animal is genuinely injured or orphaned.

More Opossum Name Ideas

Short Names

• Ace
• Ash
• Bean
• Boo
• Dash
• Dot
• Echo
• Finn
• Gus
• Ivy
• Jet
• Leo
• Lou
• Max
• Milo
• Nox
• Pip
• Poe
• Rain
• Rex
• Roo
• Sky
• Sol
• Twig
• Zen

Two-Word Names

• Moon Bean
• Night Paws
• Tiny Tail
• Pouch Pal
• Shadow Bean
• Midnight Muffin
• Pocket Rocket
• Little Ghost
• Garden Scout
• Night Walker
• Pouch Potato
• Moon Paws
• Tiny Bandit
• Sleepy Shadow
• Backyard Bandit
• Cozy Pouch
• Night Nibbler
• Little Ranger
• Midnight Poppy
• Moon Mochi

Silly Names

• Sir Pouches-a-Lot
• Pouch Potato
• Possum Malone
• Professor Pouch
• Count Possula
• Fauxpossum
• Sir Hiss
• Captain Pouch
• Fifty Teeth
• Night Noodle
• Trash Snack
• Mister Wiggles
• Pouch McPouchface
• Sleepy McSleepface
• Nibbletron
• Possum Prime
• Pouchzilla
• Night Potato
• Tailspin
• Drama Bean

Quick Name Picker

If you don’t want to read hundreds of names, start here.

• Cute: Mochi
• Funny: Pouch Potato
• Cool: Nox
• Unique: Vesper
• Nature: Willow
• Boy: Basil
• Girl: Luna
• Baby: Bean
• Night: Midnight
• Clever: Tonic
• Cartoon: Pogo
• Backyard: Shadow
• Food: Waffles
• Tail-inspired: Twiggy
• Pouch-inspired: Pocket
• Teeth-inspired: Fifty
• Wildlife-inspired: Scout
• Funny nickname: Fauxpossum
• Simple: Pip
• Elegant: Pearl

Final Name Picks

If you want to choose quickly, these 20 names cover the main styles:

1. Nox — nighttime
2. Mochi — cute
3. Pouch Potato — funny
4. Shadow — cool
5. Basil — distinctive
6. Luna — moon-inspired
7. Pogo — playful
8. Bean — tiny and cute
9. Vesper — evening-inspired
10. Pocket — marsupial-inspired
11. Tonic — clever
12. Bandit — playful
13. Willow — nature
14. Midnight — nighttime
15. Pip — short
16. Waffles — food-inspired
17. Echo — unique
18. Nibbles — cute
19. Fauxpossum — pun
20. Scout — adventurous

The strongest name is often the one that gives the animal a little story.

Source Note

The biological information in this article is based primarily on the Smithsonian National Zoo and the Opossum Society of the United States. The tick estimate is attributed to research discussed by the Cary Institute.

I’ve seen conflicting figures online about tick consumption because different sources describe different time periods and extrapolations. For that reason, this article uses the “about 5,000 ticks in one season” figure from the Cary Institute’s discussion rather than presenting it as a precise individual-animal measurement.

This guide covers name ideas, naming inspiration, and basic opossum facts. It does not replace advice from a licensed wildlife rehabilitator or veterinarian for an injured or orphaned animal.

FAQs About Opossum Names