It's been around for quite a while. Just a generic cutesy thing, I guess.

I couldn't tell you how many "Waffles"es I've met or known of. Pancake is another popular one. I've known a Cornbread, a Brisket, a Tater, a Porkchop, two Tacos (both fat orange cats)....

A more recent trend seems to be naming pets after Japanese foods. Mochi, Miso, Udon, Soba.... Or maybe it's more of an East Asian food thing because I've also known a Wonton, Sesame, Bamboo, Noodle(s). Gohan (Japanese again and may or may not be a food reference).