Popular Cat Names – The Top 100 Most Popular Cat Names in 2023

What are the most popular cat names?

According to the Guinness Book of World Records, the first named cat lived over 3,400 years ago and was called Nedjem, an Egyptian name meaning “sweet” or “pleasant” – sometimes thought of as equivalent to “Sweetie”.

It’s thought that even in the cat-revering culture of ancient Egypt, cats were seldom given individual names. Cats less notable than Nedjem were simply referred to as miu or miut, meaning “cat”. It’s an onomatopoeic word inspired by the sound of a cat meowing.

Pet-specific names like these have been popular for thousands of years. But as cats are increasingly perceived as members of the family, human and cat naming trends overlap more and more.

For example, back in 1987, an article in the Chicago Sun-Times identified Kitty, Tiger, and Smokey as the top 3 cat names in Chicago’s home county. While these names are still popular, they’ve been solidly usurped by conventional human names.

List of Top 100 Most Popular Cat Names in 2023

In order to determine exactly which names were the most popular, we consulted a variety of sources – the Cat Fanciers Association, which keeps the world’s largest registry of pedigreed cats, Nationwide Pet Insurance’s policyholder database, and FindCatNames.com’s list of the most frequently favorited names.

1. Oliver

With this name dominating almost every list of the most popular cat names, you probably know at least a few cats named Oliver. And if you don’t, you probably know someone who’s chosen to give the name to their new baby – Oliver is currently the #3 most popular male baby name in the United States.

2. Bella

Perhaps because of its association with the popular Twilight series or because people like the idea of giving their cat a name that means “beautiful” in Italian, Bella is an extremely popular cat name.

3. Simba

This Swahili name means “lion”, but you’re probably not thinking of any lion when you give your cat this name. You’re probably thinking of Simba, the protagonist of The Lion King.

4. Chloe

Rated as the #1 most popular female cat name in VPI’s 2010 survey, this name has been lingering near the top of the cat name charts for several years.

5. Luna

Like a ray of moonshine, cats have a fragile, mysterious beauty. Perhaps that explains why Luna, the Spanish word for “moon”, is so popular among today’s cats.

6. Max

Cat blogger Robin Olson says that “If I had a $1 for every kid, dog or cat named Max, I’d be loaded.” What can you say? This shortening of Maxwell and Maximilian has massive appeal.

7. Lucy

According to a Petfinder.com survey, Lucy was the most popular cat name of 2008, and the name continues to linger near the top of kitty name charts. It’s short, sweet, and ends with the long “E” sound that may encourage your cat to come when called.

8. Lily

We’re frequently cautioned to avoid bringing home poisonous lily plants when there are cats in the household, but there’s nothing toxic about this sweet name.

9. Nala

Does your cat carry herself with the wisdom, nobility, and grace of The Lion King’s best friend and future queen? Along with Simba, this Disney – inspired name has become wildly popular in recent years.

10. Sophie

While Sophia is currently the most popular female baby name in the United States, people opt for this slightly easier-to-pronounce variation when they name their cats.

11. Milo

This has been a popular name for cats since the 1986 release of the Japanese adventure film The Adventures of Milo and Otis. The movie chronicled the adventures of an orange kitten named Milo and his pug companion, Otis.

12. Rocky

This diminutive of the Italian name Rocco is tough, playful, and perfect for cats.

13. Coco

While this fun, bouncy name is popular in North America, it’s even hotter in China, where it’s the 3rd most popular name for cats registered with the Cat Fanciers Association.

14. Charlie

One of the most popular names in the United States during the late 19th century, Charlie has since lost its charm on the majority of American parents. Cat guardians, however, have reclaimed this name as a cheerful spin on the classic English name Charles.

15. Smokey

This virtually timeless name is almost exclusively reserved for grey cats – seldom for other pets and never for humans.

16. Mia

Unfussy, delicate, and lightweight, Mia is a popular pick for female cats.

17. Jack

This name evolved in the medieval era as a diminutive of John and evolved into an independent name. Its popularity among humans as dipped and spiked over the centuries, but it’s quite popular among cats. Jack the Cat has a great rhythm.

18. Angel

If you’ve ever called a cat “precious angel” or even “angel baby”, you’ll understand the popularity of this name for cats.

19. Tigger

Since people fell in love with the bouncy, extroverted tiger of Winnie the Pooh, this name has been a popular choice for cats – particularly the orange ones.

20. Oreo

Milk’s favorite cookie has given its name to generations of cats of white-and-black cats.

21. Shadow

If your grey cat follows you about like a little furry shadow, this name might be the perfect choice.

22. Felix

When the iconic Felix the Cat made his 1919 debut in Feline Follies, the name was a relatively popular name for baby boys, but has since become a name most commonly assigned to cats. This cat name has seen tremendous popularity in North America over the years and is currently most popular in European countries.

23. Willow

This nature-inspired name is appropriate for cats as graceful as the tree of the same name.

24. Romeo

Thanks to its association with the tragic protagonist of Shakespeare’s classic Romeo and Juliet, this Italian name is a classic choice for male kitties.

25. Molly

This diminutive of the classic Mary has a lightweight feel that makes it perfect for cats.

26. Tiger

If your striped orange tabby reminds you of a tiger, you might want to try out this name. According to the CFA breed registry, Tiger is the 5th most popular cat name in China.

27. Sammy

While Samuel or Sam might be too staid for a playful new kitten, Sammy has a lighthearted flair that makes it perfect for a frisky cat.

28. Gizmo

This name’s quirky feel makes it a popular choice for cats, particularly those who resemble the friendly mogwai in the 1980’s movie Gremlins.

29. Jasper

In Christian tradition, the name Jasper is often assigned to one of the three wise men who brought gifts to the baby Jesus. It also refers to a spotted gemstone that might remind you of your cat’s coat or eyes.

30. Biscuit

Names inspired by pop culture trends or edgy icons can spur controversy, but almost no one can argue with food-inspired names. Biscuit is perfect for the cat who’s soft, warm, and wonderful.

31. Bailey

Arjava, a user on KittenNames.com, says that “I named my male Ragdoll kitten ‘Bailey’ after Bailey’s Irish cream because he is that color, its a really nice name that really suits him.”

32. Gracie

Due to its connection to the word “grace”, this name is associated with mercy, kindness, and love. The long “E” sound gives it a peppy, cat-friendly feel and just the right rhythm for calling your cat to mealtimes.

33. Loki

As the name of Norse mythology’s mischievous demigod, this name suits an adventurous, manipulative kitty.

34. Sasha

Used in Russia as a nickname for girls named Aleksandra, Sasha at once elegant and sweet enough to suit a playful kitten.

35. Simon

This ancient Hebrew name has seen a popularity surge in recent years. It’s a classic name perfect for male cats.

36. Toby

This name evolved in medieval England as a diminutive form of Tobias, an ancient name appearing in the Old Testament. The name became popular in England along with the spread of Protestantism. In recent years, it’s enjoyed more popularity among cats than humans.

37. Ruby

This old-fashioned name is particularly popular among red or orange female cats.

38. Cleo

This name makes sense as a popular cat name – it’s a shortened form of Cleopatra, the famed ruler of a kingdom known to revere cats.

39. Peanut

Food-related names are almost always winners, and this name reminds you of your cat’s nutty personality.

40. Oscar

This name has an obscure history with Gaelic, Old Norse, or Old English roots.

41. Leo

It’s understandable that this short name is popular among cats – it’s the Latin word for “lion” and is associated with the fifth sign of the Zodiac. In China, it’s the 9th most popular name for cats registered with the Cat Fanciers Association.

42. Lucky

This name is popular around the world and is particularly common among cats seen as lucky to be alive.

43. Buddy

In an article on PetPlace.com, Dr. Debra Primovic, DVM notes that “the majority of cats named Buddy are mixed breed cats owned or named by men.”

44. Daisy

Flower-inspired names remind you of your cat’s delicate beauty.

45. Jasmine

This name originates in Persia and is associated with a fragrant flowering plant of the same name. Jasmine is particularly popular among cats in Japan and other parts of Asia.

46. Callie

This name is almost exclusively given to calico cats, making it distinctly feminine and uniquely feline.

47. Pepper

Pepper is a fun name for cats who are as sharp and sassy as ground black peppercorns.

48. Leon

This name is of Greek origin and means “lion”, making it perfect for the cat who’s clearly the king of beasts.

49. Lola

This name is a shortening of Dolores, which is a Spanish name meaning “sorrows”. It’s taken from Nuestra Señora de los Dolores, meaning “Our Lady of Sorrows” – a title for the Virgin Mary. Lola has a warm, friendly feel perfect for the sweetest felines.

50. Kitty

Call it classic or call it uncreative, cats have been given this name for hundreds of years.

50 More Popular Cat Names

51. Patches
52. Princess
53. Missy
54. Lulu
55. Mittens
56. Sebastian
57. Abby
58. Orion
59. Yuki
60. Scout
61. Sadie
62. Cupcake
63. George
64. Butters
65. Cuddles
66. Boots
67. Mittens
68. Sheba
69. Daenerys
70. Tiffany
71. Orion
72. Stella
73. Whiskers
74. Ella
75. Emma
76. Gypsy
77. Alice
78. Penny
79. Cooper
80. Harley
81. Sam
82. Garfield
83. NiuNiu
84. Tucker
85. Bandit
86. Candy
87. Ziggy
88. Socks
89. Rusty
90. Batman
91. Harry
92. Garfield
93. Murphy
94. Gatsby
95. Duncan
96. Lady
97. Raven
98. Rosie
99. Hazel
100. Caesar