Key Points
- When choosing a name, learn about the meaning to see if it suits your kitty’s personality.
- For unique cat name ideas, try taking inspiration from foreign languages. Unique Japanese-inspired names include Totoro, Suki, Hiroshi, Haku, Yubaba, and Bonsai.
- Unusual cat names can still be cute. Think Tater Tot, Feta, and Astro.
Fluffy, Molly, Stripes, Socks, Whiskers — they’re all perfectly reasonable cat names. While there’s nothing wrong with choosing an old favorite, you may be looking for something a little more “out of the box.”
Over the years, Pumpkin has seen some very unique cat names pop up on insurance claims (shoutout to Princess Diamond Sparkle). The best cat names reflect your pet’s personality, so if your feline friend is one of a kind, a unique name may be the perfect fit.
Where do you start your search? Right here, where you’ll find 20 unique cat names that will suit any breed, from kaleidoscopic calico cats to lovable tabbies.
1. Bastet
Cat parents may think they spoil their kitties, but they have nothing on the ancient Egyptians. Cats were revered as creatures with divine energy who would bring good fortune and protection to their humans. In ancient Egyptian mythology, Bastet was a goddess depicted as a woman with a cat’s head.
Bastet was the goddess of many things, including the protector of homes, pregnant women, and children. Bastet would make a unique name for any girl kitten with a protective streak.
2. Fluffernutter
If your kitty is a fluffball, Fluffernutter is a fun choice. This classic peanut butter and marshmallow sandwich was first created in Massachusetts and has become a New England classic. This is an especially cute name for an uber-fluffy breed like a Maine Coon, Persian, or Norwegian Forest Cat.
3. Jigglypuff
If you’re a Pokémon fan with a bit of a chonk on your hands, Jigglypuff could be the perfect name. This Pokémon uses its eyes to mesmerize opponents and its voice to sing them to sleep. If you have a pretty-eyed kitty who fills the air with purrs, Jigglypuff will be a good choice.
4. Leonidas
Leonidas was the warrior king of Sparta who famously fought with 300 Spartans against the much larger Persian force at the Battle of Thermopylae.
The name Leonidas means “son of a lion.” So, if your brave little boy has the heart of a lion and a bold personality — this could be the one.
5. Nimbus
Nimbus is a type of dark rain cloud that signals an oncoming storm (it’s also the name of a popular type of broomstick in the Harry Potter universe). If you have a gray fluffball with a fiery spirit, this name may be the right fit. Nimbus can be used for boys or girls, and you can shorten it to Nim, Nimby or Nimmy.
6. Silverado
Silverado is a cool name for a cat with a silvery blue-gray coat. This type of coloring is a result of a dilution of the gene that produces a black coat.
While there are several breeds that can have a blue coat, there are three that are exclusively blue: Russian Blue, Chartreux, and Korat. This is also a fun choice for fans of the famous 1985 western Silverado, starring Kevin Kline and Kevin Costner.
7. Suki
If you’re a cat parent who can’t help but shower your kitty with love, consider the name Suki. This Japanese name means “beloved” and would be especially fitting for a Japanese Bobtail.
Alternatively, if you’re a fan of the True Blood series, you may prefer the name Sookie instead.
8. Tater Tot
A Tater Tot is a bite-sized potato treat that’s popular with kids and adults alike. If you have a ginger boy or girl with a lot of personality crammed into a small package, Tater Tot may be your go-to.
9. Zappa
Legendary musician Frank Zappa was a big-time cat person. Zappa was known for his eccentricities, and his cat’s names — Gorgonzola (aka Gorgo), Redunzel (aka Fightey Bitey), and Marsmoff — certainly reflect that.
Zappa wrote several songs dedicated to his love of cats, including “Yo Cats,” “Alley Cat,” and “Meow.” Whether you’re a Zappa fanatic or just crazy about kitties, Zappa could be a cool and quirky option for your cat.
10. Zeppole
If you’ve ever been to an Italian street festival, you know that the food is the main event. One of the most delicious snacks available is zeppole, a fried pastry topped with a hefty sprinkling of powdered sugar.
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It’s the Italian version of funnel cake, and no trip to the fair is complete without one. Zeppole would make an adorable name for a powder-white kitty, or any cat with white markings.
11. Earl Grey
Earl Grey is a popular cup of tea, but it’s not every day you find a cat with this name. For a sophisticated kitty with a sleek gray coat, Earl Grey may be the perfect fit.
Earl Grey can be shortened to “Earl,” as a reference to the sitcom My Name Is Earl. Or, you can call them “Early” if they’re the type of cat that licks you to wake you up in the morning.
12. Calliope
Calliope comes from Greek mythology and means “beautiful voice”. She was one of the Muses — goddess sisters who were responsible for the arts. This name is a cute option for vocal kitties who aren’t afraid to meow when they want something. The name is pronounced “Ka-leo-pe” and you can shorten it to Karly, Callie, or Leo.
13. Astro
Astro is a unisex cat name, which calls to mind stars and space. It comes from the Greek word, “Astron.” It’s a fitting name for a kitten with a black coat that looks like the night sky. It would also suit an affectionate calico who loves you to “infinity and beyond.”
14. Velcro
Velcro is a type of sticky fabric and a nickname often given to people and animals who like to stay close. The word is actually a brand name that comes from the French terms “Velour” (velvet) and “Crochet” (hook). If you have a clingy cat, Velcro will suit their personality.
15. Landon
Want more unique male cat names? How about Landon, a name with British origins that means “long hill.” Consider this for an adventurous feline who likes to spend time in nature. On the other paw, it would also suit a tomcat with a gentlemanly air about him.
This was typically a human surname but started gaining popularity in the 90s. Landon is a variant of Langdon, which is another fun cat name idea.
16. Channing
Channing is an English and Irish name that means “wolf cub.” It comes from the surname Ó Canain and would suit a furry kitty with a gray or golden coat. Your cat will need a loyal and brave temperament to live up to this one.
While it’s been around since the 17th century, actor Channing Tatum has made this a household name.
17. Bonsai
Bonsai is the Japanese art of shaping miniature trees, and the practice dates back to 700 AD. The name is a unique choice for a petite cat or one with Asian heritage such as the Japanese Bobtail or Siamese. If you choose the unisex name Bonsai, you can use the nicknames Bon, Bon Bon, Bonny, or Sai.
18. Feta
Feta is a Greek cheese and a mouth-watering addition to salads and pasta dishes. The word translates to “slice of cheese.” White cats are rare, but if you’re lucky enough to own one, then Feta may be the perfect name. Or, if you have a Greek Aegean cat of any color, this name will work for them, too.
19. Hiroshi
Hiroshi is another unique Japanese name for male cats. When you want to cute it up, you can call your kitty Hiro or Roshi for short. Hiroshi means tolerant or generous, so it’s ideal for a calm and affectionate feline. Hiroshi Yamauchi, the former president of Nintendo, is one of the most well-known people with this name.
20. Chairman Meow
Finally, we have to include Chairman Meow, a standout from our guide to the top male cat names. It’s a play on Chairman Mao, who was the founder of the People’s Republic of China. This punny cat name is also a pop culture hit. A kitty called Chairman Meow even made an appearance in the American Dad episode “An Incident at Owl Creek.”
This name is best suited to pet owners with a sense of humor, and those who know the cat is the boss of the home.
Why choose a unique name for your cat?
We say: Never be afraid to give your cat an uncommon name. If it’s something you love and has meaning to you, then it will be a good fit for your favorite feline friend.
Whether it’s your favorite actor, superhero, or dessert (we’re thinking Tom Hanks, Barry Allen, and Mochi, respectively), you’ll feel an even stronger connection with your kitty and smile every time you look at them. And if you have other animals in the house, a different-sounding name can help to avoid confusion. How? It’ll be easier for your cat to recognize when you call.
There are a few final things to consider when choosing unique names for cats. The name should still be easy to pronounce and remember. Also, consider the types of sounds that are appealing to felines, such as names with an “ee” at the end. Finally, if you do choose a very unique long name — like, let’s say, Sir Tyrannosaurus Rex the Relentless — come up with a good pet name for them, such as “Rexy.”
When you adopt a kitten, the name isn’t the only thing to think about. Protect your finances with cat insurance and get coverage for eligible vet bills in the future. Whether it’s an unexpected illness or an accident, you’ll have peace of mind in knowing your pet can get the best care.
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