Here at Rover, it’s fair to say we’re obsessed with pet names. Every year we release data on the top dog names around the country, and this year, we also wanted to see the name rankings for cats. Calico cats are especially unique with interesting fur patterns and color variations, and they deserve a name to reflect that!
We dug deep into our huge database of pet names to reveal the most popular cat names of 2018. From there, we pulled out top choices for calico cat names, listed below. We also found inspiration from our large cat person community and pet name trends more broadly. If you’re looking for kitten names for your new calico cat, this roundup is a great place to start.
Cat names used to be pretty straightforward (“here, Fluffy!”) and while there’s nothing wrong with those old-fashioned choices, these days, cat owners are choosing a wide variety for their pets. A calico cat’s magical fur patterns inspire creative names from interesting sources. From Bootsy to Calypso to Gizmo, there’s a cat name on this list for every style…not to mention for every cat personality.
Pixabay
Here are some fun and creative name ideas to help you find the perfect name for your calico cat.
Top Calico Cat Names
- Addie
- Amaretto (Inspired by the sweet and orange colored liquor)
- Amber
- Aurora
- Bambi
- Bean (add “Mr.” if you wish!)
- Beatrice
- Bell
- Bennie
- Bijou
- Bolt
- Bongo (maybe you can play a little tune on your cat’s tummy if they’ll let you!)
- Bootsy
- Bourbon
- Butterscotch
- Buttercup
- Calypso
- Cameron
- Cheeto
- Chestnut
- Chimera
- Chloe
- Chowder
- Copper
- Cornelius
- Clementine
- Dallas
- Dahlia
- Doodle
- Edison
- Eliza
- Emmy
- Fancy
- Frisky
- Furby
- Fuzz
- Garfield
- Gizmo (after the star “Gremlin” from the films of the same name)
- Ginger
- Haley
- Harlow
- Hemingway (This writer loved unusual six-toed cats!)
- Herman
- Hermione
- Hobbes (After the stuffed tiger from Calvin and Hobbes!)
- Honey
- Honeybee
- Huxley
- Julius (after the delicious beverage Orange Julius)
- Jynx
- Kiki
- Kuro
- Latte
- Lena
- Loki
- Lucy
- Maizie (After the colorful orange, yellow and red corn)
- Mako
- Marble
- Marmalade
- Mateo
- Mattie
- Melody
- Munchkin
- Neapolitan (like the tri-colored ice cream!)
- Ollie
- Opal
- Orion
- Oscar
- Paprika (after the reddish/orange spice)
- Peanut
- Penny
- Petra
- Picasso (A calico cat’s markings look like a Picasso painting)
- Pip
- Piper
- Pudding
- Pumpkin
- Rainbow
- Rajah (after Jasmine’s pet tiger in Aladdin)
- Reese
- Ribbons
- Ricky
- Rio
- Rocky
- Rye (after marble rye, of course)
- Saffron
- Sahara
- Saturn
- Scarface (Now, that’s one tough kitten)
- Schroeder
- Sebastian
- Sergei
- Simba
- Simon
- Skippy
- Snickers (This delicious treat is tricolored, just like a calico cat)
- Sofia
- Sophie
- Stacey
- Stanley
- Sunny
- Susie
- Sweetpea
- Taco
- Taffy
- Teegan
- Tesla
- Thaddeus
- Thunder
- Tiger
- Tippy
- Trixie
- Truffles
- Turtle (A turtle’s shell markings are remarkably similar to calico cats)
- Twinkie
- Vivienne
- Waffles
- Zooey
Pixabay
The 10 Most Popular Calico Cat Names
In Rover’s database
The names for calico cats were the most popular in our national database of cat names, listed here in order of popularity.
- Sophie
- Simba
- Ollie
- Loki
- Penny
- Tiger
- Simon
- Pumpkin
- Sunny
- Piper
Choosing the Best Calico Cat Name
We get it. Your new calico cat is part of your family, and their name deserves to be special. Finding the perfect name doesn’t have to be difficult, though. Along with their colorful coat, consider your cat’s personality: a feisty Thunder or an elegant Aurora? A smart Saturn or a playful Zooey? The sky’s the limit.
Your interests and favorites play a part in pet naming, too. Cat lovers have chosen names of favorite foods (Truffles or Amaretto, anyone?), book characters, colors, and musicians to name their new cat.
Yes, that means you can name your calico cat after the shapeshifting Harry Potter character “Tonks” if it makes you smile.
Trends in Calico Cat Names
In many cultures, calico cats are thought to bring good fortune. Sailors used to bring these multicolored cats onboard to keep them safe and the seas calm. In that spirit, why not consider naming your cat Lucky?
Due to their unique patterning, a trend with calico cats is naming them after food. With three colors swirled into their coats, it’s easy to see why someone would name their cat Snickers, Truffle, or Butterscotch.
Across the board though, we’re seeing a big shift in human names for cats (and dogs, for that matter!). That means cat lovers are choosing Susie, Julian, and Beatrice as kitten names rather than Lady or Kitty. Hipster baby names also find their way into our popular cat name data. Names like Thaddeus, Roo, and Huxley are just as popular for kittens and newly adopted cats just as they are for trendsetting human babies.
Throughout the years, people have loved naming their pets after pop-culture characters. For instance, during the height of the Twilight saga’s popularity, the name Bella surged in use for pets and people alike. We continue to hear cat names based on superheroes, TV characters, and musicians.
Keep it Simple
Whether you’re adopting an older cat or bringing home a brand new kitten, it’s important to not feel stressed about giving your cat a name. Your multicolored cat may have been briefly named by the shelter for adoption or named something else at one time, but it doesn’t fit their personality.
Either way, if your new family member needs a name, going with your gut is better than overthinking it. Pick something you enjoy saying.
In other words, have fun with it. Your calico cat’s personality will shine through with any name you choose, from classic to unique. Finding the perfect name for your cat should be a wonderful bonding experience between you and your new feline best friend.
Need Cat Sitting?
Cats seem more independent than dogs, sure, but they need attention, play, and treats when you’re gone, too. Your great cat deserves great cat care. You’ve found the best cat name, so now it’s time to find them the perfect cat sitter.
Find your cat’s perfect match, right from your phone—and then hit the road happy.
New Cat Resources
If you’re adding a kitten or a newly adopted cat to your family, these articles will help you both get off on the right paw.
