Why Is Fido the Go-To Name for Dogs?

The name “Fido” has come to represent everything dog-related. There’s even FidoTV, a network focused entirely on canine content. Nickelodeon once held the “Fido Awards” to recognize remarkable dogs. The Pokémon character resembling a dog is also called “Fidough.” Over time, Fido has become so stereotypical that it’s fallen out of favor, with people opting for names like Luna, Bella, Max, and Charlie instead. 

However, Fido was once popular enough that it became synonymous with dogs. The name originates from the Latin word fidus, meaning “faithful,” which makes it a perfect fit for man’s loyal companion.

A Dog in the White House

Many credit President Abraham Lincoln with popularizing the name Fido. While he certainly had an impact, Lincoln’s own Fido wasn’t the first to carry the name. Evidence suggests that dogs named Fido existed as far back as the mid-1700s. Additionally, in 1845, a popular children’s book called Fido or the Faithful Friend told the story of a boy and his loyal dog. 

Lincoln’s own Fido arrived in 1855. This particular dog was a mixed breed with long ears, a short tail, and yellow fur, which Lincoln affectionately referred to as “‘yaller.” In his book Abe & Fido: Lincoln's Love of Animals and the Touching Story of His Favorite Canine Companion, Matthew Algeo mentions a forensic veterinarian who analyzed photographs and suggested the dog was likely “predominantly Labrador retriever.”

The circumstances of how the Lincolns acquired Fido remain unclear, but Algeo points out that purchasing dogs was rare at the time, meaning Fido was probably a stray. Not everyone in the Lincoln household shared the same fondness for the dog: Mary Lincoln and their eldest son Bob were not fans of dogs, but Abe and his younger sons, Willie and Tad, adored Fido. 

Abe Lincoln and his dog Fido were familiar figures in Springfield, Illinois, often spotted together on their daily walks around the town. Fido was known for chasing his tail and jumping on people, and he had a particular fondness for a custom-made 7-foot-long sofa that was designed for Lincoln’s tall frame. When things were calm, Fido would relax on it, but during more stressful moments—like thunderstorms or community gatherings with fireworks—he would hide underneath it.

The American public first became acquainted with Fido during Lincoln’s presidential campaign, when his campaign managers showcased the dog to make Lincoln appear more relatable. However, after Lincoln’s election in 1861, it marked the end of Fido’s time with the family. The dog, who was easily spooked by noise and had an energetic personality, was unable to accompany the Lincolns to the White House. Instead, he was left with their longtime friends, the Roll family. As a parting gift, Fido took his beloved sofa with him. Tragically, Fido was fatally stabbed by a local resident in 1866—just one year after Lincoln’s assassination.

A Loyal Companion Until the End

Years later, another dog named Fido captured attention. This Fido, a stray living in Borgo San Lorenzo, Italy, during World War II, is also credited with helping to cement the name’s widespread use. This Fido ‘adopted’ a human companion, a factory worker named Carlo Soriano, and became a regular fixture on his daily commute to and from the bus stop. 

After Soriano tragically died in 1943 when his factory was bombed during the war, Fido continued to wait at the bus stop for the next 13-14 years (depending on the source), hoping to reunite with his friend. This heartwarming story was featured in Time magazine and various newspapers. To this day, Fido’s devotion is cited as a symbol of canine loyalty, helping to maintain the name’s place in popular culture.

Although the name Fido may be less common today, it remains a timeless reference to dogs everywhere. Who knows? Perhaps one day a future president or a group of bus stop regulars will bring it back into the spotlight.