Selecting the right name for a cat is a small but meaningful part of bringing a new companion into the home. A well-chosen name not only highlights the cat’s appearance but also its personality and heritage. Each breed carries its own charm, and the name can be a reflection of that uniqueness.
From the elegance of a Russian Blue to the wild beauty of a Savannah, every breed tells a story. A name that suits the breed adds depth to that story, honoring both tradition and individuality. Matching a cat’s name to its breed is a thoughtful way to celebrate its roots.
Names carry power—they shape how a pet is perceived and addressed every day. When that name feels just right, it becomes part of the cat’s identity. The best names feel effortless, like they were meant to be.
1. Siamese – Suki
Suki means “beloved” in Japanese, making it a fitting choice for the devoted Siamese. These cats form strong bonds with their humans and are known for following their owners everywhere. Siamese cats are vocal communicators with striking blue eyes and color-point coats.
The name Suki captures their elegant Asian heritage and affectionate nature. Siamese cats were once royal companions in ancient Siam (now Thailand). A name like Suki honors this regal history while embracing their loving personality that makes them such treasured pets today.
2. Maine Coon – Jasper
Rugged and robust, Maine Coons deserve a name that matches their impressive stature. Jasper, meaning “treasurer” or “spotted stone,” perfectly complements these gentle giants of the cat world.
Maine Coons boast tufted ears, bushy tails, and shaggy coats that help them survive harsh New England winters. Their friendly, playful personalities belie their imposing size. Native to America, these natural-born hunters maintain a kitten-like playfulness well into adulthood. Jasper’s earthy quality mirrors the Maine Coon’s woodland heritage and down-to-earth temperament.
3. Bengal – Zuzu
Zuzu’s playful sound perfectly matches the Bengal’s energetic and mischievous nature. These spotted beauties possess wild looks with domestic temperaments, making them fascinating companions. Bengals showcase stunning rosette patterns reminiscent of their Asian leopard cat ancestors.
Their muscular bodies and confident strides reveal their athletic prowess as they leap, climb, and explore their surroundings. Water-loving and highly intelligent, Bengals require mental stimulation and interactive play. The name Zuzu captures their exotic heritage and zippy personality that keeps owners constantly entertained and occasionally exhausted!
4. Persian – Cleo
Regal and dignified, Cleo evokes the ancient Egyptian queen Cleopatra, mirroring the Persian cat’s majestic presence. These luxurious felines carry themselves with an air of nobility that few other breeds can match. Persians are known for their long, silky coats, pushed-in faces, and calm demeanors.
They prefer lounging on soft cushions to wild adventures, appreciating the finer things in life. Despite their high-maintenance appearance, Persians are surprisingly laid-back companions. The name Cleo celebrates their royal bearing while acknowledging their sweet, gentle nature that has made them beloved pets for centuries.
5. Sphynx – Zephyr
Zephyr, meaning a gentle breeze, beautifully captures the Sphynx’s warm, velvety skin and ethereal nature. These hairless wonders feel like warm suede to the touch, radiating body heat that draws people in.
Contrary to their alien appearance, Sphynx cats are incredibly affectionate and social. They crave human attention and will perform acrobatic feats for your amusement and approval. Their wrinkled skin and large ears give them an otherworldly look that’s truly unique in the feline world. Zephyr reflects their airy, supernatural quality while honoring their warm-hearted, energetic spirit.
6. Scottish Fold – Olive
Sweet and rounded, Olive suits the Scottish Fold’s adorably folded ears and plush appearance. These cats have a distinctively owl-like face that melts hearts instantly. Scottish Folds are known for their unique genetic mutation that causes their ear cartilage to fold forward. Their round eyes, faces, and bodies create an overall impression of cuddly softness that’s irresistible to cat lovers.
Good-natured and adaptable, Scottish Folds form strong bonds with their families. The name Olive reflects their peaceful temperament and the rounded features that make them one of the most recognizable and beloved cat breeds.
7. Russian Blue – Silas
Mysterious and elegant, Silas perfectly complements the Russian Blue’s silvery coat and reserved demeanor. These cats carry themselves with quiet dignity, observing their surroundings with emerald green eyes.
Russian Blues are known for their plush, double-layered coats that appear to shimmer in the light. Their gentle, shy nature masks a deep loyalty to their chosen humans. Legend claims these cats were once the companions of Russian czars. The name Silas, with its silvery sound and subtle strength, mirrors the Russian Blue’s understated elegance and the intelligence that shines through their initially shy exterior.
8. Abyssinian – Nala
Vibrant and spirited, Nala captures the Abyssinian’s wild heritage and active personality. These cats seem to embody liquid motion, with their ticked coats resembling those of African wildcats. Abyssinians possess an insatiable curiosity and athletic build that keeps them in constant motion. Their almond-shaped eyes sparkle with intelligence as they investigate every corner of their domain.
One of the world’s oldest known cat breeds, Abyssinians resemble the cats depicted in ancient Egyptian art. Nala honors their African roots while celebrating their playful, energetic spirit that brings life and movement to any home.
9. Ragdoll – Lulu
Soft and sweet-sounding, Lulu perfectly matches the Ragdoll’s gentle disposition and plush, cuddly appearance. These blue-eyed beauties are famous for going limp when picked up, just like a child’s ragdoll toy. Ragdolls are among the largest domestic cats, with males reaching up to 20 pounds. Despite their size, they’re known for their docile, affectionate temperament and tendency to follow their humans from room to room.
Developed in the 1960s, Ragdolls combine striking colorpoint patterns with silky semi-long fur. The name Lulu embraces their loving nature and the sweet, relaxed personality that makes them ideal companions for families.
10. British Shorthair – Muffin
Round and substantial, Muffin perfectly suits the British Shorthair’s plush, teddy-bear appearance. These sturdy cats have dense coats that make them irresistibly huggable. British Shorthairs are known for their easygoing nature and cheerful, round faces.
Their signature copper eyes and dense blue-gray coats (in the classic “British Blue” variety) give them a distinguished look that’s instantly recognizable. Dating back to ancient Rome, this breed has maintained its popularity for centuries. Muffin captures their solid, comfortable presence and the sweet dependability that makes them beloved family members who take life’s challenges in stride.
11. Norwegian Forest Cat – Astrid
Nordic and noble, Astrid means “divinely beautiful” and perfectly captures the Norwegian Forest Cat’s majestic appearance. These cats evolved naturally in Scandinavia, developing thick, water-resistant coats to survive harsh winters. Norwegian Forest Cats boast triangular faces, tufted ears, and bushy tails that reflect their wild heritage.
Their strong bodies and climbing abilities make them excellent hunters and explorers. Featured in Norse mythology as the skogkatt, these cats were believed to be so large only the goddess Freya could tame them. Astrid honors their Scandinavian origins and the stunning natural beauty that helps them thrive in challenging environments.
12. Turkish Van – Maren
Maren, meaning “of the sea,” perfectly suits the Turkish Van’s legendary love of water. These rare cats are often called “swimming cats” because they genuinely enjoy splashing and swimming, unlike most of their feline cousins. Turkish Vans have distinctive color patterns with white bodies and colored markings on the head and tail only.
Their semi-long, cashmere-like coats naturally repel water, making their unusual swimming hobby more comfortable. Originating near Lake Van in Turkey, these cats have been treasured for centuries. Maren celebrates their unique aquatic abilities and the independent, adventurous spirit that sets them apart from other domestic cats.
13. Oriental Shorthair – Nico
Sleek and sophisticated, Nico complements the Oriental Shorthair’s svelte physique and dramatic features. These cats are essentially colorful Siamese, with the same lean bodies and angular faces but in a rainbow of possible colors and patterns.
Oriental Shorthairs possess striking almond-shaped eyes and enormous ears that give them an alert, intelligent expression. Their short, glossy coats cling to their muscular bodies, emphasizing their elegant lines. Highly vocal and deeply attached to their humans, Orientals demand attention and conversation. The name Nico captures their exotic appearance and the dynamic personality that makes them fascinating, if somewhat demanding, companions.
14. Savannah – Kairo
Bold and exotic, Kairo evokes the African heritage of the Savannah cat, a striking hybrid between domestic cats and African servals. These spotted beauties carry themselves with wild confidence and grace. Savannahs are among the tallest domestic cats, with long legs, large ears, and distinctive spotted coats. Their athletic builds allow them to jump incredible heights and run at impressive speeds.
Created in the 1980s, Savannahs retain many wild instincts while forming strong bonds with their humans. Kairo honors their African roots and the adventurous spirit that makes them perfect companions for active owners seeking a cat that’s anything but ordinary.
15. Devon Rex – Remy
Playful and pixie-like, Remy suits the Devon Rex’s impish character and elfin appearance. These cats have oversized ears, prominent cheekbones, and mischievous eyes that give them a distinctly otherworldly look.
Devon Rex cats sport soft, wavy coats that feel like suede to the touch. Their slender bodies and long legs make them surprisingly agile as they leap and bound through their homes. Known as the “poodles of the cat world,” Devons are extraordinarily people-oriented and playful well into adulthood. Remy captures their sprightly energy and the charming, slightly mischievous personality that endears them to everyone they meet.
16. Himalayan – Mira
Serene and beautiful, Mira means “ocean” or “peaceful” in Sanskrit, reflecting the Himalayan’s tranquil nature and stunning blue eyes. These cats combine the best features of Persians and Siamese into one gorgeous package. Himalayans boast the luxurious long coat and sweet face of Persians with the striking colorpoint pattern of Siamese.
Their plush bodies and gentle expressions make them irresistible to cat lovers seeking beauty and calm temperament. Developed through selective breeding in the 1930s, Himalayans prefer quiet environments where they can lounge in comfort. Mira honors their peaceful disposition and the breathtaking beauty that makes them living works of art.
17. Birman – Liora
Graceful and meaningful, Liora means “I have light” in Hebrew, perfectly matching the Birman’s spiritual heritage and luminous blue eyes. According to legend, these cats received their distinctive white paws as a blessing from a goddess. Birmans combine silky, medium-length coats with striking colorpoint patterns and pure white “gloves” on all four paws.
Their sweet expressions and gentle voices reflect their patient, loving temperaments. Originally temple cats in Burma (Myanmar), Birmans nearly went extinct during World War II. Liora celebrates their mystical origins and the inner light that makes these balanced, affectionate cats such wonderful companions for families of all kinds.