Rare Cat Names, Names That Are Unusual and Different

Rare cat names are for owners who refuse to shout 'Bella' at the park and hear five cats look up. If you want your kitten to stand out, a rare cat name gives them instant personality and saves you from ever meeting a twin at the vet. Rare cat names feel fresh, unusual and a little mysterious, and they make great conversation starters too.

For cat-loving homes, rare cat names often come from lesser-known myths, old literature, world languages and the natural world. Isolde, from a medieval Celtic legend, suits a dreamy longhair. Caspian, named for the sea between Asia and Europe, fits a blue-eyed adventurer. Indigo, a deep dye and shade, is perfect for a smoky grey cat. Obadiah, a Hebrew name meaning 'servant of God', works for a quiet, watchful tom. Fable, plainly English but rarely used on cats, suits a kitten with a storybook coat. Each rare cat name on your shortlist should feel a little surprising.

Say these rare cat names out loud before you decide, some look amazing on paper but feel awkward when you call them across the room. Aim for clear vowels and no more than three syllables in daily use. For more ideas, browse our uncommon, ancient and vintage collections, or check our origins pages to find a rare cat name rooted in Celtic, Hebrew or Japanese tradition.