Cat Names and Meanings

Content

• Do cats recognize their own names?
• Tips for choosing your cat's name
• Names for cats and their meanings
• Names for male cats and meanings
• Names for Black Cats and Meanings
• Other Cat Name Inspirations

A new kitten at home is always a wonderful novelty, bringing a companion who is often full of personality, gifted with the ability to surprise us. Owning a cat requires great care and, as a guardian, you must choose a name to call your pet. This is an important and difficult decision, as there are many options, we end up in doubt between several names.

Loving and caring for an animal is, in itself, a very fun and refreshing experience, choosing the name of our new friend can also be. How do I choose one among so many names I like? Many tutors like to spend time with the pussy to discover the most outstanding traits of its personality before christening it. Others like funny names, or that refer to some physical attribute of the animal. In this PeritoAnimal article, we offer you a list with more than 80 ideas for names for cats and their meanings.

Do cats recognize their own names?

Studies published in the journal Scientific Reports¹ point out that cats can actually identify exactly what their name is, even if they hear the sound of a stranger. According to the experiments published in this same newspaper, carried out by a psychologist, cats interpret their names, recognize their tutor's voice, and know how to differentiate gestures from humans.

Cats are so smart that they can find hidden food and even ask for food from anyone who calls them by their name. In her research carried out in Japan by the specialist in cats, Atsuko Saito analyzes the reactions of cats after the pronunciation of their names, through the movement of their ears, their heads and even their tails.

All of them can indicate recognition of the animal. During the experiments, cats exhibited a different posture when they heard their own names. Upon hearing names similar to yours, or different names from other cats, the reaction was not the same. The specialist says that kittens learn to associate their own names with benefits such as affection or food.

Tips for choosing your cat's name

• Choose short names for your kitten: usually names that have two syllables or up to three syllables at most are easier for kittens to assimilate and recognize. Short names for cats ensure they learn their names faster.
• Prefer names that have a strong pronunciation: aStrong consonants are the easiest to identify their sound. As an example, the sound of “k”, “d” and “t” stand out much more than the sound of the consonants “f”, “s” and “m”.
• Think of names that work for each step: the kitten will not always be a kitten. He will grow up and get old! So, it is important to think of a name that can be used for all stages of his life.
• Choose names that can be said by anyone: You have to think of a name that is easy for anyone to pronounce and that this name cannot cause any kind of embarrassment. Using a different connotation that can only be called by you is not recommended. Your cat can become a source of unpleasant laughter.

Names for cats and their meanings

If you have a female new to your home and would like some name ideas, here are some suggestions for names for cats and their meanings:

• Jolie: demonstrates someone full of life, energy and personality. It also alludes to someone playful and curious.
• Ariel: it has connection with the wisdom and strength of a lion, meaning something like "Lion of God". This name also appears related to the mermaid Ariel, a very popular Disney princess.
• Blackberry: comes from the wild fruit of the same name, but it can also be interpreted as the feminine noun of love. Usually, it is related to animals full of energy and that like to be affectionate.
• Mila: it means gracious, dear or one who is very much loved.
• Cindy: symbolically linked to the goddess of the moon, known as Artemis, it is a name full of presence and exerts a certain strength and purity. Its literal meaning is “born in Cinto”, a city of Classical Antiquity that reflects richness and artistic potential.
• Ivy: In ancient Greek mythology, she was the Queen of the Gods, had a very great power.
• Luna: name linked to light, beauty, femininity and bestowal. It has its origin in the word moon, which can denote someone who is enlightened.
• Bubble gum: name of a famous brand of chewing gum, made with bubblegum. It smells sweet and inviting, so it's a good idea for a name if you have a vain, sweet-smelling kitten at home. As this gum is quite sticky, it is a good name suggestion for those who want to name a sly animal, which requires attention.
• Guinevere: In the kingdom of Camelot, city of King Arthur in the past, the wife of the mighty was called Guinivere.
• Sapphire: blue gemstone. Refers to loyalty, wisdom, trust and beauty.
• Gaby: It is the nickname of Gabriela, which means to be sent by God or a divine angel.
• Charlote: it means “that which is strong”, having connection with freedom, vigor and the strength of the female personality.
• Eve: they are related to the origin of life, meaning, in the literal sense, “that which is full of life”. It is also related to energetic personalities that are present wherever they go.
• Hanna: It means beauty, decoration, adornment.
• Nina: this name indicates a kitten with a strong personality, full of grace, femininity and very protective.
• Hilary: Be with a lot of joy, happiness.
• Juno: In the mythology of Rome, this name was given to the Goddess of the Woman, defender of children.
• Emma: has its meaning linked to royalty, also being interpreted as "whole" or "universal". It is a delicate name that inspires donation, kindness and light.
• Nelly: It has the meaning of a very strong light, coming from fire. Lights up any darkness.
• Fifi: feminine name associated with a pretentious and proud personality. It also appears as a good suggestion for fuze animals, who like to mess with everything.
• Kelly: It can symbolize spring flowers.
• Frida: its literal meaning is “the peaceful one”, appearing also as “she who brings peace” or “the princess of peace”. It's a name full of beauty, calm and notoriety.
• Nice: In Ancient Greece it was known as the Goddess of Victory and Conquests.
• Jade: comes from the stone of the same name, relating to something precious, beautiful and striking.
• Emerald: Of the bright, greenish gemstone.
• Meg: means pearl or creature of light. Related to purity and peace, it's also a good name for delicate and very original cats.
• Mia: related to care, love and beauty. In the literal sense it would be something like “starfish” or “mine”.
• Iara: She is the Goddess of Water, according to folk legends.
• Emily: It means a lot of proactivity and willingness to work.
• Puma: is the name of a species of cougar, common in America. As a baptismal name, it suggests strength, agility and intelligence.
• Tammy: name related to the natural universe and someone who stands out. Indicates the existence of several qualities, expressing a charming personality.
• Nadia: Symbolizes a being of light that brings hope and peace.
• Isa: A being who has a lot of generosity, empathy.
• Agatha: means kind or good, indicating a very docile and affectionate animal.
• Mili: variation of Milena, meaning something like gracious or darling.
• Grape: comes from the fruit of the same name. It denotes docile, fun and very unique personalities.
• Gaby: It is the nickname of Gabriela, which means to be sent by God or a divine angel.
• Mika: Symbolizes pleasant smells and aromas.
• Moy: In Russian it means possession like “mine” or “mine”.

Names for male cats and meanings

Now, if your new partner is a little boy, we have some really fun suggestions for names for male cats and meanings that can match it:

• Dennis: It comes from the name Dionysus, the Greek god of wine. It can also mean “the sky and the waters” or “day and night”. It is a name that symbolizes royalty, unique character traits and independence.
• Eros: In ancient Greek history, he was considered to be Cupid, the God of Love.
• Mozart: He was one of the best composers in the history of world music.
• Simon: means “he who hears”. Name linked to care, attention and curiosity.
• Nacho: In Mexican cuisine, it's a tortilla that everyone loves.
• Bob: in the literal sense it would be something like “famous” or “glorious”. Therefore, it is related to nobility, strength and a strong personality.
• Spark: Symbolizes speed and movement. For kittens that don't stop for a minute.
• Ronron: Sound that kittens make when they are feeling comfortable.
• Muffin: Delicious cookies that can be sweet or savory.Ideal for a chubby cat.
• Fred: its literal meaning would be "king of peace" or "prince of peace". It is a noble name, owner of a calm and very kind personality.
• Sam: Comes from “Samuel”, Diminutive Hebrew name for Samuel. Means the expression: “his name is God”.
• Igor: He defended a deity considered by the Germans as very powerful, Ingor.
• Eureka: comes from the expression created by the Greek Archimedes. When making an important discovery, he used this word, which means “I found”. It's a fun name, light and indicates intelligence and creativity.
• Frodo: is the main character of The Lord of the Rings Saga. Frodo Baggins or Frodo Underhill is very popular in the works of J. R. R. Tolkien.
• Tone: denotes someone of small size, being great for a kitten. It stands out for its creativity, sociability and good energy.
• boy: related to freedom, lightness and a docile and friendly personality.
• Iori: He is a character in a video game series called The King of Fighters by SNK.
• Cookie: comes from the cookie of the same name, being a good idea of ​​an extroverted name. Denotes a very playful personality.
• Pharaoh: In ancient Egypt, he was the most powerful King, considered a God.
• Milo: indicates someone sweet and affectionate, who likes a lot of attention.
• Bass drum: responsible for the bass beats, being an essential part of the drums, an instrument that dictates the rhythm of a song. As a name, it is linked to an independent animal with a strong personality, who likes to rule around.
• Gaspar: He is one of the three wise men of Jesus' birth. Symbolizes treasure, gift from God.
• Popcorn: name originating from the food of the same name, related to someone fun, fuzzy, playful and considerate.
• David: variant of David, indicating someone with strong leadership. The name also conveys a person full of will and organized.
• Gilbert: Good winds, signs of fulfilled and bright promises.
• Oliver: indicates someone very sensitive, curious, passionate and full of curiosity.
• Galileo: It denotes someone who stands out for his transparency, easy to socialize and a lot of intelligence. Owner of a calm personality and who likes to rest a lot.
• Harry: name connected to royalty, means “lord prince” or “master of the house”. Indicated for an independent pussy that likes to reign wherever she goes.
• Jules: Symbolizes youth, joviality.
• Nobel: alludes to the award of the same name, offered to people who stand out with work in different areas. As a name, it highlights intelligence, wisdom, insight and curiosity.
• Zeca: originated from Joseph and means “he who will add” or “God will multiply”. It denotes someone full of light, kind and innocent.
• Will: someone very patient, companionable and calm.
• toddy: the word Toddy means “successful”, but it can also indicate the name of the chocolate drink of the same name. Related to a sweet, fun person that others like to have around.
• Robbie: in the literal sense, it means something like “one who knows a lot”. Owner of a calm, quiet personality who enjoys his own company.
• Rick: it relates to freedom, curiosity and versatility. Someone easily adaptable and intelligent.
• Hugo: it has its meaning related to the heart and mind, indicating someone very sentimental, kind and, at the same time, intelligent.

Names for Black Cats and Meanings

A good suggestion for those who have adopted a black kitten, is to name it with a word that plays with the animal's color, breaking the stigma that exists around black cats. Here we made a selection of names for black cats and meanings:

• Raven: it means “raven”, an animal linked to intelligence, wisdom and mystery. Also the name of a famous DC Comics character who is part of the Teen Titans team.
• Elvira: Witch of the film "Elvira, the Queen of Darkness", was very successful starring in 1988 with actress Cassandra Peterson.
• Amy Lee: Vocalist for Evanescence (American rock band).
• Muriel: In the movie “Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters”, Muriel is the name of the most powerful witch.
• Bellatrix: this name became popular due to the witch of the same name from the Harry Potter series. It is also one of the ten brightest stars in the sky and means something like warrior.
• Ebony: word used in english as symbol for black. Relates to a strong and fun personality.
• Black Panther: character from the Marvel comics and movies of the same name. Indicates someone full of personality, agile and shrewd.
• Vader: reference to Darth Vader, well-known villain from the Star Wars saga. He was known for walking all in black with a mask that covered his entire face and for his robotic voice, being a funny name reference for a black kitten.
• Salem: refers to the city of Salem, in the United States, famous for witch stories. Despite all the mystery, the word Salem means “peace” or “perfect”.
• Irusan: name of the god of cats in Celtic mythology. Indicates royalty, mystery and strength.

Other Cat Name Inspirations

Did not find the perfect name for your cat? Some people prefer to honor their idols, putting the names of music artists, big rock and pop stars. The movies also provide lots of creative name ideas. Superheroes, names of Disney cartoon characters and even villains are influences when choosing what to call your pet.

The choice of name is directly related to the tutor's personality. If you are a hobbyist studying mysticism and witches, for example, you might like mystical names or witch names for your kittens.

On the other hand, Siamese and Persian kittens, black, gray and white cats usually have special names, designed exclusively for them. As they have very own characteristics and only theirs, the names are usually differentiated.