161 Names That Mean Sneaky for Characters & Pets

Finding names that mean sneaky shouldn’t take forever. I know you want something clever, not just another basic option.

I’ve gathered 161 authentic names from mythology, literature, and cultures worldwide. Each connects to cunning, trickery, intelligence, or mischief in real ways.

I’ve researched each origin and meaning carefully. You can trust this information.

Let me help you find the perfect sneaky name for your character or pet.

Why Choose Names That Mean Sneaky

Quick tip: Sneaky names work for clever characters, mischievous pets, and anyone who values brains over brawn.

Sneaky names signal intelligence immediately. They tell people this character thinks three steps ahead. 

These names work for strategists who plan carefully instead of charging in blindly. The name becomes a core part of who they are.

Writers and gamers reach for these names constantly. They fit rogues in fantasy RPGs perfectly. 

Trickster characters in novels need names that match their cunning nature. The right sneaky name adds instant depth to any character.

Cats who steal hair ties deserve sneaky names. Dogs who hide treats under couch cushions wear these names well. 

If your pet constantly outsmarts you, embrace it with their name. These names celebrate their clever personalities and make great conversation starters at the park or vet office.

Female Names That Mean Sneaky

Female sneaky names often draw from powerful mythological figures known for wit and strategy.

Mythology-Inspired Female Names

Names from ancient stories featuring clever goddesses, tricksters, and cunning spirits.

1. Eris: Greek goddess of chaos and discord who stirred trouble with clever schemes.
2. Lilith: Rebellious figure from various traditions known for independence and defiance.
3. Kitsune: Japanese fox spirit famous for shapeshifting and playing elaborate tricks.
4. Medea: Greek sorceress who used intelligence and magic to achieve her goals.
5. Circe: Greek enchantress known for transforming enemies with cunning magic.
6. Ate: Greek goddess of mischief and delusion who caused trouble among mortals.
7. Discordia: Roman version of Eris, bringing chaos through strategic manipulation.
8. Nemain: Irish war goddess associated with confusion and psychological warfare.
9. Carman: Celtic witch known for destructive magic and clever curses.
10. Louhi: Finnish sorceress who ruled the north with magical trickery.
11. Hecate: Greek goddess of magic, crossroads, and deceptive night mysteries.
12. Morrigan: Celtic goddess who used shapeshifting and prophecy strategically.
13. Sedna: Inuit sea goddess known for controlling resources through cunning.
14. Tiamat: Babylonian chaos goddess who created monsters for strategic warfare.
15. Hel: Norse goddess who ruled the underworld with quiet cunning.
16. Freyja: Norse goddess who used magic and seduction strategically.
17. Inanna: Sumerian goddess who descended to the underworld through trickery.
18. Nephthys: Egyptian goddess associated with secrets and hidden knowledge.
19. Nyx: Greek primordial goddess of night and concealment.
20. Ereshkigal: Mesopotamian underworld queen who trapped visitors cleverly.

Literary and Pop Culture Names



Character names from books, plays, and media that evoke cleverness and playful deception.

21. Puck: Shakespeare’s mischievous fairy who plays tricks on mortals in “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.”
22. Raven: Mystery and intelligence personified, common in clever character archetypes.
23. Matilda: Roald Dahl’s brilliant heroine who outsmarts corrupt adults with wit.
24. Arya: Fictional assassin known for stealth and strategic thinking.
25. Harley: Playful trickster character with chaotic energy and clever schemes.
26. Shuri: Tech genius who solves problems with intelligence and innovation.
27. Hermione: Clever witch who uses knowledge and planning to succeed.
28. Bellatrix: Dark character known for cunning loyalty and magical skill.
29. Catwoman: Master thief who operates through stealth and strategy.
30. Natasha: Spy character famous for deception and strategic manipulation.
31. Mystique: Shapeshifter who uses disguise and infiltration tactics.
32. Lyra: Young protagonist who survives through lies and quick thinking.
33. Jinx: Character name suggesting chaos and unpredictable mischief.
34. Poison Ivy: Villain who uses manipulation and biological cunning.
35. Wednesday: Dark character known for deadpan wit and macabre schemes.
36. Azula: Animated villain who manipulates through psychological tactics.
37. Lisbeth: Hacker character who operates in digital shadows.
38. Veronica: Teen detective known for sharp wit and investigation skills.
39. Villanelle: Assassin character who charms and deceives targets.
40. Ellaria: Character who uses political cunning and poison expertise.

Rare Female Names



Lesser-known options from global folklore and ancient traditions with sneaky connections.

41. Sarka: Czech legendary warrior who defeated enemies through clever strategy and deception.
42. Mohini: Hindu deity known for enchantment, persuasion, and beautiful illusions.
43. Aella: Amazon warrior whose name means “whirlwind,” suggesting quick unpredictable moves.
44. Gwyllion: Welsh mountain spirit known for leading travelers astray on foggy nights.
45. Lamia: Greek monster who used beauty and cunning to deceive victims.
46. Scheherazade: Persian storyteller who saved herself through 1,001 nights of clever tales.
47. Melusine: European water spirit who hid her true nature with magical deception.
48. Ceridwen: Welsh enchantress known for brewing potions and shapeshifting abilities.
49. Baba Yaga: Slavic witch who tests heroes with tricky challenges and riddles.
50. Rangda: Balinese demon queen associated with black magic and cunning curses.
51. Kali: Hindu goddess of destruction who operates through divine trickery.
52. Oya: Yoruba goddess of storms who brings sudden unpredictable change.
53. Skadi: Norse goddess who negotiated cleverly for her husband’s choice.
54. Vila: Slavic nature spirit known for leading travelers astray with beauty.
55. Selkie: Celtic seal-woman who hides her true nature through transformation.

Male Names That Mean Sneaky

Male sneaky names celebrate the trickster archetype found across cultures and centuries.

Mythological Male Names



Ancient trickster gods and cunning spirits from world mythology and folklore traditions.

56. Loki: Norse trickster god famous for using wit, lies, and shapeshifting to cause chaos.
57. Anansi: West African spider trickster who outsmarts larger stronger opponents with cleverness.
58. Hermes: Greek messenger god and patron of thieves, known for cunning speech.
59. Coyote: Native American trickster spirit teaching lessons through clever schemes and mistakes.
60. Set: Egyptian god of chaos who used deception to achieve power.
61. Eshu: Yoruba trickster deity known for causing mischief and testing mortals.
62. Gwydion: Welsh magician who used illusions and trickery in battles.
63. Tanuki: Japanese raccoon dog spirit famous for shapeshifting pranks.
64. Veles: Slavic god who often opposed other deities through cunning tricks.
65. Mercury: Roman version of Hermes, god of trickery and commerce.
66. Prometheus: Greek titan who stole fire through deceptive cunning.
67. Odysseus: Greek hero famous for using clever strategies over brute strength.
68. Sun Wukong: Chinese Monkey King known for magical tricks and rebellion.
69. Susanoo: Japanese storm god who used trickery to defeat serpents.
70. Elegba: West African trickster deity who controls communication and pathways.
71. Nanabozho: Ojibwe trickster spirit teaching cultural lessons through mistakes.
72. Wisakedjak: Cree trickster figure who teaches through humorous clever mistakes.
73. Reynard: Fox character from medieval tales symbolizing cunning and cleverness.
74. Kokopelli: Hopi trickster spirit known for mischief and bringing change.
75. Br’er Rabbit: African American folklore character who escapes danger through wit.



Literary and Pop Culture Male Names

Character names from stories, films, and games that emphasize intelligence and charm.

76. Tyrion: “Game of Thrones” character who survives through wit and political strategy.
77. Jareth: Goblin king from “Labyrinth” who uses illusions and clever wordplay.
78. Maverick: Name suggesting independence and thinking outside established rules.
79. Petyr: Literary schemer known as “Littlefinger” who manipulates through secrets.
80. Scar: Villain who uses cunning plans rather than direct confrontation.
81. Flynn: Charming thief character who relies on quick thinking and smooth talk.
82. Severus: Complex character who operated in shadows with hidden motives.
83. Rumplestiltskin: Fairy tale trickster who makes deceptive magical bargains.
84. Peter: Pan character known for mischievous pranks and eternal youth.
85. Jack: Trickster figure appearing in multiple fairy tales involving clever theft.
86. Draco: Character name suggesting cunning and Slytherin house traits.
87. Moriarty: Criminal mastermind known for elaborate strategic schemes.
88. Hades: Mythological ruler who made clever deals and bargains.
89. Riddler: Villain who challenges opponents with puzzles and riddles.
90. Lester: Con artist character from crime fiction known for elaborate schemes.
91. Varys: “Game of Thrones” spymaster who operates through information networks.
92. Crowley: Supernatural trickster demon making clever crossroad deals.
93. Klaus: Character known for manipulation and strategic family plotting.
94. Cyrus: Charming con artist from thriller series using elaborate tricks.
95. Lucifer: Devil archetype representing temptation and clever manipulation.

Rare & Unusual Male Names



Uncommon options from global folklore with authentic sneaky meanings and origins.

96. Pumphut: Albanian folklore trickster known for clever schemes.
97. Sosruko: Caucasian mythology hero who defeats enemies through cunning.
98. Syrdon: Ossetian trickster from Nart sagas who uses sharp wit.
99. Tezcatlipoca: Aztec god associated with night and sorcery.
100. Til Eulenspiegel: German folk character famous for practical jokes.
101. Maui: Polynesian demigod known for clever trickery.
102. Crow: Native American trickster from various traditions.
103. Leprechaun: Irish fairy known for guarding gold with tricks and riddles.
104. Till: German trickster hero who fooled authorities with wordplay.
105. Soslan: Ossetian hero known for using strategy over strength.
106. Gwion: Welsh figure who gained wisdom through accidental trickery.
107. Manawydan: Welsh nobleman who solved problems through patience and cunning.
108. Nuada: Irish god known for strategic warfare and clever leadership.
109. Finn: Irish hero who gained magical knowledge through trickery.
110. Taliesin: Welsh bard who survived through transformation and wit.

Gender-Neutral Names That Mean Sneaky

Gender-neutral sneaky names offer flexibility while keeping clever, mischievous energy intact.

Mythology & Folklore Names



Trickster figures and cunning spirits from ancient stories that work for any gender.

111. Robin: Legendary outlaw who outsmarted authorities and helped the poor.
112. Fox: Asian trickster spirit appearing in Japanese, Korean, and Chinese myths.
113. Spider: Trickster archetype appearing in African and Caribbean traditions.
114. Hare: African folklore trickster who outsmarts larger predators.
115. Raven: Pacific Northwest trickster who brought light through clever theft.
116. Smoke: Spirit form associated with illusion and disappearing acts.
117. Whisper: Quiet communication suggesting secrets and hidden knowledge.
118. Echo: Sound that repeats and can mislead about location.
119. Mirage: Desert phenomenon creating deceptive illusions.
120. Phantom: Ghost-like presence that appears and vanishes mysteriously.
121. Spirit: Supernatural entity moving unseen between worlds.
122. Shade: Dark figure moving through shadows undetected.
123. Wraith: Ghostly figure associated with stealth and fear.
124. Specter: Apparition that appears unexpectedly and mysteriously.
125. Goblin: Mischievous creature from European folklore causing trouble.

Modern & Unusual Names



Contemporary word names and creative options with sneaky qualities for any character.

126. Ruse: Literal word meaning a clever trick or strategic deception.
127. Rebel: Someone who questions authority and thinks independently.
128. Storm: Unpredictable force that changes direction without warning.
129. Briar: Thorny plant suggesting natural defenses and protective cunning.
130. Shadow: Follower who moves unseen and operates in darkness.
131. Cipher: Code or puzzle suggesting hidden meanings and secrecy.
132. Riddle: Question requiring clever thinking to solve.
133. Jinx: Magical trick or curse bringing mischief and chaos.
134. Trick: Direct word for deception and clever schemes.
135. Wiley: Variant spelling suggesting crafty, cunning behavior.
136. Sly: Word directly meaning sneaky and clever.
137. Bandit: Outlaw who operates through stealth and quick escapes.
138. Rogue: Independent operator who breaks rules cleverly.
139. Vex: Word meaning to annoy or puzzle through tricky behavior.
140. Dodge: Movement avoiding direct contact through clever timing.
141. Blitz: Quick sudden attack that catches opponents off guard.
142. Chaos: Disorder and confusion used strategically.
143. Twist: Unexpected change in direction or plan.
144. Shifter: One who changes form or identity easily.
145. Stealth: Moving quietly without detection.
146. Glitch: Small error causing unexpected mischief.
147. Maze: Confusing path designed to mislead.
148. Hex: Magical curse or spell of mischief.
149. Prowl: Moving stealthily while hunting.
150. Sneak: Direct word for moving quietly and undetected.
151. Swift: Quick movement suggesting escape ability.
152. Slink: Moving in a sneaky, furtive manner.
153. Lurk: Waiting hidden for the right moment.
154. Skulk: Moving secretly with intent to hide.
155. Spy: Agent who gathers information covertly.
156. Thief: One who takes through stealth and cunning.
157. Rascal: Playfully mischievous troublemaker.
158. Imp: Small mischievous spirit or creature.
159. Trickster: Direct word for one who plays tricks.
160. Jester: Court entertainer using wit and wordplay.
161. Joker: Card representing wild unpredictability.

Tips for Choosing the Perfect Sneaky Name

The best sneaky name matches personality, carries interesting roots, and sounds natural when spoken.

Match Name to Personality

126. Think about specific traits: silent stealth or loud distraction?
127. Consider if your pet is playfully mischievous or calculatingly clever
128. Some names lean toward harmless pranks, others suggest darker cunning
129. Match the tone to actual personality
130. Decide between obvious sneakiness (Loki) or subtle hints (Shadow)

Consider Origin and Meaning

131. Names with backstories add depth to characters and pets
132. Mythological names carry centuries of cultural associations
133. Research cultural context before choosing
134. Some names honor specific traditions that deserve respect
135. Literary references connect to established character traits
136. Understanding the origin helps you use names appropriately

Keep It Memorable and Fun

137. Best names stick in minds without effort
138. Avoid complicated pronunciation or spelling
139. Test it out loud several times
140. Make sure people can spell it after hearing once
141. Think about natural nicknames
142. Balance special meaning with everyday usability

Conclusion

I hope these names that mean sneaky help you find the perfect fit. 

My own cat growing up was named Mittens, but she acted like a little thief, always stealing hair ties and hiding them. Looking back, she deserved a name like Jinx or Raven.

Take your time browsing the list. Say each name out loud and see how it feels. You’ll know the right one when you hear it.

Which name stands out to you? Drop your favorites in the comments below. 

Share this with fellow writers, gamers, or pet owners looking for naming ideas!

Frequently Asked Questions 

What names literally mean sneaky?

Ruse, Sly, and Trick are English words that directly mean sneaky. From other languages, you’ll find mythological names like Loki and Anansi that carry cunning meanings. Most sneaky names come from trickster figures rather than direct translations.

Are sneaky names good for pets?

Absolutely. Sneaky names work great for cats, ferrets, dogs, and any pet with mischievous tendencies. They celebrate your pet’s clever personality and make for fun stories. Names like Puck, Raven, and Shadow are especially popular for pets.

Can I use a trickster god’s name?

Yes, you can use names from mythology for characters or pets respectfully. Loki, Anansi, and Hermes are common choices. Just research the full mythological context so you understand the name’s background and cultural significance.

What’s the best sneaky name for a character?

The best name depends on your character’s specific traits and story. Rogues might suit names like Flynn or Shadow. Strategic masterminds might fit Tyrion or Petyr. Match the name’s tone to your character’s personality and role.

Are gender-neutral sneaky names common?

Gender-neutral options are gaining popularity. Names like Raven, Shadow, Rebel, and Ruse work for any character or pet. Many mythological tricksters like Robin and Fox translate well across genders in modern usage.