308 Cat Names: Cat Name Ideas
Perfect Cat Names
Figuring out cat names for your Ragdoll cat, or any cat for that matter can be difficult, especially if they live as long as my Rags. But, indeed, their name needs to match their unique personality.
Jaran, pictured below, was Ragdoll of the Week. You might enjoy reading through our Ragdoll of the Week submissions and our Floppycat of the Week submissions to find out how other cat owners determine which cat names they want to use.
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Things To Consider When Naming Your Cat
Naming your new cat should be a fun experience, even if it can sometimes be tricky. Here’s a list of things you can consider to help you make your decision:
- Their personality – you’re not going to have built up a strong understanding of their entire personality by the time you name them, but you may base their name on their first impressions.
- Their color – many cat names are based on your cat’s coat color. With Ragdolls, this might be trickier if you’re buying a kitten since the color won’t fully come through until later, but you might have an idea.
- Physical features – this might be based on the individual cat or the breed. Naming a Ragdoll, you may want to focus on its size or beautiful blue eyes.
- Breed characteristics – if you don’t know enough about your cat’s individual personality, you might base it on the typical characteristics of the breed (like something gentle and floppy for a Ragdoll). Even if the cat ends up being a little different from the typical breed, the name could be ironic and funny.
If you have a creative pet name, please include them in the comments below.
Otherwise, here’s a long list of some great cat names you may want to use for your cat.
Boy Cat Names
While you don’t have to pick a gendered name for your cat, many people prefer to stay traditional or think their cat just looks ‘boyish.’ So if you’re looking for a classic boy name for your kitty, look at this list.
- Alfie
- Angus
- Arne
- Arnie
- Ben
- Boris
- Buddy
- Charlie
- Colin
- Cosmo
- Dexter
- Domino
- Duke
- Duncan
- Dylan
- Eddie
- Finn
- Frankie
- Gus
- Harlow
- Harper
- Harvey
- Hobbs
- Jack
- Lenny
- Leo
- Louis
- Max
- Milo
- Oliver
- Ollie
- Oscar
- Pip
- Reggie
- Rex
- Riley
- Sam
- Simon
- Theo
- Tiger
- Toby
- Tom
- Tucker
- Wyatt
Girl Cat Names
If you’re looking for a more girly name for your cat, there are plenty of classic feminine names to choose from.
- Alice
- Annie
- Ava
- Bailey
- Bebe
- Bella
- Bridget
- Chloe
- Cleo
- Coral
- Daisy
- Ellie
- Espen
- Eve
- Faith
- Fiona
- Gracie
- Holly
- Indi
- Izzy
- Katie
- Lara
- Lily
- Lola
- Lucy
- Macy
- Miley
- Minnie
- Molly
- Penny
- Phoebe
- Pippi
- Piper
- Rosie
- Roxy
- Sarah
- Sasha
- Sian
- Sophie
- Suzy
- Willow
- Zoe
Vintage Cat Names
Some cats just have that old-fashioned look about them. Looking through vintage names can be a great way to find a name that matches your cat’s personality.
- Abraham
- Agnes
- Archibald
- Atticus
- Barnaby
- Basil
- Cecil
- Dorothy
- Felix
- Gilbert
- Gladys
- Grace
- Hazel
- Herman
- Ida
- Iris
- Jasper
- Luther
- Mildred
- Monty
- Percy
- Reginald
- Rupert
- Silas
- Theodore
- Walter
- Wilbur
- Winston
- Vernon
Gray Cat Names
Many cats have some gray in their fur, with many Ragdolls being some variety of gray shade. As it’s such a distinct look, you may want to choose a name that suits you by choosing one of these names for your gray cat.
- Ash
- Ashen
- Clouded
- Dappled
- Dove
- Dusty
- Earl
- Gandalf
- Gris
- Gunmetal
- Heather
- Luna
- Lavender
- Meredith
- Misty
- Pearl
- Pepper
- Peppery
- Silver
- Silvery
- Smoky
- Smudge
- Stella
- Sterling
- Violet
Black Cat Names
Black cats really are beautiful and have often been associated with good luck, magic, and mischief. While black is not an officially recognized breed color for Ragdolls, they exist. So if you’re trying to name a black cat, look through these names inspired by magical characters and the color black.
- Autumn
- Anise
- Boots
- Cinder
- Guinness
- Ink
- Jet
- Loki
- Merlin
- Millie
- Midnight
- Murphy
- Mystique
- Noir
- Olive
- Onyx
- Oreo
- Panther
- Phantom
- Pluto
- Poppy
- Raven
- Sabrina
- Salem
- Shadow
- Smokey
- Sooty
- Ziggy
Disney Cat Names
If you’re a Disney fan, there are loads of excellent and fun names to choose from. So whether you’re looking to name your kitty after a feline character from one of your favorite films or you want to find a quirky name that suits your pet’s personality, check out this list of Disney names for your cat.
- Anna
- Bagheera
- Baloo
- Belle
- Buzz
- Cooper
- Dinah
- Duchess
- Elsa
- Fergus
- Figaro
- Flynn
- Kristoff
- Louie
- Marie
- Maui
- Merida
- Mickey
- Mittens
- Mochi
- Mr. Whiskers
- Nala
- Pumba
- Rajah
- Sassy
- Scar
- Sergeant Tibbs
- Shere Khan
- Simba
- Thackery Binx
- Thalia
- Tigger
- Thomas O’Malley
- Winnie
Nature Cat Names
Nature is a great place to draw inspiration from when naming a pet. If you’re looking for a wholesome, peaceful-sounding name for your furry friend, then one of these names could be a great pick.
- Acorn
- Amber
- Aspen
- Barley
- Barrow
- Bear
- Birch
- Blossom
- Bramble
- Breeze
- Brook
- Buck
- Clay
- Clover
- Copper
- Cove
- Dawn
- Dusk
- Ember
- Fall
- Fern
- Harmony
- Ivy
- Oak
- Ocean
- Peony
- Petal
- Meadow
- Ray
- Ripple
- River
- Sage
- Sky
- Snowflake
- Storm
- Summer
- Thorn
- Winter
- Woody
- Wren
Funny Cat Names
Sometimes it’s nice to be a bit whacky when naming a pet, especially if your kitten is already showing off a quirky personality. These funny names are a little different and worth considering if you’re looking for a cute or silly style.
- Astro
- Blue
- Boo
- Boots
- Boozie
- Bowser
- Bubbles
- Buttons
- Cuddles
- Dinky
- Garfield
- Hershey
- Kitty
- KokoPuff
- Lucky
- Monster
- Mouse
- Nibbles
- Puppy
- Rags
- Rascal
- Rusty
- Socks
- Sparkle
- Sport
- Squeak
- Whiskers
- Yankee
Food Cat Names
Whether you’re really into a particular food or looking for a name that’s a little different, naming your cat after food or drink can make for a cute and unusual name.
- Alfalfa
- Bay
- Berry
- Biscuit
- Brandy
- Candy
- Chili
- Chip
- Cookie
- Cupcake
- Dumpling
- Fudge
- Honey
- Maple
- Margarita
- Marmalade
- Mocha
- Muffin
- Nacho
- Noodle
- Nori
- Nutmeg
- Pancake
- Peaches
- Pickle
- Pretzel
- Pudding
- Pumpkin
- Rue
- Saffron
- Skittles
- Sprout
- Sushi
- Taffy
- Thyme
- Tofu
- Treacle
- Whiskey
Where to Find Inspiration for Cat Names
There are many places where you can find your inspiration for cat names. It’s different for every owner and for every pet.
Some people like to think about their favorite tv shows and movies when deciding on a pet name. It might be an animal from a show or just naming their cat after a human character they love. Remember, though, that you might fall out of love with the show, but if you’ve established the name as your cat’s, then you probably won’t remember where you got the inspiration in the first place.
Often, current events can provide some cat-name ideas. Obviously, these names depend on your own personal experience. Still, some of the more popular pet names since 2020 include Fauci, Covi, and Rona as a quirky way of remembering the pandemic (though if you experienced loss, then you’re unlikely to want to go down this route).
You can find name ideas anywhere – celebrities, music, books, travel locations – but what matters is making sure it’s special to you and that it fits the cat.
Boy Cat Vs Girl Cat Name Ideas
Traditionally there’s been this idea that there are classic male cat names and classic female cat names. Still, in today’s world, you should feel free to not be limited by lists online telling you what a name for a boy kitty is and what’s a name for a girl kitty.
Again, this comes down to personal preference, and there are likely to be some names that you think fit a male or female cat better. But don’t shy away from looking at popular female cat names as inspiration for your male furry friend and vice versa. You might just come up with a name that’s perfect for your cat in an unexpected way.
Name Recognition
Cats don’t just recognize their own name, they can also recognize the names of the cats that they live with too, and associate the name with the correct cat. At least, that’s what a 2022 study from Kyoto University claims.
They carried out tests where they would show cats a picture of a cat they were familiar with, either from a cat café or a home they shared. They would also play an audio recording of the owner saying the cat’s name, although sometimes they would play the wrong name on purpose.
When the wrong name was played, cats tended to stare at the images for longer, showing signs of misunderstanding. When the correct name was played, the cats broadly looked away sooner, satisfied that things were correct.
Isn’t that interesting? It’s impressive to show that cats don’t just know their own names, but they know other cats’ names too, and maybe they know your name as well if they’re used to your family using it around you.
Need More Ideas?
There are fantastic websites out there that are packed with even more cat names than we’ve got listed here.
If you still need a name for your kitty, check out one of these sites:
- Adorable Ragdoll Cat Names
- 100 Cat Names
- Ragdoll Cat Names
- Cat Names – Visit Cat Names Place for male and female cat names, cute cat names, unique cat names, popular cat names, and much more!
- 2,000 Pet Names
- 16927 Pet Names
- Find Cat Names
- Purina Cat Name Generator
Alternatively, e-mail us a photo of your kitten, and we will post it on Floppycats’ Facebook page like this one – and ask for Ragdoll cat name suggestions from our readers:
…or this one:
FAQs
What Is A Good Name For A Kitten?
There’s no single good name for a kitten. It depends on their personality, their looks, and your own personal preferences. If you’re planning on buying a kitten, then get a few name ideas ready to see if one fits but be prepared to throw them out the window if inspiration strikes when you meet them.
What Are Some Exotic Cat Names?
If you’re looking for unusual or exotic cat names, try choosing a country whose culture and language you like the sound of and look up names. For example, a couple of cool Scandinavian names are Arne or Espen.
What Should I Name My Small Cat?
Just because your cat is small doesn’t mean you have to decide on a name based on its size. Remember, they might have quite a bit of growing to do! If you’d like to, consider charming names that express its smallness, such as Dinky or Minni. On the other hand, you could go for an ironic name and call your tiny cat Brutus, Bull, or Monster.
Who Is the Most Famous
It’s hard to say who is the most famous cat. Whether you’re thinking of fictional cats like Garfield or Felix, cats with prestigious jobs like Chief Mouser at 10 Downing Street in the UK, or internet stars like Grumpy Cat… there are undoubtedly many cat celebrities.
What Are Badass Cat Names?
It can be fun to pick a tough-sounding name for a pet. If you want to go traditional, try and think of tough-guy names like Bruno or Tyson. If you want to have a bit more of a sense of humor with your “badass cat name” and you have a bit of a geeky side, you could try naming your cat after your favorite fictional villains, such as Vader, Bowser, or Bane.
Can Cats Recognize Names?
Cats are brilliant animals, and they can recognize their given names. This probably won’t be a shock to those who have lived with cats, as they come running or perk up and purr when their name is called.
Can Cats Say Names?
Cats can’t really speak like people can and can’t say names. However, there’s growing evidence to suggest that some cats can and do at least copy the sound and tone of their owners’ voices, though they can’t mimic the diction and don’t understand what they’re imitating.
Hi, I’m Jenny Dean, creator of Floppycats! Ever since my Aunt got the first Ragdoll cat in our family, I have loved the breed. Inspired by my childhood Ragdoll cat, Rags, I created Floppycats to connect, share and inspire other Ragdoll cat lovers around the world,
Olivia Grace was born only a month after my sweet Angel kitty died. Felt like Angel played a big role up there in Heaven selecting a baby to send to mend my broken heart. Grace was initially registered to a breeder under another name, but when she heard that I lost my soul mate, she said “something told her” that Grace should be mine. So, Olivia Grace or Gracie is my sweet, sensitive angel.
Our little baby Ragdoll who just turned 3, was already named Illaria by the breeder after a character in a children’s book. After having her at home for several days, it because clear because she is just so pretty and innocent that her formal name should be Illaria Rose. Last year, Illaria Rose modelled her glasses and feather hat for a photo on our FB page, “Heart of Grace,” and our dear Patti Johnson so fittingly named her “Illaria Rose Peabody” when she is all dressed up with her glasses and hats. However, when Illaria looks at me with those big, blue innocent eyes, and my heart melts, she is “my sweet little Puddie-Pie.”
Our Maine Coon rescue, came to our backyard about 9 years ago. Our daughter was taking Spanish at the time and named her “Mariposa” which is butterfly in Spanish. Because she has such a moody way, her other names are “Miss Mari” and “Miss Moody Mari” by Patti Johnson, especially when she scolds her little sisters.
Lastly, our sweet 15 year old grey rescue is named “Pumpkin” or “Punkie” because because he came to us between Halloween and Thanksgiving.
My orange tabby kitten is Hunter after the SF Giants player, Hunter Pence. When I saw the kittens picture on the rescue website, his hair was sticking up everywhere and he had big, round eyes, which is how Hunter Pence looks when he’s doing something amazing on the field. Since the Giants had just won the World Series when I got my new kitten- it seemed like the perfect name. His name variations are Bunter, The Bunt, Hunter Bunter, Might Hunter, etc.
i saw a cat on facebook that was named “mr green jeans” i laughed so hard, i just love that name for a kitty!
that’s awesome.
I always think long and hard when coming up with the right name … for my three boys:
Dusty (Longfellow Dust Bunny) – he came with the name “Pretty Boy” from the breeder, but no boy cat of mine was going to be called that! However, when he came home and started crawling under the furniture, he came out covered in “dust bunnies” and the name stuck. Not sure it’s much better than the breeder’s name LOL
Stormy (Longfellow Storm Cloud) – he came with the name “Miracle” because he wasn’t expected to survive when he was born. However, when my (then) 6 year old nephew saw him he exclaimed “he’s fluffy as a storm cloud!” and the name stuck.
Denali (Longfellow Denali Bear) – his daddy’s name was Teddy Bear, and he’s a seal mink so very dark brown. I looked up all the names that meant “bear” in other languages, but ultimately concluded there were a lot of bears around Mt Denali in Alaska, so his name plays homage to all the bears there.
I’ve already got a name picked out for my future girl kitten, but when she ultimately arrives it may not fit!
Lurve all the names everyone has provided!!! This would be the place to go if I ever get a second Ragdoll and can’t think of the perfect name myself. 🙂 <3
Thanks for reposting, Jenny!
Patti & Miss Pink Sugarbelle 🙂 <3
My Ragdoll is named Loki after the Greek God of Mischief…and he is that…if I’m missing something I know he’s taken off with it.
Our three boys are Bobby, Eric and Oscar
Great name list, Jenny!
I will add our girl’s name: Miss Pink Sugar
Big hugs!
Patti & Miss Pink Sugarboo 🙂 <3
I have two Ragdolls
Daisy – because her markings remind me of a daisy
Annie- named after my beloved(late) neighbor, Mary Anne who was like my grandmother. (Ironically she HATED cats!:-))
I have two female Ragdoll Sisters who are now 21 months old.
Their names are Charlie and Lola, named after a UK children’s programme.
Their papers actually have them as Princess Charlotte and Princess Lola but they are far from girly girls, these two acted like two little tomboys! We had a few names in mind but picked them when we held them both as 12 week old kittens.
Our kitty was born a week ago and his name is going to be Ishkabibble! It is a word from my husband’s childhood and means no worries, it will be okay. I am sure there will be a few nicknames developed from it!
I have two new Ragdoll males. One is named Raggs and the other is Salvadore. They are a week apart in age but years apart in personality. Raggs is mischievous and into everything and Salvadore is so laid back, but very independent. Raggs is a cuddlier and food motivated while Salvadore is not. Both are such interesting characters!
great names. i always wait for a while to see and feel the personality of my cat before i name it. like one orange tabby that came off the street to live with me once.. i couldn’t think of a name for him until one night i woke up to this noise and went to find out where it was coming from. i walked into the kitchen and he was on top of the fridge, with his head in a bag of barbecue chips. i said “what are you doing?” and he pulled his head out of the bad and had barbecue dust all over his whiskers. he was “mr chip” from that day on. plus all his other names that evolved over time. “ts elliot” said a cat has at least 5 names. one i have now.. a huge black and white.. i didn’t know if he was male or female when he first showed up so i called him simply “big cat”. it stuck, though i call him “fuzzy pants” a lot.. lol. he has the cutest pantaloons.
OMG – Jaren, in the picture that accompanies this entry, is SO pretty, I want to bite him!!
I love hearing why people chose the name they did for their animals.
Our first cat BRAIDEY Maxwell was a Birman and we lost him to FIP before he was two years old. Our second cat SAMUEL BRAIDEY was a Himalyan and we lost him of conjestive heart failure at 8 years old. Our current baby is a Ragdoll named Henrey SAMUEL and he is a very healthy 8 month old baby! With all of our boys we’ve had a little girl who is an 11 year old Birman named Halley Kate… when the day comes she is gone…our next baby will be Kaitley. ♥♥♡♡
I’ve always wanted a cat named Huck but haven’t found one whose personality fit that name. My Puck could have been a Huck, but he was more Puck-y than Huck-y.
I’ve also wanted a female named Cosima, the ultimate muse (composer Wagner’s wife, Liszt’s daughter, the secret love of Nietzsche’s life). But that’s a big name to live up to.
I have two beautiful ragdoll kittens that are 8 months apart. Their names are Pandora and Chamilia.
So after finding my ragdoll kitten and waiting an additional 8 weeks for my new baby girl Sashi, they realized she was actually “he” when they were attemtping to spay. Yesterday we finally got our baby boy and we updated the name to Shiloh.
I named my kitten Prudence, as in the Beatles song Dear Prudence.
I have six Ragdolls and love all of them so much.
Those are all great names!
I like:
*Anya
*Nico
*Star
*Saphira
*Delilah (I might have misspelt it)
* Allison
*Tadpole
*Orlando
To just name a few;-)