The Most Popular Cat Names of 2024

So you’ve adopted a new cat who’s ready to come home with you. But how do you choose the right name for them? Some of the best cat names capture your cat’s personality, looks, and feel all in one. (They could also pay homage to some of your own interests.) From timeless classics to names inspired by recent cultural phenomena, this year’s most popular cat names offer fascinating insights into the collective psyche of feline enthusiasts worldwide. 

Top 10 popular cat names

1. Luna

2. Milo

3. Oliver

4. Bella

5. Lucy

6. Simba

7. Charlie

8. Loki

9. Kitty

10. Leo

Most popular male cat names

When it comes to boy cats, there’s no shortage of inspiration. From feline-inspired Simba to trickster-spirited Loki, some of the most popular cat names for male cats do a great job of showcasing personality. 

• Milo

• Oliver

• Simba

• Charlie

• Loki

• Leo

• Max

• Buddy

• Tiger

• Jack/Shadow

• Toby

• Momo/Ollie

Most popular female cat names

Female cat names tend to trend more literary than their male counterparts, sporting references such as Twilight and Harry Potter as inspiration. Check out some of these sophisticated monikers. 

• Luna

• Bella

• Lucy

• Lily

• Nala

• Willow

• Cleo

• Daisy/Mia

Popular names by coat, color, and breed

While many popular cat names can be a good choice for your feline friend, there are plenty of attributes that can help you decide what to name your cat. From their coloring to their fur texture, or even the history of their breed. 

Popular orange cat names

Orange cats are known for their bright fiery coats and playful, affectionate personalities. They often have names that reflect their vibrant coloring and energetic, silly demeanors. 

• Marmalade: perfect for a cat with a sweet personality 

• Garfield: a nod to the lazy, yet lovable comic character 

• Pumpkin: for lovers of spooky season 

• Tiger: for orange tabbies with striped coats

• Rusty: inspired by the color of your cat’s fur

Popular calico cat names

Calico cats have a distinctive tri-color pattern, making them some of the most striking cats around. Their bold, colorful coats are often accompanied by spunky, feisty personalities. Almost all calico cats are female, with only around 1 in 3,000 being male. 

• Patches: ideal for a cat with spots and patches 

• Callie: a feminine play on “calico”

• Peaches: a sweet name for a cat with peachy-toned fur 

• Freckles: for a cat with small, speckled color in their coat 

Popular names for a tuxedo cat

Tuxedo cats are easily recognized by their striking black-and-white coats, often resembling formal attire. Here are some names that highlight their classic and stylish traits. 

• Sylvester: inspired by the famous black and white cat from Looney Tunes

• Penguin: a quirky, DC Comics-inspired name 

• Felix: the classic cartoon cat, who made their debut in 1919 

• Bond: a nod to the dapper 007 and his iconic tuxedo 

Popular black cat names

Black cats are often associated with mystery and magic, making them enigmatic feline companions. These names reflect their sleek, dark coats, and mystique. 

• Midnight: evokes the deep tones of a black cat’s coat

• Salem: inspired by Sabrina, the Teenage Witch’s beloved cat

• Onyx: a sleek name inspired by the black gemstone, believed to protect against evil 

Popular white cat names

White cats are often seen as sophisticated, delicate, and elegant. Their pristine coats often evoke names that reflect grace and beauty. 

• Snowball: a cute name for a fluffy white cat with longer fur 

• Pearl: an elegant and refined name for a sleek white cat 

• Marshmallow: ideal for a soft, cuddly white cat 

• Ivory: a sophisticated, classic name for a white cat 

• Frost: a perfect name for a cat with a frosty white coat (or a standoffish personality) 

Popular gray cat names 

Gray cats, while they tend to be adopted less than some other colors, stun with their subtle glow and quiet elegance. These names are inspired by the soft, misty tones of their fur and their often calm, serene personalities. 

• Earl Grey: a fun-but-sophisticated name inspired by the popular tea 

• Storm: for a grey cat that’s fierce and unpredictable, or for fans of X-Men 

• Silver: a refined name for a cat with a silvery coat 

• Slate: ideal for a dark gray cat with a smooth, solid coat color 

Popular British cat names

British cat breeds, like the British Shorthair, are known for their round faces, dense coats, and regal appearance. These names pay homage to their heritage. 

1. Oliver: inspired by the classic Dickens novel

2. Arthur: after King Arthur, a noble name for a majestic cat 

3. Paddington: inspired by the iconic British bear, perfect for a lovably fluffy cat 

4. Darcy: a nod to Mr. Darcy from Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice

5. Winston: after the famous Prime Minister Winston Churchill 

6. Pippa: a sweet, traditionally British name

Creative naming trends for cats

If the most popular names by color, coat, and breed haven’t caught your eye, let’s get into a few more creative naming trends. From pop culture to food and drink, here are a few more unique name ideas for cats. 

Popular cat names from movies

Many cats have become iconic on the big screen, inspiring countless pet parents to name their cats after these beloved characters. (We’ve left out a few that were previously mentioned.) 

• Duchess: from The Aristocats, a graceful name for a cat who loves a little adventure 

• T’Challa: from Marvel’s Black Panther, for a regal and fierce cat 

• Jiji: after the black cat companion from Kiki’s Delivery Service 

Popular cat names in Japan

In Japan, cats hold a special place in culture. Their names often reflect meanings tied to nature, beauty, or good fortune. 

1. Mochi: after the soft, sweet rice cake — a common name for cuddly cats 

2. Tora: meaning “tiger,” for a striped cat or large feline like the Maine Coon 

3. Hana: meaning “flower,” for a gentle and beautiful cat 

4. Sora: meaning “sky,” for the free-spirited feline 

5. Kuro: meaning “black,” for a sleek and dark-coated cat 

Popular cat names from literature

Books have introduced many famous cats, with pet parents often borrowing names for their own pets. 

1. Crookshanks: Hermione’s loyal companion at Hogwarts in the Harry Potter series 

2. Bagheera: the sleek black panther from The Jungle Book 

3. Aslan: after the noble lion from The Chronicles of Narnia 

Popular cat names from mythology

For those who want their cats to reflect divine origins or a sense of enchantment, mythological names can add a sense of magic and history. 

1. Bastet: ancient Egyptian goddess with the head of a cat, a powerful and sacred name

2. Loki: the trickster god from Norse mythology, ideal for a mischievous feline or a wild cat breed 

3. Freya: Norse goddess of love and beauty, often depicted with a chariot pulled by cats 

4. Selene: Greek goddess of the moon, a perfect name for a calm cat who’s active at night 

5. Merlin: legendary wizard from Arthurian myths, perfect for a wise but mischievous cat 

Popular space-themed cat names

Space names are great for cats who love to explore the unknown, or for cats with pet parents who enjoy science and technology. 

1. Comet: perfect for a fast, agile cat who streaks across a room 

2. Nova: meaning “new star,” for an energetic kitten 

3. Orion: a nod to the constellation, a great name for a cat who loves peering out at stars and scenery 

Choosing the perfect name for your cat is an opportunity to reflect their personality, and even your own interests or inspirations. Whether you draw from pop culture, mythology, or unique naming trends around the world, your cat’s name should feel special and meaningful. 

Commonly asked questions

What are the best white cat breeds? 

There are lots of choices when it comes to white cat breeds. Persian cats, Ragdolls, and Turkish Vans are a few. Check out this guide to white cat breeds for more. 

What is the best way to introduce a kitten to their new home? 

If you’ve adopted a new kitten and picked a name, it’s best to introduce them slowly to their new home. Start with one room at a time, and slowly increase the area as they get more comfortable. If you have other pets, be sure to make slow and supervised introductions. 

What is the No. 1 cat name? 

In 2024, the most popular cat name has been Luna. 

Which questions should I ask when adopting a cat? 

There’s so much more to choosing your new family member than looks. Be sure to ask the shelter questions about your cat’s temperament, their background, and how they get along with other types of people and animals. You should also find out how much adopting a cat costs, as this can vary based on age and how long they’ve been at the shelter or rescue. 

References

Bella and Luna top 2023’s most popular pet names in King County

The Most Popular Cat Names in America

Top Pet Names of 2022