Quick Glance
#1 female name | Luna — tops multiple major datasets for 2025. |
#1 male name | Milo — short, sweet, and consistently dominant. |
Biggest trend | Human baby names and food-inspired names are both surging. |
Naming tip | Two-syllable names ending in a vowel are easiest for cats to recognize. |
Choosing a name for your cat is one of the first and most lasting decisions you'll make as a new pet parent. The most popular cat names in 2025 tell you a lot about the culture we're living in — human baby names dominate, food is having a moment, and the moon goddess Luna continues her multi-year reign at the top. Whether you want to go with a crowd favorite or use this list as a jumping-off point to find something more unique, here's what cat parents across the US are naming their cats right now.
Does the Name You Choose Actually Matter?
It does — more than you might expect. Research confirms that cats can distinguish their own name from similar-sounding words, even when spoken by a stranger. That said, cats recognize names based on sound patterns, not meaning. Short names with one or two syllables and a strong vowel sound at the end — think Luna, Milo, Bella — tend to get faster responses. Long or complicated names usually get shortened by the household anyway, so it's worth starting there.
The 10 Most Popular Cat Names in 2025
Based on an analysis of over 1.2 million pet insurance data points by U.S. News and Fletch, the top 10 cat names in America for 2025 are:²
Rank | Name | Why It's Popular |
1 | Luna | Goddess of the moon; also #1 for dogs |
2 | Bella | Classic, soft-sounding; crossover baby name |
3 | Leo | Nods to the lion; also a zodiac sign |
4 | Milo | From the 1986 film Milo & Otis; enduringly cute |
5 | Oliver | Human name trend; friendly and approachable |
6 | Lily | Nature-inspired; consistently top-ranked female name |
7 | Charlie | Gender-neutral; ranks high for both cats and dogs |
8 | Kitty | Classic; many rescue cats already respond to it |
9 | Bella | See above — both Bella and Luna appear across datasets |
10 | Loki | Marvel influence; suits mischievous cats perfectly |
Most Popular Girl Cat Names
These female cat names consistently top the charts across Rover, Catster, and U.S. News data:³
Girl Cat Names | Girl Cat Names (cont.) |
Luna | Nova |
Bella | Mochi |
Lily | Mia |
Nala | Penny |
Lucy | Millie |
Willow | Freya |
Cleo | Olive |
Daisy | Ivy |
Pepper | Poppy |
Rosie | Stella |
Most Popular Boy Cat Names
These male cat names are leading the pack in 2025:³
Boy Cat Names | Boy Cat Names (cont.) |
Milo | Felix |
Leo | Finn |
Oliver | Oscar |
Loki | Oreo |
Simba | Shadow |
Charlie | Ollie |
Max | Teddy |
Jasper | Winston |
Mochi | Gizmo |
Binx | Salem |
What's Trending in Cat Names Right Now?
A few clear patterns are shaping cat names in 2025:
Human baby names dominate: About 47% of pet parents choose a name they'd give a child, according to a Pet Sitters International survey.3 Luna, Bella, Leo, and Oliver all double as popular baby names.
Food names are surging: Mochi, Oreo, Bean, Mango, Tofu, Chai, and Sushi all cracked the top 100 in Rover's database — reflecting a broader trend toward playful, comfort-food-inspired names.
Pop culture still drives choices: Loki (Marvel), Simba (The Lion King), Salem (Sabrina the Teenage Witch), and Binx (Hocus Pocus) remain perennial favorites driven by franchise loyalty.
Gender-neutral names are growing: Charlie, Pepper, Sage, Clover, and Nova work for any cat and are increasingly popular across both male and female lists.
How to Pick the Right Name for Your Cat
A few practical things to keep in mind before you commit:
Stick to one or two syllables where possible — they're easier for cats to learn and for you to call across the house.
Avoid names that sound like common commands — Kit sounds like 'sit,' for example, which can confuse training.
Give it a few days before you decide. Some names only feel right once you've seen your cat's personality emerge.
Frequently Asked Questions: Popular Cat Names
What is the most popular cat name in 2025?
Luna. It ranks #1 across multiple major datasets including U.S. News and TrustedHousesitters. It also holds the top spot for dogs, making it the most popular pet name in the US overall.
What is the most popular male cat name?
Milo is consistently the top-ranked male cat name in 2025, followed closely by Leo and Oliver.
Do cats actually recognize their names?
Yes. Research confirms that cats can distinguish their own name from other words and similar sounds.5 They may not always respond — that's a separate matter — but they can know their name.
What are some unique cat names that aren't overused?
If you want something off the beaten path, consider food-inspired names like Miso, Saffron, or Tahini; nature names like Cypress, Fern, or Solstice; or mythology-inspired picks like Io, Clio, or Castor.
Should I rename a rescue cat?
You can — cats can adapt to new names relatively quickly, especially if you pair the new name consistently with positive experiences like treats or play. If your rescue already responds to their name, keeping it or finding a similar-sounding alternative can help make the transition easier.
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Top Trending Pet Names in the U.S.A. Rover. https://www.rover.com/blog/trending-pet-names/.
Most Popular Cat Names in America. U.S. News & World Report. 02 Sep. 2025, https://www.usnews.com/insurance/pet-insurance/most-popular-cat-names.
100+ Popular Cat Names in 2026. Catster. 08 Mar. 2026, https://www.catster.com/lifestyle/popular-cat-names/.
Top Pet Names of 2025. TrustedHouseSitters. 14 Aug. 2025, https://www.trustedhousesitters.com/blog/pets/popular-pet-names-study-2025/.
Cats Recognize Their Own Names. ScienceNews. https://www.sciencenews.org/article/cats-recognize-their-own-names.
