New List of Most Popular Cat Names in America Has Some Cute Surprises

When you adopt a cat one of the first decisions you make is what to name them. Do you pick a cat name based on their personality? Or do you consult a list of the most popular cat names and make your decision based on that?

As the proud cat mom of three feline fur babies, I take great pride in naming my cats. First, there’s Elvis, a large Calico who also goes by Starlight and Big Girl — a nickname given by a small child who occasionally visits. Then, there’s Tarkus, a distinguished orange gentleman named by our household’s Emerson, Lake & Palmer fan (don’t ask; you’re probably too young to know any ‘70s prog rock bands). And finally, there's Meatball, a Maine Coon aptly named because, well, he just is a Meatball. You won't find any of these names on the list of Most Popular Cat Names in America for 2024.

For their report, U.S. News & World Report analyzed data points including cat names from U.S. pet insurance customers. Here’s what they found.

What Are the Most Popular Cat Names in America?

Top 10 Most Popular Cat Names in America 2024

• Luna

• Milo

• Oliver

• Bella

• Lucy

• Simba

• Charlie

• Loki

• Kitty

• Leo

Luna, Milo, or Oliver are pet monikers you've probably heard a time or two! That’s according to the list of the 25 most popular cat names in the U.S.

Whether you’re a new cat parent or a self-proclaimed cat lady, this list may help provide inspiration when selecting a name for a new cat.

Related: Unleash the Pet Names! 300 Best Dog Names To Call Your Pup

Cat Naming Trends from Across the U.S.

Naming a cat can be tricky since it takes time to understand their personality and find a name that suits them. Every cat is unique, and the number of fellow cat parents you can share ideas with may depend on where you live. But there are some common themes and naming trends you might consider when choosing a name for your cat.

• Classic favorites: Some traditionally popular cat names remain among the most popular with cat parents today, according to the list, including Tiger, Kitty, and Smokey.
  
  

• Human names: The research found that it’s not uncommon for pet parents to choose human names for their cats, such as Luna, Oliver, Bella, and Mia.
  
  

• Pop culture references: Pop culture may have an influence on cat names as well, with names like Simba and Nala (The Lion King), Loki (Marvel Comics), and Momo (Avatar: The Last Airbender) appearing on the list.
  
  

• Food-related names: Some Americans choose food-related names for their cats, with examples on the list including Oreo, Pepper, and Mochi.

The 360 Reviews team analyzed data points from a third-party pet insurance industry partner in 2024. The data points analyzed included cat names from U.S. pet insurance customers, which were ranked to show the most popular cat names in the country.

Did your favorite cat name make the list?

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