Get

In Your Inbox

Catster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

100+ Tortoiseshell Cat Names: Great Ideas For Your Cute Cat

Tortoiseshell Cat Names

Tortoiseshell cats are a lovely shade of black, red, and orange and are almost always female. The tortoiseshell cat is not a specific cat breed but refers to the patterned coat the cat proudly wears. They are popular pet cats with loyal and affectionate personalities. It is very rare to own a male tortoiseshell cat, which is why most of the names we have picked out are suitable for female tortoiseshell cats.

This uniquely colored cat deserves a unique title, and our article will provide you with some of the best tortoiseshell cat names!

divider 3 paws

Tortoiseshell Cat Names With Meanings

It can be extra special to give your cat a name with a meaning behind it. Some of the names are aimed at female tortoiseshells, but many of the names can be unisex. If one of these names resonates with your cat, it may be a good pick for them!

  • Monarch- Species of orange and black butterfly
  • Amber- A yellowish-orange color from trees
  • Alani- Means orange tree, with Hawaiian origins
  • Apricot- Round and orange-colored fruit
  • Auburn- Meaning blond or city in Alabama
  • Blaze- Flame
  • Buttercup- Yellow wildflower
  • Cayenne- Meaning hot spice
  • Clementine- Merciful and gentle
  • Coral- Variously colored
  • Ginger- Aromatic vegetable used in spices
  • Hazel- Color or the name of a tree
  • Marigold- Means yellow flower
  • Nutmeg- A type of spice or seed
  • Paprika- Grounded sweet pepper
  • Poppy- Type of flower
  • Ruby- A gemstone
  • Saffron- A type of spice used in cooking
  • Sienna- Latin origin meaning old soul
  • Jasmine- Meaning gift from God

Light-Colored Tortoiseshell Cat Names

Most tortoiseshell cats have a predominant coloring of orange and black with a reddish hue, which classifies them as light-colored. There are many names suitable for lighter-colored tortoiseshell cats, ones that either describe the coloration, such as caramel or sapphire, or names that are associated with lighter patterns and meanings.

british fold tortoiseshell cat_Denys R_shutterstock
Image by: Denys R, Shutterstock
  • Caramel
  • Chai
  • Buttercup
  • Coriander
  • Parsnip
  • Pumpkin
  • Sandy
  • Sapphire
  • Curry
  • Fox
  • Honey
  • Papaya
  • Red
  • Penny
  • Peaches
  • Aloe
  • Cider
  • Clay
  • Tigger
  • Blossom
  • Cosmos
  • Ember
  • Alabaster
  • Dahlia
  • Flare
  • Rusty
  • Tango
  • Sunset
  • Rosemary
  • Silky
  • Angel
  • Goldie
  • Sunrise
  • Cherry
  • Faith
  • Lily
  • Lucky
  • Jewel
  • Tulip

divider 1 paws

Dark-Colored Tortoiseshell Cat Names

You may have a more mysterious and darker tortoiseshell cat, for which names associated with darkness and night-time are more suitable. These names fit perfectly with tortoiseshell cats that have predominantly black coats, with fewer orange or red hues and patterns on their coat.

a tortoiseshell cat sitting on a wood
Image Credit: Julieshoots, Pixabay
  • Coal
  • Inky
  • Bella
  • Ebony
  • Ink
  • Jet
  • Guinness
  • Licorice
  • Cruella
  • Mystic
  • Neptune
  • Onyx
  • Pepper
  • Pitch
  • Midnight
  • Pluto
  • Raven
  • Trixie
  • Ace
  • Twilight
  • Venus
  • Retrograde
  • Harley Quinn
  • Maci
  • Rarity
  • Rogue
  • Shadow
  • Warlock
  • Ruth
  • Stormy
  • Dakota
  • Wolf
  • Shien
  • Luna
  • Moon
  • Bambi

Male Tortoiseshell Cat Names

If you are lucky enough to own a rare male tortoiseshell cat, we have some male names for you. Male tortoiseshell cats are very rare, so a unique name associated with power and rarity is a good choice. This occurrence happens when the cat has two X chromosomes, which is uncommon but not impossible.

smoke tortoiseshell norwegian forest cat outdoor
Image Credit: Elisa Putti, Shutterstock
  • Echo
  • Bubbles
  • Booties
  • Aster
  • Star
  • Phoenix
  • Korona
  • Banshee
  • Damien
  • Sloane
  • Ovinnik
  • Jasper
  • Nadir
  • Smoke
  • Tortilla
  • Trickster
  • Flounder
  • Felix

divider cat paws 2 oct 2024

Conclusion

Several names are suitable for tortoiseshell cats. When picking the right name, you want to choose one that best matches the personality or appearance of your tortoiseshell cat. There is no right or wrong name, but choosing a catchy name that matches the beauty and uniqueness of your tortoiseshell cat will be the most meaningful.

We hope that these lists have helped you choose the perfect name for your cute and attractive tortoiseshell cat!


Featured Image Credit: Nui Rattapon, Shutterstock

Want content like this delivered to you?

Sign Up For Our Newsletter

News, insights, expert advice, and everything cat

* By submitting, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy & Cookies Policy.

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

Help us improve Catster for pet parents!

Your feedback really matters.

What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

Join the conversation

Leave a Reply

You’re very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let’s have a positive and constructive conversation.

Talk With A Vet Online

Peace of mind,
anywhere, anytime

Affordable vet advice

Should I Euthanize My Cat With Diabetes? Vet-Reviewed Facts & FAQ

Deciding whether or not to euthanize a beloved pet with diabetes is one of the most difficult decisions a pet owner can face....

Do Feral Cats Like Catnip? Vet-Approved Facts & FAQs

If you’ve ever watched a cat go crazy over catnip, you may be surprised to learn that some cats are completely indifferent to...

Singapura Cat Breed Info: Pictures, Traits & Facts

Are you looking for a small cat that’s affectionate, playful, intelligent, and unique? If so, the Singapura cat will be an excellent choice....

9 Pet Friendly Hotels in Daytona Beach (2025 Update)

Daytona Beach is one of the most iconic vacation spots in the Southeast. It has long been a hub for spring break travelers,...

More related

Arm and Hammer Cat Litter Review of 2025: Recalls, Pros & Cons

Review Summary Introduction Cat litter is an essential item on any cat owner’s shopping list, and most of us have heard of Arm...

9 Ways to Keep Cats out of a Crib: Easy & Humane

If you or someone in your family has recently had a baby, you are probably looking for ways to keep your cat out...

Are Cat Owners Liable for Damage or Injury Their Cat Causes? Facts & FAQ

If you’ve read the fine print of your dog’s pet insurance, you may find that it provides “liability coverage,” meaning your insurance company...

Why Is My Cat “Fur Mowing”? Vet-Reviewed Causes & Treatments Explained

If you notice that your cat is grooming themselves excessively or if you’re asking yourself, “Why does my cat pull out his fur?”,...

Keep reading

6 Natural Home Remedies to Treat Ringworm in Cats

If you own cats long enough, sooner or later, you might see them: little lesions all over the animal’s skin, right below the fur. That’s ringworm — and if you’re not careful, this highly infectious disease can spread all over...

closeup of a cat with ringworm

Do Cats Like Belly Rubs? Vet-Verified Facts & Info

You’ve probably tried to rub your cat’s belly a few times, only to be scratched by powerful bunny kicks. We get it. It’s tempting not to touch a soft cat tummy. Aren’t cats just begging for tickles when they show...

cat laying on owner's lap

Can Cats Eat Ham? Vet-Approved Health Benefits & FAQ

Since felines are obligate carnivores, their diet primarily consists of meat. They require certain essential nutrients that can only be found in animal products. And one of those products is ham. If you’re wondering whether it’s safe for your cat...

Can Cats Eat Ham

Why Is My Cat Suddenly Sleeping in Odd Places: 7 Vet-Verified Reasons

Did you know cats can sleep between 12 and 18 hours daily? It’s true, and studies suggest that almost 40% of cats1 will sleep more than 18 hours in a single day! Since your kitty spends so much time sleeping,...

grey tabby cat sleeping on warm radiator

10 Best Diabetic Cat Foods in Australia in 2025: Reviews & Top Picks

The world of pet food is a challenging one and it’s easy to get lost in the mess. As owners, we’re just trying to pick the best food for our precious companions so they can live happy and healthy lives...

Beautiful feline cat eating on a metal bowl

Can Cats Eat Collard Greens? Vet-Approved Nutrition Advice

Plain collard greens are perfectly fine for cats to eat. They provide a good source of fiber, along with nutrients and minerals. Cats cannot digest these greens quite as well as humans or dogs can, though, so they mostly act...

Can Cats Eat Collard Greens

The Honest Kitchen Cat Food Review in 2025: Pros, Cons, Final Verdict

Choosing high-quality cat food made with fresh, whole ingredients is becoming increasingly important for many people. The Honest Kitchen is a brand that is making high-quality food for cats widely available. Some of their products are premium priced, but the...

CAT_SAPR_The Honest Kitchen Cat Food

What’s the Maximum Height a Cat Can Fall from & Survive? Vet-Reviewed Science & Info

Everyone has heard that cats have nine lives, but the real secret of felines is that they rarely have to use more than one. Their incredible agility has led many to believe that cats almost always land on their feet...

cream-colored-maine-coon-cat-jumping-over-the-couch_Nils-Jacobi_shutterestock