Cat Names

Russian form of the Greek name Bessarion, most prominently borne by 19th-century Russian literary critic, writer and philosopher Vissarion Belinsky.

Vissarion

Voltaire is the nom-de-plume of François-Marie Arouet, who became noted for his witty and satirical takes on enlightenment philosophy and Western society. Voltaire's most famous work, Candide, used satire as a vehicle to advocate against religion, monarchy, greed, and for tolerance, freedom and reason. It is said that his moniker was a variation of his sister's family nickname "le petit volontaire" (the determined little thing).

Voltaire

Voltaire is the nom-de-plume of François-Marie Arouet, who became noted for his witty and satirical takes on enlightenment philosophy and Western society. Voltaire's most famous work, Candide, used satire as a vehicle to advocate against religion, monarchy, greed, and for tolerance, freedom and reason. It is said that his moniker was a variation of his sister's family nickname "le petit volontaire" (the determined little thing). 

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.

Voltairine

The açai palm is a tree native to Brazil that produces açai berries (the base of those trendy smoothie bowls). Since US birth certificates don't allow for diacritical marks, we are unsure if people are naming their children after the fruit (pronounce ah-sah-EE) or omitting the cedilla and pronouncing it a-KYE.
 
Either way, Acai became a baby name in 2018 — peak smoothie bowl era. It debuted for girls two years later, in 2020.

Acai

Famous as the long-suffering wife of the philosopher Socrates.

Xanthippe

Relatively unknown outside of its native region, Sendoa is an intriguing international name with a strong meaning.

Sendoa

Well used in Japan, appreciated for its powerful meaning. 

Takeo

Takeshi

A common nickname for Antero, the Finnish variation of Andrew.

Tero

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 surname are not entirely clear, although one possibility is that it derives from a diminutive form of the Old French tor, meaning "bull" (the root of the modern French word taureau). A fitting choice for a Taurus baby boy!

 Thoreau may also be related to the Norse name Thor "thunder", or to the Germanic name Theodoric and its French form Thierry "ruler of the people".

 With its on-trend sound and literary pedigree, Thoreau certainly makes for a rare but appealing choice. Zac and Kate Hanson used it as a middle name for their fifth child, born in 2021.

Thoreau

Urja

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 <a href="https://nameberry.com/baby-names/529/czech-names-for-girls">Czech names for girls</a>.

Valasca

A saints name and a word name, this is a modern, original way to convey a powerful meaning, especially in the middle place. 

Fort

A paradox is a statement that while seeming true contradicts itself. With the less-than-pleasant "Doxy" as an obvious nickname, Paradox is perhaps a better name for a cat than a baby.

Paradox

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

Patches

Paziva is a rare feminine name likely derived from Hebrew origins. It appears to be related to the Hebrew word 'paz' meaning 'golden' or 'fine gold,' possibly with connections to peace (paz/pax). The feminine ending '-iva' creates a melodic, flowing quality. This uncommon name carries an exotic and distinctive sound while potentially expressing aspirational qualities of preciousness and tranquility. Paziva remains extremely rare in usage worldwide, making it an appealing choice for parents seeking a truly unique name with meaningful roots. Its musical sound features gentle consonants and open vowels, creating a name that feels both substantial and graceful. The name's rarity ensures individuality while its intuitive pronunciation makes it accessible.

Paziva

Unlike the other fruit names that are just coming onto the baby name menu, Peaches is an old-timey nickname previously reserved for spangled showgirls, and now would be considered an outrageous -- verging on hip -- choice. Or perhaps it was, until 2023, when it entered the UK Top 1000, not sounding too out of place beside other 2023 favorites, Honey, Blossom, Sage, Halo, and Dolly. 

Peaches

Peanut is a name you might call a baby in the womb, but at least one set of parents put it on the birth certificate too. General Hospital star Ingo Rademacher and his fiance Ehiku named their son Peanut Kai.

Peanut

Peanut Kai is the crazy celebrity baby name of the son of General Hospital star Ingo Rademacher and his fiance Ehiku. Cute but not recommended.

Looking for a name for your kitten or cat? This is Nameberry's masterlist of 

, where you can find every cat name we've ever featured, all in one place.

We have more than 2000 names to consider for your feline, whether you need male cat names or female cat names, common or unique cat names.

Start here to find a name for your kitten or cat — browse our entire collection of cat names.

Cat names — male cat names and female cat names — including meaning and origin (Page 116)

2000+ Cat Names