100+ Best Cat Name Ideas for the New Kitten in Your Life

Selecting a name for a new cat can be both joyful and surprisingly challenging. Whether you’re the type to research for days, trust your intuition, or settle on the first name that feels right, remember—it’s a name that will accompany your kitten through years of purrs, playtime, and quiet companionship. Unless it’s offensive or confusing to pronounce, there’s no “wrong” choice. What matters most is that it resonates with you—and fits your feline friend’s spirit.

A playful ginger kitten sitting on a sunlit windowsill, looking curious and alert

Tips for Choosing a Great Cat Name

  • Keep it short and sweet: One- or two-syllable names are easiest to call out and fit comfortably on ID tags. Imagine repeating “Mr. Bojangles” at dinnertime—or trying to squeeze it onto a tiny collar tag!
  • Draw from what inspires you: Favorite books, songs, TV shows, travel destinations, or even beloved foods can spark memorable, meaningful names.
  • Get household buy-in: Ask everyone who lives with you to weigh in. If someone refuses to use the name, it creates inconsistency—and confusion—for both the cat and the family.
  • Have fun with it: Your kitten is more than a pet—they’re family. Choose a name that reflects their personality, quirks, or charm. A name like “Mittens” suits a gentle soul; “Blaze” fits a bold, energetic explorer.

One-Syllable Cat Names

Simple, snappy, and easy to say—these names roll off the tongue and command attention without effort:

  • Max
  • Scout
  • Bear
  • Scat
  • Kat
  • Sky
  • Eve
  • Boo
  • Grey
  • Faith
  • Thor
  • Buzz
  • Blaze
  • Doll
A black-and-white tuxedo cat sitting regally beside a small engraved metal collar tag

Cat Names Inspired by Movies

From animated classics to cult favorites, cinematic characters offer timeless charm and instant personality:

  • Simba (The Lion King)
  • Cat (Breakfast at Tiffany’s)
  • Mr. Bigglesworth (Austin Powers)
  • Garfield (Garfield the Movie)
  • Rufus (The Rescuers)
  • Figaro (Pinocchio)
  • Lucifer (Cinderella)
  • Mittens (Bolt)
  • Mr. Jinx (Meet the Parents)
  • Church (Pet Sematary)
  • Sassy (Homeward Bound)
  • Baby (Bringing Up Baby)
  • Oliver (Oliver Twist)
  • Snowbell (Stuart Little)
  • Tom (Tom & Jerry)

Cat Names Inspired by Music

For music lovers, these names strike a chord—whether soulful, rockin’, or delightfully quirky:

  • Aretha
  • Jazzy
  • Hendrix
  • Sinatra
  • Bowie
  • Sebastian
  • Elvis
  • Jolene
  • Abba
  • Billie Jean
  • Cher
  • Joplin
  • Iggy
  • Nashville
  • Prince
  • ZZ
  • Tunechi
  • Ringo
  • Ozzy
  • Reba
  • Queen
  • Viola
  • Bono
  • Jewel
  • Cash
  • Lucy
  • Mambo
  • Sting

Funny Cat Names

Because sometimes the best name is one that makes you smile every time you say it:

  • Cati B
  • Clawdia
  • Ali Cat
  • Sardines
  • Katy Purry
  • Cat Damon
  • Mr. Meowgi
  • Picatso
  • Grumpy Cat
  • Catt Williams
  • Honey Boo Boo
  • Catnip
  • D.J. Meow
  • Cat Stevens
  • Snooki
  • Admiral Snuggles
  • Fabio
  • Waldo

Popular Cat Names

Time-tested favorites loved by thousands of FurPetVo families:

Male Names

  • Simba
  • Milo
  • Tiger
  • Oreo
  • Bear
  • Biscuit
  • Felix
  • Jasper

Female Names

  • Nala
  • Bella
  • Luna
  • Abby
  • Daisy
  • Angel
  • Cleo
  • Hazel

Cat Names Based on Appearance

Let your kitten’s coat, markings, or physical traits guide you toward a name that’s as distinctive as they are:

  • Oreo
  • Spot
  • Marshmallow
  • Fuzzy
  • Sox
  • Brownie
  • Red
  • Rusty
  • Sandy
  • Slinky
  • Tubby
  • Snow
  • Licorice
  • Smokey
  • Ginger
  • Cheddar
  • Flame
  • Midnight
  • Dwarf
  • Ebony
  • Ash
A diverse group of cats—tabby, calico, and fluffy white—curled together on a cozy rug, each wearing a different colored collar from furpetvo.com