2026’s Most Popular Cat Names: From Cosmic Queens to Chaos Kings

Naming a cat is a fine art. Unlike dogs, who often get "people names" suited for a stroll in the park, cat names tend to reflect a blend of mystery, mischief, and a touch of the fantastical. At Kissamo, we’ve seen this firsthand as we engrave thousands of cat ID tags each year. From the sleekest Siamese to the fluffiest Maine Coon, the names reaching our workshop in 2026 tell a story of a world that is half-starlit and half-digital.

To give you the best inspiration for your new kitten, we’ve analyzed data from city registries across North Amerca. Here is how the feline world is shaping up this year.

The 2026 Feline Leaderboard

While certain names are permanent fixtures at the top of the leaderboard, 2026 is all about "gentle-cat" classics for the boys and "starlit elegance" for the girls.

For the girls, Luna remains the undisputed queen for the fifth year running, followed closely by the floral-inspired Lily and the classic Bella. Rounding out the top five are the ethereal Willow and the regal Nala.

For the boys Milo has officially taken the #1 spot (a favourite for beloved orange tabbies!), followed by the "little lion" Leo. The rest of the top five features the endearing Oliver, the mischievous Loki, and the ever-reliable Charlie.

Top boy cat names for 2026

1. Milo

2. Leo

3. Oliver

4. Loki

5. Charlie

6. Simba

7. Max

8. Jasper

9. Oreo

10. Fin

Top girl cat names for 2026

1. Luna

2. Lily

3. Bella

4. Willow

5. Nala

6. Lucy

7. Cleo

8. Daisy

9. Olive

10. Mochi

The Y2K Tech Revival

One of the most surprising insights we found a massive wave of "Tech-Nostalgia." For the first time, pet parents are looking back to the early days of the internet for inspiration. We’ve seen a significant spike in kittens named Amiga, Jpeg, Pixel, Wifi, and even Bitcoin.

It’s a quirky, playful trend that feels perfectly suited for a modern cat. There’s something undeniably charming about a tiny kitten sporting a Kissamo tag engraved with a name like Coda or Zip. It’s the perfect blend of "nerdy-cool" and feline sass.

Regional Flavours: From Coast to Coast

Geography also plays a big role the names we choose. In New York City, "Big City" energy is real, with names like Biggie and Brooklyn trending in the health department’s databases.

Meanwhile, in British Columbia and across the Pacific Northwest, nature and "foodie" culture are the primary drivers. We’ve seen a surge in fruit-inspired names like Mango, Fig, and Huckleberry. And a special shout-out to our fellow Canadians: Marshmallow saw a staggering 900% increase in popularity this year! Whether your cat is a city-dweller or a mountain-climber, their tag should be as unique as their hometown.

Keep Your "Main Character" Safe

Whether you’ve chosen a top-ranked name like Milo or a quirky regional favourite like Huckleberry, that name is your cat’s most important accessory. Because cats are natural explorers (and world-class hiders), a durable, lightweight custom tag is essential. At Kissamo, we take pride in ensuring that every Luna, Loki, and Jpeg has a way to find their way home.

Is your new kitten more of a "Luna" or a "Pixel"? Check out our bestsellers and find a tag that’s as personality-packed as they are.

Once you’ve found the perfect name, make sure it stays visible (and chic). Check out our guide on What to Put on Your Pet Tag and why Silence is Chic for modern pet parents.