The name of Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's dog has reportedly been revealed as Wendy, sparking fan theories about the inspiration behind the moniker. The Samoyed, which appeared with Kelce in a new Tommy Hilfiger advertisement, is the subject of much online discussion.
A Forbes article covering the campaign initially stated the dog was named Wendy, though it was later updated to mention a Samoyed "rumored to be named Wendy." This note, along with earlier reports from the gossip Instagram page DeuxMoi, has led many fans to believe the name is indeed Wendy.
Fans have drawn connections between the name Wendy and Swift's past lyrical references. Several point to her song "Cardigan," where she sings about "Peter losing Wendy," a nod to the Peter Pan story. Swift also released a song titled "Peter" on her 2024 album "The Tortured Poets Department," which details a past relationship.
Swift has a known pattern of naming her pets after favorite characters. Her cats include Meredith Grey (from "Grey's Anatomy"), Olivia Benson (from "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit"), and Benjamin Button (from the movie "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button"). This precedent supports the theory that "Wendy" might also be character-inspired.
Another popular fan theory suggests the dog's name is a tribute to the character Wendy Peffercorn from the 1993 film "The Sandlot." Travis Kelce has publicly expressed his fondness for the movie, admitting on his "New Heights" podcast that Wendy Peffercorn was a childhood crush. The character, a lifeguard in the film, is noted for her blonde hair and red lipstick, characteristics that some fans have pointed out are shared by Swift.
The dog's appearance in the Tommy Hilfiger ad was reportedly a last-minute decision. Kelce told Vogue that the fashion brand was looking to cast a dog for the shoot, and he volunteered his and Swift's pet. Kelce remarked that the dog "crushed it" and fit the "Tommy aesthetic," adding that the dog "lights up my day."
The pet's existence was first reported by the Daily Mail, with exclusive footage showing the couple with their dog at what appeared to be their wedding celebration. The dog also made a cameo in a campaign video, accompanying Kelce through the Plaza Hotel in New York City.