Gerbils are adorable rodents that are commonly kept as pets. These tiny furry creatures are also known by other names such as desert rats, jirds, sand rats, and kangaroo mice. Though some people often confuse them with hamsters, gerbils are different in several ways. For example, gerbils are more active than hamsters, and they require more space to move around. The name gerbil comes from the Arabic word "jerbo" which means "small" or "shy." Regardless of the name you prefer to call these delightful critters, their playful nature and cute appearance make them popular pets.