I named my first cat Bella. I could have sworn I picked an original name with a unique backstory (it means “beautiful” in Italian), but as you’ll discover from the list below, great minds think alike. These are the ten most popular cat names in 2018, according to our meowbox database. Did your cats’ names make the cut?
10. Milo
Milo has made an appearance somewhere on the top ten list for the past 4 years. This year it comes in at the bottom spot…but it definitely still counts! @milo_rescuecat’s name was inspired by the movie “Milo and Otis.” The kitty in the movie was adventurous, just like the real-life Milo.
9. Lily
The Lily flower is a symbol for innocence, purity, and beauty. @lily_my_doll’s name was specially chosen by her human because “lilies are my favorite flower…it only seemed right because Lily is so beautiful.” Based off her Instagram photos, we can’t disagree.
8. Max
Maximillian is the longer version of Max, which means “greatest.” Max can also be short for the feminine version, Maxine. This name has shown up on our top ten list for the past four years and it probably will for years to come.
7. Leo
Leo is Latin for “lion.” It just so happens that Leo of @gretchen_and_leo was born with the face of a lion, according to his humans. Neat lil’ story: Both his humans’ astrological signs are Leo, as well as their twin baby girls’! Coincidence?
6. Chloe
The name Chloe is of Greek origin, meaning “green shoot,” leading to freshness, blooming, youth, fertility, and agriculture. Kitten Lady, Hannah Shaw, fostered @gochloego and explained that she selected the name because she “wanted her to have a name so beautiful that you would give it to your first child.” What an honour!
5. Charlie
Sometimes a name comes from being in the right place at the right time. In the case of @charlie.cheeto, he was a stray kitten found in the beautiful city of Charleston, South Carolina, hence the shortened version. Charlie, which means “manly,” has been on our top 5 list for the past four years, and for good reason.
4. Lucy
The humans of @lu.cy.cat, who have always wanted to move abroad, chose the name because it “sounds good in Portuguese, English, and French.” Originally popular in England, the name has become desirable in North America as well and has been one of the top six names on our list for the past four years.
3. Bella
As I mentioned, I chose the name because it means “beautiful” in Italian. Dang, she was/is a beautiful kitty–it just makes sense! Bella has held a position within the top ten cat names list for the past four years.
2. Oliver
Oliver is an English name which means “olive tree,” a symbol of peace. I can’t imagine that all cats named Oliver are always peaceful, but certainly while they’re asleep. This name has held the number two spot year after year. Points for consistency!
1. Luna
The number one most popular cat name holds the top position once again, for the 4th year in a row! Luna, which means “moon” in Latin, is also the name of Roman mythological goddess of the moon. Cat mom to Instagram’s @hello_luna_rose, Shannon Ellis, explains, “I fell in love with the name.” And there you have it, lovelies. The only explanation needed.
The 2018 List
10. Milo
9. Lily
8. Max
7. Leo
6. Chloe
5. Charlie
4. Lucy
3. Bella
2. Oliver
1. Luna