Matthew Russell

Matthew Russell

Matthew Russell is a West Michigan native and with a background in journalism, data analysis, cartography and design thinking. He likes to learn new things and solve old problems whenever possible, and enjoys bicycling, spending time with his daughters, and coffee.

Articles by Matthew Russell

Close-up of a gray cat with striking blue eyes and detailed fur texture.

90s Nostalgia and Movie Magic Is Making A Big Comeback In Pet Names

From Forrest Gump to Wicked, pop culture isn’t just shaping playlists — it’s shaping pet names. Data shows a surge in dogs and cats named after 90s stars, movie heroes,...

90s Nostalgia and Movie Magic Is Making A Big Comeback In Pet Names

From Forrest Gump to Wicked, pop culture isn’t just shaping playlists — it’s shaping pet names. Data shows a surge in dogs and cats named after 90s stars, movie heroes,...

A dog with a green ball runs across a grassy field.

Sweet Or Savory? Food Is Inspiring This Year’s Cutest Pet Names

Move over Max and Bella — meet Macaron, Mr. Biscuit, and Hashbrowns. Food-inspired pet names are taking over, and the results are downright mouthwatering.matt

Sweet Or Savory? Food Is Inspiring This Year’s Cutest Pet Names

Move over Max and Bella — meet Macaron, Mr. Biscuit, and Hashbrowns. Food-inspired pet names are taking over, and the results are downright mouthwatering.matt

Two playful kittens lying together on a patterned surface, beside a smiling dog.

Sports Fans Are Naming Their Pets After Their Heroes

Sports fans aren’t just cheering for their heroes — they’re naming their pets after them. From Josh Allen the golden retriever to Scottie the cat, athletes are inspiring the latest...

Sports Fans Are Naming Their Pets After Their Heroes

Sports fans aren’t just cheering for their heroes — they’re naming their pets after them. From Josh Allen the golden retriever to Scottie the cat, athletes are inspiring the latest...

Two cats beside a cozy pet bed and a close-up of a smiling dog.

Around The World In Pet Names: What Culture Reveals About Our Pets

From Tokyo to Toronto, the world’s pets are telling stories through their names. In Japan, cats are Hana and Kuma. In Brazil, dogs are Sol and Chico. And across Europe,...

Around The World In Pet Names: What Culture Reveals About Our Pets

From Tokyo to Toronto, the world’s pets are telling stories through their names. In Japan, cats are Hana and Kuma. In Brazil, dogs are Sol and Chico. And across Europe,...

Young person cuddles two cats at home; a smiling golden retriever nearby.

The Hidden Formula That Makes Pets Respond To Their Names

Ever wonder why some names just “fit” a pet instantly? It turns out the key isn’t the meaning — it’s the sound. New data reveals the phonetic patterns behind names...

The Hidden Formula That Makes Pets Respond To Their Names

Ever wonder why some names just “fit” a pet instantly? It turns out the key isn’t the meaning — it’s the sound. New data reveals the phonetic patterns behind names...

Two pets: a kitten sleeping and a dog joyfully running with a toy outdoors.

Pet Parents Are Looking To Nature For The Perfect Name

Forget pop stars — this year’s most inspiring pet names come from forests, rivers, and galaxies. Dogs named Hopi and Harvest, cats called Supernova and Lunabelle — nature is taking...

Pet Parents Are Looking To Nature For The Perfect Name

Forget pop stars — this year’s most inspiring pet names come from forests, rivers, and galaxies. Dogs named Hopi and Harvest, cats called Supernova and Lunabelle — nature is taking...