Who runs the world? Squirrels!
Or at least, they run this campus.
In April 2025, the University of Georgia Division of Development and Alumni Relations decided that at long last, it was time to bring a new critter into the fold. A critter that has, at times, proven simultaneously adorable and pesky to faculty, staff and students of all generations.
But it was you, Bulldog Nation, that elevated these bushy-tailed residents to icon status this spring.
The inaugural UGA Name a Squirrel giving campaign saw Dawg- and squirrel-lovers coming out of the woodwork! A whopping 1,341 folks from around the world — including 796 alumni and 110 parents — raised over $56,000 by giving our campus squirrels names.
Now, you may be thinking to yourself, “Wow, that’s awesome! Thank you so much for sharing what a wonderful impact we all have made together. I wonder what sorts of names my fellow Bulldog and squirrel enthusiasts came up with!”
And if you are thinking that, well, you’re in luck! Our dedicated team of squirrel aficionados have crunched the numbers and compiled the stats.
Here are some of the most popular names:
- Russell
- Dooley
- Sammy
- Oscar
- Steve
- Gus
- Bob
- Peanut
Longest Name
Bartholomew Antonio Zephyr Obstreperous Otherworldly Katastrophic Animal
Shortest Name
BK*
*Editor’s Note: Beyoncé, is that you?
And here are some of the most nutty:
- Squirrelfriend
- James Squirrel Jones
- Squirrelby Smart
- Cornelius Nutterbutter
- Nutwork
- Nora Sawyer Squirrelson
- (I Wish That I Had) Jessie’s Squirrel
- Clarke County Griswold
- BMOC – Big Mammal on Campus
- Rocky II: Bullwinkle’s Revenger
- Lord Throckmorton Squirrelsby of Squirrelington
- Sir Scamper von Tailfeather IV
- 404 Nut Found
- S.I.M.P.*
*Editor’s Note: Phineas and Ferb stans RISE UP!
UGA-themed Names
- Archie Belle
- Nutty Dawg
- Sanford
- SQUGA
- Sciurus Dawg
- Todd Squirrely
- Squirrelson Bennett IV (or conversely, Stetson BeNUTT)
- Terryficus Businesster
- Furschel Walker
And of course, several squirrels turned out to be quite accomplished, including 18 doctorates, two attorneys (Esq. Esquirrel, naturally), three princesses and even one president!
Both squirrels and Bulldogs alike want to extend a heartfelt “thank you” to all of the donors, friends and fellow woodland creature enthusiasts for making this campaign a success! Beyond giving our campus Sciurus carolinesis friends their own identities, you have also helped remove financial barriers and open doors for current and future generations of UGA students.
Did this giving campaign wake up something squirrelly within? Check out more ways to continue making an impact on UGA and its students below!
Grow Your Bulldog Network
Wherever you are, your local alumni chapter can connect you with fellow Bulldogs.
Give Back
UGA gifts enhance UGA today — and for generations to come. Make a gift to the area on campus you’re most passionate about!
Guide Current Students
Students benefit from alumni guidance, and the UGA Mentor Program is here to help you connect to Bulldogs on campus.
