Choosing the purrfect name for your kitty is an exciting and joyful experience, but it's not always the easiest task. Names are an important part of a cat's identity and often hold deep meaning to parents, even if it's a favourite drink - cue Miss Cosmo with her "sparkling" personality.

If you've been scratching your head or short of inspiration, this article has you covered. From pawpular trends to the quirky and unique, you'll find names associated with food, nature, gemstones, mythology, movies, superheros and more!

For the purpose of ease, names are gendered with "m", "f" or "u" in cases of unisex or gender-neutral names, although this can vary across different cultures. While some of these names are based on cat characters, they work for any pet.

Popular, Quirky and Unique Cat Names

• Most Popular

• Food

• Plants & Flowers

• Gemstones

• Astrology

• Nature

Most Popular

We're kicking it off with some of the most popular cat names from 2024, as taken from Rover's database of over one million pets. Rover is the largest network of 5-star pet sitters and dog walkers across 10 countries, so they're guaranteed to bring you the biggest trends of the new year.

Luna (f) - This won the most popular female cat and dog name in 2022 and remains a firm favourite for 2025. Cats have long been associated with the moon and are regarded as guardians of the night, perhaps due to their ability to see in darkness and move stealthily amongst the shadows.

Bella (f) - Will the Twilight craze ever die off? Given the nature of vampires, we'll likely be waiting an eternity. It also means "beautiful" in various languages.

Kitty (f) - An 18th century nickname for Katherine, Kathleen and similar names. When it comes to cats, this is one name that suits all!

Cleo (f) - Short for Cleopatra, it's not hard to make the connection given the important role of cats in Ancient Egypt.

Oliver (m) - As the winner of top male cat name in 2022, this remains a stylish choice for our four-legged boys in many countries, with famous namesakes and fictional characters.

Loki (m) - Fun, playful names are becoming more desirable amongst kitty parents, and what better inspo than the god of mischief himself?

Simba (m) - I have a mini king of the jungle myself but, given that I parent two of the biggest wimps alive, I'd have been better naming him after Stuart Little. Sometimes we don't know what our kittens will grow into!

Leo (m) - As the zodiac sign represented by the lion, this is another fitting name for a kitty king.

Milo (m) - A popular name for cats and dogs over the last decade, this is linked to meanings such as "soldier" and "merciful" - as is the protective and loving nature of our (often misunderstood) domestic cats.

Willow (u) - From nature enthusiasts to fans of Buffy the Vampire Slayer and epic fantasy films, one thing for certain is the magical connotations of this name.

Food

Candy (f) - Traditionally used as a nickname, this is associated with sweetness and fun and puts the "me" in meow.

Honey (f) - Not only a term of great affection but a sweet, syrupy nectar with many health benefits. For the warm-coloured kitties that warm our human hearts.

Biscuit (u) - They don't always show it, but our sweet-natured felines come in many shapes and sizes. For your tabbies, gingers and tortoiseshells, this is too yummy to resist.

Cookie (u) - Often used as a term of warmth and endearment, with a few chocolate chips thrown in for extra sweetness.

Pumpkin (u) - Adorable - and just a little mysterious - for ginger cats, October babies and lovers of the spooky season.

Pickles (u) - This is another name that continues to grow in popularity. Why? It's fun and playful with a paw print of humour.

Coco (u) - Adapted from the cocoa bean, this is warm and indulgent for your deep chocolate browns and blacks. It's also heavily influenced by the French fashion designer, Coco Chanel.

Marshmallow (u) - Soft, sweet and fluffy, just like our feline fur babies.

Plants & Flowers

Fern (f) - An Old English word that refers to someone living amongst the ferns - delicate plants with green feathery leaves. This was common in the late 19th century and regained popularity amongst celebrities for the four-legged trend setters.

Daisy (f) - This has been rising in popularity for baby girls over the last few decades and is ranked amongst the top 100 names in various countries. Meaning "day's eye" or "sunburst" due to the petals opening to expose a yellow centre, it's a pretty name for a pretty pussy cat.

Clover (f) - Four leaves, four legs! Ancient Egyptians believed that cats brought good luck and fortune, while the clover is associated with luck in Ireland. Could your kitty be your lucky charm?

Poppy (f) - An Old English name derived from the poppy flower, one of the most symbolic flowers in history that represents peace, sleep and death. This has been amongst the top 25 names for girls in England and Wales and is becoming increasingly popular in other countries.

Meadow (f) - A vast grassy area or field that often contains wildflowers, perfect for the free-spirited kitty with a wild side. This has risen in popularity in the USA, inspired by various TV shows and celebrities.

Sylvester (m) - The majestic Sylvester Date Palm is one of the most popular palm trees in the world and has been grown in gardens and landscapes for centuries. Not to neglect the famous Looney Tunes character of the same name, this is fitting for any tuxedo kitty!

Basil (m) - A name with multiple meanings including "king", "royal" and "brave". It's predominantly of Greek origin and has been used by saints, emperors and fictional characters alike. It's also a popular cooking herb.

Sage (u) - A common herb in cuisine and holistic medicine. Sage has powerful cleansing properties and is used as a ritual object in spiritual sage smudging.

Gemstones

Amethyst (f) - A popular gemstone with purple hues that resonate with the third eye chakra, a portal to dreams and visions. Perfect for tapping into the psychic nature of our feline friends.

Ruby (f) - For tiny hearts filled with bundles of love, ruby is the deep red stone of passion, protection and prosperity.

Diamond (f) - The colour of ice and the hardest natural substance, diamond represents strength, resilience and purity. Diamonds really are a girl's best friend!

Sapphire (f) - One for the blue-eyed fur babies, this stone encompasses beauty, wisdom and power. In the ancient world, sapphire was worn as a protective talisman across many different cultures.

Jasper (m) - A versatile gemstone with many varieties. Properties range from grounding and stabilising to uplifting and rejuvenating, perfect for the chilled out kitty cat.

Flint (m) - A mineral that's been used since the Stone Age to make tools, weapons and ignite fire. In spiritual terms, it's believed to support spiritual awakenings by connecting earth and fire energies to bring forth transformation. It also supports strength and resilience.

Onyx (u) - A jet black stone for jet black kitties, this is most commonly used for protection, grounding and focus.

Smokey (u) - The brown hues of smokey quartz represent the connection to Mother Earth, helping to neutralise negative energy and relieve anxiety. This brings a little mystique to the deep browns and greys, to the darkest black cats.

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Astrology

Celeste (f) - A soft, quaint name meaning "heavenly" or "of the sky" for the astronomy buffs amongst us.

Star (f) - For cool kitties that love to shine in the spotlight. In many cultures, stars are symbolic of hope, guidance and strength.

Astrid (f) - A popular name of Norse origin associated with stars and the cosmos. It means a combination of "god" and "beauty".

Sparkle (f) - Meaning to "shine brightly" this is cute, tiny and spontaneous - someone bring me a kitten!

Aurora (f) - Known as the northern lights (aurora borealis), a natural display of dynamic patterns of light that appear in the sky. Aurora is also the goddess of dawn in Roman mythology.

Orion (m) - Combining astrology with mythology, Orion was a giant huntsman whom Zeus placed amongst the stars as the constellation of Orion.

Draco (m) - This isn't only the Latin word for dragon, but a constellation in the far northern sky that consists of a nebula called.... wait for it.... the Cat Eye Nebula!

Phoenix (u) - Phoenix is a minor constellation in the southern sky, named after the mythical bird. The Phoenix is associated with the element of fire which embodies passion, energy and transformation.

Nature

Autumn (f) - The season of harvest, warm and earthy, conjures visions of deep orange leaves for the ginger furries. Ranked in the top 100 girl's names in the USA since the late 90's.

Summer (f) - The warmest season of the year for the cheerful, fun-loving social butterflies of the cat world. The temperature has been steadily rising for this name over the last few years.

Snowball (u) - Cute and playful for fluffy whites, winter babies and the plumper pussy cats.

Cloud (u) - The floating shapes in the sky evoke feelings of lightness, beauty and calm - with a little bit of mystery due to their ever-changing forms. Perfect for soft whites to cool greys and the big fluffies.

Stormy (u) - Isn't it a cat's prerogative to bring a little drama into the room? Storms whip up a sense of power and intensity, and fans of the X-Men series might recall the superhero of the same name!

Sunny (u) - For your little ray of sunshine and the bright, bubbly personalities that light up rooms, bringing a smile to every face.

Ocean (u) - In Greek mythology, the god Okeanós, from where the name originates, was believed to be a divine river that surrounded the earth. The name resonates with mystery, depth and adventure.

Skye (u) - With Gaelic, Norse and English origins, one thing they all have in common is a sense of freedom. A serene name with divine and heavenly associations.

Gods & Goddesses

Bastet (f) - The Ancient Egyptian goddess was worshipped as a fierce lioness-headed deity before her form changed to a cat. She was associated with the home, fertility, protector of pregnant women and a ward against evil spirits.

Sekhmet (f) - Sister to Bastet and a lioness goddess, warrior and protector of the sun god, Ra.

Freyja (f) - The Norse goddess of love, beauty and fertility was often depicted riding a chariot pulled by two large cats that possessed the ability to travel over great distances and become invisible. Sounds like cat behaviour to me!

Apollo (m) - One of the Olympian deities in Greek and Roman mythology, as well as the name of the NASA program that first landed man on the moon. A powerful name for a bold and adventurous kitty!

Thor (m) - The Norse god of thunder who wields a hammer - you've seen the movies. A strong name for strapping chappies, and pretty comical for a kitten.

Titan (m) - A name derived from Greek mythology that refers to the Titans, a race of powerful immortals that ruled the world before the Olympian gods. If ever there was a species born to rule, it has to be our feline friends!

Royalty

Dutchess (f) - A title given to the wife of a duke, and also the name of the spoiled cat and main antagonist in the 1995 film, Babe.

Princess (f) - From Disney to real-life rulers, this is a symbol of elegance and beauty. Some princesses wear tiaras and sparkly dresses, others come with whiskers and fur!

Queenie (f) - Derived from "queen", this is literally a pet name or term of affection - it was even used as a nickname for Queen Victoria, herself. Also a fitting tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth II.

Augustus (m) - A Latin name meaning "great" or "significant", and none other than the founder of the Roman Empire. This is a proud name for a proud pussy cat.

Arthur (m) - A popular name due to the legendary hero, King Arthur of Britain, who defeated the Saxon invasion in the 16th century.

Louis (m) - Pronounced Loui and meaning "famous warrior" in French, it's no surprise that this name was borne by sixteen kings of France up to the French Revolution. Prince Louis of Wales is currently fourth in the line of succession to the British throne.

Movie Cats

Nala (f) - Meaning "queen" or "lion" but, most notably, the true love of our favourite lion king, Simba - well, second favourite after my boy.

Sassy (f) - Bold and independent with a touch of sweetness and a whole load of sarcasm, just like our Homeward Bound heroine.

Tigger (m) - An energetic, playful tiger and beloved character from Winnie-the-Pooh, most known for his distinctive bounce.

Aslan (m) - The talking lion, aka King of Beasts, from the epic Chronicles of Narnia fantasy series.

Garfield (m) - The orange-tabby cartoon kitty from our childhoods. Although lazy and self-absorbed, we can't help but forgive these inherent cat traits!

Binx (m) - Our favourite boy-turned-cat from Hocus Pocus, this is a spooktastic name for black cats everywhere.

Superheros/Villains

Mystique (f) - A name of French origin meaning "air of mystery", not too dissimilar to the X-Men's shapeshifting mutant. Little is known about Mystique's past, making her a very enigmatic character indeed.

Xena (f) - Not strictly a superhero, but the black-haired, sword-wielding warrior princess has grown such a fanbase that the name shot to popularity during the 90's - which makes for one badass kitty!

Selina (f) - Also known as Catwoman, a skilled thief, prominent enemy and love interest of Gotham's Batman. Too bad to be a superhero, too good to be a supervillain - Catwoman does what Catwoman wants. She's certainly earned her title!

Logan (m) - Also known as Wolverine, the clawed mutant that became popular in Marvel's X-Men series. This one has to make the cut, pardon the pun, if only for the claws!

Bucky (m) - Who the hell is Bucky? He's only the best friend of Steve Rogers, aka Captain America - until he's brought back from supposed death as the brainwashed, metal-armed assassin known as Winter Soldier.

Harley (u) - The versatile, cheery - and mostly crazy - Miss Quinn has become one of the most popular supervillains in the DC Universe, not to mention a pop culture icon. Perfect for your little puddin'.

Lex (u) - Lex Luther, scientist and supervillain, is probably most well-known as Superman's greatest enemy. Typically recognised for his bald head, this makes a super name for a Sphynx.

Neo (u) - Protagonist of The Matrix franchise, Neo is a cybercriminal and computer programmer destined to free humanity from imprisonment within The Matrix. Could this be "the one" for your furry?

Gaming

Zelda (f) - Princess Zelda is the courageous, elf-like humanoid from The Legend of Zelda series who uses her mystical powers in the fight against evil. A royal name for your pointy-eared kitty.

Ciri (f) - A central character in The Witcher series. The sword-fighting princess must use her unique skills and abilities to fulfil her destiny of saving the elves.

Mario (m) - Star of the Mario franchise, our hero is an Italian plumber from the Mushroom Kingdom, whose adventures involve rescuing Princess Peach. Mario is derived from the Latin name, Marius, and was popular amongst military figures in Ancient Rome.

Crash (m) - The genetically-enhanced bandicoot and protagonist of Crash Bandicoot, a platform video game where humans and mutant animals co-exist. As the name suggests, this is fast-paced and just a little bit bonkers!

Sonic (m) - Our favourite blue hedgehog from Sonic the Hedgehog, known for his ability to run faster than the speed of sound. Also Sega's mascot, this is a sound (get it?) choice for any gamer.

Dante (m) - The demon half-breed from Devil May Cry who uses his special abilities to hunt devils. Cool, cocky and kickass, this is a name to remember.

Pikachu (u) - Arguably the cutest Pokémon species in Nintendo, and mascot of the Pokémon franchise, this little dude or dudette is simply adorable. Who wouldn't want a real-life Pikachu?

Ecco (u) - From Sega's Ecco the Dolphin, the game follows a bottlenose dolphin who fights to save the planet from extraterrestrial threats. The variant spelling, Echo, also has roots in Greek mythology. Echo was a nymph punished by Hera so that she could only repeat what others said to her. Sounds like the meow-meow of a cat to me!

Fantasy

Fae (f) - Meaning "fairy" this is associated with enchantment, magic and folklore. As the name originally comes from the Latin words for "trust" and "belief", it's also used as a shortened spelling of the name, Faith.

Hermoine (f) - A name derived from the Greek messenger god, Hermes. It's also used in Shakespeare but was popularised by Hermoine Granger of the Harry Potter series, one of the smartest witches of her generation.

Esmerelda (f) - The anxiety-ridden witch prone to uncontrolled outbursts of magic from the American sitcom, Bewitched. The name's meaning is connected to the precious gemstone, emerald.

Khaleesi (f) - Associated with Daenerys Targaryen from the Game of Thrones series, Khaleesi is derived from the Dothraki title, meaning "queen". While it's not a traditional name, it gained popularity amongst baby girls due to the show's huge success.

Gandalf (m) - From the epic fantasy adventure films, Lord of the Rings, Gandalf is a wizard of great power and leader of the Company of The Ring. Interestingly, the name is derived from Old Norse and means "wand elf".

Falkor (m) - From The Neverending Story, a childhood favourite, Falkor is the white dragon of luck who joins Atreyu in his quest to save the mystical universe of Fantasia. It's a name of Norse origin meaning "guardian of the people" or "god's warriors".

Caspian (m) - The handsome, noble and brave Prince Caspian, crowned King of Narnia with the help of Aslan. Also known as Caspian the Seafarer for his love of the sea, a name shared with the world's largest inland body of water between Europe and Asia (the Caspian Sea).

Magic (u) - Also spelled Magick, this refers to trickery, illusion and spiritual practices. From the charming magician to the spellcasting wiccans, this puts the magical into the moggy!

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Spooky

Morticia (f) - Our favourite goth mum from The Addams Family. This name was created from the word "mortician", which is ultimately derived from the Latin "mortis" meaning "death". For your gothic little ladies, you can't get spookier than that!

Trixie (f) - Or should we say, trick or treat? A cheeky, fun name meaning "bringer of joy", this is a poetic choice for October babies and Halloween horrors.

Elvira (f) - Known as the Mistress of Dark, Elvira is the stage persona for the hostess of Elvira's Movie Macabre, a weekly presentation of B movies. The name is of Spanish origin and was used by royal families in Spain and Portugal.

Lucifer (m) - The fallen angel that we all know as.... ahem, Satan.... who was once believed to be a magnificent being of beauty and wisdom. This translates to "light bringer" which is good enough for us!

Casper (m) - The friendly ghost from our childhoods, this is adorable for white kitties. The name has some deep roots that can be traced back as far as the Old Testament.

Fang (u) - One of the most distinctive features of our feline - or should I say, fanged - friends. Cats aren't too dissimilar to the hissing, blood-drinking, night-stalking vamps with the ability to hypnotise us into doing their bidding.

Salem (u) - From the comic series, Sabrina the Teenage Witch, Salem was originally a warlock sentenced to live as an orange-tabby cat after trying to take over the world. His backstory changed due to the success of the live-action sitcom to bring you the sarcastic, witty kitty that we all know and adore. The name also links back to the Salem witch trials.

Phantom (u) - Meaning "ghost" or "apparition", this is the embodiment of mystery with a hint of supernatural - as is the elusive nature of our feline friends. It can also be associated with the enigmatic and disfigured musical genius from Phantom of the Opera.

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Hopefully, these popular, fun and quirky ideas offer some inspiration when choosing a name for your pet. If you're still looking for the purrfect one, think about your own hobbies and interests and make a list of all the words or names that resonate.

Which countries or cities would you like to visit? India, China and Paris are all beautiful names for kitties that love to explore.

If you have a passion for art, who are your favourite artists? Old classics like Georgia O'Keeffe, Pablo Picasso or perhaps the Mona Lisa herself! Actors such as Keanu Reeves and Zendaya are popular right now, or maybe music is your thing: Elvis, Prince, Britney, Ariana - the options are limitless.

Have fun and, most importantly, enjoy!

Does your feline share a name with any of those mentioned? Would you like to see more categories of popular or quirky names? Let us know in the comments!