From ancient Egyptian temples to modern-day Instagram famous felines, cats have been a beloved part of human history for thousands of years. But have you ever wondered how cat names have evolved over time? The way we name our cute companions today is very different from how people named them back in Egyptian times. In this article, we’ll take a journey through time to explore the history of cat names, how cultural influences shaped them, and how trends have continued to evolve.
Ancient Cat Names: The Era of Reverence
Egyptian Cat Names and Their Sacred Status
In ancient Egypt, cats were considered sacred animals, often associated with the Bastet, a goddess typically depicted as a cat-headed woman. In turn, many cats were given names that reflected their divine status, such as:
- Mau – The Egyptian word for ‘cat.’
- Bast – A name linked directly to the goddess Bastet.
- Ta-Miu – A famous cat name from an ancient Egyptian inscription.
A horrible thought! but killing a cat, even accidentally, was punishable by death in Egypt. Some cats were even mummified and buried with their owners, maybe a bit much for the modern world….
Roman and Greek Cat Naming Traditions
As the influence of Egyptian culture spread, cats were introduced to Rome and Greece. Unlike the Egyptians, Romans and Greeks saw cats more as pest controllers than sacred beings, so names tended to be more practical or affectionate, such as:
- Felix – Meaning ‘lucky’ in Latin, still a popular cat name today.
- Lucius – A common Roman name that means ‘light,’ possibly given to lighter-coloured cats.
- Gatto – The early Roman word for ‘cat’ (which later influenced the modern Italian word for cat, gatto).
Medieval and Renaissance Cat Names: Superstition and Survival
The Dark Ages: Cats and Witchcraft
During the medieval period, cats gained a far less favourable reputation. In many European cultures, black cats, in particular, were associated with witchcraft and bad luck. This led to many people avoiding naming cats altogether or giving them ominous names such as:
- Shadow – A name linked to mystery and darkness.
- Hex – From the Germanic term for a spell or curse.
- Lucifer – A name sometimes given to black cats due to their alleged connection to the supernatural.
Despite the fear surrounding cats, some people still kept them as useful companions for controlling rodents. Although, those lucky cats that were kept in monasteries and castles might have had names related to their role, such as Hunter or Mouser.
The Renaissance: A Shift in Cat Popularity
By the Renaissance, that silly fear surrounding cats had diminished, and they were once again seen as helpful and even companionable animals. With this shift, we start seeing cuter, more affectionate cat names such as:
- Minette – A French term of endearment for small pets.
- Tibbles – A name derived from ‘Tibert,’ an old word for a male cat.
- Puss – One of the earliest recorded ‘pet names’ for cats, which led to variations like Puss in Boots in folklore.
Victorian Era and 20th-Century Cat Names: The Rise of Pet Naming Traditions
During the Victorian era, keeping cats as household pets became far more common, and with that came a greater emphasis on giving cats proper names. Many cats were given elegant, human-like names or whimsical names based on their personality, including:
- Oscar – A dignified name reflecting the rise of formal names for pets.
- Mittens – A name inspired by coat patterns, common in tabby and tuxedo cats.
- Whiskers – A playful name that highlights a cat’s best feature.
By the early 20th century, pop culture started influencing pet names. The creation of famous cartoon cats led to the widespread adoption of names like:
- Felix – From Felix the Cat, one of the earliest animated cartoon characters.
- Tom – Inspired by Tom and Jerry, one of the most iconic cartoons of the era.
- Sylvester – From Looney Tunes, influencing many black-and-white cat names.
Modern Cat Naming Trends: Pop Culture, Internet Influence & Personalisation
Today, naming cats has become a mix of tradition, pop culture, and creativity. Some of the most common trends include:
1. Pop Culture Names
With the rise of movies, TV shows, and celebrity pets, many modern cat names are inspired by famous characters:
- Luna (from Harry Potter)
- Simba (from The Lion King)
- Garfield (from the famous comic strip)
2. Human Names for Cats
Many pet owners now choose classic human names, creating a humorous contrast when calling their pets:
- Oliver
- Henry
- Maggie
3. Unique and Quirky Names
The internet has brought an explosion of creativity in pet naming, leading to names that reflect a cat’s unique traits or meme culture:
- Beans
- Chonky
- Noodle
4. Mythological and Fantasy Names
With an increasing interest in fantasy and mythology, many cat owners choose names inspired by gods, legends, or mystical beings:
- Athena (Greek goddess of wisdom)
- Loki (Norse trickster god)
- Merlin (legendary wizard)
Final Thoughts: The Evolution of Cat Names
From sacred Egyptian cat names to modern meme-inspired names, the way we name our cats has evolved throughout history. While the meaning behind names has changed, one thing remains the same—naming a cat is a reflection of how much they mean to us
Whether you prefer classic names or creative, quirky ones, every cat deserves a name that suits their personality and charm. What’s the most unique cat name you’ve ever heard? Share in the comments!
