185 names for male cats, grouped the way people look for them: by style, and by the colour of the coat. The popular names come from Go.Compare's 2025 list of the UK's favourite cat names.
From Go.Compare's top ten cat names for 2025, based on its pet insurance quotes. Its list isn't split into male and female, so these are the boy names from it.
Keep it short, or have a short version: one or two syllables are easiest to call. Lady Arabella can be Bella at teatime.
Make it different from the names of other pets and people in the house.
Use it for good things. Say the name before food, treats and fuss, not when you're shooing them off the worktop.
Cats do learn their names: a 2019 study in Scientific Reports found pet cats react to their own name more than to similar words. Coming when called is up to them.
Naming by coat colour
Ginger cats are more often male, because the ginger gene is carried on the X chromosome. That's why ginger boy names are easier to find than ginger girl names.
Tortoiseshell and calico cats are almost always female for the same reason. A tortie tom is rare.
Black and white cats are often called tuxedo cats, which is where names like Tux, Domino and Gatsby come from.
Boy Dog Names: 157 boy dog names: the UK's most popular, plus classic, cute, funny, tough and food names, human names and names for small dogs.
Girl Dog Names: 152 girl dog names: the UK's most popular, plus classic, cute, funny, tough and food names, human names and names for small dogs.
Girl Cat Names: 192 girl cat names: popular, classic, cute, funny, posh and food names, plus names for ginger, grey, white, tabby, tortie and black cats.
Frequently Asked Questions
+What is the most popular boy cat name in the UK?
Milo was the highest male name in Go.Compare's list of cat names for 2025, second only to Luna overall. Simba, Loki, Leo and Charlie also made the top ten.
+Why are most ginger cats boys?
The gene for ginger fur is carried on the X chromosome. A male cat needs only one copy to be ginger, while a female needs two, so ginger toms are much more common than ginger queens.
+Can you rename a cat?
Yes, rescue cats are often renamed. Use the new name just before food and treats, say it often in a friendly voice, and be patient. Most cats pick it up within a few weeks.