Cat Names That Mean Adventurous

  1. Columbus
    • Origin:

      Variation of Columbo or Columbia, Latin
    • Meaning:

      "dove"
    • Description:

      This is a big name, both in heritage and sound. On the right child, this could be inspired, but others may shrink from all the connotations. While your preferred nickname for this option might be Col (or Kit if you're connecting it to Christopher Columbus), you may end up with the slightly more cumbersome "Bus" as the short-form.
  2. Vendel
    • Origin:

      Hungarian variation of Wendell, German
    • Meaning:

      "to travel, to proceed"
  3. Venture
    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Bonaventure, English word name
    • Meaning:

      "fortune; new, exciting, and dangerous project"
    • Description:

      A distinctive word name or a short form of the Italian Bonaventura, Venture could make a bold choice, similar in style to Knight, Worthy, Brave, Truth, and Valor. It has been given to around 10 boys each year since 2020.
  4. Viator
    • Origin:

      Latin
    • Meaning:

      "voyager"
    • Description:

      Viator is a late Latin name, which belonged to a 4th-century Italian saint. Similar in sound to the word Aviator, this name has a slightly space-agey vibe.
  5. Vasco
    • Origin:

      Spanish
    • Meaning:

      "someone from the Basque region"
    • Description:

      Schoolchildren will recognize this name via Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama.
  6. Diallo
    • Origin:

      West African (Fula)
    • Meaning:

      "bold"
    • Description:

      Possibly meaning "bold", this West African surname is less commonly found as a first name, too.
  7. Dinand
    • Origin:

      Short form of Ferdinand
    • Meaning:

      "bold voyager"
    • Description:

      Dinand is popular in the Netherlands thanks to a local singing sensation. Dinand is one of many Dutch short forms that come from the middle or end of a name -- think Bas for Sebastian or Hans from Johannes -- rather than from the beginning as is more usual in the U.S. and UK, though we're catching on.
  8. Amerigo
    • Description:

      Amerigo is a masculine Italian name best known through the explorer Amerigo Vespucci, for whom the Americas were named. Derived from Germanic elements, likely 'Amalric' or 'Emmerich,' combining words meaning 'work,' 'power,' or 'ruler' with 'rich' or 'mighty.' This gives Amerigo the impressive meaning of 'work-ruler' or 'powerful leader.' The name has remained consistently used in Italy but is quite rare elsewhere. It carries a strong historical resonance due to its connection with the naming of two continents. The rhythmic four-syllable pronunciation (ah-meh-REE-go) has a melodious Italian flair. For parents seeking a name with historical significance, continental connections, and Italian heritage, Amerigo offers a distinguished option with built-in geographical and historical importance.

  9. Wild
    • Origin:

      Word name
    • Description:

      Asking for trouble.
  10. Cortes
    • Description:

      Cortes is a surname of Spanish origin that has been adopted as a masculine given name. It derives from the Old Spanish word 'cortés' meaning 'courteous' or 'polite.' The name gained historical significance through Hernán Cortés, the Spanish conquistador who led the expedition that caused the fall of the Aztec Empire. As a first name, Cortes is relatively uncommon, giving it a distinctive quality. Parents might choose this name for its strong historical connections, sophisticated sound, or to honor Spanish heritage. The name carries connotations of boldness, leadership, and determination, reflecting the explorer's legacy, though its usage remains rare in contemporary naming practices.
  11. Noaz
    • Origin:

      Hebrew
    • Meaning:

      "bold"
    • Description:

      Love the popular Noah but want to make it more distinctive? You can vary it to Noam, and going all the way to Noaz takes it from distinctive to unique.
  12. Trekker
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "voyager on foot"
    • Description:

      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.
  13. Isra
    • Origin:

      Arabic
    • Meaning:

      "journey of the night"
    • Description:

      Isra is a gender-neutral Arabic name. The name of a chapter of the Quran, it refers to the Prophet's journey from Mecca to Jerusalem.
  14. Voyager
    • Origin:

      English from French
    • Meaning:

      "traveler"
  15. Pirate
    • Origin:

      English word name from Greek
    • Meaning:

      "to attempt, attack"
    • Description:

      A bold new word name that conjures up images of peg-legs and eyepatches. It was brought to national attention by pop musician Billie Eilish, whose full name is Billie Eilish Pirate Baird O'Connell.
  16. Euodia
    • Origin:

      Greek
    • Meaning:

      "a good journey"
    • Description:

      An unusual and melodious New Testament name
  17. Somerled
    • Origin:

      Norse, Scottish Gaelic, “summer traveler”
    • Description:

      A rare and evocative name which calls to mind warm, endless summer days. This is an Anglicized form of the Old Norse name Sumarliði, also found in Scottish Gaelic as Somhairle (pronounced SO-ar-lee). The Sorley spelling is now more popular in Scotland.
  18. Veerle
    • Origin:

      Dutch
    • Meaning:

      "travel to battle"
    • Description:

      This Dutch name derives from the old Germanic name, Farahild. It is quite common in the Netherlands.
  19. Wendall
    • Origin:

      German
    • Meaning:

      "wanderer"
    • Description:

      A clunky-cool name with a "grandpa" quality to it, that equally fits into the trend of last names as first names. Wendall, along with its alternative forms, Wendell and Wendel, peaked in the US during the 1940s possibly after the Republican presidential candidate, Wendall Willkie.
  20. Venture
    • Origin:

      Diminutive of Bonaventure, English word name
    • Meaning:

      "fortune; new, exciting, and dangerous project"
    • Description:

      A distinctive word name or a short form of the Italian Bonaventura, Venture could make a bold choice, similar in style to Journey, Story, Valor, and Worthy. While it has yet to rank for girls, it has been given to around 10 boys each year since 2020.