The most popular cat names for 2027.

Choosing popular cat names in 2027 is easier when you look at what other pet parents search for: short, sweet, or storied names that are easy to say at home.

Here is a cat-focused ranking with definition, etymology, and fit for each option.

Quick tips

• Cats respond well to clear, higher-pitched sounds.
• A short nickname (Misu, Kuki, Zoe) often sticks better than a long formal name.
• Try the name in the same tone you will use when calling.

1. Molly

Definition: A sweet, close name often searched for female dogs; it conveys affection and a gentle personality. Etymology: Familiar English form of Mary / Molly; in Irish folk use also linked to “star of the sea.” Fit: Excellent for medium or small female dogs with a sociable temperament; also works for sweet, playful female cats.

2. Kira

Definition: A bright, agile name and one of the most searched; clean and memorable with a clear stressed syllable. Etymology: Several paths: in Japanese it can evoke “bright/assassin” depending on kanji; in Slavic it approaches “kira” as a form of Kyra. Fit: Excellent for active, sharp, slightly independent female dogs and cats.

3. Aiko

Definition: A short, affectionate name with an international feel; tender without sounding childish. Etymology: Japanese: 愛 (ai, love) + 子 (ko, child) → “beloved child” or “loved one.” Fit: Great for dogs and cats of either sex, especially if you want a soft name.

4. Yuki

Definition: A light, clean name often used for light-colored or playful pets. Etymology: Japanese 雪 (yuki), “snow”; can also read as “happiness” depending on writing. Fit: Ideal for white or winter-look dogs and cats; works for either sex.

5. Canela

Definition: A sensory, affectionate Spanish name; evokes warmth and color. Etymology: From Spanish canela, the spice; Latin root cannella. Fit: Very popular for golden or tabby female dogs and cats; affectionate at home.

6. Zafira

Definition: An elegant, brilliant jewel-like name; stands out in longer recalls. Etymology: From Latin sapphirus / Greek sappheiros, “sapphire.” Fit: Excellent for female dogs and cats with presence; also for light eyes or special coats.

7. Luna

Definition: A Spanish classic—soft, nocturnal, and universally loved. Etymology: Latin luna, the satellite; Indo-European root of night light. Fit: Top pick for female dogs and cats; males too if you like unisex.

8. Misu

Definition: A tender, short home-style name; sounds like a soft recall. Etymology: Modern affectionate use; sometimes tied to “michi/misu” as a Spanish feline nickname. Fit: Especially cats; also small dogs.

9. Lumi

Definition: A luminous, soft Nordic/modern-trend name. Etymology: In Finnish lumi means “snow”; also echoes “lumen” (light). Fit: Unisex for light-colored or sweet-tempered dogs and cats.

10. Zoe

Definition: A vital, clear name widely used for female humans and pets. Etymology: Greek ζωή (zōē), “life.” Fit: Excellent for female dogs and cats; short sound for training.

11. Mochi

Definition: A sweet, textured name; evokes softness and roundness. Etymology: Japanese: glutinous rice cake mochi. Fit: Ideal for round or very affectionate dogs and cats.

12. Lyra

Definition: A poetic, celestial name; elegant when calling. Etymology: Greek/Latin: lyre, the instrument; also the constellation Lyra. Fit: Refined or dreamy female dogs and cats; unisex possible.

13. Nina

Definition: Brief, warm, and very usable in Spanish. Etymology: Multiple paths: Spanish “niña” (girl); also Slavic/Quechua forms by context. Fit: Female dogs and cats; familiar tone.

14. Coco

Definition: Sweet, round, and easy to shout at the park. Etymology: From Spanish/Portuguese coco; also echoes English cocoa. Fit: Unisex for dogs and cats; ideal if you want closeness.

15. Bella

Definition: Clear and affectionate; communicates beauty and tenderness. Etymology: Italian/Spanish bella, “beautiful”; Latin bellus. Fit: Female dogs and cats; affectionate classic.

16. Nala

Definition: Soft and brave at once; much loved for females. Etymology: Popularized in pop culture; in some African uses linked to “gift” or lioness. Fit: Female dogs and cats; affectionate and strong tone.

17. Clea

Definition: A fine, brief name—elegant without feeling heavy. Etymology: Related to Cleopatra / Cleá forms or Greek kleos (“fame”) in modern use. Fit: Very good for female dogs and cats; soft sound at home.

18. Kiki

Definition: A repetitive, cheerful nickname-style name; animals pick it up quickly. Etymology: International nickname; popularized in pop culture and affectionate use. Fit: Ideal for small or highly expressive dogs and cats.

19. Kuki

Definition: A short, playful name often searched for meaning; sounds like a home nickname. Etymology: Modern / onomatopoeic use; sometimes linked to English cookie in an affectionate tone. Fit: Perfect for small or very playful dogs and cats; informal tone.

20. Aika

Definition: Close to Aiko, with a more open final vowel; soft and clear. Etymology: Japanese: by kanji may be “love + song” or other readings; modern international use. Fit: Female dogs and cats; also unisex.

21. Anko

Definition: A short Japanese-flavored name; tender and distinctive. Etymology: Japanese: anko can mean red-bean paste; also used as a given name. Fit: Cats and small dogs; sweet tone.

22. Leira

Definition: A fluid, feminine name—less common than Luna/Kira. Etymology: Modern form; echoes of Leira/Leila (Arabic “night”) in popular use. Fit: Female dogs and cats; elegant sound.

23. Kai

Definition: A one-syllable minimalist name—powerful and easy to mark in training. Etymology: Multiple origins: Hawaiian “sea”; Japanese by kanji (ocean, restoration, etc.); also Nordic/Frisian. Fit: Modern unisex for active dogs and cats.

24. Simba

Definition: A warm, leonine name; evokes play and kind leadership. Etymology: Swahili simba, “lion”; popularized globally by pop culture. Fit: Male dogs and cats with character; females too in free use.

25. Loki

Definition: A mischievous, clever name; suggests smart trouble. Etymology: Norse: Loki, trickster god of Scandinavian mythology. Fit: Excellent for mischievous, clever dogs and cats.

26. Milo

Definition: A modern name that is soft on the ear and easy to call outdoors; friendly without losing personality. Etymology: Debated origin: linked to Germanic “mild” (friendly) or older Latin/Greek forms. Fit: Versatile for male dogs and cats; fits curious, sociable personalities.

27. Kael

Definition: A short, modern, unisex name; easy to mark. Etymology: Variant of Gael / Kayle or modern Celtic forms. Fit: Dogs and cats of either sex; minimalist style.

28. Kairo

Definition: A name with travel and rhythm; cosmopolitan. Etymology: Can evoke Cairo (Arabic al-Qāhira) or modern Kai variants. Fit: Modern unisex for dogs and cats.

29. Ziggy

Definition: A fun, rock-inspired name—memorable in two syllables. Etymology: Modern / cultural English (e.g. Ziggy); informal root. Fit: Cheerful, sociable dogs; also cats with “star” personality.

30. Zuko

Definition: A strong, edgy name; sounds like a character with its own identity. Etymology: Popularized by contemporary culture; possible Japanese echo (zu/ko) in creative use. Fit: Dogs and cats with intense character; youthful tone.

31. Chispa

Definition: A pure Spanish name: energy, humor, and light. Etymology: Spanish chispa, a small spark or wit. Fit: Lively dogs and cats; excellent if you want a local, descriptive name.

32. Thor

Definition: A strong, epic name tied to protection and energy; ideal if you want a short, powerful sound. Etymology: From Old Norse Þórr, thunder god in Scandinavian mythology. Fit: Very common for medium or large dogs with presence; on cats it feels heroic if the animal is active and confident.

33. Odin

Definition: A wise, powerful name with mythological weight. Etymology: Norse Óðinn, chief god associated with wisdom and war. Fit: Large or serious dogs; cats with house-boss energy.

34. Apolo

Definition: A classic name of light and art; imposing yet melodic. Etymology: Greek Ἀπόλλων, god of light, music, and healing. Fit: Male dogs with presence; majestic cats.

35. Leo

Definition: A short solar name; strength without excess hardness. Etymology: Latin leo, “lion.” Fit: Male dogs and cats; easy for training.

36. Max

Definition: An international classic—short and powerful; among the most used dog names. Etymology: From Latin Maximus, “the greatest.” Fit: Male dogs of any size; on cats it reads confident.

37. Toby

Definition: A kind, everyday name; sounds like a walk buddy. Etymology: English nickname of Tobias (Hebrew “God is good”). Fit: Sociable dogs; also gentle cats.

38. Bobby

Definition: A classic Anglo name—familiar and cheerful; sounds like a lifelong companion. Etymology: English nickname of Robert (Germanic “bright fame”). Fit: Traditional for sociable male dogs; less common on cats, but usable.

39. Rex

Definition: Classic and authoritative in one syllable; communicates leadership and presence. Etymology: Latin rex, “king.” Fit: Historically canine; works on confident dogs. On cats it reads ironic or majestic depending on character.

40. Rocky

Definition: A combative, popular name with a clear two-syllable beat. Etymology: English rock + diminutive -y; reinforced by pop culture. Fit: Active, confident dogs; less common on cats.