2000+ Cat Names

  1. Izzy
    • Origin:

      Nickname
    • Description:

      Multipurpose pet name serving Isidore, Isaac, Israel, and -- increasingly -- Isabel.
  2. Apple
    • Origin:

      English nature name
    • Meaning:

      "apple"
    • Description:

      When people talk about unique baby names, Apple is often one of the first examples they mention. Apple made international headlines when Gwyneth Paltrow chose this wholesome fruit name for her daughter. Many have called it ridiculous, but we have to admit, we find it appealing enough to list as one of our top cute baby names. Rocker Bob Geldof named one of his daughters Peaches; Banana Yoshimoto is a hipster writer. Another choice in this genre is the luscious Plum, though for different reasons, neither Prune nor Cherry will fly.
  3. Ranger
    • Origin:

      French
    • Meaning:

      "forest guardian"
    • Description:

      The list of occupational boys' names continues to expand, and this is one of the latest to ride onto the range. With a hint of cowboy and Western, a sprinkle of preppy surname, an outdoorsy, nature-connected vibe, and a soft-but-strong sound, Ranger has a lot going for it. More than doubling in use over the last decade, it was given to around 120 boys in 2023.
  4. Griffith
    • Origin:

      Welsh
    • Meaning:

      "strong lord"
    • Description:

      A classic Welsh name, softer than Griffin and friendlier to spell than Gruffudd - that hasn't had as much love as it deserves elsewhere. Namesakes range from medieval kings to the philanthropist Griffith J. Griffith, who left land to the city of Los Angeles. It's great in full, but Griff is cool too.
  5. Cali
    • Origin:

      Diminutive of any Cal- name
    • Description:

      A short form that is given on its own to a good number of baby girls each year — Cali has been on trend in recent years along with sister names Callie and Kali, as the popular 90s and early 2000s nickname Allie has felt less fresh.
  6. Steve
    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Stephen or Steven
    • Meaning:

      "garland, crown"
    • Description:

      Some parents just use Steve on the birth certificate, but it doesn't have the breezy charm of trendy short forms like Max, Sam, and Jake. Regardless of how much you love Steve as a given name, it might be smart to give your son a longer option to fall back on.
  7. Nestor
    • Origin:

      Greek
    • Meaning:

      "traveler, voyager"
    • Description:

      A wise ruler of legend--his sage advice helped the Greeks win the Trojan War--whose name is a possibility for the adventurous, though related in sound to the dated Lester-Hester family.
  8. Zira
    • Origin:

      Berber, Tamazight
    • Meaning:

      "moonlight"
    • Description:

      Attractive but uncommon name which has been used as a character name in several movies, including The Lion King II and Planet of the Apes. Ziri and Tiziri are variants.
  9. Sable
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "animal name"
    • Description:

      Sable is often associated with the Dynsaty soap opera, but it is actually a type of animal historically hunted for its fur. Sable is also used as a word for a warm, rich black color. Both associations carry hints of luxury.
  10. Remington
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "place on a riverbank"
    • Description:

      Between 1980s-era television private eye Remington Steele and Remington Arms, this name might seem all-boy. But in 2014, Remington entered the US girls' Top 1000, and it's been rising since.
  11. Rain
    • Origin:

      Nature name
    • Description:

      Mostly feminine, though "Office" star Rainn Wilson gives it a slight masculine twist. You might also use this as a short form of Raines.
  12. Moon
    • Origin:

      Word name
    • Description:

      The original oddball celebrity baby name, via Frank Zappa's daughter Moon Unit, who claims she's always liked it.
  13. Bibi
    • Origin:

      French, Persian, or diminutive of Bibiana
    • Meaning:

      "toy; delight; lady of the house; life"
    • Description:

      A spunky nickname name for parents with showbiz aspirations for their daughter.
  14. Denzel
    • Origin:

      Cornish
    • Meaning:

      "from the high stronghold"
    • Description:

      This old Cornish name took on a whole new identity via Denzel Washington, who has inspired several thousand namesakes. The actor was named after his father, who was named for a Dr. Denzel, who delivered him.
  15. Halston
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "hallowed stone"
    • Description:

      Though long associated with the iconic male fashion designer -- who went by his middle name alone -- rising young actress Halston Sage has made Halston feel plausible as a girls' name too.
  16. Odile
    • Origin:

      French variation of German Otthild
    • Meaning:

      "prospers in battle"
    • Description:

      Odette's evil Swan Lake twin -- gives the name a sinuous, sensuous appeal.
  17. Aristotle
    • Origin:

      Greek
    • Meaning:

      "superior; the best purpose"
    • Description:

      The great philosopher's name is commonly used in Greek families, and is one that could work for daring, philosophical American ones. With user friendly nicknames such as Ari, Aris, Artie, and Ris, Aristotle is a ambitious choice, associated with morality, ethics, literature, and psychology.
  18. Whittaker
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "white field"
    • Description:

      If you discount the connection to the controversial Whittaker Chambers in the days of the Red Scare, Whittaker is a pleasant enough British surname with the preppyish nickname Whit.
  19. Bramble
    • Origin:

      Nature name
    • Meaning:

      "blackberry shrub"
    • Description:

      Related to blackberry plants and colloquially to any thorny shrub, Bramble also has history as an English surname.
  20. Sid
    • Origin:

      Short form of Sidney, French
    • Meaning:

      "Saint-Denis"
    • Description:

      Sid originated as a nickname for Sidney, but we like it on its own, a la Sara Quin's and Jason Biggs and Jenny Mollen's sons. Sid Vicious, member of the band the Sex Pistols, gives this name a punk rock vibe.