Ever noticed how a tabby cat’s intricate stripes resemble the patterns of fine silk?
Our guide celebrates these unique felines, known for their distinctive markings and vibrant personalities. Tabbies are a blend of playfulness and elegance, demanding names as special as they are.
Whether your tabby is boldly striped or subtly patterned, we’ve compiled names that mirror their individuality. From names inspired by their striking patterns to those that capture their charming character, we have something for every tabby.
Ready to find a name as distinctive as your tabby’s markings? Dive into our article and discover the perfect name that reflects your tabby cat’s unique beauty.
Female Tabby Cat Names
- Agate (like the multicolored stone)
- Bella
- Breezy
- Dottie (for those with spotted patterns)
- Echo (patterns repeating)
- Fawn
- Freckles
- Henna (after henna tattoo patterns)
- Lacy (for intricate patterns)
- Lulu (short for “line”)
- Luna (like the patterns on the moon)
- Marley (a play on “marbled”)
- Misty (for a smoky or gray tabby)
- Mocha
- Mystic
- Nova (like a star’s streak)
- Nutmeg
- Olive (for the muted greens often seen in some tabbies)
- Paisley (for swirling patterns)
- Pebbles (for mottled tabby patterns)
- Sahara (desert with alternating sand dunes)
- Shima (Japanese for “stripes”)
- Skye (for sky streaked with clouds)
- Stripey
- Stripey Sue
- Sunny
- Taffy (for stretched-out candy stripes)
- Tiggerlily (a play on Tiger Lily)
- Twirl
- Twix
- Willow (as in weeping willow branches)
- Zara (similar to “zebra”)
Discover more female cat name ideas in our dedicated guide to Female Cat Names.
Male Tabby Cat Names
- Bandit (because of the stripe, like a mask)
- Barkley (for a bark-like striped pattern)
- Bolt (like a lightning bolt)
- Brewster
- Bruno
- Chester
- Dash
- Griffin
- Hunter
- Jet (like jet streams in the sky)
- Lane (like lanes on a road)
- Mottle
- Paws
- Pebble
- Racer (like racing stripes)
- Rip (like ripped patterns)
- Rolo
- Serge (like the fabric with a distinct pattern)
- Smudge
- Streaker
- Strider
- Stripe
- Stripo
- Stryker
- Tiger
- Titan (like the rings of Saturn)
- Whiskers
- Zeb (short for “zebra”)
- Zigzag
Dive deeper into naming your feline gentleman with our guide to Male Cat Names.
Unisex Tabby Cat Names
- Bandy
- Barcode
- Cinnamon
- Cloud
- Dapple
- Dusty
- Marble
- Mingle
- Mittens
- Mosaic
- Patch
- Pebbles
- Pinstripe
- Pixel
- Puzzle
- Ribbon
- Shadow
- Speckle
- Streak
- Swirl
- Tidal (like tidal wave patterns)
- Twilight
- Zebra
- Ziggy (for zig-zag patterns)
Orange Tabby Cat Names
- Amber
- Amberline
- Apricot (or just Rico)
- Auburn
- Autumn
- Blaze
- Caramel
- Cinnamon
- Copper
- Ember
- Flame
- Ginger
- Goldie
- Goldstripe
- Hazel
- Honey
- Jasper
- Mango
- Maple
- Marigold
- Marmalade
- Mustard
- Nectar
- Peanut
- Pumpkin
- Ripples
- Rusty
- Saffron
- Sherbet
- Sienna
- Striper
- Stripey Pumpkin
- Sunburst
- Sunny
- Sunrise
- Sunstreak
- Tangerine (or just Tangy)
- Tango
- Tiger
- Toffee
- Zesty
For more orange cat name ideas check out our guides to Orange Cat Names as well as Orange and White Cat Names.
Gray Tabby Cat Names
- Alloy
- Ash
- Charcoal
- Cinder
- Cloud
- Dusky
- Earl (as in Earl Grey tea)
- Flint
- Graphite
- Gust (like a wind gust)
- Hail
- Haze
- Luna (like the moon)
- Marble
- Misty
- Nimbus
- Nimbus (type of cloud)
- Onyx (a gray-black stone)
- Pebbles
- Pigeon (like the bird’s coloration)
- Pinstripe
- Racer (as in racing stripes)
- Sable
- Shale
- Silhouette
- Silver
- Smokey
- Smudge
- Sterling
- Stormy
- Stratus (a type of cloud)
- Streaker
- Tempest
- Thunder
- Tornado
- Twilight
- Vapor
- Whisper
- Zephyr
For more inspiration, check out our guides to Gray Cat Names and Gray and White Cat Names.
Brown Tabby Cat Names
- Acorn
- Bandit
- Bark
- Barkley
- Birch
- Bourbon
- Brandy
- Brindle
- Brownie
- Cedar
- Chestnut
- Cinnabar
- Coffee
- Drizzle
- Fudge
- Hazel
- Hershey
- Java
- Mahogany
- Malt
- Mocha
- Nutmeg
- Pecan
- Pumpernickel (like the bread)
- Rolo
- Striper
- Syrup
- Teddy (like a teddy bear)
- Timber
- Tiramisu
- Toblerone (after the chocolate)
- Toffee
- Truffle
- Twiggy
- Walnut
Cream Tabby Cat Names
- Biscuit
- Butter
- Buttercream
- Buttermilk
- Cappuccino
- Chiffon
- Cream Puff
- Custard
- Dawn (capturing that soft morning light)
- Dulce (Spanish for “sweet”)
- Eclair
- Honeydew
- Latte
- Macaroon (or Mac for short)
- Marshmallow (or Marsh for short)
- Meringue
- Milky
- Mousse
- Nougat
- Panna (Italian for cream)
- Pearl
- Puff (like a cream puff)
- Ripple
- Sandy
- Shortbread
- Sorbet
- Stratus (a light cloud)
- Stripelet
- Sugar
- Sundae
- Swirl
- Taffy
- Tiramisu
- Vanilla
- Veil
- Wafer
- Whipped (like whipped cream)
- Whisper
- Zephyr (a gentle breeze)
Calico Tabby Cat Names
- Blendy
- Brushstroke
- Cali (short for Calico)
- Calystripe (a blend of calico and stripe)
- Chroma (referring to colors)
- Collage
- Confetti
- Dapples
- Ember
- Fiesta
- Freckles
- Gingham
- Kaleidoscope
- Marbled
- Melange (a mix or assortment)
- Mirage (as their patterns can be complex and mesmerizing)
- Mosaic
- Mural
- Patchstripe
- Patchwork
- Prism (reflecting multiple colors)
- Puzzles
- Rhapsody (for their intricate patterns and colors)
- Spectrum
- Splatter
- Streaks
- Sundance
- Sundrop
- Symphony (a mix of tones and notes, like the cat’s coat)
- Taffy
- Tangle
- Tapestry
- Tigra (a blend of tiger and calico)
- Tricolor
- Twirl
- Vortex (for a swirling mix of colors and patterns)
Cute Names for Tabby Cats
- Band-Aid
- Beanie
- Bubbles
- Buttons
- Candy Cane (or just Candy)
- Cookie
- Cuddlebug
- Cupcake
- Dasher
- Doodle
- Giggles
- Jellybean
- Marshmallow (or Marsh for short)
- Muffin
- Noodles
- Nutty
- Pebbles
- Pinstripe (or just Pinny)
- Pippi (like Pippi Longstocking)
- Pudding
- Ribbons
- Ruffles
- Skittles
- Slinky
- Snickers
- Sprinkle
- Sprout
- Streaky-Peek
- Stripelet
- Swirl
- Tinkerbell (Tink for short)
- Tinsel
- Tootsie
- Twinkle
- Twizzler
- Waffles
- Whirly
- Whiskerbean
- Ziglet
- Zippy
Unique Names for Tabby Cats
- Cadence (for rhythmic stripes)
- Cipher (for those mysterious patterns)
- Equator (a central stripe)
- Fresco (like the art style)
- Harlequin (for a mix of stripes and patterns)
- Helix (like a DNA double helix spiral)
- Kaleidoscope (Kali for short, due to the mix of patterns)
- Labyrinth
- Limerick (a fun nod to lines in poetry)
- Meridian (referring to lines of longitude)
- Mingle
- Mirage (for those with shimmering or elusive patterns)
- Mosaic
- Nebula (for those with a starry or galaxy-like pattern)
- Pinstripe
- Pixel (for dotted or intricate patterns)
- Quasar (for a bright and striking pattern)
- Quibble (for cats with intricate or ‘busy’ patterns)
- Riddle
- Serpent (reminiscent of a snake’s pattern)
- Swizzle
- Verve (capturing the lively spirit of the pattern)
- Vortex
- Zenith (for the topmost patterns or colors)
- Zenstripe (a peaceful, flowing pattern)
- Zephyr (for a wavy, breezy pattern)
For more rare cat name ideas check out our guide to Unique Cat Names.
Mackerel Tabby Cat Names
- Bandit (masks and stripes)
- Barcode
- Jetstream
- Mackerel (Mac for short)
- Marlin (another type of fish, fitting for the stripe theme)
- Noodle (for thin, long lines like spaghetti)
- Pinstripe
- Racer (racing stripes)
- Rayas (Spanish for “stripes”)
- Roadie (like road markings)
- Shima (Japanese for “stripes”)
- Streak
- Striper
- Stripey
- Tiger
- Whiskerline
- Zebra
- Zorro (for the dramatic stripes)
Classic Tabby Cat Names
- Blotch
- Curl
- Cyclone
- Eddy (a circular movement of water, countercurrent)
- Galaxy (inspired by swirling galaxies)
- Gyrate
- Helix (like a DNA spiral)
- Knot (as in a complex, swirling pattern)
- Maelstrom (a powerful whirlpool)
- Marble
- Mingle
- Orbit
- Spiral
- Sukima (Japanese for “gap” or “crevice”, often seen in patterns)
- Swirl
- Tornado
- Twirl
- Twist
- Volute (a spiral or scroll-like ornament)
- Vortex
- Whirl
Spotted Tabby Cat Names
- Bead
- Biscotti
- Bubbles
- Cheetah
- Confetti
- Dot
- Dotty
- Freckle
- Galaxy
- Inkblot
- Mosaic
- Mottle
- Orion (like the constellation’s stars)
- Pebble
- Pebbles
- Pinto (like the spotted horse)
- Pixel
- Polka
- Speck
- Spot
- Starry
Ticked Tabby Cat Names
- Dapple
- Fleck
- Garam (Hindi for “spice”)
- Grano (Italian for “grain” or “speck”)
- Grizzle
- Mingle
- Mottle
- Pepper
- Pixel (representing the individual specks of color)
- Salt
- Speckle
- Sprinkle
Patched Tabby Cat Names
- Collage
- Jigsaw
- Kaleido (from kaleidoscope)
- Misto (Italian for “mixed”)
- Montage
- Mosaic
- Palette
- Patches
- Patchwork
- Puzzle
- Quilt
- Splatter
Historical Context and Origin of Tabby
The word “Tabby”: Origin and etymology
The term “Tabby” conjures up delightful images of cats with distinctive striped, dotted, or swirling patterns. Yet, few might be aware of the origins of this term.
“Tabby” is derived from the French word ‘atabis’, which comes from the Arabic term ‘attābi’. This Arabic word, in turn, refers to the Attabiya district in Baghdad where a particular kind of striped silk was manufactured.
Intriguingly, European traders and travelers, upon encountering this silk, were reminded of the distinctive patterns on certain cats. Over time, the term evolved, and the cats with these patterns came to be known as ‘Tabby’.
Historical Figures and Characters Inspired by Tabby Patterns
Tabby cats have not only caught the fancy of the general populace but have also inspired or been associated with historical figures and characters. One such notable instance is Cardinal Richelieu, the Chief Minister to Louis XIII of France.
A devout cat lover, he had a particular fondness for his tabby cats. His adoration was so profound that, upon his death, he left provisions in his will to establish a cat sanctuary, ensuring his beloved Tabbies and other cats would be cared for.
In literature, the tabby has graced many a page. One can’t forget the cunning and resourceful “Grimalkin”, a name used in English folklore as a synonym for a cat.
Often depicted as a tabby, Grimalkin has been referenced in Shakespeare’s Macbeth and various other pieces of literature, further cementing the tabby’s status in historical and cultural narratives.
Tabby’s Patterns
Mackerel Tabby
Imagine the sleek lines on a mackerel fish. This is precisely where the Mackerel Tabby gets its name. These cats exhibit narrow stripes that run parallel to each other down their sides, reminiscent of a fishbone. Owing to this distinctive pattern, names that spring to mind include the bold “Tiger”, denoting their wild, feline lineage, or the straightforward and apt “Stripes”.
Classic Tabby
Also known as the “Blotched Tabby”, the Classic Tabby is, well, classic! Their patterns are characterized by broad bands, bold swirls, and prominent circular marks on their sides. Given the swirling nature of their coat, names that fit the bill include “Whirl”, capturing the essence of their dizzying pattern, “Galaxy”, an ode to the vast, mysterious, and swirling cosmos, or the simple “Swirl”.
Spotted Tabby
As the name suggests, Spotted Tabbies wear their wild heritage with pride. Their coats sport a series of spots, which can be small, large, round, or even oblong. These felines often evoke images of the wild, and names like “Dottie” serve as a cute nod to their dotted appearance. “Spot”, direct and playful, is a fan favorite. For those with a slightly quirky naming sense, “Pebbles” might be the pick, reflecting the random scattering of spots.
Ticked Tabby
These Tabbies might seem plain from a distance, but up close, one discovers a unique ‘salt-and-pepper’ or ‘sand’ pattern. Each hair is multi-colored with various shades, leading to a mesmerizing blend. This gives them a warm, grizzled appearance, making “Grizzle” an apt name choice. For those who want to evoke a sense of mystique, “Shade” captures the nuance of their intricate coat.
Patched Tabby
Life is never dull with a Patched Tabby around! Their coats are a captivating montage of colors in different patches. These cats often carry shades of red or cream mixed with other Tabby patterns. With such a rich tapestry of colors, names like “Patches” are a natural choice. Those who see their feline as a work of art might lean towards “Mosaic”, while “Palette” could be a choice for those inspired by the myriad of colors these Tabbies exhibit.
Tabby’s Colors
Grey Tabbies
The elegance and subtlety of a grey Tabby cat’s coat can captivate any observer. Resembling the hazy hues of a foggy morning or the silvery sheen of twilight, these Tabbies are a sight to behold. Names such as “Smokey” evoke images of misty landscapes, while “Misty” directly captures the elusive and gentle aura of their coat. For those who see their feline friend as a drifting, fluffy entity, “Cloud” becomes a dreamy and apt choice.
Orange Tabbies
With their fiery and radiant coats, orange Tabbies are like bursts of sunlight in feline form. Their vibrant appearance often demands equally lively names. “Ginger” is an obvious nod to their warm hue, while “Simba”, inspired by the famous lion from The Lion King, signifies strength and royalty. If you’re looking for a hint of nostalgia and charm, “Rusty” aptly describes the reddish-brown tints that often grace their coats.
Brown Tabbies
Enveloped in rich, earthy tones, brown Tabbies are reminiscent of the deep, nurturing embrace of nature. Their coats, a tapestry of chocolates, tans, and dark browns, often inspire names rooted in nature. “Mocha” mirrors their rich, creamy brown hue, while “Bruno” exudes strength and groundedness. For those who find sweetness in their brown Tabby’s demeanor and appearance, “Cocoa” becomes the perfect, heartwarming choice.
Cream Tabbies
Soft, delicate, and almost ethereal in appearance, cream Tabbies carry an aura of serenity. Their coats, bathed in gentle pastel tones, are like a canvas of serenity and gentleness. As such, “Cream” is a direct and delightful acknowledgment of their color. “Butter”, with its smooth and light connotation, fits their tender appearance. For the unconventional cat parent, “Tofu” captures the light, soft, and delicate nature of these beautiful creatures.
Tips for Naming Your Tabby Cat
Consider the cat’s personality
While the captivating swirls and stripes of a Tabby’s coat might be the first thing you notice, their distinct personalities can often be the key to finding the perfect name. Is your feline friend playful and cheeky, or regal and aloof? Perhaps they’re a curious explorer or a snuggly homebody? Matching a name to their character ensures it’s not just descriptive but deeply personal and reflective of who they are.
Avoid overused names
Just as with humans, there are certain names that, while lovely, have become exceedingly common in the feline world. Names like “Whiskers”, “Kitty”, or even “Tabby” itself might be everywhere. If you’re aiming for something distinctive that stands out at the vet or the park, do a little research and get creative.
Name’s “callability” and the sound it carries
Ever noticed how certain names just roll off the tongue, making them perfect for calling out across the room? Names with sharp consonants (like ‘k’ or ‘t’) or long vowels can often catch a cat’s attention more easily. A name like “Kit” or “Tango” might be more effective than something more muted. Remember, you’ll be calling this name potentially multiple times a day, so choose something you love to say!
Testing the name
Finally, don’t be afraid to test-drive a name. Sometimes, a name might seem perfect on paper but doesn’t quite fit in practice. Before you make it official with a tag or vet documents, use the name for a few days. See if it fits their behavior, if they respond to it, and importantly, if it feels right to you.
For more guidelines on how to avoid traps when naming your cat, read our guide to Inappropriate Cat Names.
Summary
The tapestry of a Tabby’s coat tells tales of nature’s artistry, intertwined with memories and emotions. While there’s a plethora of inspiration, from historical figures to pop culture icons, the most meaningful names often stem from the personal connection between the cat and its owner.
Tabbies, with their captivating patterns and timeless charm, deserve names that truly resonate. As you embark on the journey of naming, let it be a tribute to the unique bond you share with your Tabby, encapsulating both their essence and your shared stories.