Popular cat names change faster than you might think, as pop culture, personality, and trends shape how people name their pets. Based on 2026 Embrace data, the most popular cat names are:
Luna
Oliver
Milo
Leo
Loki
Popular cat names reflect current trends and new registrations, while common cat names are the long-standing favorites you hear again and again at the vet. When it’s time to name your new kitten, looking at both can help you find something that feels current while still standing the test of time.
Popular Cat Names from Embrace Pet Insurance Internal Data
Based on our internal data, Luna is the clear front-runner, with thousands of cats carrying the name! When you sort popular cat names by theme instead of rank, four major trends appear.
Human Names
Many of the most popular cat names right now sound like names you would hear on a classroom roster, not just in a vet’s office.
Oliver
Milo
Leo
Charlie
Lucy
Lily
Daisy
Stella
Chloe
Mia
Sophie
Finn
Henry
George
Winnie
Theo
Oscar
Toby
Cozy Food Names
Some of the most popular kitten names today come straight from the kitchen. Food-inspired choices feel playful and comforting.
Mochi
Pepper
Olive
Oreo
Pumpkin
Mango
Cookie
Sushi
Maple
Mocha
Cheddar
Toast
Noodle
Tofu
Chai
Cinnamon
Pop Culture
Names inspired by movies, mythology, and fandoms consistently appear among both popular cat names and common cat names because they instantly communicate personality.
Loki
Nala
Simba
Salem
Binx
Leia
Zelda
Thor
Zuko
Wednesday
Nature, Florals, and Celestial Vibes
Nature-inspired choices continue to shape many of the most popular cat names right now. Floral, earthy, and cosmic themes offer a calm, timeless feel.
Willow
Lily
Daisy
Nova
Poppy
Hazel
Juniper
Ruby
Ivy
Moon
The Most Popular Cat Names Today
What names are the most popular cat names right now? Coming in at number 1 is Luna! These five popular cat names fall into the broader themes we’ve been seeing.
Popular Cat Name | Trend Signal Behind It |
Luna | Nature and astrology inspired |
Mochi | Food name |
Willow | Nature aesthetics |
Loki | Entertainment and mythology |
Leo | Human baby name crossover with astrology themes |
Popular Kitten Names vs. Adult Cat Names
When you’re naming your kitten, you look at those teeny little toes and hear that sweet little purr, and you might be tempted to name them something cutesy like Bitsy or Nibble. Popular kitten names tend to lean playful, soft, and trend-driven, with favorites like Mochi, Nala, Willow, Maple, and Leo showing up frequently in recent registration data.
Just keep in mind that that tiny kitten will grow up and start to show their personality. You may be able to guess what features they’ll have or a general attitude based on breed, but you might want to keep your cat name a little flexible so that it fits them at all stages.
If you’re looking for a common name that can change as they age, consider:
Charlotte Kitten stage: Lottie Adult stage: Charlie Senior stage: Charlotte
Charles Kitten stage: Chaz Adult stage: Charlie Senior stage: Charles
Theo Kitten stage: Teddy Adult stage: Theo Senior stage: Theodore
Rosie Kitten stage: Ro-Ro Adult stage: Rosie
Senior stage: Rosalynne
How to Choose the Right Name for Your Cat
Not sure where to start? Think about your cat’s personality, your own style, and how the name will feel years from now. Use this quick quiz to see which direction might fit you best.
If this sounds like you… | Try popular cat names like… |
You treat your cat like a tiny person and love classic names. | Oliver, Charlie, Lucy, Theo, Stella |
You love cozy, playful vibes and want something cute but modern. | Mochi, Pepper, Olive, Maple, Chai |
You’re drawn to soft, aesthetic names that feel calm and timeless. | Willow, Nova, Ivy, Aurora, Daisy |
You want a name with personality or a little drama. | Loki, Zelda, Salem, Nala, Binx |
You like familiar, easy-to-call names that never go out of style. | Leo, Milo, Bella, Luna, Sophie |
You want something flexible that can grow with your cat. | Theodore, Penelope, Charlotte, Sebastian, Clementine |
How Pet Insurance Fits Into Your Cat’s Lifelong Care
Whether you choose one of the most popular cat names, a common classic, or something completely unique, naming your cat is just the beginning of your life together. As your kitten grows and their personality settles in, their needs will evolve too. Planning ahead for routine care and unexpected vet visits can help you stay focused on enjoying each stage rather than worrying about the what-ifs.
As you’re settling on a name, make sure you enroll in kitten health insurance to protect your new addition and make sure you never have to think twice about getting them the emergency care they need.
You can also add a kitten wellness plan to help you budget for routine care so that you can always stay up to date on vaccinations, checkups, spaying/neutering, and more.
Popular Cat Names
A name is often the first glimpse into the life you and your cat will build together. Trends may come and go, and lists of popular cat names will keep evolving, but the right choice is the one that continues to feel natural as your cat grows and changes.