100+ Popular Cat Names in 2026: Top Choices For Your Furry Feline
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Roughly 46.5 million American households have opened their homes to at least one cat. Dogs may outnumber felines, but we love cats just the same. Choosing a name for your pet is a big deal. It can be an expression of the animal’s personality or something catchy or clever from pop culture. There are many choices for you to consider, so what are the most popular cat names?
The top 100 cat names are just as telling about the animals as they are about the owners. The yearly lists are almost like time capsules that reveal the pulse of the culture at the time. Some are favorites that stand the test of time. The meanings of others may eventually fade. Nevertheless, their name serves as your kitty’s first impression on other people, so you should make it a good one.
Here are the top cat names this year!
The 100+ Popular Cat Names
Most Popular Name in Each State
- Alabama: Blue
- Alaska: Jasper
- Arizona: Shadow
- Arkansas: Luna
- California: Luna
- Colorado: Luna
- Connecticut: Billie
- Delaware: Otis
- Florida: Luna
- Georgia: Oscar
- Hawaii: Callie
- Idaho: Trigger
- Illinois: Alfie
- Indiana: Boo
- Iowa: Sam
- Kansas: Willie
- Kentucky: Lucy
- Louisiana: Louis
- Maine: Luna
- Maryland: Bella
- Massachusetts: Callie
- Michigan: Alice
- Minnesota: Luna
- Mississippi: Lacy
- Missouri: Piper
- Montana: Lola
- Nebraska: Shadow
- Nevada: Oscar
- New Hampshire: Dexter
- New Jersey: Max
- New Mexico: Lucky
- New York: Luna
- North Carolina: Luna
- North Dakota: Luna
- Ohio: Poppy
- Oklahoma: Sophie
- Oregon: Oregon
- Pennsylvania: Bailey
- Rhode Island: Harry
- South Carolina: Luna
- South Dakota: Luna
- Tennessee: Bella
- Texas: Kitty
- Utah: Jack
- Vermont: Bella
- Virginia: Luna
- Washington: Luna
- West Virginia: Luna
- Wisconsin: Milo
- Wyoming: Charlie
Most Popular Cat Character Names
- Tigger
- Simba
- Zelda
- Chester
- Thor
Top Female Cat Names
- Luna
- Nala
- Lily
- Bella
- Lucy
- Willow and Mochi (tied)
- Cleo
- Pepper and Daisy (tied)
Sources
Top Male Cat Names
- Milo
- Leo
- Oliver
- Loki
- Simba
- Charlie
- Max
- Jasper
- Mochi
- Binx
Sources
Top Wacky Cat Names of 2025
- Spicy Beef Purrito
- Sir Woodrow Agustdus Scuttlebooty the Third, Esquire
- Sir Catrick Stewart
- Prison Mike
- Moira Rose McMurderpants, Queen of Hearts
- Inigo Meowtoya
- Homeboy Thumbs
- Green Bean Catserole
- Evil Twin
- Business Cat
Sources
Top Military Family Pet Names
- Luna
- Oliver
- Loki
- Leo
- Milo
- Charlie
- Bella
- Lucy
- Nala
- Lily
Sources
Tips for Naming Your Pet
A survey by Pet Sitters International led to interesting observations about people naming their pets. Roughly 47% of owners chose a name that they’d give to a child. You may see many familiar choices on our lists! It’s not surprising, given that 95% of pet owners consider their animal companions to be family members. Just under 1/3 named their pet after their personality. Cats undoubtedly can provide much inspiration on that score. Just search for cat videos on YouTube!
We suggest using names that are easy to pronounce and short, particularly for children. Remember that you may need to call your cat outdoors within the earshot of others, so keep it tasteful.
You needn’t rush to make a choice when you get a new kitty. The sensory overload of moving to another home will be a significant distraction for your pet. You can let your cat help you with the choice. Rest assured that felines can learn their names. You can always speed up the process with some treats. Positive associations make lasting impressions.
Conclusion
Choosing your cat’s name is one of the most exciting aspects of getting a new pet. It’s hard to overestimate the impact it has on your interactions with your kitty. It also affects how others view your pet. Whether it’s a funny moniker or a statement about pop culture, your cat is sure to epitomize what their name means, even if they have to stretch the bounds a bit. See also:
Sources
https://www.statista.com/statistics/198095/pets-in-the-united-states-by-type-in-2008/
https://www.trustedhousesitters.com/blog/pets/2023-pet-names-study/
https://blog.healthypawspetinsurance.com/the-most-popular-pet-names-of-2023
https://www.petinsurance.com/healthzone/pet-names/cat-names/female-cat-names/
https://www.petinsurance.com/healthzone/pet-names/cat-names/male-cat-names/
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/usaa-releases-top-military-family-pet-names-301788594.html
Featured Image Credit: Xeniya Butenko, Shutterstock
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Chris has been a science-focused pet writer since 2009, specializing in health and the environment. She lives with her husband Norm and three amazing cats in the land of 10,000 lakes. When she's not writing about cats, Chris also enjoys boating and sampling wine. She has her WSET 1 and 2 certifications and is currently pursuing her Certified Wine Specialist Award (CSW).
