70+ Black Cat Names
Names inspired by midnight panthers of the living room.
A name that nods to the coat is a classic for a reason — it is an instant match between the name and the cat standing in front of you. These picks all suit a black-coated cat, from obvious tributes to subtler nods.
AshUnisexFrom the ash tree — smoky and strongAthenaFemaleGoddess of wisdom — regal and sharpBagheeraMaleCatThe panther — sleek guardian of the jungleBlackberryFemaleCatBramble sweetness; dark, juicy and a little wildBombayMaleCatSleek little panther of the living roomCaspianMaleNamed for the great sea, wide-spirited and calmCloveFemaleCatTiny aromatic bud with warming spiceCocoaFemaleRich and comforting — made for cozy daysColaFemaleFizzy and sweet — classic soda pop
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DahliaFemaleDramatic bloom — dark-petaled beautyDamsonFemaleCatDeep purple plum, autumn hedgerow sweetDanteMaleCatPoet of the underworld; intense, brooding, brilliantDominoMaleBlack and white game piece — spotted charmerDuskUnisexCatTwilight hour; poised between day and dreamEchoUnisexRepeats what you say — actually listens, mostlyEdgarMaleCatPoe-like melancholy; literary, dark and lovelyElsinoreMaleCatHamlet castle, dramatic and broodingEmpressFemaleCatSupreme ruler — you are merely staffSponsored
FelixMaleCatHappy and lucky — the original cartoon catFrenzyFemaleCatMidnight zoomies made flesh, unstoppable and gleefulGodivaFemaleCatChocolate empress, rides with legendGolightlyFemaleCatBreakfast at Tiffanys, moon-river wandererGuinnessMaleDark Irish stout — rich and smoothHadesMaleCatUnderworld ruler; broods adorably in dark cornersIndigoUnisexDeep blue dye — artistic soulInkwellMaleCatDipped in midnight, writes his own storyInkyUnisexCatSpilled inkblot; leaves dark pawprints everywhereSponsored
IsabelleFemaleFrom Elizabeth, devoted and quietly queenlyIvyFemaleCatClinging vine — elegant and tenaciousJafarMaleCatRoyal vizier with a serpent charmJetMaleBlack gemstone — fast as a jet planeJiminyFemaleWhistles a happy tune and keeps you honestJinxFemalePlayful bad luck — sneezes mischiefJunoFemaleRoman queen of the gods — imperious and lovingKelseyFemaleOld English for brave, courage with a curly tailKnoxMaleRound hill fortress; solid, silent and unmovableLicoriceMaleCatBlack candy twist, an old soulLokiMaleNorse trickster god — for the serial sock thiefMaxMaleGreatest, from Latin — the archetypal good boyMidnightUnisexThe darkest hour — sleek and mysteriousMulberryFemaleCatSilkworm banquet, deep purple berriesMystiqueFemaleCatShapeshifting allure; always slightly enigmaticNeroMaleCatDark emperor fiddling while Rome burnsNightshadeUnisexBeautiful poison berry of twilight gardensNoriMaleSeaweed snack — sushi-night sidekickNovellaUnisexCatShort but rich, a story on soft pawsNyxUnisexGoddess of night — sleek midnight mysteryOliveFemalePeace symbol — a little salty, very sweetOnyxUnisexBlack gemstone — sleek and mysteriousOreoUnisexBlack-and-white cookie — the tuxedo classicOrionMaleThe hunter constellation — stellar and boldPepperUnisexSpice with a kick — for the speckled spitfirePeppercornUnisexCatSharp little specks with big seasoningPrinceMaleHeir to the throne and your pillowPyewacketFemaleCatFamiliar spirit of witches; vintage movie magicRavenUnisexDark-winged clever bird — mystic and sleekRogueUnisexCharmingly lawless — steals hearts and socksRookUnisexCastle-corner guardian of the chessboardSableUnisexDark luxurious fur — sleek and mysteriousSalemMaleCatWitch's familiar — sassy and centuries oldSebastianMaleCatVenerable courtier; under-the-sea eleganceShadowUnisexFollows you everywhere — quiet and devotedSiriusMaleBrightest star — the dog star of nightSootyUnisexCatChimney dust; smudged, sweet and slightly magicalStarbuckFemaleCatLiterary harpoon and coffee brand alikeStormUnisexPower of the skies — dramatic and fastSylvesterMaleCatSufferin' succotash! — dramatic and determinedUmbraUnisexCatDeepest shadow; sleeps peacefully inside eclipsesVaderMaleDark side of adorable — heavy breathing includedVelvetFemaleCatPlush nap pile; smooth from ear to tailVeronicaFemaleCatTrue image; sultry noir beautyWednesdayFemaleCatGrim but adorable; deadpan gothic charmWickUnisexCatCandle-thread spark ready to igniteHow to choose the right name
Keep it shortOne or two syllables carry best across the park — dogs respond faster to crisp sounds like Max or Zoe than to long, soft names.
Hard consonants winNames with a clear K, T or B sound (Coco, Toby, Pixel) cut through background noise far better than whispery ones.
Avoid household collisionsIf it sounds like a command — sit, stay, no, down — or another family member's name, pick again. Confusion slows training.
Say it out loud, ten timesYou will call this name hundreds of times. If it still feels good at call ten in your own voice, it's the one.
FAQ
What should I name a black cat?Popular picks include Ash, Athena, Bagheera, Blackberry, Bombay. Coat-inspired names work because they highlight what makes your cat visually unique.
Do coat-color names get confusing?No — unlike commands, color names are unique words. The main caution: two black pets in one home may both answer to the same name.
Can I name a black cat something unrelated to color?Absolutely — personality and sound matter more. Browse the style and letter pages for ideas beyond the coat.