300+ Awesome Literary Cat Names (Bookish Names for Your Feline Friend)

Literary cat names captivate book lovers worldwide who want to honor their favorite characters, authors, and stories through their beloved feline companions.

There’s something deeply satisfying about calling “Hermione!” or “Poe!” across the house and having a furry friend respond.

As someone who’s spent countless evenings curled up with both a book and a cat, I can tell you there’s no better combination than literature and felines.

Picture this: You’re settling in with your latest read, your cat curled beside you, purring contentedly.

Their name – perhaps Atticus from To Kill a Mockingbird or Luna from the Harry Potter series – connects your two greatest loves: literature and cats.

Every time you call their name, you’re transported back to beloved stories and characters that have shaped your imagination.

In this comprehensive guide, you’ll discover over 300+ literary cat names spanning from classical literature to contemporary fiction, from famous authors to beloved characters, all carefully curated to help you find the perfect bookish name for your feline friend.

Literary Cat Names

  • Atticus – From To Kill a Mockingbird, meaning “from Attica” in Latin; represents wisdom and moral courage
  • Scout – Also from To Kill a Mockingbird, meaning “to listen” or “observe”; perfect for curious cats
  • Gatsby – From The Great Gatsby, meaning “from Gaddesby”; ideal for glamorous or mysterious cats
  • Pip – From Great Expectations, meaning “seed”; suits small or energetic cats
  • Darcy – From Pride and Prejudice, meaning “dark one” in Irish; perfect for brooding cats
  • Elizabeth – Also from Pride and Prejudice, meaning “pledged to God” in Hebrew; fits dignified female cats
  • Holden – From The Catcher in the Rye, meaning “hollow valley” in English; suits contemplative cats
  • Hermione – From Harry Potter series, meaning “messenger” in Greek; perfect for intelligent cats
  • Severus – Also from Harry Potter, meaning “stern” in Latin; ideal for serious or aloof cats
  • Aragorn – From The Lord of the Rings, meaning “kingly valor”; suits majestic cats
  • Frodo – Also from The Lord of the Rings, meaning “wisdom” in Old English; perfect for wise cats
  • Ophelia – From Hamlet, meaning “help” in Greek; suits gentle or melancholic cats
  • Romeo – From Romeo and Juliet, meaning “pilgrim to Rome”; ideal for romantic or dramatic cats
  • Juliet – Also from Romeo and Juliet, meaning “youthful” in Latin; perfect for playful female cats
  • Benedick – From Much Ado About Nothing, meaning “blessed” in Latin; suits witty cats
  • Beatrice – Also from Much Ado About Nothing, meaning “she who brings happiness”; perfect for joyful cats
  • Heathcliff – From Wuthering Heights, meaning “cliff near a heath”; ideal for wild or passionate cats
  • Catherine – Also from Wuthering Heights, meaning “pure” in Greek; suits elegant female cats
  • Rochester – From Jane Eyre, meaning “from the rocky fortress”; perfect for strong, mysterious cats
  • Ishmael – From Moby Dick, meaning “God will hear” in Hebrew; ideal for observant cats

Male Literary Cat Names

  • Winston – From 1984, meaning “wine’s town” in Old English; perfect for serious or watchful male cats
  • Sherlock – From the detective stories, meaning “bright hair” in Old English; ideal for clever cats
  • Watson – Also from Sherlock Holmes stories, meaning “son of Walter”; suits loyal companion cats
  • Rhett – From Gone with the Wind, meaning “enthusiastic” in Latin; perfect for charming male cats
  • Cyrano – From Cyrano de Bergerac, meaning “from Cyrene”; ideal for romantic or dramatic cats
  • Dantes – From The Count of Monte Cristo, meaning “enduring” in Latin; suits resilient cats
  • Odysseus – From The Odyssey, meaning “trouble” or “anger” in Greek; perfect for adventurous cats
  • Beowulf – From the epic poem, meaning “bee wolf” (bear) in Old English; ideal for brave cats
  • Lancelot – From Arthurian legend, meaning “servant” in Old French; suits noble cats
  • Tristan – From Arthurian romance, meaning “sorrowful” in Celtic; perfect for melancholic cats
  • Orlando – From Virginia Woolf’s novel, meaning “famous land” in Germanic; ideal for distinguished cats
  • Dorian – From The Picture of Dorian Gray, meaning “gift” in Greek; suits beautiful or vain cats
  • Victor – From Frankenstein author Victor Hugo, meaning “conqueror” in Latin; perfect for dominant cats
  • Vladimir – From Waiting for Godot, meaning “famous ruler” in Slavic; ideal for regal cats
  • Estragon – Also from Waiting for Godot, meaning “tarragon” in French; suits quirky cats
  • Algernon – From The Importance of Being Earnest, meaning “with whiskers” in Norman French; perfect for whiskered cats
  • Sebastian – From Twelfth Night, meaning “venerable” in Greek; suits dignified male cats
  • Bassanio – From The Merchant of Venice, meaning “low” in Italian; perfect for humble cats
  • Lysander – From A Midsummer Night’s Dream, meaning “liberator” in Greek; ideal for free-spirited cats
  • Benedick – From Much Ado About Nothing, meaning “blessed” in Latin; ideal for fortunate cats

Female Literary Cat Names

  • Scarlett – From Gone with the Wind, meaning “bright red” in Old French; perfect for fiery female cats
  • Josephine – From Little Women, meaning “God will increase” in Hebrew; ideal for nurturing cats
  • Emma – From Jane Austen’s novel, meaning “universal” in Germanic; suits well-rounded cats
  • Jane – From Jane Eyre, meaning “God is gracious” in Hebrew; perfect for humble, strong cats
  • Virginia – From author Virginia Woolf, meaning “maiden” in Latin; ideal for independent cats
  • Sylvia – From poet Sylvia Plath, meaning “forest” in Latin; suits nature-loving cats
  • Flannery – From author Flannery O’Connor, meaning “red eyebrows” in Irish; perfect for distinctive cats
  • Zelda – From F. Scott Fitzgerald’s wife, meaning “blessed” in Germanic; ideal for spirited cats
  • Edith – From author Edith Wharton, meaning “blessed war” in Old English; suits strong-willed cats
  • Willa – From author Willa Cather, meaning “resolute protection” in Germanic; perfect for protective cats
  • Harper – From author Harper Lee, meaning “harp player” in Old English; ideal for musical or gentle cats
  • Toni – From author Toni Morrison, meaning “priceless” in Latin; suits beloved cats
  • Maya – From poet Maya Angelou, meaning “illusion” in Sanskrit; perfect for mysterious cats
  • Zora – From author Zora Neale Hurston, meaning “dawn” in Slavic; ideal for early-rising cats
  • Louisa – From author Louisa May Alcott, meaning “renowned warrior” in Germanic; suits brave cats
  • George – From author George Eliot, meaning “farmer” in Greek; perfect for earthy, grounded cats
  • Charlotte – From author Charlotte Brontë, meaning “free woman” in Germanic; ideal for independent cats
  • Anne – From author Anne Brontë, meaning “grace” in Hebrew; suits graceful cats
  • Emily – From poet Emily Dickinson, meaning “rival” in Latin; perfect for competitive cats
  • Flannery – From author Flannery O’Connor, meaning “red eyebrows” in Irish; ideal for unique cats

Unisex Literary Cat Names

  • Avery – From various literary works, meaning “elf ruler” in Old English; perfect for magical cats
  • River – From Doctor Who and other sci-fi, meaning “flowing water”; ideal for fluid, graceful cats
  • Sage – Meaning “wise one” in Latin; suits intelligent cats of any gender
  • Phoenix – From mythology and fantasy, meaning “rising bird” in Greek; perfect for resilient cats
  • Storm – From X-Men comics, meaning “tempest”; ideal for energetic or unpredictable cats
  • Quinn – From various works, meaning “descendant of Conn” in Irish; suits clever cats
  • Robin – From various stories, meaning “bright fame” in Germanic; perfect for cheerful cats
  • Blake – From poet William Blake, meaning “dark” or “bright” in Old English; ideal for any cat
  • Gray – From The Picture of Dorian Gray, meaning “grey-haired” in Old English; suits grey cats
  • Lane – From The Importance of Being Earnest, meaning “narrow path” in Old English; perfect for sleek cats
  • Drew – From various works, meaning “brave” in Welsh; ideal for courageous cats
  • Vale – Meaning “valley” in Latin; suits peaceful, serene cats
  • Reed – From various literary works, meaning “red-haired” in Old English; perfect for ginger cats
  • Wren – From bird symbolism in literature, meaning “small bird”; ideal for petite cats
  • Rowan – From Celtic literature, meaning “red-haired” in Gaelic; suits auburn or ginger cats
  • Marlowe – From playwright Christopher Marlowe, meaning “from the hill by the lake”; perfect for contemplative cats
  • Jesse – From various works, meaning “gift” in Hebrew; ideal for cherished cats
  • Jules – From author Jules Verne, meaning “youthful” in Latin; suits playful cats
  • Cameron – From Scottish literature, meaning “crooked nose” in Gaelic; perfect for unique-featured cats
  • Finley – From Irish literature, meaning “fair warrior” in Gaelic; ideal for brave, light-colored cats

Literary Cat Names Based On Classics

  • Ahab – From Moby Dick, meaning “father’s brother” in Hebrew; perfect for obsessive or determined cats
  • Quixote – From Don Quixote, meaning “thigh guard” in Spanish; ideal for adventurous dreamers
  • Cordelia – From King Lear, meaning “heart” or “daughter of the sea” in Celtic; suits loving cats
  • Iago – From Othello, meaning “supplanter” in Spanish; perfect for cunning cats
  • Macbeth – From Shakespeare’s play, meaning “son of life” in Gaelic; ideal for ambitious cats
  • Portia – From The Merchant of Venice, meaning “pig” in Latin (ironically); suits intelligent cats
  • Viola – From Twelfth Night, meaning “violet” in Latin; perfect for purple-eyed or gentle cats
  • Benedick – From Much Ado About Nothing, meaning “blessed” in Latin; ideal for witty cats
  • Desdemona – From Othello, meaning “ill-starred” in Greek; suits tragic beauty cats
  • Puck – From A Midsummer Night’s Dream, meaning “sprite” in Old English; perfect for mischievous cats
  • Ariel – From The Tempest, meaning “lion of God” in Hebrew; ideal for ethereal cats
  • Caliban – From The Tempest, meaning unknown origin; suits wild or untamed cats
  • Prospero – From The Tempest, meaning “fortunate” in Latin; perfect for wise, powerful cats
  • Miranda – From The Tempest, meaning “wonderful” in Latin; ideal for amazing female cats
  • Titania – From A Midsummer Night’s Dream, meaning “giant” in Greek; suits majestic cats
  • Oberon – From A Midsummer Night’s Dream, meaning “noble bear” in Germanic; perfect for kingly cats
  • Lysander – From A Midsummer Night’s Dream, meaning “liberator” in Greek; ideal for free-spirited cats
  • Hermia – From A Midsummer Night’s Dream, meaning “messenger” in Greek; suits communicative cats
  • Helena – From A Midsummer Night’s Dream, meaning “bright light” in Greek; perfect for radiant cats
  • Demetrius – From A Midsummer Night’s Dream, meaning “follower of Demeter” in Greek; ideal for loyal cats

Check out our comprehensive guide to British cat names for more classic options.

Fictional Cat Names Based On Contemporary and Genre Books

  • Aslan – From The Chronicles of Narnia, meaning “lion” in Turkish; perfect for brave, majestic cats
  • Gandalf – From The Lord of the Rings, meaning “wand-elf” in Old Norse; ideal for wise cats
  • Hermione – From Harry Potter, meaning “messenger” in Greek; suits intelligent, studious cats
  • Draco – From Harry Potter, meaning “dragon” in Latin; perfect for fierce or blonde cats
  • Luna – From Harry Potter, meaning “moon” in Latin; ideal for dreamy, pale cats
  • Neville – From Harry Potter, meaning “new town” in Norman French; suits shy cats who grow brave
  • Sirius – From Harry Potter, meaning “burning” in Greek; perfect for loyal, dog-like cats
  • Remus – From Harry Potter, meaning “oar” in Latin; ideal for gentle, wise cats
  • Dobby – From Harry Potter, house-elf character; suits small, devoted cats
  • Hagrid – From Harry Potter, meaning unknown origin; perfect for large, gentle cats
  • Katniss – From The Hunger Games, meaning “aquatic plant” in Latin; ideal for strong female cats
  • Peeta – From The Hunger Games, variation of “Peter” meaning “stone”; suits loyal, steady cats
  • Rue – From The Hunger Games, meaning “herb” in Latin; perfect for small, swift cats
  • Finnick – From The Hunger Games, meaning “fair warrior” in Irish; ideal for handsome, brave cats
  • Daenerys – From Game of Thrones, meaning “lady of light” in Valyrian; suits regal female cats
  • Tyrion – From Game of Thrones, meaning unknown origin; perfect for clever, small cats
  • Arya – From Game of Thrones, meaning “noble” in Sanskrit; ideal for fierce, independent cats
  • Jon – From Game of Thrones, meaning “God is gracious” in Hebrew; suits honorable cats
  • Sansa – From Game of Thrones, meaning unknown origin; perfect for dignified, beautiful cats
  • Bran – From Game of Thrones, meaning “raven” in Welsh; ideal for dark, mysterious cats

Literary Cat Names Based On Children’s Books

  • Matilda – From Roald Dahl’s novel, meaning “mighty in battle” in Germanic; perfect for strong-willed cats
  • Charlie – From Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, meaning “free man” in Germanic; ideal for adventurous cats
  • Willy – From Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, meaning “resolute protection” in Germanic; suits creative cats
  • Augustus – From Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, meaning “great” in Latin; perfect for large or greedy cats
  • Violet – From Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, meaning “purple flower” in Latin; ideal for purple-eyed cats
  • Veruca – From Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, meaning “wart” in Latin; suits spoiled cats
  • Mike – From Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, meaning “who is like God” in Hebrew; perfect for tech-savvy cats
  • Paddington – From the bear series, meaning “from Padda’s town” in Old English; ideal for marmalade-colored cats
  • Babar – From the elephant books, meaning unknown origin; suits large, wise cats
  • Curious – From Curious George, meaning “eager to know” in Latin; perfect for inquisitive cats
  • Ramona – From Beverly Cleary’s books, meaning “wise protector” in Germanic; ideal for spirited female cats
  • Henry – From Henry Huggins, meaning “home ruler” in Germanic; suits responsible cats
  • Beezus – From the Ramona books, nickname for Beatrice; perfect for older sister cats
  • Ralph – From The Mouse and the Motorcycle, meaning “wolf counsel” in Old Norse; ideal for adventurous cats
  • Stuart – From Stuart Little, meaning “steward” in Old English; suits small, responsible cats
  • Charlotte – From Charlotte’s Web, meaning “free woman” in Germanic; perfect for protective, wise cats
  • Wilbur – From Charlotte’s Web, meaning “bright will” in Germanic; ideal for innocent, pure-hearted cats
  • Templeton – From Charlotte’s Web, meaning “temple town” in Old English; suits selfish but helpful cats
  • Fern – From Charlotte’s Web, meaning “fern plant” in Old English; perfect for nature-loving cats
  • Avery – From Charlotte’s Web, meaning “elf ruler” in Old English; ideal for mischievous cats

Cat Names Based On YA Books

  • Tris – From Divergent, meaning “sadness” in Latin; perfect for brave, selfless cats
  • Four – From Divergent, number name; ideal for mysterious, strong cats
  • Caleb – From Divergent, meaning “bold” in Hebrew; suits brave or traitorous cats
  • Jeanine – From Divergent, meaning “God is gracious” in French; perfect for intelligent but cold cats
  • Hazel – From The Fault in Our Stars, meaning “hazelnut tree” in Old English; ideal for wise, brave cats
  • Augustus – From The Fault in Our Stars, meaning “great” in Latin; suits charming, dramatic cats
  • Isaac – From The Fault in Our Stars, meaning “laughter” in Hebrew; perfect for loyal friend cats
  • Kestrel – From The Winner’s Curse, meaning “wind hoverer” bird; ideal for fierce, independent cats
  • Arin – From The Winner’s Curse, meaning “enlightened” in Hebrew; suits complex, mysterious cats
  • Mare – From Red Queen, meaning “sea” in Latin; perfect for electric or rebellious cats
  • Cal – From Red Queen, meaning “bald” in Latin; ideal for loyal but conflicted cats
  • Maven – From Red Queen, meaning “expert” in Yiddish; suits manipulative or clever cats
  • Juliette – From Shatter Me, meaning “youthful” in Latin; perfect for powerful but isolated cats
  • Warner – From Shatter Me, meaning “defending warrior” in Germanic; ideal for protective cats
  • Adam – From Shatter Me, meaning “man” in Hebrew; suits gentle, caring cats
  • Kenji – From Shatter Me, meaning “intelligent second son” in Japanese; perfect for funny, loyal cats
  • Celeana – From Throne of Glass, meaning unknown origin; ideal for assassin-like cats
  • Rowan – From Throne of Glass, meaning “red-haired” in Gaelic; suits powerful, magical cats
  • Aelin – From Throne of Glass, meaning “bird” in Turkish; perfect for fierce, fire-loving cats
  • Chaol – From Throne of Glass, meaning unknown origin; ideal for loyal guard cats

Nerdy Cat Names Based On Comics

  • Logan – From X-Men (Wolverine), meaning “little hollow” in Scottish; perfect for tough, independent cats
  • Storm – From X-Men, meaning “tempest”; ideal for cats with white fur or electric personalities
  • Jean – From X-Men (Phoenix), meaning “God is gracious” in French; suits powerful female cats
  • Scott – From X-Men (Cyclops), meaning “from Scotland” in Gaelic; perfect for leader-type cats
  • Kurt – From X-Men (Nightcrawler), meaning “courteous” in Germanic; ideal for teleporting-quick cats
  • Rogue – From X-Men, meaning “vagrant” in French; suits independent, touch-me-not cats
  • Gambit – From X-Men, meaning “leg trip” in Italian; perfect for charming, mischievous cats
  • Bruce – From Batman, meaning “thick brush” in Norman French; ideal for dark, brooding cats
  • Clark – From Superman, meaning “cleric” in Latin; suits honest, powerful cats
  • Diana – From Wonder Woman, meaning “divine” in Latin; perfect for strong, noble female cats
  • Barry – From The Flash, meaning “spear” in Irish; ideal for super-fast cats
  • Hal – From Green Lantern, meaning “army ruler” in Old English; suits brave, willful cats
  • Arthur – From Aquaman, meaning “bear” in Celtic; perfect for water-loving cats
  • Victor – From Cyborg, meaning “conqueror” in Latin; ideal for tech-savvy or part-robotic looking cats
  • Wade – From Deadpool, meaning “river crossing” in Old English; suits irreverent, healing cats
  • Peter – From Spider-Man, meaning “stone” in Greek; perfect for web-climbing, agile cats
  • Tony – From Iron Man, meaning “priceless” in Latin; ideal for genius, wealthy cats
  • Steve – From Captain America, meaning “crown” in Greek; suits patriotic, noble cats
  • Natasha – From Black Widow, meaning “Christmas day” in Russian; perfect for stealthy female cats
  • Thor – From Marvel Comics, meaning “thunder” in Old Norse; ideal for powerful, hammer-wielding cats

Cat Names Based On Authors

  • William – From Shakespeare, meaning “resolute protection” in Germanic; perfect for dramatic cats
  • Jane – From Jane Austen, meaning “God is gracious” in Hebrew; ideal for witty, romantic cats
  • Charles – From Dickens, meaning “free man” in Germanic; suits storytelling cats
  • Emily – From Dickinson/Brontë, meaning “rival” in Latin; perfect for poetic, reclusive cats
  • Edgar – From Poe, meaning “wealthy spear” in Old English; ideal for dark, mysterious cats
  • Oscar – From Wilde, meaning “divine spear” in Irish; suits witty, dramatic cats
  • Virginia – From Woolf, meaning “maiden” in Latin; perfect for stream-of-consciousness cats
  • Ernest – From Hemingway, meaning “serious” in Germanic; ideal for adventurous, drinking cats
  • Mark – From Twain, meaning “warlike” in Latin; suits humorous, river-loving cats
  • Walt – From Whitman, meaning “army ruler” in Germanic; perfect for free-spirited, nature-loving cats
  • Maya – From Angelou, meaning “illusion” in Sanskrit; ideal for powerful, inspiring cats
  • Langston – From Hughes, meaning “tall man’s town” in Old English; suits poetic, proud cats
  • Zora – From Neale Hurston, meaning “dawn” in Slavic; perfect for early-rising cats
  • Toni – From Morrison, meaning “priceless” in Latin; ideal for beloved, wise cats
  • Harper – From Lee, meaning “harp player” in Old English; suits gentle, observant cats
  • Flannery – From O’Connor, meaning “red eyebrows” in Irish; perfect for distinctive cats
  • Ray – From Bradbury, meaning “wise protector” in Germanic; ideal for sci-fi loving cats
  • Isaac – From Asimov, meaning “laughter” in Hebrew; suits logical, robotic cats
  • Ursula – From Le Guin, meaning “little bear” in Latin; perfect for fantasy-loving cats
  • J.K. – From Rowling, initials meaning “just kidding”; ideal for magical cats

Bookish Cat Names for Multiple Cats

  • Holmes & Watson – The detective duo from Arthur Conan Doyle’s stories; perfect for clever cat pairs
  • Romeo & Juliet – Shakespeare’s star-crossed lovers; ideal for bonded cat pairs
  • Pride & Prejudice – From Jane Austen’s title; suits complementary personality cats
  • Tom & Huck – From Mark Twain’s adventures; perfect for adventurous male cats
  • Frodo & Sam – From The Lord of the Rings; ideal for loyal companion cats
  • Harry & Hermione – From Harry Potter series; suits magical cat pairs
  • Elizabeth & Darcy – From Pride and Prejudice; perfect for opposites-attract cats
  • Bonnie & Clyde – Literary outlaws; ideal for mischievous cat pairs
  • Antony & Cleopatra – Shakespearean lovers; suits dramatic cat pairs
  • Beauty & Beast – From the fairy tale; perfect for contrasting cats
  • Jekyll & Hyde – From Stevenson’s novella; ideal for cats with dual personalities
  • Hansel & Gretel – Grimm’s fairy tale siblings; suits exploring cat pairs
  • Rosencrantz & Guildenstern – From Hamlet; perfect for inseparable cats
  • Tweedledee & Tweedledum – From Alice in Wonderland; ideal for twin-like cats
  • Dante & Virgil – From The Divine Comedy; suits wise guide and student cats
  • Don & Sancho – From Don Quixote; perfect for dreamer and realist cats
  • Abelard & Heloise – Medieval lovers; ideal for romantic cat pairs
  • Odysseus & Penelope – From The Odyssey; suits adventurous and patient cats
  • Napoleon & Snowball – From Animal Farm; perfect for rival cats
  • Benedick & Beatrice – From Much Ado About Nothing; ideal for witty cat pairs

Famous Literary Cat Names

  • Cheshire – From Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, the grinning cat; perfect for mysterious cats
  • Puss – From Puss in Boots, meaning “cat” in informal English; ideal for clever, boot-wearing cats
  • Thomasina – From Paul Gallico’s novel, feminine form of Thomas; suits magical female cats
  • Pyewacket – From Bell, Book and Candle, a witch’s familiar; perfect for mystical cats
  • Church – From Stephen King’s Pet Sematary, meaning “assembly of believers”; ideal for zombie cats
  • Snowball – From Stuart Little, meaning “ball of snow”; suits white, fluffy cats
  • Felix – Famous cartoon cat, meaning “happy” in Latin; perfect for lucky cats
  • Garfield – Orange cartoon cat, meaning “triangular field” in Old English; ideal for lasagna-loving cats
  • Sylvester – Warner Bros cartoon cat, meaning “of the forest” in Latin; suits black and white cats
  • Tom – From Tom and Jerry, meaning “twin” in Aramaic; perfect for mouse-chasing cats
  • Lucifer – From Disney’s Cinderella, meaning “light-bearer” in Latin; ideal for villainous cats
  • Figaro – From Disney’s Pinocchio, meaning “barber” in Italian; suits tuxedo cats
  • Bagheera – From The Jungle Book, meaning “leopard-like” in Hindi; perfect for black panthers
  • Shere Khan – From The Jungle Book, meaning “tiger king” in Hindi; ideal for fierce cats
  • Aslan – From The Chronicles of Narnia, meaning “lion” in Turkish; suits brave, noble cats
  • Crookshanks – From Harry Potter, meaning “crooked legs”; perfect for bow-legged cats
  • Mrs. Norris – From Harry Potter, caretaker’s cat; ideal for watchful cats
  • Buttercup – From The Princess Bride, meaning “yellow flower”; suits golden cats
  • Salem – From Sabrina the Teenage Witch, meaning “peaceful” in Hebrew; perfect for witch cats
  • Binx – From Hocus Pocus, immortal black cat; ideal for Halloween-born cats

Best Literary Cat Names

  • Atticus – From To Kill a Mockingbird, meaning “from Attica”; perfect for wise, moral cats
  • Luna – From Harry Potter, meaning “moon” in Latin; ideal for dreamy, mystical cats
  • Hermione – From Harry Potter, meaning “messenger” in Greek; suits brilliant female cats
  • Darcy – From Pride and Prejudice, meaning “dark one”; perfect for brooding male cats
  • Scout – From To Kill a Mockingbird, meaning “to observe”; ideal for curious cats
  • Gatsby – From The Great Gatsby, meaning “from Gaddesby”; suits mysterious cats
  • Elizabeth – From Pride and Prejudice, meaning “pledged to God”; perfect for dignified cats
  • Romeo – From Shakespeare, meaning “pilgrim to Rome”; ideal for romantic cats
  • Ophelia – From Hamlet, meaning “help” in Greek; suits gentle, tragic cats
  • Beatrice – From Much Ado About Nothing, meaning “she who brings happiness”; perfect for joyful cats
  • Sherlock – From detective stories, meaning “bright hair”; ideal for clever cats
  • Jane – From Jane Eyre, meaning “God is gracious”; suits strong, humble cats
  • Rhett – From Gone with the Wind, meaning “enthusiastic”; perfect for charming cats
  • Scarlett – From Gone with the Wind, meaning “bright red”; ideal for fiery cats
  • Heathcliff – From Wuthering Heights, meaning “cliff near a heath”; suits wild cats
  • Catherine – From Wuthering Heights, meaning “pure” in Greek; perfect for elegant cats
  • Pip – From Great Expectations, meaning “seed”; ideal for small cats with big dreams
  • Holden – From The Catcher in the Rye, meaning “hollow valley”; suits contemplative cats
  • Ishmael – From Moby Dick, meaning “God will hear”; perfect for storytelling cats
  • Winston – From 1984, meaning “wine’s town”; ideal for watchful, serious cats

Female Literary Cat Names of Fictional Cats

  • Duchess – From Disney’s The Aristocats, meaning “noble lady”; perfect for elegant female cats
  • Marie – From Disney’s The Aristocats, meaning “bitter” or “beloved”; ideal for white, pampered cats
  • Lady – From Lady and the Tramp, meaning “noble woman”; suits refined female cats
  • Nala – From The Lion King, meaning “gift” in Swahili; perfect for strong lioness cats
  • Sarabi – From The Lion King, meaning “mirage” in Swahili; ideal for regal mother cats
  • Rajah – From Disney’s Aladdin, meaning “prince” in Sanskrit; suits protective tiger cats
  • Yzma – From The Emperor’s New Groove, meaning unknown origin; perfect for villainous cats
  • Mittens – From Disney’s Bolt, meaning “gloves”; ideal for cats with white paws
  • Cheshire – From Alice in Wonderland, the mysterious grinning cat; suits enigmatic cats
  • Dinah – From Alice in Wonderland, Alice’s pet cat; perfect for ordinary house cats
  • Mehitabel – From Don Marquis stories, meaning “God makes happy”; ideal for alley cats
  • Pyewacket – From Bell, Book and Candle, witch’s familiar; suits mystical female cats
  • Thomasina – From Paul Gallico’s novel, feminine form of Thomas; perfect for magical cats
  • Tabitha – From Bewitched, meaning “gazelle” in Aramaic; ideal for witch cats
  • Minerva – Roman goddess of wisdom, McGonagall’s first name; suits wise female cats
  • Hermione – From Harry Potter, meaning “messenger” in Greek; perfect for intelligent cats
  • Luna – From Harry Potter, meaning “moon” in Latin; ideal for dreamy, ethereal cats
  • Bellatrix – From Harry Potter, meaning “warrior woman” in Latin; suits fierce cats
  • Narcissa – From Harry Potter, meaning “daffodil” in Greek; perfect for vain cats
  • Molly – From Harry Potter, meaning “bitter” in Hebrew; ideal for motherly cats
  • Fleur – From Harry Potter, meaning “flower” in French; suits beautiful cats
  • Ginny – From Harry Potter, meaning “maiden” in Latin; perfect for spirited cats

Male Literary Cat Names of Fictional Cats

  • Simba – From The Lion King, meaning “lion” in Swahili; perfect for brave male cats
  • Mufasa – From The Lion King, meaning “king” in Manazoto; ideal for regal father cats
  • Scar – From The Lion King, meaning “mark” in Old Norse; suits villainous cats
  • Pumbaa – From The Lion King, meaning “to be foolish” in Swahili; perfect for carefree cats
  • Timon – From The Lion King, meaning “honor” in Greek; ideal for loyal friend cats
  • Sebastian – From The Little Mermaid, meaning “venerable” in Greek; suits wise advisor cats
  • Jaq – From Disney’s Cinderella, diminutive of Jacques; perfect for small, helpful cats
  • Gus – From Disney’s Cinderella, meaning “great” in Latin; ideal for chubby, sweet cats
  • Toulouse – From Disney’s The Aristocats, named after painter; suits artistic orange cats
  • Berlioz – From Disney’s The Aristocats, named after composer; perfect for musical cats
  • Thomas – From Disney’s The Aristocats, meaning “twin” in Aramaic; ideal for alley cats
  • Figaro – From Disney’s Pinocchio, meaning “barber” in Italian; suits tuxedo cats
  • Lucifer – From Disney’s Cinderella, meaning “light-bearer” in Latin; perfect for antagonistic cats
  • Si – From Lady and the Tramp, Siamese cat; ideal for sneaky cats
  • Am – From Lady and the Tramp, Siamese cat; suits mischievous cats
  • Felix – Famous cartoon cat, meaning “happy” in Latin; perfect for lucky cats
  • Garfield – Orange cartoon cat, meaning “triangular field”; ideal for lasagna-loving cats
  • Heathcliff – Orange cartoon cat, named after literary character; suits tough street cats
  • Sylvester – Black and white cartoon cat, meaning “of the forest”; perfect for hunting cats
  • Tom – From Tom and Jerry, meaning “twin” in Aramaic; ideal for mouse-chasing cats

More Names of Fictional Cats

  • Church – From Stephen King’s Pet Sematary, meaning “assembly”; perfect for zombie cats
  • Jonesy – From the movie Alien, meaning “son of John”; ideal for space-traveling cats
  • Jones – Also from Alien, surname meaning “son of John”; suits survivor cats
  • Binx – From Hocus Pocus, immortal black cat; perfect for Halloween cats
  • Salem – From Sabrina the Teenage Witch, meaning “peaceful”; ideal for witch cats
  • Snowball – From The Simpsons, meaning “ball of snow”; suits white, fluffy cats
  • Scratchy – From The Simpsons, meaning “one who scratches”; perfect for aggressive cats
  • Nermal – From Garfield comics, meaning unknown origin; ideal for cute, annoying cats
  • Arlene – From Garfield comics, meaning “pledge” in Celtic; suits pink female cats
  • Odie – From Garfield comics, meaning “wealthy” in Germanic; perfect for dog-like cats
  • Hobbes – From Calvin and Hobbes, named after philosopher; ideal for wise stuffed cats
  • Cheshire – From Alice in Wonderland, the grinning cat; suits mysterious cats
  • Bagheera – From The Jungle Book, meaning “leopard-like”; perfect for black panther cats
  • Shere Khan – From The Jungle Book, meaning “tiger king”; ideal for fierce orange cats
  • Rajah – From Disney’s Aladdin, meaning “prince” in Sanskrit; suits protective cats
  • Iago – From Disney’s Aladdin, meaning “supplanter”; perfect for scheming cats
  • Cheetah – From Tarzan stories, meaning “spotted one”; ideal for fast cats
  • Bagpuss – From British children’s TV, meaning “bag cat”; suits saggy, wise cats
  • Custard – From Ogden Nash’s poem, meaning “sweet dessert”; perfect for cowardly cats
  • Ink – From Ogden Nash’s poem, meaning “black liquid”; ideal for black cats

More Cat Names Based on Literature

  • Pangur – From the medieval Irish poem “Pangur Bán”, meaning “white” in Irish; perfect for scholarly cats
  • Bán – Also from “Pangur Bán”, meaning “white” in Irish; ideal for pure white cats
  • Behemoth – From Bulgakov’s The Master and Margarita, meaning “beast”; suits large black cats
  • Mehitabel – From Don Marquis’s archy and mehitabel, meaning “God makes happy”; perfect for alley cats
  • Archy – From Don Marquis stories, the cockroach poet; ideal for lowercase-living cats
  • Carbonel – From Barbara Sleigh’s children’s books, meaning “little coal”; suits black cats
  • Calico – From Dick King-Smith’s The Queen’s Nose, meaning “cotton fabric”; perfect for multi-colored cats
  • Midnight – From various gothic novels, meaning “middle of the night”; ideal for black cats
  • Shadow – From various mystery novels, meaning “shade”; suits dark, following cats
  • Phantom – From gothic literature, meaning “ghost”; perfect for elusive cats
  • Raven – From Edgar Allan Poe’s works, meaning “black bird”; ideal for dark, mysterious cats
  • Lenore – From Poe’s “The Raven”, meaning “light” in Greek; suits lost love cats
  • Annabel – From Poe’s “Annabel Lee”, meaning “lovable” in Latin; perfect for beloved cats
  • Roderick – From Poe’s “The Fall of the House of Usher”, meaning “famous ruler”; ideal for aristocratic cats
  • Usher – Also from Poe’s story, meaning “doorkeeper”; suits guardian cats
  • Ligeia – From Poe’s story, meaning “clear-voiced” in Greek; perfect for vocal cats
  • Morella – From Poe’s story, meaning “dark” in Latin; ideal for mysterious cats
  • Berenice – From Poe’s story, meaning “bringer of victory” in Greek; suits triumphant cats
  • Eleonora – From Poe’s story, meaning “light” in Greek; perfect for luminous cats
  • Ulalume – From Poe’s poem, meaning unknown origin; ideal for melancholic cats

For additional feline inspiration, explore our collection of literary cat names and fairy cat names.

The Timeless Connection Between Cats and Literature

Cats have prowled through the pages of literature for millennia, earning their place as beloved companions to both fictional characters and real-life authors. From ancient Egyptian mythology where cats were revered as sacred beings to modern-day cozy mysteries featuring feline detectives, these mysterious creatures have captured writers’ imaginations across cultures and centuries.

Famous authors throughout history have been devoted cat lovers. Ernest Hemingway’s Key West home still houses descendants of his beloved polydactyl cats, while T.S. Eliot’s whimsical cat poems in Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats inspired the hit musical Cats. Mark Twain once observed that “If man could be crossed with the cat, it would improve man but deteriorate the cat” – a testament to felines’ already perfect nature.

The 9th-century Irish poem “Pangur Bán” written by an anonymous monk about his white cat remains one of literature’s earliest celebrations of the human-cat bond, proving that this special relationship has endured for over a thousand years.

Explore more creative naming options with our collection of aesthetic cat names for additional inspiration.

Choosing the Perfect Literary Name for Your Cat

When selecting a literary name for your feline friend, think about their personality, appearance, and the stories that resonate with you. Does your cat remind you of a specific character? Are they wise like Athena, mischievous like Puck, or mysterious like the Cheshire Cat?

Consider these factors when making your choice:

Factor Questions to Ask Examples
Personality Is your cat brave, shy, playful, or aloof? Atticus for wise cats, Scout for curious ones
Appearance What color is your cat? Any distinctive markings? Luna for white cats, Raven for black ones
Your Favorites Which books or authors do you love most? Hermione if you love Harry Potter
Name Sound Does the name roll off your tongue easily? Short names like Pip or longer ones like Hermione
Uniqueness Do you want something common or unusual? Popular choices vs. obscure references

Remember, the best literary cat name is one that feels right for both you and your feline companion. Trust your instincts – cats have a way of telling us who they are through their actions and quirks.

Tips for Teaching Your Cat Their Literary Name

Once you’ve chosen the perfect bookish name, here are some strategies to help your cat learn it quickly:

  • Use positive reinforcement: Say their name before feeding, petting, or playing
  • Keep it consistent: Make sure all family members use the same name and pronunciation
  • Start with short sessions: Practice name recognition for just a few minutes at a time
  • Pair with rewards: Always follow their name with something pleasant like treats or affection
  • Be patient: Some cats learn faster than others, especially rescue cats who may have had previous names

The magic of a literary name grows stronger over time. As your cat’s personality develops, you’ll likely discover new connections between their chosen name and their unique character traits.

Conclusion

Choosing a literary cat name creates a beautiful bridge between your love of books and your affection for your feline friend. Whether you select a classical name like Ophelia, a contemporary choice like Hermione, or something delightfully obscure like Pangur Bán, you’re giving your cat a name with depth, history, and meaning.

These names carry stories within themselves – tales of adventure, romance, wisdom, and wonder. Every time you call your cat, you’re invoking the rich tradition of literature and celebrating the timeless bond between humans, cats, and the written word.

The perfect literary name is out there waiting for your cat, hidden perhaps in your favorite novel or tucked away in a poem you’ve yet to discover. Take your time, explore different genres, and most importantly, choose a name that makes you smile every time you say it. After all, you’ll be calling it for many years to come.

For more creative pet naming inspiration, check out our guides to anime cat names and cute cat names.

Remember: The best cat name is one that reflects both your literary passions and your cat’s unique personality. Happy naming!