Most Popular Cat Names
Luna tops the cat charts just like the dog ones. Here are the names cats answer to most — plus a free generator if you want something nobody else's cat has.
How we built it
We compile the cat names that consistently top recent pet-name reports into a single ranked list, leaning on the names that appear near the top across sources.
Cats may act like they're above such things, but their humans still mostly pick from the same short list of favorites. Pet-service companies that register millions of cats publish the names that come up most, and a familiar set of celestial, regal, and just plain cute names dominates. Here are the cat names topping recent reports, with a bit of meaning behind each. Want something your cat can claim as its own? Our free pet name generator is linked below.
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- 1Girl
Luna
Latin for 'moon' — the number-one cat name for years, fitting for a creature that comes alive at night.
- 2Boy
Oliver
Friendly and classic; 'Ollie' for short. A long-running favorite for male cats.
- 3Boy
Leo
Latin for 'lion' — a fittingly regal, slightly ironic name for a house cat.
- 4Girl
Bella
Italian for 'beautiful'; as popular for cats as it is for dogs.
- 5Boy
Milo
Cute and easy; forever linked to the kitten from The Adventures of Milo and Otis.
- 6Unisex
Charlie
Laid-back and unisex, leaning male — a relaxed name for a relaxed cat.
- 7Girl
Lucy
Warm and timeless; a steady presence near the top of the female cat lists.
- 8Girl
Lily
Delicate and floral — though note that real lilies are highly toxic to cats, so keep them out of the house.
- 9Boy
Simba
Swahili for 'lion' and forever tied to The Lion King; a favorite for orange tabbies.
- 10Girl
Nala
Simba's counterpart and a beloved female-cat name in its own right.
- 11Boy
Loki
The Norse trickster god — the go-to name for a mischievous, into-everything cat.
- 12Girl
Cleo
Short for Cleopatra; perfect for a cat that clearly considers herself royalty.
Sources & method
Rover & pet-registry name reports — compiled from large pet-service naming datasets . Popular-name lists vary by year, source, and country — treat the order as approximate
- Rover annual top pet names reports — Primary basis for the popularity ranking.
- Pet-registry and insurer naming data — Cross-reference for names that appear near the top across sources.
The short version
- Luna is the most popular cat name overall, with Oliver leading the names for male cats.
- Cat naming leans celestial and regal — Luna, Leo, Simba, Cleo — reflecting how owners see their cats.
- If a name like Lily appeals, remember real lilies are dangerously toxic to cats; the name is fine, the plant is not.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most popular cat name?
Luna is the most popular cat name in recent pet-name reports — the same name that tops the dog lists. Among male cats, Oliver and Leo trade the top spot depending on the source and year. As with all popularity lists, the exact ranking shifts between companies and years, so treat it as a guide rather than a definitive chart.
Do cats actually learn their names?
Yes — research suggests many cats can distinguish their own name from other words, even if they choose not to respond. Cats tend to learn names more reliably when the name is paired consistently with good things like food, play, or affection. Shorter names with a clear sound, like Luna or Leo, are generally easier for a cat to pick out.
How do I pick an original cat name?
Look beyond the popular list to your cat's appearance, personality, or your own interests — colors, mythology, food, books, and places all make great sources. Our free pet name generator can spin up ideas by style and theme if you want a starting point that isn't shared by three other cats on your street.
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