2000+ Cat Names

A high-style baby name that conjures the Italian luxury fashion house. Given to 11 boys and 13 girls in 2023, it's currently a gender-neutral choice in the US.

A dashing French surname name most famously borne by Henry David Thoreau, an American naturalist, writer and philosopher who influenced such notable figures as Leo Tolstoy, Mahatma Gandhi, and Martin Luther King Jr. The most common modern American pronunciation is "thor-OH", with emphasis on the final syllable, although Thoreau himself pronounced it "THOR-oh".

The origins of the nom de plume Voltaire are obscure - it is believed that it is an anagram of Arovetli (the Latin form of his surname Arouet). But the name was also chosen for its connotations of speed and daring (think volts and vaulting). American anarchist Voltairine de Cleyre was named after the French philosopher - giving this feminisation a double punch of intellectualism.

Woody Allen introduced us to the name Zelig as the ever-morphing title character of his 1983 film. Zelig does have an upbeat meaning, and nickname Zelie makes it accessible for a girl, though it's an undeniably quirky choice for either gender.

Diminutive form of Tholf

Indu is truly unusual, but shares sounds with more popular choices like Indie and Indigo. Other moon names to consider: Luna, Serena, Io.

Wildly optimistic -- and unrealistic -- choice.

Another hidden gem of a feminist name! Valasca was a warrior-queen. When Queen Libussa died, Valasca took control and created a women-centred state in what is now the Czech Republic. Among Valasca's decrees were that only women and girls would be trained for the military. Her nation lasted for only 7 years, when she was slain in battle. All in all, one of the most inspiratiional Czech names for girls.

A fresh take on the fashionable Audrey and Aubrey, or another novel surname name which seems fitting for either sex.

Deceptively close to Bernardo, but suaver.

Japanese feminist Raicho Hiratsuka chose the name Raicho for herself - no doubt because of its fabulously meaning. As a journalist and publisher, Raicho fought for the rights of working class women in Japan’s textile industry and eschewed conventional domesticity, openly living with a lover and having her children out of wedlock. Thunderbirds are GO indeed!

The name of one of the greatest Western philosophers is often used as a first name in its land of origin, Greece, and would make a really interesting, thought-provoking choice here. It is remembered here as the nickname of the memorable character played by Sal Mineo in the classic film "Rebel Without a Cause."

Most likely to be borne by a spotted cat or dog.

This outdoorsy occupational name is edgier than Tracker, but has potential. The word Trekker or Trekkie can also refer to fans of the Star Trek franchise.

A possibility for fans of the mystery writer, but most parents would prefer Dashiell.

Rudy has been heard as a feminine name before — most notably on Rudy Huxtable, the young girl on The Cosby Show. This spelling makes it a bit girlier, although it's occasionally used for boys as well.

One of the newest spiritual word names.

Although Thaddeus has long been used in this country, Thaddea is almost unknown and, with its air of mystery, could make a distinctive choice.