220 Black Cat Names to Fit Your Magical, Mysterious Kitten

• Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.

From their glossy dark fur and bright eyes to their ability to imitate a void of darkness, black cats have a special kind of magic. They’re also surrounded by myths, superstitions, and folklore, which provide plenty of inspiration for their names.

Whether you’re adding a new kitten to your family or adopting an older cat, choosing a name tied to color is one way to capture your cat’s unique vibe. Of course, with so many names to choose from, you might not know where to start—but Rover has you covered.

Read on for a list of 220 names for black cats, including the 20 most popular names for black cats along with more unique picks that reference your cat’s color, size, and black cat myths.

Most Popular Black Cat Names of 2025

According to Rover’s database of cat names from pet parents across the U.S., these are the 20 most popular names for black cats in 2025.

1. Luna: The Japanese anime Sailor Moon popularized this name for female black cats, thanks to the cat character of the same name.
2. Shadow: This classic choice evokes the stealth and mystery of a black cat.
3. Midnight: A name that directly references the deepest part of the night is perfect for your cat’s dark fur.
4. Onyx: The name of this beautiful black gemstone suggests elegance and strength.
5. Salem: This name is associated with magic and often used for black cats, likely due to the cat character in the TV series Sabrina the Teenage Witch.
6. Ebony: This dense black wood may work as a name for a cat with a deep, rich coat.
7. Sable: This name refers to the animal with luxurious dark fur or a deep black color.
8. Jet: This gemstone of deep black color can suggest sleekness and speed when used as a name.
9. Phantom: This name evokes a sense of mystery and might suit an elusive cat who loves to hide.
10. Cosmo: From “cosmos,” this name suggests the vast, dark expanse of space.
11. Noir: The French word for “black” adds a touch of sophistication to your cat’s name.
12. Espresso: The name of your favorite rich, dark coffee makes a delightfully warm name.
13. Raven: This large black bird is known for its intelligence and often associated with mystery.
14. Inky: This cute and playful name directly references the color black.
15. Hecate: The name of this Greek goddess of magic, witchcraft, and the night is a powerful and mystical choice.
16. Binx: From Thackery Binx in the movie Hocus Pocus, this name is perfect for a brave and loyal cat.
17. Mystic: This name references the enigmatic nature often attributed to black cats.
18. Kuro: The Japanese word for “black,” this name makes a simple yet elegant choice.
19. Obsidian: This is a dark, glassy volcanic rock. As a name, it suggests strength and a sleek appearance.
20. Bastet: The ancient Egyptian goddess of cats is often portrayed as a black cat. This name conveys a sense of protection and grace.

Black Cat Names Inspired by Color

You might consider choosing a name inspired by your cat’s coat to celebrate the beauty of your cat’s sleek, dark fur. These names describe different shades of black.

1. Charcoal: This name is perfect for a sleek, small cat.
2. Carbon: This name conveys a sense of strength and darkness.
3. Ink: A simple elegant name, this would work for a cat with a smooth coat.
4. Licorice: This name would suit a cat with plenty of personality.
5. Slate: This name would work for a cat with lighter, slightly gray hair.
6. Smoky: If your cat has soft, dark fur and does a good disappearing act, this name might be the perfect fit.
7. Ash: This simple name would suit any cat.
8. Vantablack: This paint-like substance, the darkest material ever created, absorbs more than 99% of light. Try this unique name for your “void” cat.
9. Dusk: This simple name captures the soft, shadowy tones of evening.
10. Soot: This name would perfectly suit a small, fluffy cat.

Hasret Sonmez via iStock

Names for Small Black Cats

If your black cat is smaller than average, you might give them a name that captures their compact size. And of course, you could also choose one of these names for a large black cat as a joke.

1. Bean
2. Figgy
3. Plum
4. Pixie
5. Pepper
6. Olive
7. Pippin
8. Thistle
9. Misty
10. Lyric

Black Cat Names from Myth and Magic

Names from legend, myth, and magic often make the perfect fit for a black cat. Try one of these options to suit your enigmatic companion!

1. Anubis: This name comes from the Egyptian god of the afterlife.
2. Hades: This name references the Greek god of the underworld.
3. Osiris: This name honors the Egyptian god of the underworld.
4. Merlin: The name of this legendary wizard conveys a sense of deep wisdom and magic.
5. Morrigan: This shapeshifting Irish goddess is associated with war, fate, and death.
6. Pandora: In Greek mythology, Pandora was the first mortal woman, and her curiosity changed the course for humankind.
7. Persephone: This name comes from the Greek queen of the underworld and goddess of death, grain, and spring.
8. Kali: This name honors the Hindu goddess of power and transformation.
9. Fey: Often used to describe fairies and elves, this term suggests magical and mystical qualities.
10. Fortuna: The name of the Roman goddess of chance, fortune, and fate might suit a particularly lucky cat!

Spooky Names for Black Cats

Black cats, witches, and spooky Halloween vibes often go hand-in-hand. A supernatural name might give your cat a little extra presence!

1. Illusion: This name evokes dark elegance and magic tricks.
2. Hex: This simple, short, and mystical name is perfect for any trickster cat.
3. Tarot: This name suggests mystery and the unknown.
4. Ghost: This simple name would suit any shadowy cat.
5. Specter: This subtle, ghostly name would work for any cat who loves to loom or hide.
6. Twilight: This name conveys the gloom and darkness of oncoming night.
7. Rorschach: A reference to the famous inkblot tests, this name suggests enigma and unpredictability.
8. Abyss: If your cat tends to resemble a pool of darkness on the floor or furniture, this name might be the perfect choice.
9. Shade: This simple name brings to mind shadows and mystery.
10. Umbra: The Latin word for shadow, this name carries a sense of mystery and elegance.

Black Cat Names from Pop Culture

These cat names from movies, books, and TV shows make great picks for black cats with a larger-than-life character.

1. Darko: From the movie Donnie Darko.
2. Bellatrix: From the Harry Potter book series.
3. Wednesday: From The Addams Family.
4. Bagheera: The black panther in The Jungle Book.
5. Maleficent: The villain in Sleeping Beauty. 
6. Felix: The classic cartoon cat—plus, the name Felix means “lucky”!
7. Jiji: Kiki’s black cat in Kiki’s Delivery Service.
8. Figaro: The tuxedo cat from Pinocchio. 
9. Lucifer: Cinderella’s stepmother’s black cat in Cinderella.
10. Vader: A shortened form of Darth Vader from Star Wars. 

Cute Names for Black Cats

Black cats are sometimes mysterious, but they can be goofballs, too. Celebrate your cat’s silly side with a cute name that makes people smile.

1. Bubbles
2. Noodle
3. Sylvie
4. Fable
5. Jinx
6. Tilly
7. Momo
8. Bat
9. Boo
10. Elf

Black Cat Names in Other Languages

If you enjoy learning about other cultures or want to give your cat a slightly more unique name, you might take your inspiration from languages around the world. Here are the words for black, night, and shadow in 10 different languages.

Names that mean “black”

1. Noir (French)
2. Negra (Spanish)
3. Schwarz (German)
4. Nero (Italian)
5. Kuro (Japanese)
6. Kala (Hindi)
7. Hei (Chinese)
8. Aswad (Arabic)
9. Preto (Portuguese)
10. Chyorny (Russian)

Names that mean “night”

1. Noche (Spanish)
2. Nuit (French)
3. Nacht (German)
4. Notte (Italian)
5. Yoru (Japanese)
6. Raat (Hindi)
7. Ye (Chinese)
8. Layl (Arabic)
9. Noite (Portuguese)
10. Noch (Russian)

Names that mean “shadow”

1. Ombre (French)
2. Sombra (Spanish)
3. Schatten (German)
4. Ombra (Italian)
5. Kage (Japanese)
6. Chhaya (Hindi)
7. Ying (Chinese)
8. Zill (Arabic)
9. Sombra (Portuguese)
10. Ten’ (Russian)

Simple Names for Black Cats

Prefer to keep your cat’s name short and sweet? Keep it simple with one of these memorable picks.

• Zen
• Kai
• Milo
• Neo
• Poe
• Max
• Leo
• Lux
• Dex
• Star

Rebecca Wilke via iStock

Loyal Names for Black Cats

These names are perfect for an devoted and affectionate black cat who loves spending time with their family.

1. Truman: This sturdy name means “loyal one.”
2. Cara: This name means “beloved” in Italian and “friend” in Irish—perfect for a loyal feline companion!
3. Kismet: Meaning “destiny,” this name suggests you and your cat were fated to meet and become true friends.
4. Faith: This sweet and simple name would work for any beloved pet.
5. Orion: Does your cat loyally defend you from spiders and small household pests? Why not name them after the great hunter himself?
6. Diesel: This tough name conveys a sense of strength and loyalty and would suit any tank of a cat!
7. True: This short name would suit any cat, male or female.
8. Silhouette: If your cat shows their loyalty by sticking to you day and night, honor their companionship with this elegant name.
9. Ivy: This plant symbolizes faith, attachment, and resilience—a sweet and simple name for a beloved companion!
10. Cal: This short name means “faithful” and would suit a small male cat perfectly.

Food Names for Black Cats

When it comes to black cat names, food and drink can offer some additional inspiration. Try these picks that come from black or very dark brown foods.

1. Kahlua
2. Cocoa
3. Coffee
4. Cola
5. Nutmeg
6. Oreo
7. Bourbon
8. Blackberry
9. Chai
10. Chocolate

Symbolic and Mysterious Names for Black Cats

Want a name for your cat that has some deeper meaning? These names have a hint of mystery, history, or the secrets of deep space.

1. Eclipse: This name captures the mysteries of the skies, perfect for pet parents who love to stargaze.
2. Oracle: This enigmatic name would suit any mysterious cat.
3. Nox: Latin for night, this name makes a simple and symbolic choice.
4. Rune: This name suggests history and a hint of magic.
5. Nyx: A reference to the goddess of night, this name would make a symbolic and powerful choice!
6. Void: This lighthearted term for a black cat also conveys a sense of depth, darkness, and enigma.
7. Celeste: This gentle name comes from the word “celestial” and would make a sweet pick for an elegant cat.
8. Layla: This Arabic name means “night” and “dark beauty.”
9. Comet: Have a black cat who loves to streak through the house? Capture their spirit with this space-friendly name.
10. Mystique: This name carries a sense of allure and intrigue, with a sophisticated ring.

Funny Names for Black Cats

Sometimes, a funny name is the perfect choice for a black cat with a larger-than-life character.

1. Medusa
2. Gargoyle
3. Fizz
4. Ninja
5. Tux
6. Crayon
7. Panda
8. Vlad
9. Butler
10. Goblin

Get More Cat Names

Still haven’t settled on the perfect pick for your new black cat or kitten? Try Rover’s cat name generator or check out some of our other cat name articles!

• Mystical Cat Names
• Cute Cat Names
• Unique Cat Names