For your inspiration and entertainment, we went out into the world wide web looking for sources that shine a light on the most popular cat names in 2023. We don’t know about you, but for us, some names are no surprise at all. Luna, the all-time favorite, for example – although some people might think this one is reserved for little voidlings with half moons on their forehead… but we’re getting ahead of ourselves. So let’s take a look together and have fun checking out the top 10 most popular cat names for male and female cats.
Most popular male cat names
- Charlie: A diminutive of Charles, meaning “free man.”
- Leo: Meaning “lion” in Latin, this name is fitting for a feline companion.
- Milo: A name of Germanic origin meaning “merciful.”
- Max: Short for Maximilian, meaning “greatest.”
- Oliver: A classic name that has remained popular for both humans and pets. It means “olive tree” and has been a top choice across multiple lists.
- Simba: The Swahili word for “lion” and also the name of the main character in Disney’s “The Lion King.”
- Loki: Named after the mischievous Norse god.
- Jack: Often used as a short form of John, meaning “God is gracious.”
- Jasper: Means “bringer of treasure” in Persian.
- Tiger: You gotta love orange cats.
Most popular female cat names
- Luna: Meaning “moon” in Latin, this name has surged in popularity, possibly influenced by the character in the “Harry Potter” series and the cat in the anime “Sailor Moon.”
- Bella: An Italian word meaning “beautiful.”
- Nala: Another name from “The Lion King,” Nala is Simba’s love interest in the movie.
- Lily: Named after the elegant flower, symbolizing purity and beauty.
- Daisy: Named after the cheerful flower, symbolizing purity and innocence.
- Coco: This name is a reference to the chocolate bean, translating to “cocoa.”
- Lola: Of Spanish origin, meaning “sorrows.”
- Willow: A name that resembles nature and the grace of the willow tree.
- Molly: Meaning “star of the sea.”
- Mia: Has origins in Latin-based languages, such as Spanish and Italian, where it translates to “mine.”
More most popular cat names (mixed)
- Tigger: Inspired by the bouncy character from A.A. Milne’s “Winnie the Pooh.”
- Chester: Of Latin origin, meaning “fortress” or “walled town.”
- Thor: Named after the Norse god of thunder, famous from pop culture.
- Zelda: Of German origin, meaning “gray fighting maid”, known from the game.
- Cleo: Short for Cleopatra, the famous Egyptian queen.
- Buddy: Well, this one’s self-explanatory!
- Misty: Often associated with a gentle and soft presence, reminiscent of misty weather.
- Oscar: With Old Norse origins, meaning “God’s spear” or “champion warrior.”
Trending themes
- Food-inspired names: Names like Pepper, Ginger, Cookie, and Peanut are gaining popularity in the US, with around 13% of cats being named after a food or drink item.1
- Pop culture influence: Names inspired by popular movies, TV shows, and books are on the rise. Simba from “The Lion King”, Tigger, and Poppy are making appearances in homes.1,2,3
- Regional flavors: Depending on where you live, cultural and regional influences play a significant role in pet naming. For instance, in Texas, USA, names like Austin, Dallas, and Rooster reflect the state’s cowboy culture and Spanish influence.1
- Classic human names: Names like Oliver, Charlie, Bella, and Lucy show that many pet owners are naming their cats as they would name their children.
TCE’s favorites
You might have guessed it: Luna for a female and Gizmo for a male. Why? Because Luna has been with us since childhood, and we love nature, and Gizmo because cats do be gremlins for real sometimes. Also, the two make such a nice contrast.
With that said, if you’re looking for a name for your kitty, feel free to let yourself get inspired by the listed names above. Your cat will have unique quirks that call for a name on their own. The beauty of naming your beloved pet lies in your shared experiences, personal stories, and the meanings you attach to them. Choosing a name is a special journey that deepens the bond between you and your feline friend.
We hope you liked this collection of the most popular cat names in 2023. Do you think there are other names that deserve a place in the top 10? Let us know in the comments. Don’t forget to share this list with your friends.
