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400+ Best Cat Names for 2025: Popular, Unique & Creative Ideas

By The Pet Sitter Team8 June 202511 min read
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400+ Best Cat Names for 2025: Popular, Unique & Creative Ideas

TL;DR

Naming a new cat is one of the most exciting parts of bringing a feline friend home — but it can also be surprisingly difficult. This guide gives you over 400 carefully curated cat names organised by category, including popular picks for 2025, colour-based names, elegant and literary options, quirky and funny ideas, breed-specific suggestions, and personality-driven choices. We also cover practical tips for choosing a name your cat will actually respond to, and answer common questions about renaming adopted cats, ideal name length, and how cats learn their names.

Tips for Choosing the Perfect Cat Name

Before you dive into the lists below, a few practical considerations will help you land on a name that works for both you and your cat.

  • Keep it short. One or two syllables is ideal. Short names are easier for cats to recognise and easier for you to call across the house at feeding time. If you love a longer name, make sure it has a natural nickname — Cleopatra becomes Cleo, Fitzgerald becomes Fitz.
  • Consider names ending in an "ee" sound. Cats respond particularly well to high-pitched sounds, and names ending in that vowel sound — like Lily, Smokey, or Rosie — tend to grab their attention more reliably.
  • Observe your cat's personality first. Spend a day or two with your new cat before committing. That regal-looking kitten might turn out to be a complete clown, and Duchess suddenly feels wrong while Noodle feels perfect.
  • Test it out loud. Say the name in different tones and contexts. Call it from another room. Whisper it. Yell it. If it feels awkward in any of those situations, keep looking.
  • Pick something the whole household agrees on. Everyone in the home will be using this name multiple times a day for the next fifteen to twenty years. Make sure nobody secretly hates it.

These are the names that are trending across the UK, Australia, and beyond. They strike the right balance between familiar and fresh.

Top 25 Male Cat Names

  1. Luna (yes, it is popular for male cats too!)
  2. Oliver
  3. Milo
  4. Leo
  5. Charlie
  6. Simba
  7. Loki
  8. Max
  9. Oscar
  10. Jasper
  11. Theo
  12. Felix
  13. Finn
  14. Archie
  15. Ollie
  16. Shadow
  17. Salem
  18. Smokey
  19. Binx
  20. Gizmo
  21. Oreo
  22. Biscuit
  23. Tigger
  24. Pumpkin
  25. Toby

Top 25 Female Cat Names

  1. Luna
  2. Bella
  3. Cleo
  4. Willow
  5. Nala
  6. Daisy
  7. Stella
  8. Chloe
  9. Lily
  10. Rosie
  11. Mia
  12. Poppy
  13. Olive
  14. Lola
  15. Ruby
  16. Millie
  17. Pepper
  18. Ivy
  19. Hazel
  20. Freya
  21. Ginger
  22. Zelda
  23. Pixie
  24. Misty
  25. Coco

Luna continues to dominate both lists for the third year running. The name suits just about every cat — black, white, ginger, or tabby — and its soft vowel sounds make it easy for cats to recognise.

Cat Names by Colour

Your cat's coat is often the first thing you notice, and it can be a wonderful source of naming inspiration. Here are names tailored to the most common coat colours.

Names for Black Cats

Black cats deserve names as sleek and mysterious as they are.

  1. Shadow
  2. Midnight
  3. Onyx
  4. Salem
  5. Panther
  6. Jet
  7. Raven
  8. Ebony
  9. Coal
  10. Obsidian
  11. Phantom
  12. Void
  13. Batman
  14. Noir
  15. Eclipse
  16. Soot
  17. Ink
  18. Licorice
  19. Espresso
  20. Binx

Names for Orange/Ginger Cats

Orange cats have a reputation for being wonderfully chaotic, and their names should reflect that warm, fiery energy.

  1. Marmalade
  2. Ginger
  3. Rusty
  4. Amber
  5. Blaze
  6. Cinnamon
  7. Copper
  8. Flame
  9. Clementine
  10. Apricot
  11. Saffron
  12. Mango
  13. Peach
  14. Tango
  15. Tigger
  16. Butterscotch
  17. Caramel
  18. Goldie
  19. Maple
  20. Pumpkin

Names for White Cats

White cats carry an air of elegance, and these names complement their pristine coats beautifully.

  1. Snow
  2. Pearl
  3. Ghost
  4. Angel
  5. Bianca
  6. Cloud
  7. Crystal
  8. Frost
  9. Ivory
  10. Luna
  11. Marshmallow
  12. Opal
  13. Sugar
  14. Vanilla
  15. Whisper

Names for Grey Cats

Grey cats range from pale silver to deep charcoal, and there is no shortage of names to match their subtle, sophisticated colouring.

  1. Ash
  2. Silver
  3. Misty
  4. Smokey
  5. Earl Grey
  6. Slate
  7. Dove
  8. Flannel
  9. Graphite
  10. Mercury
  11. Nimbus
  12. Pewter
  13. Shadow
  14. Sterling
  15. Storm

Names for Tabby Cats

Tabby cats wear their unique patterns proudly, so why not name them after those distinctive markings?

  1. Marble
  2. Tiger
  3. Patches
  4. Stripe
  5. Mackerel
  6. Swirl
  7. Haze
  8. Tabitha
  9. Zigzag
  10. Speckle

Elegant & Sophisticated Cat Names

Some cats carry themselves with an unmistakable air of refinement. If your cat walks into a room like they own it — and fully expects you to acknowledge that — one of these names might be the right fit.

  1. Anastasia
  2. Beatrice
  3. Cassius
  4. Cleopatra
  5. Duchess
  6. Empress
  7. Figaro
  8. Genevieve
  9. Hamilton
  10. Isadora
  11. Josephine
  12. Kingsley
  13. Lavender
  14. Montague
  15. Nefertiti
  16. Ophelia
  17. Percival
  18. Queenie
  19. Reginald
  20. Seraphina

These names work especially well for breeds like Persians, Russian Blues, and Siamese cats — breeds that already look like they should be sitting on a velvet cushion.

Quirky & Funny Cat Names

Life is too short for boring cat names. If you have a sense of humour and a cat with personality to match, consider one of these crowd-pleasers.

Pun names:

  1. Chairman Meow
  2. Catrick Swayze
  3. Purrlock Holmes
  4. Whisker Biscuit
  5. Meowly Cyrus
  6. Cat Benatar
  7. Paws McCartney
  8. Fuzz Aldrin
  9. Kitty Purry
  10. Clawdia
  11. Sir Pounce-a-Lot
  12. Catzilla

Food-inspired names: 13. Fishstick 14. Noodle 15. Biscuit 16. Pickle 17. Waffle 18. Dumpling 19. Mochi 20. Tofu 21. Sprout 22. Nugget 23. Tater 24. Bean 25. Churro

Fair warning: naming your cat Chairman Meow will mean explaining the joke to every vet receptionist, pet sitter, and house guest for the rest of that cat's life. Most people find this is a feature, not a bug.

Literary & Mythological Cat Names

For the bookworms and history lovers, these names carry weight and story behind them.

  1. Athena — Greek goddess of wisdom
  2. Bastet — Egyptian cat goddess, the ultimate cat name
  3. Artemis — Greek goddess of the hunt
  4. Gatsby — for the mysterious and charismatic cat
  5. Hemingway — the famous author was famously devoted to his cats
  6. Hobbes — the philosophical tiger from Calvin and Hobbes
  7. Kafka — for the cat who transforms your understanding of reality
  8. Merlin — the legendary wizard
  9. Minerva — Roman goddess of wisdom (also Professor McGonagall's first name)
  10. Muse — for the cat that inspires you
  11. Narnia — step through the wardrobe
  12. Oberon — king of the fairies in A Midsummer Night's Dream
  13. Poe — Edgar Allan Poe, author of The Black Cat
  14. Prospero — the magician from The Tempest
  15. Rowling — for the Harry Potter fan
  16. Sauron — for the cat whose eye follows you everywhere
  17. Sphinx — the mythological riddler
  18. Thor — Norse god of thunder
  19. Tolkien — for the cat who goes on unexpected journeys
  20. Zeus — king of the Greek gods

Nature-Inspired Cat Names

These names are gentle, grounding, and suit cats who bring a sense of calm to your home.

  1. Fern
  2. Willow
  3. Sage
  4. Birch
  5. Clover
  6. Ivy
  7. Coral
  8. Moss
  9. Pebble
  10. Rain
  11. Basil
  12. Cedar
  13. Dahlia
  14. River
  15. Wren

Nature names are wonderfully gender-neutral, making them an excellent choice if you are naming a kitten before you know their sex, or if you simply prefer a name that is not tied to gender.

Japanese Cat Names

Japan has a deep cultural affection for cats, from the iconic Maneki-neko (beckoning cat) to the countless cat cafes across Tokyo. These Japanese names are beautiful, meaningful, and surprisingly easy to pronounce.

  1. Hana — flower
  2. Kuro — black
  3. Shiro — white
  4. Momo — peach
  5. Yuki — snow
  6. Mikan — tangerine
  7. Sora — sky
  8. Kumo — cloud
  9. Tama — ball or jewel (one of the most traditional Japanese cat names)
  10. Sakura — cherry blossom
  11. Neko — cat (delightfully literal)
  12. Chibi — small
  13. Maru — round (made famous by the internet-famous Scottish Fold, Maru)
  14. Hoshi — star
  15. Kiki — spirit

Cat Names by Personality

Sometimes the best name is one that captures who your cat really is. Spend a few days getting to know your new companion, then see which of these fits.

Names for Shy Cats

For the cat who watches from behind the curtain and takes their time warming up to new people.

  1. Whisper
  2. Mouse
  3. Shadow
  4. Misty
  5. Willow
  6. Ghost
  7. Hush
  8. Velvet
  9. Cloud
  10. Nimble

Names for Adventurous Cats

For the cat who is always the first through an open door and treats every cardboard box like uncharted territory.

  1. Explorer
  2. Scout
  3. Maverick
  4. Quest
  5. Blaze
  6. Phoenix
  7. Storm
  8. Dash
  9. Rocket
  10. Turbo

Names for Cuddly Cats

For the cat who is never more than an arm's length away and views your lap as their personal throne.

  1. Cuddles
  2. Snuggles
  3. Teddy
  4. Plush
  5. Velvet
  6. Marshmallow
  7. Muffin
  8. Butterbean
  9. Honey
  10. Petal

Breed-Specific Name Ideas

Certain breeds have such strong cultural connections that a name reflecting their heritage can feel especially fitting.

Names for Siamese Cats

Siamese cats originate from Thailand (formerly Siam), and these Thai-inspired names honour that heritage beautifully.

  1. Siam — after their homeland
  2. Lek — small
  3. Mali — jasmine flower
  4. Chai — life
  5. Noi — little one
  6. Dao — star
  7. Jai — heart
  8. Bua — lotus
  9. Fah — sky
  10. Kwan — spirit

Names for Maine Coons

Maine Coons are among the largest domestic cat breeds, often weighing over nine kilograms. They deserve names that match their majestic stature.

  1. Bear
  2. Moose
  3. Titan
  4. Atlas
  5. King
  6. Magnus
  7. Sequoia
  8. Everest
  9. Mammoth
  10. Leo

Names for British Shorthairs

Round-faced, plush-coated, and wonderfully dignified — British Shorthairs suit names with a distinctly British flavour.

  1. Earl
  2. Winston
  3. Queenie
  4. Duchess
  5. Biscuit
  6. Crumpet
  7. Paddington
  8. Sherlock
  9. Watson
  10. Twigg

Tips for Helping Your Cat Learn Their Name

Once you have chosen the perfect name, you will want your cat to actually respond to it. Here is how to make that happen.

  1. Use treats and positive reinforcement. Say your cat's name, and immediately follow it with a treat. Repeat this several times a day. Your cat will quickly learn that their name means something good is coming.
  2. Say their name before feeding. This creates a powerful association between the name and the best moment of their day.
  3. Use a high-pitched, warm tone. Cats are more responsive to higher-pitched voices. A bright, friendly tone when saying their name will get better results than a flat or low one.
  4. Keep training sessions short. Two to three minutes at a time is plenty. Cats have limited patience for repetitive exercises, and you want every session to end on a positive note.
  5. Never use their name when scolding. If your cat knocks a glass off the table, resist the urge to shout their name in frustration. You want the name to always carry positive associations. Use a simple "no" or "down" for corrections instead.

Most cats will reliably respond to their name within one to two weeks of consistent practice. Some will learn it in just a few days.

FAQ

Do cats actually learn their names?

Yes, they do. A 2019 study published in Scientific Reports confirmed that cats can distinguish their own names from other words, even when spoken by strangers. The researchers found that cats showed a measurable response — ear twitching, head turning, or tail movement — when they heard their name, compared to other nouns of similar length and intonation. So your cat absolutely knows when you are talking to them. Whether they choose to acknowledge it is, of course, an entirely different matter.

What is the best length for a cat name?

One to two syllables works best for everyday use and training. Cats respond most reliably to short, distinct sounds — particularly names ending in an "ee" vowel sound like Lily, Smokey, or Buddy. That said, longer names can absolutely work as long as they have a natural short version. Cleopatra is a wonderful name, but your cat will learn Cleo much faster.

Can I rename an adopted cat?

Absolutely, and it is more common than you might think. Cats are remarkably adaptable when it comes to names. Most will adjust to a new name within two to three weeks, especially if you use treats and positive association to help them make the switch. If your adopted cat already responds well to their shelter name and you like it, there is no need to change it — but do not feel guilty if you want something different. The name you use with love every day is the one that will stick.

In the UK, the most popular cat names currently include Luna, Bella, Poppy, Alfie, Milo, and Whiskers. There is also a growing trend toward distinctly British-inspired names like Crumpet, Biscuit, and Earl Grey — names that feel cosy and characterful. Scottish and Welsh names like Bonnie, Angus, and Bryn are also gaining popularity.

Should two cats have similar-sounding names?

No — and this is a surprisingly common mistake. If you have two cats, choose names that sound distinctly different from each other. Avoid names that rhyme (Lily and Millie), start with the same sound (Max and Milo), or have the same number of syllables with similar vowel patterns. When you call one cat, you want only that cat to respond. Distinct names like Oscar and Willow, or Felix and Daisy, will make life much easier for everyone — cats included.

Choosing a name for your cat is a small decision that you will live with every single day. Whether you go with a classic like Oliver, something playful like Chairman Meow, or a meaningful choice like Bastet, the best name is the one that makes you smile every time you say it. Take your time, trust your instincts, and enjoy the process — your cat will grow into whatever you choose.

Looking for a trusted pet sitter who will call your cat by name (and actually remember it)? Browse local sitters on The Pet Sitter and find someone your feline friend will love.