Welcome to the fun and exciting world of naming black cats!
In this article, we’ll explore tons of names, talk about the history and symbolism of black cats, and share some tips for naming your cat. Plus, we’ve collected some of the best and most unique names just for black cats.
Whether you want a name from a myth, inspired by stars and planets, or something that simply means “black”, we have plenty of choices.
So, are you ready to start this exciting adventure? We guarantee by the end you’ll find a name that fits your black cat perfectly!
Female Black Cat Names
- Amaris (Hebrew for ‘given by God’, also refers to the night rain)
- Artemis (Greek goddess of the moon)
- Astra (Latin for ‘star’)
- Beatrix (after Beatrix Potter, who often wore black)
- Bellatrix (a star in the constellation Orion)
- Bewitched
- Cherry (after dark cherries)
- Coco (for dark chocolate)
- Desdemona (a moon of Uranus)
- Eclipse
- Ebonique
- Elvira (Mistress of the Dark, a gothic, witchy persona)
- Frida (after Frida Kahlo, known for her dark hair and eyebrows)
- Galaxy
- Jasmine (for black jasmine tea)
- Licorice
- Luna (moon)
- Midnight
- Mocha
- Morticia (after Morticia Addams)
- Nerissa (Italian for ‘black haired’)
- Nightfall
- Nightshade
- Nyx (Greek goddess of night)
- Panthera
- Salem
- Selene (moon goddess)
- Trixie (a cute play on ‘trick’, like a black cat crossing your path is a trick)
- Venus
- Zelda (after Zelda Fitzgerald, who often wore black)
For more name ideas for your black beauty check a dedicated guide: Female Black Cat Names
Male Black Cat Names
- Ash
- Batman
- Binx (like the cat from Hocus Pocus)
- Blackbeard
- Blackjack
- Dusk
- Ebon
- Grim (as in Grim Reaper)
- Hades (God of the Underworld)
- Jaguar
- Jet
- Loki (trickster god)
- Lucifer
- Merlin
- Midnight
- Mortimer
- Nightshade
- Noir
- Onyx
- Orion (after the constellation)
- Phantom
- Poe (after Edgar Allan Poe)
- Raven
- Rider (as in a knight rider)
- Salem
- Shadow
- Smokey
- Spike
- Vader
- Venom
For more name ideas for your black prince check a dedicated guide: Male Black Cat Names
Unisex Black Cat Names
- Blackberry
- Charcoal
- Cinder
- Cosmos
- Ebony
- Eclipse
- Espresso
- Graphite
- Indigo
- Ink
- Jet
- Mamba
- Merlot
- Midnight
- Mystic
- Mystique
- Noir
- Obsidian
- Onyx
- Puma
- Raven
- Sable
- Salem
- Shadow
- Sooty
- Velvet
Unique Black Cat Names
- Abyssinia (as in the Abyssinian cat breed, but also suggestive of the word ‘abyss’)
- Atrament (another word for ink)
- Caliginous (very dark or dim)
- Carbonado (also known as ‘Black Diamond’)
- Cataclysm (a large-scale and violent event in the natural world)
- Chiaroscuro (Italian art term for light-dark)
- Cimmerian (an adjective referring to deep darkness)
- Corbeau (French for ‘raven’)
- Cosmic Noir
- Cosmonaut
- Crepuscule (a word for twilight or dim light)
- Cryptic Shadow
- Darkling
- Ebonmyst
- Ebonstar
- Ecliptic
- Galactica
- Galaxor
- Gothika
- Grimalkin (an old or evil-looking female cat, in folklore)
- Inkling
- Inky Dinky
- Jetstream
- Kuromi (Japanese for ‘black beauty’)
- Liquoriceen
- Lugubrious (looking or sounding sad or dismal, associated with darkness)
- Lunaris (Latin for ‘of the moon’)
- Maelstrom (a powerful whirlpool)
- Melankitty
- Melano (from ‘melanin’, the pigment that gives skin, hair, and eyes their color)
- Morella (after the dark tale by Edgar Allan Poe)
- Morpheus (Greek god of dreams)
- Mortivore (eater of death)
- Mysterion
- Nebula (a cloud of gas and dust in outer space)
- Nero (Italian for ‘black’)
- Nightwhisper
- Noctambulant (one who walks at night)
- Noctilion (meaning ‘night bat’)
- Notte (Italian for night)
- Obsidionyx
- Penumbral (pertaining to the shadow cast by the earth or moon over an area experiencing a partial eclipse)
- Phantomlace
- Ravenlore
- Ravenquill
- Ravenwing
- Sablemoon
- Shadowbane
- Shadowflame
- Shadoblique
- Shadomancer
- Solstice (the time of the year when night is the longest)
- Stygian (related to the River Styx, a river in Greek mythology that was considered black)
- Tenebris (Latin for ‘darkness’)
- Tsukiyo (Japanese for ‘moonlit night’)
- Umbra (Latin for ‘shadow’)
- Vantablack (one of the darkest substances known)
- Vesper
- Zaffre (a deep blue pigment)
- Zephyrnight (a light wind at night)
Explore more rare cat name ideas in our guide to Unique Cat Names.
Badass Black Cat Names
- Abyss
- Anarchy
- Axel
- Bandit
- Bane
- Banshee
- Blackbolt
- Blackfang
- Blackviper
- Blade
- Blaze
- Blitz
- Bullet
- Cataclysm
- Chaos
- Cobra
- Cyclone
- Darkblade
- Darkfire
- Darkflame
- Darklord
- Darkness
- Darksky
- Darkstar
- Deathclaw
- Dominion
- Dread
- Ebonmyst
- Eclipse
- Fang
- Fury
- Ghoul
- Gloom
- Grim
- Grimm
- Grimreaper
- Havoc
- Hellfire
- Hurricane
- Inferno
- Ironclaw
- Jaguar
- Jinx
- Lethal
- Maelstrom
- Manticore
- Maul
- Maverick
- Nightbane
- Nightclaw
- Nightmare
- Nightshade
- Nightstalker
- Nightterror
- Nocturne
- Oblivion
- Phantasm
- Phantom
- Prowler
- Quake
- Ravage
- Raven
- Razor
- Reaper
- Revenant
- Ripper
- Riptide
- Sabertooth
- Shroud
- Slate
- Specter
- Stalk
- Steelclaw
- Stormbringer
- Stormfury
- Striker
- Talon
- Thunderclaw
- Thunderstorm
- Titan
- Torment
- Tornado
- Vandal
- Vendetta
- Venom
- Viper
- Vortex
- Warlock
- Warrior
Classic Black Cat Names
- Ash
- Binx (like the cat from Hocus Pocus)
- Blackberry
- Blackie
- Blackjack
- Charcoal
- Chimney
- Coal
- Cosmo
- Dusk
- Ebony
- Eclipse
- Elvira
- Espresso
- Felix
- Inkwell
- Inky
- Iron
- Jet
- Jinx
- Licorice
- Magic
- Midnight
- Moonbeam
- Moonlight
- Morticia
- Muffin
- Mamba
- Mystery
- Night
- Nightfall
- Nightshade
- Noir
- Obsidian
- Onyx
- Panther
- Pepper
- Phantom
- Puma
- Raven
- Sable
- Salem
- Shadow
- Silk
- Smoky
- Soot
- Spooky
- Thunder
- Twilight
- Velvet
- Whiskers
- Zorro
Elegant Black Cat Names
- Aristotle
- Aurora
- Balthazar
- Beaumont
- Benedict
- Blanche
- Caprice
- Caviar
- Celestia
- Crescent
- Damask
- Dante
- Eclipse
- Elegance
- Elusive
- Elysium
- Fable
- Galahad
- Genesis
- Gentry
- Gossamer
- Harlequin
- Harmony
- Haven
- Infinity
- Jasper
- Jewel
- Kismet
- Knight
- Lunar
- Majesty
- Midnight
- Mystic
- Mystique
- Nebula
- Nightingale
- Noir
- Pearl
- Quartz
- Quasar
- Quill
- Raven
- Rhapsody
- Rune
- Sable
- Satin
- Solstice
- Stardust
- Tiberius
- Topaz
- Tempest
- Unity
- Umbra
- Utopia
- Vesper
- Velvet
- Virtue
- Windsor
- Wonder
- Xanadu
- Xerxes
- Xystus
- Yale
- Yonder
- Zephyr
- Zen
- Zenith
Cute Black Cat Names
- Bumblebee
- Boop
- Bubblegum
- Buttercup
- Buttons
- Candy
- Caramel
- Chuckles
- Cookie
- Crumbs
- Cuddles
- Cupcake
- Daisy
- Doodles
- Fizz
- Fluffy
- Giggles
- Gumdrops
- Gummy
- Jellybean
- Jujube
- Licorice
- Lolly
- Marshmallow
- Mittens
- Muffin
- Noodles
- Nugget
- Peanut
- Pebbles
- Pixie
- Popcorn
- Popsicle
- Pudding
- Pumpkin
- Snickers
- Sprinkles
- Squiggles
- Sugarpie
- Skittles
- Snuggles
- Tootsie
- Truffles
- Twinkle
- Twizzler
- Whiskers
Funny Black Cat Names
- Batman
- Beanie
- Blackbeard
- Boots
- Broomstick
- Dracula
- Eightball
- Espresso
- Grimalkin
- Inkblot
- Jellybean
- Licorice
- MuffinBurnt
- Ninja
- Purrlock
- Shadowfax
- Soot
- Spooky
- Witchy
- Zorro
Cool Black Cat Names
- Ace
- Cipher
- Cosmos
- Eclipse
- Hex
- Jet
- Jinx
- Mamba
- Nebula
- Noir
- Onyx
- Panther
- Phantom
- Raven
- Rogue
- Sabotage
- Sable
- Shadow
- Storm
- Voodoo
Mysterious Black Cat Names
- Arcane
- Cipher
- Cosmos
- Cryptic
- Eclipse
- Enigma
- Jinx
- Mystic
- Mystique
- Nebula
- Nocturne
- Obsidian
- Oracle
- Phantom
- Raven
- Riddle
- Shadow
- Specter
- Vesper
- Voodoo
Magical Black Cat Names
- Arcane
- Charmer
- Eclipse
- Enigma
- Hex
- Hocus
- Luna
- Merlin
- Mystic
- Mystique
- Nocturne
- Obsidian
- Oracle
- Pocus
- Raven
- Shadow
- Sorcerer
- Spellbinder
- Vesper
Evil Black Cat Names
- Banshee
- Behemoth
- Beelzebub
- Blackout
- Cruella
- Darkseid
- Devil
- Diablo
- Dracula
- Grimm
- Hex
- Jinx
- Lucifer
- Maleficent
- Mephistopheles / Mephisto
- Mordor
- Morticia
- Nemesis
- Phantom
- Raven
- Rogue
- Shadow
- Specter
- Venom
- Voldemort
- Voodoo
Witchy Black Cat Names
- Bellatrix
- Broomstick
- Cauldron
- Circe
- Elvira
- Familar
- Grimalkin
- Hecate
- Lilith
- Luna
- Merlin
- Morgana
- Raven
- Salem
- Sabrina
- Tabitha
- Tarot
- Thackery
- Willow
- Wicca
Mythical Black Cat Names
- Acheron – A Greek underworld river
- Bacchus – Roman wine god
- Cerberus – Three-headed dog guarding the Greek underworld
- Draco – Constellation named after the Latin word for dragon
- Erebus – From Greek mythology, the deep darkness and shadow which is used to describe the underworld
- Eurydice – Orpheus’s wife in Greek mythology, whom he tried to revive
- Fenrir – Norse mythological wolf prophesied to wreak havoc during Ragnarok
- Griffin – Mythical creature with an eagle’s head and lion’s body
- Hades – Ancient Greek god of the underworld
- Ixion – Lapiths king punished by Zeus in Greek mythology
- Jotun – Entity in Norse mythology, distinct from gods, dwarfs, and elves
- Kali – Hindu goddess of time, change, and empowerment
- Loki – Norse trickster god and shapeshifter
- Medusa – Greek gorgon whose gaze could petrify
- Nyx – Greek night goddess
- Orion – Prominent constellation named after a Greek mythological hunter
- Pandora – First woman on earth in Greek mythology, released all evils, leaving hope
- Quetzalcoatl – Mesoamerican feathered serpent deity of wisdom and knowledge
- Rhea – Greek Titaness, mother of Olympians
- Selene – Greek moon goddess
- Typhon – Deadly monstrous serpent in Greek mythology
- Urania – Greek muse of astronomy
- Valkyrie – Norse female figures deciding who dies and who lives in battle
- Wyvern – Medieval mythical creature, dragon-like with two wings and two legs
- Xanthus – Immortal horse of Achilles in Greek mythology
- Ymir – Primeval being and ancestor of all giants in Norse mythology
- Zephyr – Greek god of the gentle west wind
Mystical Black Cat Names
- Astra
- Balthazar
- Celestia
- Dusk
- Eldritch
- Fable
- Glimmer
- Halcyon
- Iridescent
- Jinx
- Mystique
- Kismet
- Lunar
- Mirage
- Nocturne
- Oracle
- Phantom
- Quasar
- Rune
- Specter
- Twilight
- Umbra
- Vision
- Whisper
- Xanadu
- Yew
- Zenith
Spiritual Black Cat Names
- Aura
- Bodhi
- Chakra
- Deva
- Enlightenment
- Faith
- Grace
- Harmony
- Illumination
- Jnana
- Karma
- Lotus
- Mantra
- Nirvana
- Om
- Prana
- Quintessence
- Reiki
- Serenity
- Tranquility
- Unity
- Veda
- Wisdom
- Xen
- Yogi
- Zen
Black Cat Names from Movies and Television
- Bagheera – The Jungle Book
- Behemoth – The Master and Margarita
- Binx – Hocus Pocus
- Blackie – The Brady Bunch
- Bullet – Rawhide
- Jiji – Kiki’s Delivery Service
- Kitty Softpaws – Puss in Boots
- Luna – Sailor Moon
- Misty – Watcher in the Woods
- Panther – Gumby
- Pluto – Edgar Allan Poe’s The Black Cat
- Salem – Sabrina the Teenage Witch
- Scratchy – The Simpsons
- Shadow – Homeward Bound
- Snowball II – The Simpsons
Dive into the world of iconic felines from movies, TV, literature, and pop culture in our comprehensive guide to Famous Black Cats.
Black Cat Names Inspired by Pop Culture
- Batman – DC Comics
- Bellatrix – Harry Potter
- Cersei – Game of Thrones
- Dracula – Bram Stoker’s Dracula
- Ebony – Ebony Magazine
- Elvira – Mistress of the Dark
- Inky – Pac-Man
- Jon Snow – Game of Thrones
- Kylo – Star Wars
- Maleficent – Sleeping Beauty
- Majin – Dragon Ball Z
- Morpheus – The Matrix
- Noir – French for black, popular in film noir genre
- Nymeria – Game of Thrones
- Raven – Teen Titans
- Rorschach – Watchmen
- Ursula – The Little Mermaid
- Vader – Star Wars
- Voldemort – Harry Potter
- Wednesday – The Addams Family
Black Cat Names Inspired by Nature
- Blackberry
- Cinder – From cinder, the small pieces of burned wood
- Coal
- Cocoa
- Eclipse
- Ebony (a type of dark black wood)
- Jet
- Midnight
- Nightshade (a family of often dark-leaved plants)
- Nori (dark, edible seaweed used in sushi)
- Obsidian (a black volcanic glass)
- Onyx
- Pebble
- Puma
- Raven
- Shadow
- Slate
- Soot (black powder in smoke)
- Stormy
- Thunder
Color-Inspired Names for Black Cats
- Ink
- Onyx (a deep black gemstone)
- Jet
- Ebony (a type of wood that is dark in color)
- Sable (a species of marten that has dark fur)
- Obsidian (a black volcanic glass)
- Raven
- Charcoal
- Graphite
- Liquorice
- Pepper
- Graphene (an allotrope of carbon in the form of a single layer of atoms)
- Pitch
- Caviar
- Vanta (as in Vantablack, one of the darkest substances known)
- Soot (a black powdery or flaky substance)
- Expresso
- Noir
- Velvet
Black Cat Names Inspired by Languages
- Beltza – ‘Black’ in Basque (Pronunciation: belt-sa)
- Chornyi – ‘Black’ in Ukrainian (Pronunciation: chor-nyee)
- Czarny – ‘Black’ in Polish (Pronunciation: char-nee)
- Dubh – ‘Black’ in Irish (Pronunciation: doov)
- Fekete – ‘Black’ in Hungarian (Pronunciation: fe-ke-te)
- Kala – ‘Black’ in Hindi (Pronunciation: ka-la)
- Kuro – ‘Black’ in Japanese (Pronunciation: ku-ro)
- Mavros – ‘Black’ in Greek (Pronunciation: mav-ros)
- Musta – ‘Black’ in Finnish (Pronunciation: mus-ta)
- Negro – ‘Black’ in Spanish (Pronunciation: neh-gro)
- Nero – ‘Black’ in Italian (Pronunciation: neh-ro)
- Noir – ‘Black’ in French (Pronunciation: nwar)
- Pango – ‘Black’ in Maori (Pronunciation: pan-go)
- Preto – ‘Black’ in Portuguese (Pronunciation: pre-to)
- Schwarz – ‘Black’ in German (Pronunciation: shvarts)
- Siyah – ‘Black’ in Turkish (Pronunciation: see-yah)
- Sort – ‘Black’ in Danish (Pronunciation: sot)
- Svart – ‘Black’ in Swedish (Pronunciation: sva-rt)
- Svartur – ‘Black’ in Icelandic (Pronunciation: sva-rtur)
- Zwart – ‘Black’ in Dutch (Pronunciation: zvart)
Symbolism and History of Black Cats
Black Cats in Ancient Civilizations and Folklore
Black cats have held a prominent place in cultural mythology and folklore since the times of ancient civilizations.
In Egyptian society, they were revered and even worshipped, with the goddess Bastet often being depicted as a lioness or as a woman with the head of a lioness or a domestic cat. A black cat crossing one’s path was considered good luck, a belief that sharply contrasts with later Western superstitions.
In Celtic mythology, the Cat Sith, a large black cat with a white spot on its chest, was a fairy creature believed to have the ability to steal a person’s soul before it was claimed by the gods, by passing over a corpse before burial.
Cultural Associations with Black Cats
The symbolism of black cats can differ vastly from one culture to another. In some parts of Western societies, they have been associated with witches, bad luck, and misfortune due to historical events in the Middle Ages and during the witch trials in the early modern period.
However, in other cultures, like the Scottish and Japanese, a black cat is seen as a symbol of good luck. For instance, in Scottish lore, the arrival of a strange black cat signifies prosperity.
In Japanese culture, black cats are considered particularly good luck for single women, as they are believed to bring in many suitors.
Black Cats in Literature, Movies, and Pop Culture
Black cats have made numerous iconic appearances in literature, movies, and pop culture, further influencing our perceptions and naming conventions. From the sassy Thackery Binx in “Hocus Pocus” to the cunning Selina Kyle’s sidekick in “Batman Returns”, black cats have been portrayed as everything from mysterious, supernatural beings to loyal companions.
One of the most famous black cats in literature is undoubtedly Edgar Allan Poe’s ‘Pluto’ in “The Black Cat”, an embodiment of suspense and horror. On a lighter note, we also have ‘Jiji,’ the adorable talking black cat in Hayao Miyazaki’s animated film, “Kiki’s Delivery Service”.
These various depictions of black cats across different cultures and in pop culture contribute to the rich tapestry of potential names for your ebony-coated feline companion. Whether you fancy a name with an ancient lineage or a nod to a pop culture icon, the choices are as varied and intriguing as black cats themselves!
Factors to Consider When Naming a Black Cat
Personality Traits of Black Cats
Naming your black cat based on their unique personality traits can be a great starting point. Is your cat a playful, mischievous trickster? Maybe a name like “Sprite” or “Puck” would suit them. Or perhaps they’re more of a serene, silent type? In that case, a name like “Mystic” or “Eclipse” could be a good fit.
Appearance and Physical Features
Black cats have an undeniable allure thanks to their glossy coats and striking eyes. If your cat has a shiny, sleek black coat, names like “Velvet”, “Silhouette”, or “Onyx” might be perfect. If their stunning eyes captivate you, consider names like “Emerald” for green eyes or “Amber” for golden eyes.
Breed-Specific Traits
Certain breeds carry specific characteristics, and this can be another route for naming your cat. For example, if you have a black Maine Coon, known for its large size and tufted ears, a name like “Goliath” or “Titan” might be fitting. A black Bombay cat, often likened to a panther because of its muscular build and shiny coat, could be named “Panther” or “Jaguar”.
Historical or Mythical References
Drawing from the rich tapestry of history, mythology, and folklore associated with black cats can yield some exciting names. From “Bastet”, the Egyptian goddess who took the form of a lioness or a domestic cat, to “Hecate”, the Greek goddess associated with magic and witchcraft, there are plenty of powerful and enchanting names to choose from.
Owner’s Personal Preferences and Interests
Lastly, your personal interests can play a big role in naming your black cat. Are you a fan of a particular book, movie, or TV show that features a black cat? Then consider naming your pet after that character. Are you interested in astronomy? Maybe a name like “Comet” or “Orion” would be the ideal choice.
The possibilities are endless, and the perfect name could be waiting in your favorite song, city, or even type of coffee! The best names are the ones that resonate with you and reflect your black cat’s unique charm and personality.
Tips for Choosing the Perfect Black Cat Name
Considering the Cat’s Response to the Name
While cats might not understand the meaning behind their names, they can definitely recognize the sound and pattern. Before settling on a name, try it out for a few days and observe your cat’s reaction. Do they perk up when you call them? That’s usually a good sign they’ve begun to associate that sound with themselves.
Ensuring the Name is Easy to Pronounce and Call Out
Your cat’s name should ideally be something that’s easy to pronounce and distinctive enough to be heard. Many pet behaviorists recommend one to two-syllable names as they’re short, snappy, and can quickly grab your cat’s attention. Something like “Luna” or “Raven” can be perfect as they’re simple, distinctive, and still retain that mysterious allure associated with black cats.
Involving Family and Friends in the Naming Process
Involving your family and friends in the process can be both fun and helpful. Organizing a small “naming party” or taking a poll on suggested names can make everyone feel involved and might help come up with suggestions you hadn’t thought of.
Incorporating Names with Personal Significance
Lastly, consider names that hold personal significance. This could be a favorite fictional character, a tribute to a loved one, a cherished memory, or even something inspired by your hobbies. A photographer might choose “Pixel”, a music lover might go for “Clef”, and a book lover might select “Inkwell”. These personalized names add an extra layer of connection between you and your pet.
To avoid mistakes when naming your kitty, explore our guide to Inappropriate Cat Names.
Summary
A well-chosen name has the power to not only mirror your black cat’s unique personality and charm but also to enhance your experience as a pet owner. Whether you’ve chosen a name with cultural significance, a nod to your favorite literary character, or simply an ode to your cat’s glossy black coat, you’re acknowledging the special bond you share with your feline companion.
Naming your black cat isn’t just about labels. It’s a testament to the deep connection between you and your pet, a unique language you both share. It adds a touch of personalization to the myriad moments you’ll experience together— from playful afternoons chasing laser pointers to peaceful evenings with your cat purring softly by your side.
The journey to find that perfect name can be as enjoyable as it is meaningful. It’s a reflection of your interests, your cat’s idiosyncrasies, and the relationship you’re building together. So whether your black cat is a ‘Shadow’, a ‘Mystic’, a ‘Loki’, or an ‘Inky’, remember that each call of their name is a reaffirmation of your bond.
In the end, your black cat’s name is more than just a name. It’s a story, a shared secret, a whisper of affection. It’s a celebration of the wonderful, whimsical world of being a black cat owner. After all, as the saying goes – once you go black cat, you never go back!