The Top Cat Names in the US
Naming your feline friend can be tricky business. Do you lean toward timeless classics like “Bella” or “Oscar”? Or do you prefer something more distinctive—perhaps inspired by movies, food, or your cat’s unique personality? With so many top cat names to choose from—and plenty of overlap with popular names in other countries—it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Every pet parent wants a name that truly fits their little fur baby, and that often means doing a bit of thoughtful research. To help simplify the process, FurPetVo has compiled not just the top 10 cat names in the US, but dozens more—so you can find the perfect moniker for your purrfect pal.
Top Female Cat Names in the US
- Luna
- Bella
- Charlie
- Lucy
- Sophie
- Stella
- Shadow
- Lily
- Lola
- Ginger
- Smokey
- Kitty
- Oreo
- Olive
- Molly
- Cleo
- Willow
- Chloe
- Pepper
- Penny
- Millie
- Mia
- Coco
- Blue
- Mouse
- Lulu
- Lilly
- Gracie
- Callie
- Violet
- Rosie
Top Male Cat Names in the US
- Charlie
- Leo
- Max
- Simon
- Oscar
- Shadow
- Milo
- Jack
- Oliver
- Rocky
- Ginger
- Smokey
- Buddy
- Sammy
- Oreo
- Frankie
- Toby
- Ollie
- George
- Blue
- Ziggy
- Teddy
- Sebastian
- Mouse
- Merlin
- Yoda
Popular Cat Names by US State
With an estimated 60–62 million pet cats across the United States—averaging nearly 1.78 cats per household—the diversity in naming habits is both fascinating and surprisingly consistent. FurPetVo’s 2023 survey of U.S. pet lovers revealed that many states share the same top choices. In fact, “Bella” claimed the #1 spot in 14 states:
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Missouri
- North Carolina
- Ohio
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- Texas
- West Virginia
- Wyoming
“Bella” even ranked third among FurPetVo’s global list of top cat names—proving it’s truly a reigning favorite.
Most Unique Cat Names by State
While Bella reigns supreme in much of the country, some states embrace more distinctive names:
- Montana: Orion — a celestial nod fitting for the Treasure State
- Louisiana: Patches — reflecting the state’s love for descriptive, character-driven names
- Arkansas: Jasper — a standout choice that avoids the more common human-name trend
Other Popular Cat Names by US State
- Alabama: Lucy
- Alaska: Pepper
- Arizona: Max
- Delaware: Misty
- Florida: Lucy
- Georgia: Bailey
- Hawaii: Chloe
- Idaho: Oliver
- Illinois: Tiger
- Indiana: Charlie
- Iowa: Gracie
- Kansas: Charlie
- Kentucky: Max
- Maine: Max
- Maryland: Chloe
- Mississippi: Sebastian
- Nebraska: Oscar
- Nevada: Cleo
- New Hampshire: Oliver
- New Jersey: Max
- New Mexico: Simba
- New York: Oliver
- North Dakota: Boots
- Oklahoma: Lola
- Oregon: Lily
- South Carolina: Lucy
- South Dakota: Bailey
- Tennessee: Zoe
- Utah: Lily
- Vermont: Teddy
- Virginia: Oliver
- Washington: Luna
- Wisconsin: Sophie
- Washington, D.C.: Rocky
Cat Names Through History
According to Guinness World Records, the earliest documented named cat was Nedjem—meaning “sweet” or “pleasant”—who lived during the reign of Pharaoh Thutmose III (1479–1425 BC). Fast-forward to modern times, and the trend of giving cats human-style names like Bella or Charlie gained real momentum in the 1980s and 1990s—and continues to thrive today.
Do Cats Recognize Their Own Name?
Yes—most likely. A 2019 study published in Scientific Reports tested 78 cats using their own names alongside four neutral words. Researchers observed clear signs of recognition—like ear twitches or head turns—when cats heard their names. However, only about 10% actually came when called. So while your cat probably knows its name, don’t expect a golden-retriever-style response. A well-timed “psspsspss” might still be your most reliable summoning tool!
Finding the Right Name for Your Cat: Top Tips
We hope this list sparked inspiration—but before you settle on a name, consider these practical tips from FurPetVo experts:
- Observe first, name later. Spend time getting to know your cat’s quirks, energy level, and temperament. The perfect name often reveals itself naturally after a few days together.
- Choose a two-syllable name for clarity. Research shows cats respond best to names with two distinct syllables—like “Luna” or “Milo”—because they’re easier to distinguish from background noise and everyday speech.
- Keep it simple and say it aloud. Avoid overly long or complex names. If it feels awkward to say—or hard to shout across the house—it’s probably not the right fit.
