Popular Cat Names in the United States – More Than 100 Ideas

When you hear an exceptionally cute name that someone has given their feline friend, it can be hard to resist using it for your own kitten. This is how popular cat names are born. Others are chosen because they sound like the perfect name for a specific breed or color of cat. No matter the background, the cats in your neighborhood are sure to rock at least a few of the names below!

100 Most Popular Cat Names from Multiple Sources

It’s hard to say exactly which cat names are used the most, as the trends change all the time. However, we’ve gathered data from a few different sources to create the list below, including both male and female cat names. These are popular cat names that most commonly come up on lists of name ideas, in surveys, and everywhere on the Internet!

50 Popular Female Cat Names

• Luna – for a cat that loves the moon;
• Nala – from The Lion King;
• Missy – for a feisty cat with personality;
• Kitty – for a sweet, cuddly pet;
• Molly – for a playful and energetic kitty;
• Jasmine – like the Disney Princess;
• Abby – short for Abigail;
• Daisy – for a joyful, sunny cat;
• Lily – for a beautiful white kitty;
• Olivia – an elegant name for a graceful pet;
• Athena – the Greek goddess of wisdom and courage;
• Ginger – for a fiery cat with orange fur;
• Gracie – for an adorable kitty;
• Hazel – for a mellow and gentle pet;
• Layla – from the Eric Clapton song;
• Sophia – for an intelligent, wise cat;
• Bella – for a beautiful and amazing pet;
• Chloe – for a bright and loyal cat;
• Phoebe – from the TV show Friends;
• Duchess – for a regal, queenly kitty;
• Willow – for a graceful and delicate pet;
• Elvira – for a mysterious and enchanting cat;
• Penelope – for a loyal and feisty pet;
• Katie – for a cuddly and loving kitty;
• Sasha – for a confident and independent pet;
• Lemon – for a bright and cheery cat;
• Lola – for a spunky, outgoing pet;
• Jenna – for a strong and independent kitty;
• Lucy – for a loving and loyal pet;
• Penny – for a sweet and playful cat;
• Zoe – for a friendly and social kitty;
• Fiona – from the movie Shrek;
• Pepper – for a spicy and sassy pet;
• Pandora – for a curious and adventurous cat;
• Callie – for a spirited and outgoing kitty;
• Mocha – for a sensitive and gentle pet;
• Nutella – for a sweet and loving cat;
• Olive – for a mellow and friendly pet;
• Sugar – for an affectionate kitty;
• Precious – for a special and beloved pet;
• Roxy – for an outgoing and energetic cat;
• Becky – for a loyal and loving kitty;
• Mia – for a playful and mischievous pet;
• Princess – for a regal and majestic cat;
• Trixie – for a spirited and daring kitty;
• Violet – like the color of her fur;
• Rosie – for a sweet and gentle pet;
• Maggie – for a loving and loyal cat;
• Coco – for an adventurous and independent kitty;
• Stella – for a confident and brave pet.

50 Popular Male Cat Names

• Oliver – for a wise and brave cat;
• Max – for a powerful and strong kitty;
• Tiger – for a fierce and courageous pet;
• Charlie – for an affectionate and loyal cat;
• Jasper – like the gemstone;
• Milo – from The Mask movie;
• Simba – from The Lion King movie;
• Gizmo – from the movie Gremlins;
• Bandit – for a mischievous and daring pet;
• Rocky – for a brave and courageous cat;
• Buddy – for an affectionate kitty;
• Oscar – for a smart and wise pet;
• Winston – for a dignified and loyal cat;
• Ziggy – for a nosy and curious kitty;
• Smokey – for a mellow and laid-back pet;
• Dusty – for a playful and active cat;
• Sammy – for an easy-going kitty;
• Gus – from Cinderella movie;
• Garfield – from the famous comic strip;
• Toby – for a friendly and loving pet;
• Sebastian – from The Little Mermaid movie;
• Rusty – for an adventurous and daring cat;
• Shadow – for a mysterious and stealthy kitty;
• Teddy – for a cuddly and lovable pet;
• Frankie – for a spunky and feisty cat;
• Taco – for a fun-loving kitty;
• Jackson – for an independent and brave pet;
• Harley – for an energetic and daring cat;
• Finn – from the movie The Cat in the Hat;
• Prince – for an elegant and regal kitty;
• Scooter – for a spunky and outgoing pet;
• Marley – from the movie Marley & Me;
• Chester – for a loyal and loving cat;
• Benjamin – for a strong and brave kitty;
• Oreo – for a sweet and friendly pet;
• Spike – for an independent and courageous cat;
• Grizzly – for a tough and fearless kitty;
• Hercules – from the Disney movie;
• George – for an intelligent and wise pet;
• Hunter – for an adventurous and brave cat;
• Apollo – from Greek mythology;
• Simon – for a sensitive and gentle kitty;
• Magic – for an amazing and mysterious pet;
• Maverick – from the movie Top Gun;
• Thor – for a strong and powerful cat;
• Loki – for an unpredictable and mischievous kitty;
• Tyson – for a tough and fearless pet;
• Leo – like the zodiac sign;
• Ace – for a daring and confident cat;
• Snickers – for a sweet and playful kitty.

That’s a lot to choose from (or to avoid)! If you’re still undecided, try looking up the most popular names by origin. For example, Russian cat names are often inspired by nature or end with the “-sha” diminutive. Below, we’ll list some of the most popular cat names divided into categories.

10 Popular Names for Black Cats

Black cats are popular Halloween symbols, so it’s no surprise that some of the most popular names for them have spooky origins. Others are inspired by black animals, objects, or simply the color itself.

• Casper;
• Ebony;
• Midnight;
• Onyx;
• Raven;
• Salem;
• Soot;
• Smokey;
• Spider;
• Witch.

These are just 10 of the most popular cat names associated with the color black. If you want to name your cat something unique, you may also want to avoid popular names by origin or subcategory.

For example, Japanese names for black cats often include the word kuro, which means ‘black’ in Japanese. Common food-inspired choices are Blackberry, Caviar, and Oreo. Steer clear of these if you want your black kitty to stand out!

Our Reader’s Story

My cat is named Daisy and she is the most adorable pet I have ever had. When I adopted her, I wanted to give her a name that was unique and special. After researching popular cat names, I decided that Daisy was the perfect fit.
No matter what you decide to name your cat, make sure it’s something that reflects their personality and is easy for you to remember. After all, your cat is one of a kind and deserves a name that is just as special as they are!

10 Popular Names For White Cats

Contrary to their black counterparts, white cats are often seen as good luck charms. This may be why so many popular cat names that are given to white felines have positive associations. They’re also frequently inspired by white things in nature. Below are ten of the most popular names for white cats.

• Angel;
• Bianca;
• Cloud;
• Cotton;
• Dove;
• Frosty;
• Ghost;
• Ivory;
• Marshmallow;
• Snow.

Of course, this is just the tip of the iceberg. If you want to find more examples, any variation of the above has already been thought of. For example, besides cats named Snow, there are plenty of Snowdrops, Snowballs, and Snowflakes out there.

10 Popular Names for Orange Cats

Much like white cats, orange cats are sometimes believed to bring good luck. This may be due to their similarity to the color of gold. Others view orange cats as the most playful, goofy and fun-loving of all. But they’re most commonly named after their fiery color! Here are 10 popular names for ginger cats:

• Amber;
• Apricot;
• Autumn;
• Blaze;
• Cheddar;
• Ginger;
• Marmalade;
• Pumpkin;
• Rusty;
• Tangerine.

If you’re looking for something a little more unique, other names to avoid come from orange foods (Carrot, Orange), wild cats (Ocelot, Tiger), and other orange things (Sherbet, Spice).

10 Most Popular Cat Names Inspired by Food

Food-inspired names are popular for all kinds of pets, not just cats! Many people choose to name their animal companions after their favorite snacks or dishes. Here are 10 popular cat names that fall into this category.

• Burrito;
• Cupcake;
• Dumpling;
• Ginger;
• Noodles;
• Peanut;
• Pickles;
• Pizza;
• Popcorn;
• Sushi.

These are just a few examples of food-inspired cat names that everyone has heard before. If you’re looking for something more unique, try thinking outside the box (or pantry). For example, you could name your cat after your favorite spices, such as Basil or Wasabi.

20 Most Popular Cat Names Inspired by Celebrities

What if you named your cat after a celebrity? Of course the name would be popular – especially if it belongs to a well-known musician, actor, or public figure. Below are some popular cat names that were inspired by celebrities.

• Audrey;
• Beyoncé;
• Björk;
• Bowie;
• Chanel;
• Coco;
• Drake;
• Einstein;
• Ellen;
• Elvis;
• Kanye;
• Kim;
• Marilyn;
• Oprah;
• Prince;
• Rihanna;
• Scarlett;
• Taylor;
• Yeezy;
• Ziggy.

While some of these monikers have become popular in recent years, others have been around for much longer. For example, the name Elvis was popularized by – you guessed it – the king of rock and roll himself! If you want your cat to share a name with a celebrity, there are plenty of options to choose from.

Breed-Specific Popular Cat Names

Just as there are popular names for specific types of dogs, the same is true for cats. For example, it takes a lot of willpower to name a Maine Coon something that isn’t dignified or related to their fluffy coat. Here are a few popular cat names that are associated with certain breeds.

• Birman: Blue, Seal, Snowball;
• Siamese: Bangkok, Biscuit, Toast;
• Persian: Angel, Fluffy, Smokey;
• Sphynx: Anubis, Baldie, Cairo;
• Russian Blue: Svetlana, Misha, Ivan;
• Manx: Potato, Stumpy, Tripod.

Of course, you don’t have to name your cat after their breed. It can be a fun way to show off their heritage, though. And if you’re looking to do it uniquely, you may want to avoid names like the ones above!

Have You Chosen a Popular or Unique Name for Your Kitten?

Whether you’ve chosen a popular or unique name for your kitten, the most important thing is that they respond to it. After all, what’s in a name? A rose by any other name would smell as sweet – and your kitty is sure to be just as sweet no matter what you call them.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Coolest Name for a Cat?

The coolest name for a cat depends on your personal preference. Some popular cool names for cats include Luna, Bella, Shadow, Tiger, Smokey, and Sassy.

What Are Unique Names for Cats?

Unique names for cats can include creative options such as Coco, Oreo, Butterscotch, Mocha, Gizmo, and Sprinkles.

What Is the Lucky Cat Name?

The lucky cat name depends on the individual cat and can vary from person to person. Some popular lucky cat names include Lucky, Fortune, Jinx, Clover, and Charmed.

What Is the Best Cat Name in the World?

The best cat name in the world is subjective and depends on personal preference. Some popular cat names include Simba, Max, Ginger, Oscar, and Kitty.

What Should I Name My Fluffy Kitten?

When naming a fluffy kitten, consider its personality and physical characteristics. Some popular fluffy kitten names include Cloud, Cotton, Fluffy, Marshmallow, and Snowball.

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