Choosing the perfect name for your new feline friend has never been more exciting, and recent years have brought some fascinating trends to the world of cat naming. From pop culture inspired monikers to classic choices that never go out of style, the most popular tell a captivating story about what makes our hearts purr.
Whether you’re bringing home a tiny kitten or adopting an adult cat, the name you choose becomes part of their identity for life. So let’s discover the that captured the hearts of cat owners across America.
Luna
Luna tops the list as the most popular cat name, and honestly, it’s no surprise why this celestial name continues to reign supreme. This name means “moon” in Latin, making it particularly fitting for those mysterious midnight prowlers we all adore.
The name has consistently held the top spot in recent years, proving its staying power in the feline world. Some of the name’s popularity could also be due to the beloved character Luna Lovegood in J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series, which adds a touch of magic to any cat bearing this enchanting moniker.
Charlie
The name Charlie gained in popularity, coming in at number two after just missing the Top 5 a year prior. Charlie is a common name for boy cats, but it can also be a unisex name for all kitties.
This friendly sounding name has become increasingly popular among pet parents who want something familiar yet timeless. It’s often short for Charles and is regularly seen on lists for human babies, reflecting the growing trend of giving cats traditionally human names that feel warm and approachable.
Lucy
Lucy rounds out the Top 5 with its charming English roots. This charming English name is quite suitable for girl cats who are distinctly ladylike and slightly aloof.
It’s derived from a Latin word for “light” or “light bringer”, making it perfect for cats who brighten every room they enter. Famous Lucys include Lucy Liu (actor), Lucille Ball (comedienne), and Lucy Lawless (actor, director, and warrior-princess), giving your feline friend some pretty impressive namesakes.
Bella
Bella has moved up from No. 4 to secure its place among the top names. The final podium position for cart names in 2024 goes to Bella – meaning ‘beautiful’ in Italian.
This elegant name perfectly captures the grace and beauty that cats naturally possess. Luna and Bella span species in popularity, as they’re also the two most popular dog names in the country, showing just how universally beloved these names have become across the pet world.
Leo
Leo take the top three spots for the most popular feline names in the country. Bella has moved up from No. 4 and Leo from No. 10. The name means “lion” in Italian and “lion-hearted” or “brave” in German, fitting the personality of many bold and curious kitties.
This popular name for male cats is in good company, shared by novelist Leo Tolstoy, artist (and ninja turtle) Leonardo da Vinci, and actor Leonardo DiCaprio, among countless others. Leo was also the name of 13 popes, four of whom have since been declared saints. Leo is also one of the 12 signs of the zodiac, designated for people born between July 23 and August 22. Leos are often seen as natural leaders.
Milo
In second spot it Milo – a name of of German origin meaning ‘soldier’ or ‘merciful’. Milo is a popular boy cat name that means “soldier” in Latin, “merciful” in German, and “beloved” in Slavic languages.
This famous name has been used since the 9th century BC. Milo has become more common recently thanks to actor Milo Ventimiglia, who starred in the television series This Is Us and Gilmore Girls. Milo can stand on its own, but it may also be short for names like Emilio or Camillo. The name has a wonderful versatility that appeals to many cat owners.
Oreo
There are three newcomers to the top 10: Oreo at No. 7. Oreo and Mochi are two sweet culinary-inspired that numerous feline owners have used.
Oreo for black-and-white/tuxedo cats makes perfect sense, given the cookie’s distinctive coloring that matches many beloved tuxedo cats. Inspired by the popular cookie Oreo, this name perfectly fits a charming black kitty, though it’s particularly popular for those striking black and white cats that look like they’re dressed for a formal occasion.
Simba
In fourth spot is Simba – made popular from the Disney movie ‘The Lion King’ and similarly of Swahili origin, meaning ‘lion’. Simba is Swahili for “lion” and is associated with strength and power.
The popularity of the name has also risen among human babies in recent years. Of course, the best-known “Simba” is the main protagonist in Disney’s The Lion King, which launched the name to the top of many lists, making it a natural choice for cats who display regal confidence and courage.
Max
Max at No. 9 represents another newcomer to the top tier of . Perhaps the biggest surprise where 3 newcomers to the top 10 spots: Oreo, Max, and Smokey.
This short, punchy name has universal appeal and works wonderfully for cats of any size or personality. Its simplicity makes it easy to call out, whether you’re summoning your cat for dinner or trying to coax them down from their latest climbing adventure. Max suggests a confident, outgoing personality that many cats embody perfectly.
Shadow
Shadow at No. 10 completes the newcomers to the top rankings. Maybe your new kitty has a beautiful black coat, and you want to give them a name that embodies that trait, such as Shadow.
Shadow tops the best-selling list of sassy you can lay your hands on. It’s perfect for a cat full of mystery. Shadow and Salem for black cats are particularly fitting choices for those enigmatic felines who seem to appear and disappear like whispers in the night.
Oliver
According to the Humane Rescue Alliance, the most popular cat name for toms is Oliver, with Ollie, a shortened version of the same name, also coming in at number nine. The name Oliver is derived from the English term for “olive tree,” which is associated with peace and prosperity. It’s a popular name for humans and pet parents alike in the U.S., UK, Canada, and Australia.
Are you a literary buff who recently welcomed a new rescue cat or orphaned kitten into your home? Then consider the name Oliver from the Charles Dickens classic Oliver Twist. (For a mischievous kitty, we also love the name “Dodger,” the name of the beloved street urchin and pickpocket from Dickens’ novel.) The name carries both literary weight and friendly warmth.
Nala
It appears many people like to name their kitties after their favorite feline characters from movies, with Simba and Nala being two popular choices, seemingly inspired by the movie “The Lion King.” Nala– It is of African origin meaning successful. And it represents the young lion character in “Lion King”.
Nala for orange cats has become particularly popular, though the name works beautifully for cats of any color. The strong meaning and Disney connection make it appealing to families who want a name with both cultural significance and beloved pop culture ties.
Mochi
Some of the most common are based on food (particularly snacks and desserts), and none more so than Mochi. Even Mochi was the name of a cat on Disney’s Big Hero 6!
We’ve seen a rise in human-style names like Luna, Leo, and Olive, but food-inspired names like Pumpkin, Oreo, and Mochi are holding strong too (maybe they’ve been sniffing around the kitchen a bit too much?). This adorable Japanese-inspired name perfectly captures the soft, squishy sweetness that makes cats so irresistibly cute.
Pepper
Pepper– It is an American name that means hot spice, making it perfect for cats with fiery personalities. The rest of the top 25 monikers included a mix of cat classics – Pepper, Coco and Shadow – as well as using traditionally human names.
This spunky name works wonderfully for cats who have a bit of attitude or those with distinctive black and white markings that resemble scattered pepper. You can also never go wrong with classically cute names such as Nova, Domino, Pumpkin, and Pepper, proving that some names truly stand the test of time.
Loki
Loki, formerly No. 8, has dropped out of the top 10 and landed at No. 15, though it remains a popular choice. Loki is a unique name that’s gaining popularity. It’s a fitting choice for a playful and mischievous cat.
Many names are also influenced by pop culture – Simba, Loki, and Salem have made their mark thanks to Disney, Marvel, and even 90s nostalgia. The Norse mythology connection appeals to cat owners who appreciate their pet’s trickster tendencies and mischievous nature that seems almost supernatural at times.
Smokey
Perhaps the biggest surprise where 3 newcomers to the top 10 spots: Oreo, Max, and Smokey. Smokey for gray cats makes this name particularly fitting for those beautiful silver and gray felines.
This atmospheric name perfectly captures the mysterious, ethereal quality that gray cats possess. Smoky– appropriate for cat with a surreal mix of puzzle and mystery late at night, making it ideal for cats who seem to glide through the house like gentle smoke, appearing and disappearing with feline grace.
The trends in for 2025 reveal our deep connection to pop culture, literature, and the timeless appeal of names that capture our cats’ unique personalities. From celestial Luna to mischievous Loki, each name tells a story about the special bond between humans and their feline companions.
These names show how we see our cats not just as pets, but as beloved family members deserving of names with meaning, history, and heart. What do you think about these popular choices? Tell us in the comments.
