Some suggestions:

His name... I had a paddle with my name on it back in Texas.

Your name

Some kind of significant pet name... My current paddle has "Naughty Girl" embossed on it. And, yes, the design will transfer.

The BDSM symbol

Vines

Roses

Other floral bits


Or you could be really creative, and...

... have metal studs riveted onto it, rather than a carving or embossing.

... have holes drilled into it. You could still even put a carving on it, just smaller.

... have the "good" side covered in sand paper. This would still allow for a carving or embossing on the other side.

... have it covered in heavy leather and have his name stiched into the leather. That's actually a lot easier than it sounds.

... have hearts or other "cute" designs drilled into it, rather than just regular holes. That way when you get swatted, you have a little heart on your butt for half an hour or so.


There you go. Just a few ideas off the top of my head. Not a detailed list, I'm sure, but good enough for a start, I hope.