Cats have played a big role in history and many cultures around the world. People have long admired their independence, grace, and their mysterious nature.
Nowadays many parents and pet owners prefer names with deeper meanings. This includes names inspired or connected to cats or other feline animals.
Names that mean cats make great choices for babies. They capture qualities like strength, elegance, and a free spirit—values many parents hope to see in their children.
These names also work when naming your cat or other feline pets. This blog aims to share over 200 beautiful names that mean “cat” from different languages and cultures.
The History and Symbolism of Cats
In ancient Egypt, people treated cats as divine beings. They worshiped Bastet, a goddess with a cat’s head who guarded families.
Hurting a cat was against the law, and when cats died, their owners would be very sad.
Other cultures loved cats too. In Norse stories, the goddess Freya rode in a cart pulled by cats. Chinese tales talk about Li Shou, a cat god who fights off bad spirits.
In Japan, stories tell of cats with magic powers.
Cats symbolize many positive traits. They’re independent and choose their own path. They move with natural grace and seem to hold secrets in their mysterious eyes.
Despite their small size, cats are also seen as protectors – both in real life (hunting mice) and in stories (guarding against evil).
To name their kids, parents find these cat traits attractive. Naming a child after a cat might bring confidence, elegance, and gentle strength to the child.
Such a name links them to traits admired for ages. If you’re trying to name a baby or a pet, cat-inspired names bring deep meaning and plenty of history.
These names borrow from myths old traditions, and various languages. They offer lots of lovely choices to capture the unique spirit of cats.
Names That Mean Cat in Different Languages
1. Katze (German) – A playful, soft-sounding name that honors German heritage while being easy to call out.
2. Kätzchen (German) – Means “kitten” and has an endearing, gentle sound perfect for a small feline companion.
3. Poes (Dutch) – Short, sweet, and full of character, this Dutch term makes for an unusual but charming name.
4. Katt (Swedish/Norwegian) – Simple, distinctive, and easy for your cat to recognize when called.
5. Büsi (Swiss-German) – A cute, unique name with a sweet sound that stands out from common pet names.
6. Gatto (Italian) – Has a musical quality that rolls off the tongue, ideal for an expressive, passionate cat.
7. Felis (Latin) – A classical name with historical depth, perfect for a dignified, regal cat.
8. Gato (Spanish) – Simple yet exotic, this name has a warm, friendly sound that suits social cats.
9. Pisica (Romanian) – Unusual and melodic, creating a unique identity for a special kitty.
10. Katrina (German) – Derived from Katze, this elegant name means “pure” and carries a subtle feline connection.
11. Katja (German) – A beautiful diminutive form that maintains the cat connection while being a recognized human name.
12. Cathleen (English) – A graceful name with Celtic roots that incorporates the English “cat.”
13. Katlynn (Modern Germanic) – A contemporary variation with the cat-inspired prefix, perfect for parents wanting something traditional yet meaningful.
14. Māo (Chinese) – Short, distinctive, and carries the beautiful cultural heritage of China.
15. Neko (Japanese) – Popular among anime fans, this cute name has a playful, cheerful sound.
16. Goyangi (Korean) – Unusual and rhythmic, perfect for a bouncy, energetic kitten.
17. Meo (Thai) – Short, sweet, and exotic, making it easy for your cat to learn and respond to.
18. Kucing (Indonesian) – Has a bright, upbeat sound that matches a playful, curious kitten’s personality.
19. Paka (Swahili) – Simple yet distinctive, with a rhythmic quality that stands out.
20. Ikati (Zulu) – Melodious and meaningful, celebrating African linguistic heritage.
21. Domadh (Ethiopian) – Unique and unusual, perfect for a cat with a special personality.
22. Qitta (North African Arabic) – Exotic and elegant, with a sophisticated sound.
23. Gatteo (Italian) – An uncommon boy’s name with a masculine ending that subtly references the Italian word for cat.
24. Felicity (Latin) – From “felis,” meaning happiness and good fortune, with a beautiful connection to the Latin word for cat.
25. Chataine (French) – A unique name reminiscent of “chat” with a lyrical French sound.
26. Maolin (Chinese) – Incorporates “māo” while sounding contemporary and meaningful.
27. Nekomi (Japanese) – A sweet, modern-sounding girl’s name that blends “neko” with traditional Japanese naming patterns.
28. Meira (Thai-inspired) – A beautiful name that echoes the Thai “meo” while working well cross-culturally.
29. Kisa (Japanese) – Another word for cat in Japanese that makes a lovely, delicate girl’s name.
30. Eesabel (Cherokee-inspired) – Blends “eesa” with traditional naming patterns to create something unique yet familiar.
31. Michela (Quechua-inspired) – Combines the Quechua “michi” with European naming traditions.
32. Minooka (Cree-inspired) – Transforms “minoos” into a place-name style that works for any gender.
33. Ngeru (Maori) – Unusual and exotic, with a strong, distinctive sound.
34. Michi (Quechua) – Adorable and easy to call, with connections to South American indigenous culture.
Unique Baby Names That Mean Cat
1. Ailura – Meaning “cat” in Greek, this name captures the essence of feline grace and agility, perfect for a child with an independent spirit.
2. Bastet – Named after the Egyptian goddess with a cat’s head, this name embodies protection and nurturing qualities, reflecting a guardian’s loving nature.
3. Catullus – Meaning “little cat” in Latin, this name suggests playfulness and curiosity, traits often seen in those who explore the world with wonder.
4. Duma – A Swahili name meaning “cheetah,” it represents speed and determination, ideal for a child destined to chase their dreams with focus.
5. Elain – This Welsh name meaning “fawn, little deer or cat” evokes gentleness and quiet strength, much like a cat’s soft but resilient character.
6. Felis – The Latin scientific name for cats, representing intelligence and calculated precision in every movement through life.
7. Gattino – Italian for “little cat,” this name suggests warmth and affection, capturing the loving spirit that draws others close.
8. Hirsch – A German name meaning “stag or wildcat,” symbolizing independence and pride, reminiscent of a cat’s dignified bearing.
9. Iorek – This Norse name meaning “wild cat” embodies freedom and untamed beauty, perfect for a spirited soul.
10. Jalil – An Arabic name meaning “noble like a lion,” representing leadership and courage, much like a cat’s confident demeanor.
11. Kaliska – This Native American name meaning “coyote chasing deer” captures the playful hunting instinct and strategic thinking of felines.
12. Leona – Of Latin origin meaning “lioness,” this name symbolizes fierce protection and loyalty to loved ones.
13. Misa – A Japanese name meaning “beautiful sand,” it brings to mind the delicate footprints a cat leaves as it walks with measured grace.
14. Nala – This African name meaning “successful” reflects determination and achievement, much like a cat’s patient pursuit of goals.
15. Oscelot – Inspired by the wild ocelot cat, this name represents unique beauty and rare qualities that stand out in a crowd.
16. Pardus – Latin for “leopard,” symbolizing strength beneath beauty and the power of patience, much like a leopard’s hunting style.
17. Qilin – A Chinese mythological creature with feline qualities, representing good fortune and prosperity that follows quiet wisdom.
18. Shakira – Of Arabic origin meaning “grateful” and “lioness,” capturing the dual nature of appreciation and strength.
19. Tora – A Japanese name meaning “tiger,” embodying power and passion, like the fierce determination in a cat’s eyes.
20. Uncia – The scientific name for snow leopard, representing rare beauty and the ability to thrive in challenging environments.
21. Vashti – A Persian name meaning “beautiful” with feline connotations, suggesting elegance and poise in all situations.
22. Wildcat – An English name embodying untamed spirit and the freedom to forge one’s own path, regardless of convention.
23. Xolotl – An Aztec deity associated with twin animal spirits including cats, representing transformation and the ability to adapt.
24. Yuki – A Japanese name meaning “snow,” bringing to mind the silent stealth of a lynx moving through a winter landscape.
25. Zabra – An African name meaning “night cat,” representing mystery and the ability to navigate through darkness with confidence.
26. Abasi – An Egyptian name meaning “stern like a lion,” symbolizing fairness and strength of character when facing life’s challenges.
27. Besith – A Hebrew name meaning “cat lover,” representing compassion and connection with nature’s most independent creatures.
28. Caramel – Reminiscent of warm-hued cats, this name suggests sweetness of character and the comfort one brings to others.
29. Darzee – A Persian name meaning “tailor,” reflecting precision and attention to detail, much like a cat’s calculated movements.
30. Ermin – Derived from “ermine,” suggesting purity of heart and the precious nature of one’s true character.
31. Feline – Directly meaning “cat-like,” embodying grace under pressure and the perfect balance between strength and gentleness.
32. Ghibli – An Arabic name meaning “desert cat,” representing resilience and the ability to find sustenance even in harsh conditions.
33. Humbaba – A mythological guardian with feline features, symbolizing protection and watchful care over treasured people and places.
34. Iblis – An Arabic name associated with quick and agile cat-like movements, representing swift thinking and nimble responses to life’s challenges.
Epic Baby Names That Mean Cat
1. Aslan – Meaning “Lion” in Turkish, this name embodies the majestic strength and courage of the king of cats, perfect for a child with natural leadership qualities.
2. Bagheera – Inspired by The Jungle Book’s wise panther, this name represents the silent wisdom and protective instinct of a watchful guardian.
3. Cheetara – Drawing from ThunderCats, this name captures the lightning-fast reflexes and keen intuition of the world’s fastest feline.
4. Drogon – Though dragon-inspired, this name reflects the sleek movements and fierce loyalty of a protective wild cat.
5. Elsa – Meaning “Noble” in Scandinavian tradition, this name connects to the dignified bearing and independent spirit of a lioness.
6. Fenrir – A Norse name carrying the untamed power and mysterious nature of ancient wild cats that prowl through mythology.
7. Gryffin – Representing a majestic creature with the body of a lion, this name suggests both earthly power and visionary insight.
8. Hercules – Connected to the Nemean lion, this name symbolizes extraordinary strength hidden beneath a seemingly ordinary exterior.
9. Isis – An Egyptian goddess who protected cats, this name channels the divine mystery and intuitive magic of feline companions.
10. Jaga – From ThunderCats’ wise mentor, this name embodies the ancient knowledge and spiritual awareness of a mystical jaguar.
11. Kalahari – Named for the desert where wildcats thrive against all odds, representing resilience and adaptability in harsh circumstances.
12. Leonidas – Meaning “Lion-like” in Greek, this name carries the legacy of fierce protection and unwavering courage.
13. Mufasa – A Swahili name meaning “King,” it captures the dignified presence and deep wisdom of the ultimate lion patriarch.
14. Nimbus – Reflecting the cloud-like, silent movements of a stalking cat, this name suggests ethereal grace and mysterious power.
15. Odin – The Norse god with wildcats as companions, representing far-seeing wisdom and command over hidden knowledge.
16. Panthera – The scientific name for big cats, embodying the perfect evolutionary design of nature’s most efficient predators.
17. Quaxo – The secret identity of a magical cat from musical theater, suggesting hidden talents beneath an unassuming appearance.
18. Raiden – Japanese for “Thunder and Lightning,” capturing the electric reflexes and powerful presence of a hunting wildcat.
19. Sekhmet – The Egyptian lioness goddess, representing fierce protection, healing abilities, and the duality of gentleness with power.
20. Tigris – Latin for “Tiger,” embodying the striking beauty and perfect balance of strength with strategic patience.
21. Uther – A Celtic name meaning “Terrible One,” reflecting the awe-inspiring presence and natural authority of a panther.
22. Valkyrie – Norse female warriors with cat-like reflexes, representing divine judgment and the connection between mortal and eternal.
23. Warlock – With mystical cat-like eyes that see beyond ordinary sight, suggesting connection to ancient powers and hidden truths.
24. Xena – A warrior name carrying the independent spirit and protective fierceness of a lioness defending her territory.
25. Yawaru – Aboriginal for “Wildcat,” connecting to dreamtime wisdom and the sacred relationship between human and animal spirits.
26. Zephyr – The Greek west wind, quick and silent like a cat’s paw, bringing gentle but unstoppable change wherever it touches.
27. Artemis – Greek goddess of the hunt, embodying the perfect aim, moonlit intuition, and protective nature of wildcats.
28. Behemoth – A mythical beast with feline features, suggesting immense power contained within a graceful form.
29. Caius – A Latin name connected to jungle cats, representing primal instinct balanced with noble bearing.
30. Demetrius – Associated with wildcats of the forest, embodying territorial protection and deep connection to natural cycles.
31. Everest – Named for the mountain home of snow leopards, suggesting rare beauty and the solitary grace of high places.
32. Fireheart – A warrior cat name representing passionate loyalty and the transformative leadership that comes from within.
33. Grimalkin – Old English for “Gray Cat,” carrying ancient mystery and the supernatural significance of cats in folklore.
34. Horus – Egyptian falcon god with cat connections, representing protective vision and the perfect balance of human with divine.
35. Ishtar – Babylonian goddess with lion companions, embodying passionate strength and the power of renewal after darkness.
Good Baby Names That Mean Cat or Cat Like
1. Leo – Latin name meaning “lion”
2. Catherine – Greek origin, meaning “pure” (nickname Cat)
3. Tabi – Japanese name meaning “travel” but sounds like tabby cat
4. Aria – Italian name meaning “air” but connected to the Siamese cat’s song
5. Bennett – English name meaning “blessed” with feline connotations
6. Cleo – Greek name meaning “glory” associated with Cleopatra who loved cats
7. Dario – Persian name meaning “possessing goodness” with cat associations
8. Felix – Latin name meaning “happy” or “lucky” (famous cartoon cat)
9. Ginger – English name meaning “reddish-orange” like many cats
10. Hunter – English name meaning “one who hunts” like cats
11. Ira – Hebrew name meaning “watchful” like a cat
12. Juno – Roman goddess with feline qualities
13. Kira – Russian name meaning “throne” with cat-like grace
14. Linus – Greek name meaning “flax” with gentle cat-like qualities
15. Milo – Germanic name meaning “merciful” (famous cat from Milo and Otis)
16. Nina – Spanish name meaning “little girl” with feline connotations
17. Oliver – English name meaning “olive tree” (famous cat from Oliver and Company)
18. Pepper – English name meaning “spicy” like a cat’s personality
19. Quincy – French name meaning “estate of the fifth son” with cat associations
20. Rory – Irish name meaning “red king” like a ginger cat
21. Sable – English name meaning “black” like many cats
22. Tabitha – Aramaic name meaning “gazelle” often shortened to “Tabby”
23. Uma – Sanskrit name meaning “flax” with cat-like grace
24. Vincent – Latin name meaning “conquering” like a cat’s spirit
25. Wren – English bird name with cat-like quietness
26. Xavier – Basque name meaning “new house” like a cat claiming territory
27. Yasmin – Persian name meaning “jasmine flower” with feline elegance
28. Zane – Hebrew name meaning “God’s gracious gift” with cat-like independence
29. Arden – English name meaning “valley of the eagle” with wildcat associations
30. Blair – Scottish name meaning “field” where cats hunt
31. Clara – Latin name meaning “clear, bright” like a cat’s eyes
32. Damon – Greek name meaning “to tame” like domesticated cats
33. Ember – English name meaning “spark” like a cat’s energy
34. Finn – Irish name meaning “fair” like a cat’s fair judgment
Boy Names That Mean Cat
1. Leon – Latin name meaning “lion”
2. Cato – Latin name meaning “wise like a cat”
3. Tigre – Spanish name meaning “tiger”
4. Lynx – Named after the wild cat
5. Puma – Named after the big cat
6. Simba – Swahili name meaning “lion”
7. Thomas – After Tom cat from Tom and Jerry
8. Rajah – Sanskrit name meaning “king” (like a lion)
9. Chui – Swahili name meaning “leopard”
10. Tao – Chinese name meaning “peach” but refers to a famous cat
11. Boris – Slavic name meaning “wolf” but with cat-like stealth
12. Conrad – German name meaning “brave counsel” with lion-like courage
13. Diego – Spanish name meaning “supplanter” like a cat’s territorial nature
14. Ekon – African name meaning “strong” like a big cat
15. Faraji – Swahili name meaning “consolation” with lion associations
16. Garfield – English name meaning “triangle field” (famous orange cat)
17. Hobbes – English philosopher’s name (famous tiger character)
18. Ingwe – Zulu name meaning “leopard”
19. Jabari – Swahili name meaning “brave” like a lion
20. Kion – Swahili name meaning “leader” (lion character from Lion Guard)
21. Lance – French name meaning “land” with wildcat associations
22. Maximilian – Latin name meaning “greatest” like a lion
23. Niru – Sanskrit name meaning “man” with tiger associations
24. Orson – Latin name meaning “bear-like” but with cat-like movements
25. Phillip – Greek name meaning “lover of horses” with wildcat associations
26. Qasim – Arabic name meaning “one who distributes” like a lion sharing prey
27. Rex – Latin name meaning “king” like a lion
28. Scar – Character from The Lion King
29. Tigger – Character from Winnie the Pooh
30. Ulan – Mongolian name meaning “red” like a cougar
31. Vito – Latin name meaning “life” with cat-like vitality
32. Watson – English name meaning “son of Walter” with cat-like curiosity
33. Xander – Greek name meaning “defender of men” with lion-like qualities
34. Yosemite – Mountain where mountain lions dwell
Girl Names That Mean Cat
1. Leona – Latin name meaning “lioness”
2. Karina – Polish variation of Katherine, associated with “cat”
3. Felina – Latin origin, meaning “cat-like”
4. Kiara – Swahili name meaning “bright” (lioness in Lion King II)
5. Mehitabel – Hebrew name meaning “God makes good” (famous literary cat)
6. Yvette – French name meaning “yew tree” with panther-like grace
7. Panthea – Greek name meaning “all divine” with panther associations
8. Caterina – Italian form of Catherine, meaning “pure”
9. Tigerlily – Flower name with tiger association, strong like a tiger and soft like a lily.
10. Catia – Greek name meaning “pure” with cat associations
11. Kalila – Arabic name meaning “beloved” with lioness associations
12. Dalia – Lithuanian name meaning “gentle” like a cat’s paw
13. Eloise – French name meaning “famous warrior” with cat-like stealth
14. Freya – Norse goddess associated with cats
15. Ginny – English name meaning “virgin” with cat-like grace
16. Hailey – English name meaning “hay meadow” where cats hunt
17. Inka – Incan name meaning “ruler” like a queen cat
18. Juno – Roman goddess with feline qualities
19. Katrina – Greek name meaning “pure” with cat nickname
20. Lara – Latin name meaning “famous” with lioness qualities
21. Mina – Persian name meaning “enamel” with cat-like grace
22. Naya – Arabic name meaning “new” with cat-like qualities
23. Opal – Gemstone name with cat’s eye resemblance
24. Petula – Latin name meaning “seeking” like a curious cat
25. Qiana – African American name meaning “divine” with feline grace
26. Ramona – Spanish name meaning “wise protector” like a mother cat
27. Sadie – Hebrew name meaning “princess” like a cat’s regal nature
28. Thea – Greek name meaning “goddess” with lion associations
29. Ursula – Latin name meaning “little bear” but with cat-like stealth
30. Veda – Sanskrit name meaning “knowledge” with cat-like intuition
31. Willa – Germanic name meaning “resolute protection” like a mother cat
32. Xamara – Arabic name meaning “guardian” like a protective cat
33. Yara – Brazilian name meaning “water lady”
34. Zelda – Germanic name meaning “gray fighting maid” with cat-like agility
35. Arya – Sanskrit name meaning “noble” with wild cat associations
Names Inspired by Cat Characteristics
- Nimble – Reflects a cat’s agile, light-footed movements
- Aria – Inspired by the graceful, musical quality of a cat’s movements
- Pounce – Captures a cat’s playful hunting technique
- Leaper – Honors the impressive jumping ability of cats
- Sterling – Evokes a cat’s sleek, silver-like movements
- Amber – For the striking golden-orange eye color many cats possess
- Luna – Celebrates cats’ nocturnal vision and moon-like eyes
- Iris – References the mesmerizing, changing pupils of cat eyes
- Vista – For a cat’s incredible visual acuity and awareness
- Eclipse – Inspired by how cat pupils narrow to slits in bright light
- Rogue – Captures a cat’s independent, self-sufficient nature
- Whisper – For a cat’s stealthy, secretive movements
- Nyx – Named for the Greek goddess of night, reflecting cats’ mysterious nature
- Solitaire – Honors a cat’s self-reliant personality
- Phantom – For a cat’s ability to appear and disappear mysteriously
- Velvet – Inspired by a cat’s soft, plush fur
- Whisker – Celebrates one of a cat’s most distinctive features
- Plume – Honors a cat’s expressive, feathery tail
- Claw – Bold name inspired by a cat’s retractable hunting tools
- Tufted – For the distinctive ear tufts on many cats
- Purrington – Playfully references a cat’s contented purring
- Napper – For a cat’s love of sleep and frequent naps
- Prowl – Captures a cat’s hunting behavior and movements
- Curious – Celebrates cats’ inquisitive, exploring nature
- Mischief – For a cat’s playful, trouble-making tendencies
- Echo – Inspired by the distinctive vocalizations cats make
- Sonnet – For the musical, rhythmic quality of purring
- Trill – Named after the chirping sound cats make when excited
- Hum – Captures the gentle vibration of a cat’s purr
- Rumble – For the deep, resonant quality of a contented cat’s purr
These names capture the essence of what makes cats so special—from their physical characteristics to their behaviors and personalities.
Conclusion
Cat-inspired names offer a beautiful connection to qualities admired across cultures—grace, independence, and quiet strength.
From ancient Egyptian worship to modern symbolism, these names carry rich meanings that can shape identities.
When you choose a cat-inspired name, you’re giving a gift of character traits that have fascinated humanity for centuries.
For parents, these meaningful names often become part of a child’s identity.
A name connected to cats might inspire confidence, resilience, and the perfect balance of gentle and fierce. In a world of trendy names, these choices offer substance and lasting significance.
Whether obvious like Leo or subtle like Ariel, these names celebrate the mysterious spirit that has fascinated us since cats first entered our homes.
We’d love to hear your experiences with cat-inspired names in the comments below!
Frequently Asked Questions ( FAQ’s )
Q. Are cat-inspired names more suitable for girls or boys?
Cat names work well for all genders. Some have traditional associations (Leo for boys, Kiara for girls), but many like Ariel, Tau, and Neko are wonderfully gender-neutral. Choose based on meaning and sound rather than gender expectations.
Q. Will my child be teased for having a cat-inspired name?
Most cat-inspired names don’t obviously reveal their feline connection. Names like Leona, Ariella, and Ravi sound mainstream while carrying cat meanings. Even clearer connections like Leo are widely accepted and unlikely to cause teasing.
Q. How do I explain the meaning of my child’s name to others?
Keep it simple: “We named her Kalila because it means ‘beloved’ but also ‘lioness’ in Arabic—we loved the combination of gentleness and strength.” Most people appreciate thoughtfully chosen names with meaningful origins.
Q. What are the most popular cat-inspired names right now?
Currently popular choices include Leo and Leon for boys; Aria (“lioness” in Hebrew) and Leona for girls. International favorites include Ravi (Sanskrit for “lion”), Ariel, and Zara (associated with lionesses). For a subtle option, Elsa has gained popularity and connects to “lion-strong” in Germanic origins.
