When it comes to naming your pet, the decision can be an extremely difficult one. Let us hopefully point you in the right direction with these ten Irish cat names for your next kitten.
You don’t want to rush naming your furry friends. Everyone in the house has to be in agreement. After all, you’ll be hearing the name around the house for years to come.
It can be a long and gruelling process, especially if there are many people involved! Maybe you have Irish heritage or just love all things Irish.
Whatever the reason, if you’ve ever fancied giving your cat a cool and quirky Irish name, have a look at this list, and you just might be inspired.
10. Finnegan/Fionn – a strong Irish name
Finnegan is an Irish boy’s name that comes from the Irish surname O’Fionnagain, from which also comes the popular first name Fionn.
The name Fionn is often associated with Irish mythology and the hero Fionn mac Cumhaill (Finn Mac Cool). He was often associated with strength and wisdom. So, we think Fionn or Finnegan are strong Irish names to give your little kitten.
9. Dubh – perfect for a black cat
Dubh is the Irish word for black, pronounced ‘dove’. We think this is a brilliant name to give your next kitten, especially if it’s a black cat!
People might think you’re cat is called dove, but then you’ll have an interesting back story at hand to explain that it’s actually an Irish word that means black.
8. Puisín/Pusheen – call it like it is
In Irish, puisín translates directly to ‘kitten’. ‘Push-een’ is the phonetic way the word is pronounced, and we think either spelling makes lovely names.
While it’s a very simple name in English, we think the Gaelic version could be an adorable name for your cat.
7. Mal – chief
Mal is the Irish word for ‘chief’. We think this is a cracker Irish cat name for your furry friend! Imagine little Mal the chief strutting around the house and the streets. They will be the ruler of all the other cats!
6. Dillon – flash of lightning
This is one of the coolest Irish cat names out there. There are two possible meanings to the name Dillon, which was introduced to Ireland during the Anglo-Norman invasion in the 12th century.
Firstly, it could come from the Irish word ‘dealan’, which means ‘flash of lightning’. Or, it can mean ‘like a lion’.
For your little cat, ‘like a lion’ or ‘flash of lightning’ are such cool meanings behind a name. The perfect name for your mini lion.
5. Quigley – an unkempt cat
This would be a great name for a cat that’s a little rough around the edges. Quigley comes from the Irish surname O’Coigligh, which may derive from ‘coigeal’, a term used to describe unkempt hair.
If you have a little scruffy but adorable kitten, then we think this is the perfect Irish cat name for them.
4. Fergal – brave
Fergal is an Irish name most commonly given to boys. The name translates to English as ‘brave’. We think this is such a cute name to give your cat, especially if you think he’s going to be a brave little thing!
3. Guinness – the black stuff
When you think of Ireland, one of the main things that springs to mind is Guinness. If you’re a fan of the black stuff, naming your cat after it is a fantastic idea.
We think this is a brilliant Irish cat name, especially if your cat is black and white.
2. Cabbage – an Irish staple
Cabbage is a classic Irish vegetable that actually makes for an adorable name for your cat. Cabbage was always a staple in Irish diets, but the country really depended on it during the Great Famine.
When potatoes weren’t available, the Irish turned to cabbage for sustenance. The word itself is cute as punch and would definitely suit the right cat. Cabbage is actually a term of endearment in French, ‘petit chou’, so let’s make it one in Ireland!
1. Tayto – an Irish classic
Staying on the topic of food, Tayto is one of the best Irish cat names to give your little kitten. Tayto runs through the veins of Irish people, and it makes for a fantastic name for your pet. For more animal related articles, check out the top 10 adorable Irish dog names.
Other notable mentions
Clover: While the shamrock is a national symbol, the four-leaf clover is associated with good luck in Ireland. We think calling your cat Clover could bring you luck!
Cushla: Cushla is a lovely Irish girl’s name. It means ‘darling’ or literally ‘beat of my heart’ or ‘pulse’. It’s a passionate term of affection for someone you love, a beautiful name for your cat!
Lorcan: Lorcan is an Irish given name for boys. It means ‘little fierce one’. This is the perfect Irish cat name if your kitten is on the feisty side.
Orlaith: Orlaith is an Irish girl’s name that means ‘golden princess’. This could be a great name for a little ginger cat.
Jameson: Jameson is an Irish whiskey and a great name for your cat.
Bailey: If you like Ireland’s famous Irish cream liqueur, Bailey’s, then this is a great name for your feline friend.
Seamus: Seamus is an adorable Irish name for your next kitten.
FAQs about Irish cat names
What is the Gaelic word for cat?
The Irish word for cat is also ‘cat’, but it’s pronounced ‘cot’. ‘Puisín’ is the Gaelic word for kitten.
What are some unique cat names?
We think Dubh or Mal are really unique cat names.
What is the luckiest name for a cat?
We think Clover might be the luckiest cat name, given its connections to luck in Ireland.
