Kitten Names: 200 Cute Ideas

A new kitten is pure chaos in a tiny, fluffy package. And somehow you have to find a name before they climb the curtains for the third time.

Here are 200 kitten names, sorted into ten themes so you can browse by color, personality or vibe. Tips on choosing a name your kitten will respond to come right after the lists.

Classic kitten names

Timeless names you’ll hear in vet waiting rooms everywhere. Easy to say, easy to love.

Luna, Oliver, Bella, Leo, Lucy, Milo, Chloe, Simba, Lily, Charlie
Kitty, Max, Nala, Jack, Sophie, Tiger, Daisy, Felix, Molly, Oscar

Sweet and tiny names

For the kitten that fits in one hand and squeaks instead of meowing.

Pip, Button, Bean, Mochi, Peanut, Pixie, Tinkerbell, Squeak, Sprout, Dot
Thimble, Teacup, Bitsy, Twinkle, Minnie, Pebble, Nugget, Jellybean, Wiggles, Fluff

Names for black kittens

Sleek, mysterious and usually a total sweetheart.

Salem, Onyx, Shadow, Midnight, Raven, Jet, Panther, Licorice, Ink, Sable
Binx, Eclipse, Coal, Spooky, Bagheera, Nyx, Pepper, Velvet, Domino, Crow

Names for orange kittens

Orange cats have a reputation for big, goofy personalities. Their names can match.

Free printable for cat owners

Safe & toxic foods for cats

The fridge list: what your cat can share, what they must never eat, the houseplants to keep out, and what to do in an emergency.

14 safe foods and 14 to avoid, at a glance
Toxic houseplants (lilies are deadly to cats, even the pollen)
What to do if your cat eats something toxic

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Ginger, Nacho, Garfield, Marmalade, Cheeto, Pumpkin, Rusty, Mango, Sunny, Butterscotch
Apricot, Copper, Ember, Fanta, Clementine, Tango, Paprika, Saffron, Biscuit, Goldie

Names for gray kittens

Soft gray coats call for soft, cozy names. Or something stormy, if your kitten has the attitude.

Smokey, Pewter, Storm, Ash, Misty, Silver, Slate, Dusty, Cloud, Flint
Graphite, Pebbles, Willow, Thunder, Fog, Gandalf, Nickel, Haze, Sterling, Mouse

Names for white, calico and tabby kittens

For the snowballs, the patchwork beauties and the stripy explorers.

Snowball, Marshmallow, Pearl, Frost, Casper, Coconut, Ghost, Blizzard, Ivory, Snowflake
Patches, Calliope, Freckles, Mosaic, Callie, Tigger, Stripes, Bandit, Maple, Hazel

Fancy names

Cats already act like royalty. You might as well make it official.

Duchess, Earl Grey, Cleo, Sir Pounce, Duke, Princess, Baron, Countess, Queenie, Lord Whiskers
Archibald, Beatrix, Cosmo, Dorian, Eloise, Fitzgerald, Josephine, Percival, Penelope, Winston

Food names

Just a reminder that these are names, not menu ideas. Kittens should stick to their kitten food.

Muffin, Cookie, Waffles, Pancake, Dumpling, Sushi, Noodle, Tofu, Pickles, Olive
Bagel, Cupcake, Pudding, Toast, Cinnamon, Crumpet, Scone, Taco, Ravioli, Kiwi

Names from books, movies and myth

For the book lover, the film fan or the kitten who clearly thinks it’s a god.

Hermione, Gatsby, Totoro, Yoda, Merlin, Matilda, Sherlock, Alice, Dobby, Stitch
Athena, Apollo, Loki, Freya, Juno, Zeus, Bast, Artemis, Thor, Persephone

Funny kitten names

Because a kitten named Kevin will make you smile every single day.

Kevin, Meowly Cyrus, Catrick Swayze, Purrlock Holmes, Chairman Meow, Fuzzball, Gary, Dave, Sir Meows-a-Lot, Tuna Turner
Hairy Potter, Cat Damon, Bob, Clawdia, Dwayne, Pawl, Meatball, Steve, Jeff, Professor Fluff

Picking a name for their personality

Can’t decide? Spend a few days watching your kitten. The right name often shows up on its own.

Calm and cuddly: try a soft name like Willow, Mochi or Pearl.
Wild and bouncy: something quick, like Tango, Pip or Binx.
Bossy: a fancy name, like Duchess or Sir Pounce.
A total goofball: a funny or food name. Meatball says it all.

Remember that kittens grow up fast. Teacup might become a 15-pound house panther. (That’s half the fun.)

Naming two kittens at once

Kittens are often adopted in pairs, and honestly, two are often easier than one. They play with each other instead of your ankles.

Pick names that sound different. Luna and Leo are too close. Mochi and Salem are easy to tell apart.
Start with different letters so you’re not tripping over them when you call.
Matching themes are fun, like Apollo and Athena, or Waffles and Pancake.
Feed and play with them by name. Each kitten learns which sound means “you.”

Names to think twice about

Nothing on this list is a deal-breaker. Just worth a quick thought before you commit.

Names you’d be embarrassed to say at the vet. The front desk will say it loudly.
The name of a friend, ex or neighbor. Awkward for everyone.
Names that are hard to shorten. You’ll end up with a nickname anyway, so make sure you like it.

How to choose a name your kitten will learn

Cats can learn their names, especially when the name always means something good.

Keep it short. One or two syllables is easiest. Long names are fine with a nickname, like Archibald and Archie.
End on an “ee” sound if you can. Kitty, Sunny and Callie are easy to hear.
Avoid names that sound like everyday words you say a lot, like “no” or “treat,” unless you’re happy with the confusion.
Make it different from other pets’ names in the house.
Say it out loud. If it feels awkward now, it will at the vet too.

Teaching your kitten their name

Say the name in a soft, happy voice. When your kitten looks at you, reward them with a tiny treat, a scratch or a quick play with a wand toy.

Keep sessions short, just a few repeats at a time.
Use the name before good things, like meals and play.
Never use it when you’re scolding or grabbing them for a nail trim.

Play is a great reward. Here are some DIY cat toys you can make from things you already have. New to cats? These tips for new cat owners are a good next read.

Common questions

What is the most popular kitten name?

Luna, Oliver, Bella, Leo and Milo show up near the top of US cat name lists year after year.

Do cats really recognize their names?

Many do. They may not come running, but a turned ear or a glance usually means they heard you.

How long does it take a kitten to learn its name?

Often a couple of weeks with regular, positive practice. Some kittens are quicker than others.

Can I change a rescue kitten’s name?

Yes. Kittens adapt quickly. Pair the new name with treats and play and it will stick.

Should I name my kitten right away?

There’s no rush. Many people wait a few days to see their kitten’s personality first.