Here Are the Most Popular Cat Names of 2022

Posted by By Mukesh Pathak 11 Min Read

Introduction

Choosing the perfect name for your new feline friend is a special task that can be both exciting and challenging. The name you pick will be with your cat for life, and it should reflect their unique personality, appearance, or even your favorite things. If you welcomed a new cat into your home in 2022, you might be curious about the most popular names of the year. From classic favorites to trendy newcomers, this list will help you find inspiration for naming your kitty.

Why Are Cat Names Important?

A cat’s name is more than just a label—it’s a reflection of their personality, your relationship with them, and even your own interests or cultural influences. The name you choose can affect how others perceive your cat and how they respond to you. Popular cat names often reflect current trends, popular culture, and even social media influence, making them a snapshot of the year in which they were chosen.

The most popular cat names of 2022 have been determined through various methods, including surveys from pet insurance companies, social media trends, and data from pet adoption agencies. These sources provide a comprehensive view of the names that cat owners are choosing for their furry companions.

Let’s start with the crème de la crème—the top 10 cat names that dominated 2022. These names are popular for a reason: they’re timeless, adorable, and fit a variety of feline personalities.

  1. Luna: Continuing its reign at the top, Luna remains a favorite for its celestial beauty and simplicity.
  2. Oliver: A classic name that works well for both cats and dogs, Oliver is perfect for a gentle, loving feline.
  3. Milo: A playful and energetic name, Milo has been steadily climbing the ranks in recent years.
  4. Bella: A name that means “beautiful” in Italian, Bella is ideal for a cat with grace and elegance.
  5. Simba: Inspired by the beloved Disney character, Simba is a strong choice for a courageous and adventurous cat.
  6. Charlie: A versatile and friendly name, Charlie is perfect for a cat that’s always ready to make friends.
  7. Leo: A strong and regal name, Leo is perfect for a cat that’s the king (or queen) of your household.
  8. Chloe: A sweet and feminine name, Chloe is ideal for a loving and affectionate cat.
  9. Nala: Another Lion King favorite, Nala is great for a cat that’s both fierce and loyal.
  10. Lucy: A classic name that’s both cute and timeless, Lucy is perfect for a cat with a playful spirit.

While the top 10 names are certainly popular, there are many other names that gained traction in 2022. To help you find the perfect name for your cat, we’ve categorized the most popular names into different themes:

1. Pop Culture-Inspired Names

Pop culture always has a strong influence on pet names. Here are some of the most popular names inspired by movies, TV shows, and celebrities in 2022:

  • Grogu: Inspired by The Mandalorian’s Baby Yoda, Grogu is a popular choice for Star Wars fans.
  • Wanda: With the success of WandaVision, Wanda became a trending name for powerful and mysterious cats.
  • Loki: The mischievous Marvel character inspired many cat owners to choose this name for their playful felines.
  • Zendaya: The talented actress’s name became a popular choice, reflecting her rising star power.
  • Raya: Inspired by Raya and the Last Dragon, this name is perfect for a brave and adventurous cat.

2. Classic Cat Names

Some names never go out of style. These classic names continued to be popular in 2022, proving that they’re timeless choices for any cat:

  • Whiskers: A classic and charming name, Whiskers is perfect for any cat with prominent whiskers.
  • Smokey: Ideal for a cat with a gray or smoky-colored coat, this name remains a perennial favorite.
  • Midnight: A mysterious and elegant name, Midnight is perfect for a black cat.
  • Tigger: Inspired by the Winnie the Pooh character, Tigger is great for a bouncy and energetic feline.
  • Shadow: A sleek and stealthy name, Shadow is ideal for a cat that loves to hide and sneak around.

3. Nature-Inspired Names

Nature-inspired names were also a big trend in 2022, as many cat owners drew inspiration from the natural world for their feline companions:

  • Willow: A gentle and serene name, Willow is perfect for a calm and graceful cat.
  • Daisy: A bright and cheerful name, Daisy is ideal for a cat that brings joy and happiness into your life.
  • River: A flowing and peaceful name, River is great for a cat that’s always on the move.
  • Aspen: A strong and earthy name, Aspen is perfect for a cat with a love for the outdoors.
  • Maple: A warm and cozy name, Maple is ideal for a cat with a sweet and loving personality.

4. Food-Inspired Names

Who doesn’t love a cat with a cute, food-inspired name? Here are some of the most popular food-themed names of 2022:

  • Pumpkin: A sweet and seasonal name, Pumpkin is perfect for a cat with an orange or warm-colored coat.
  • Oreo: Ideal for a black-and-white cat, Oreo is a playful and fun name.
  • Peanut: A cute and quirky name, Peanut is great for a small or delicate feline.
  • Pepper: A spicy and energetic name, Pepper is perfect for a cat with a bit of attitude.
  • Mocha: A rich and warm name, Mocha is ideal for a cat with a chocolate-colored coat.

5. Unique and Trendy Names

For those who like to stand out, unique and trendy names were also popular in 2022. These names are perfect for a cat that’s one of a kind:

  • Zephyr: A cool and breezy name, Zephyr is perfect for a cat that’s always on the move.
  • Indigo: A deep and rich name, Indigo is great for a cat with a striking appearance.
  • Echo: A mysterious and haunting name, Echo is ideal for a cat with a quiet and elusive personality.
  • Phoenix: A powerful and mythical name, Phoenix is perfect for a cat with a strong and fiery spirit.
  • Nova: A bright and shining name, Nova is great for a cat that lights up your life.

While many cat names are unisex, some names are more commonly associated with a specific gender. Here are the most popular male and female cat names of 2022:

Male Cat Names

  • Max: A strong and classic name, Max is perfect for a male cat with a bold personality.
  • Oscar: A sophisticated and timeless name, Oscar is ideal for a cat with a dignified demeanor.
  • Tiger: A fierce and powerful name, Tiger is perfect for a male cat with a wild side.
  • Simba: As mentioned earlier, Simba remains a popular choice for male cats, inspired by the beloved Lion King character.
  • Felix: A classic cartoon name, Felix is perfect for a playful and mischievous male cat.

Female Cat Names

  • Luna: Topping the list for female cats, Luna is a beautiful and celestial name that’s perfect for any kitty.
  • Bella: As mentioned earlier, Bella is a timeless and elegant name, ideal for a female cat.
  • Lily: A sweet and delicate name, Lily is perfect for a gentle and loving female cat.
  • Sophie: A sophisticated and graceful name, Sophie is great for a female cat with a refined personality.
  • Cleo: Short for Cleopatra, Cleo is a strong and regal name, perfect for a queenly female cat.

How to Choose the Perfect Name for Your Cat

Choosing the perfect name for your cat can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it can also be a bit overwhelming with so many options available. Here are some tips to help you decide on the right name for your feline friend:

  1. Consider Your Cat’s Personality: Is your cat playful and energetic, or calm and reserved? Choose a name that reflects their unique personality.
  2. Think About Appearance: Does your cat have a distinctive coat color or pattern? Names like Smokey, Oreo, or Ginger can be great choices.
  3. Look to Your Interests: Are you a fan of a particular TV show, movie, or book? Consider naming your cat after a character you love.
  4. Keep It Simple: Choose a name that’s easy to say and remember. Your cat will respond better to a name that’s short and sweet.
  5. Test It Out: Try saying the name out loud a few times to see how it feels.