145 Cat Names Starting With N With Meanings

ByBrianna Baxter

If you love the letter N, you are in luck. This list brings together 145 cat names starting with N, each with a verified meaning from our name database, so you can choose with confidence rather than guessing at a pretty sound. You will find short everyday names, elegant classics, nature words, night names, festive names, and a few gloriously unusual choices, all in one place. Tap any copy button to copy a name, then try it out loud and see which one your cat answers to first.

Browse the full list below, or start with the most popular picks. If you are still deciding between girl names and boy names, our female cat names list and our male cat names list can help you compare, and the main cat names hub gathers every theme in one place.

Most Popular Cat Names Starting With N

These 25 names are the easiest starting point. They are familiar, easy to call, and well represented in everyday use, which makes them a safe first shortlist before you explore the rarer entries further down the page.

Nadia

Meaning: hope

A bright, hopeful lift for a rescued cat starting a fresh chapter.

Nancy

Meaning: Diminutive of Ann/Annis; from Hebrew Hannah, ‘favour, grace’

A warm, familiar classic for a friendly cat who greets visitors at the door.

Naomi

Meaning: pleasantness

A gentle warmth for a sweet natured cat who settles beside you.

Natasha

Meaning: birthday (of Christ)

A classic Russian elegance for a poised cat with dramatic flair.

Nathaniel

Meaning: gift of God

A long, dignified name with Nat as a short form, for a gentle giant with kind eyes.

Nicholas

Meaning: victory of the people

A classic generous feel for a friendly cat loved by the whole household.

Nick

Meaning: victory of the people (via Nicholas)

A punchy short form for an approachable cat with easy nickname energy.

Nicky

Meaning: victory of the people

A softer playful variant for an affectionate cat who answers to a cuddly nickname.

Nico

Meaning: victory of the people

A sleek international short form for a stylish cat with a confident strut.

Nigel

Meaning: champion

A sturdy British classic for a dependable cat with confident champion bearing.

Nora

Meaning: honor

A short Latin honour for a dignified cat with honourable calm.

Norman

Meaning: northman

A sturdy Germanic traveller for a strong cat with northern resilience.

Nova

Meaning: new

A stellar explosion brightness for a star like cat who bursts into a room with energy.

Noelle

Meaning: Christmas

A feminine French festive form for a graceful winter cat with joyful charm.

Noel

Meaning: Christmas

A French festive classic for a winter kitten with warm holiday spirit.

Nia

Meaning: purpose

A short Swahili strength for a determined cat who pursues a goal with focus.

Niamh

Meaning: bright; radiant

An Irish mythic brightness for a glowing golden cat with a radiant coat.

Nero

Meaning: black

A famous Roman strength for a powerful black cat with a commanding presence.

Neko

Meaning: cat

A playful literal Japanese word for a cat whose owners love simple, honest naming.

Nori

Meaning: edible seaweed

A Japanese food staple for a sleek dark cat with a glossy coat.

Nutmeg

Meaning: musk nut

A warm spice word for a brown speckled cat with a warm spicy coat.

Nox

Meaning: night

A short Latin night for a tiny black cat with a powerful midnight name.

Nyx

Meaning: night

A Greek goddess of night for a black cat with divine midnight mystery.

Nimbus

Meaning: cloud

A grand Latin cloud for a fluffy grey cat like a rain cloud.

Noble

Meaning: of aristocratic rank

A dignified title word for a proud cat who sits upright like royalty.

All 145 Cat Names Starting With N

Every entry below uses the verified meaning from our database. Where the database left an origin or gender blank, the table says Not listed rather than guessing. Use the copy button beside a name to save it for your shortlist.

Name Meaning Origin Gender Copy
Naauao wise and enlightened
A soft Hawaiian sound for a calm, watchful cat who studies a room before joining in.		 Hawaiian Male
Nabi Butterfly
A light, fluttery feel for a delicate cat who flits between sunny spots.		 Korean Unisex
Nadeshiko pink; carnation
A gentle floral name for a pretty cat with quiet grace and a pink nose.		 Japanese Female
Nadia hope
A bright, hopeful lift for a rescued cat starting a fresh chapter.		 Russian Female
Nadja hope
A Slavic variant with a sharper edge for a confident cat with a hopeful spark.		 Slavic Female
Nahenahe soft and sweet-sounding
A lilting Hawaiian rhythm for a gentle cat with a soft voice.		 Hawaiian Female
Naia dolphin
A flowing sea sound for a sleek cat who glides through the house.		 Hawaiian Unisex
Nairobi Capital of Kenya
A bold place name for an adventurous cat with big city energy.		 Not listed Unisex
Nalani the heavens
An airy celestial feel for a pale cat who gazes out of the window at the sky.		 Hawaiian Female
Nalu wave
A short, rolling sound for an active cat who surges around in bursts.		 Hawaiian Male
Namaka sea goddess
A powerful Hawaiian mythic tone for a regal cat who rules the household.		 Hawaiian Female
Namu Tree
A sturdy, grounded feel for a tall climbing cat who owns the highest shelf.		 Korean Unisex
Nana seven
A crisp two syllable sound for a petite cat with neat, affectionate habits.		 Japanese Female
Nanami seven seas
A sweeping ocean image for a wandering cat who patrols every room.		 Japanese Female
Nancy Diminutive of Ann/Annis; from Hebrew Hannah, ‘favour, grace’
A warm, familiar classic for a friendly cat who greets visitors at the door.		 English Female
Nani beautiful
A soft Hawaiian beauty for a striking cat with beautiful markings.		 Hawaiian Female
Nanook polar bear
A strong Arctic image for a large, fluffy white cat with a bear like presence.		 Inuit Male
Naoki straight tree
A calm, upright feel for a tall, lean cat with straight posture.		 Japanese Male
Naomi pleasantness
A gentle warmth for a sweet natured cat who settles beside you.		 Hebrew Female
Narae Wings
A light, uplifting sound for an agile cat who leaps to high places.		 Korean Female
Naranja orange
A vivid Spanish colour word for a ginger cat with a bright coat.		 Spanish Female
Naranjito little orange
A playful diminutive for a small ginger kitten with round cheeks.		 Spanish Male
Nari Lily
A delicate floral purity for an elegant white or cream cat.		 Korean Female
Naruto the ninja hero (Naruto)
An energetic pop culture punch for a bold kitten who dashes and pounces with ninja speed.		 Anime Male
Nash by the ash tree
A short woodland surname feel for a sturdy, outdoorsy cat.		 English Male
Nasturtium nose-twister
A quirky botanical name for a cheeky cat with a peppery spark.		 Latin Unisex
Nasu eggplant
An unusual food name for a sleek, dark coated cat with a glossy sheen.		 Japanese Unisex
Nat gift of God (via Nathaniel)
A friendly short form for an easygoing cat everyone calls by a short name.		 Hebrew Male
Natale Christmas
A festive Italian warmth for a winter kitten with a cosy spirit.		 Italian Unisex
Natalia birthday of the Lord
An elegant Latin form for a refined cat with festive elegance.		 Latin Female
Natasha birthday (of Christ)
A classic Russian elegance for a poised cat with dramatic flair.		 Russian Female
Nathaniel gift of God
A long, dignified name with Nat as a short form, for a gentle giant with kind eyes.		 Hebrew Male
Natsu summer
A warm Japanese seasonal name for a sun loving cat who naps in the brightest patch.		 Japanese Unisex
Natsukashii Nostalgic and dear
A tender, wistful meaning for a beloved long term companion who feels like home.		 Japanese Unisex
Navidad Christmas
A joyful Spanish festive name for a cheerful cat who brightens winter evenings.		 Spanish Unisex
Nebel mist, fog
A soft German grey veil for a grey cat who moves quietly through the house.		 German Male
Neblina mist
A Spanish sister to misty grey names, for a pale grey cat with a dreamy soft presence.		 Spanish Female
Nebula nebula: mist or cloud
A cosmic cloud image for a fluffy cat with a swirling grey and white coat.		 Latin Female
Nectarine nectar
A sweet stone fruit sound for a soft peach toned cat with a sweet temper.		 Greek Female
Nefertari beautiful companion
A royal Egyptian dignity for a loyal cat who stays close as a true companion.		 Egyptian Female
Nefertiti a beautiful woman has come
An iconic queenly arrival for a striking cat who enters a room like royalty.		 Egyptian Female
Negra black (feminine form)
A direct Spanish colour name for a black female cat with a sleek coat.		 Spanish Unisex
Negro black
A strong Spanish colour name for a black cat with a glossy coat.		 Spanish Male
Neith Goddess of war and weaving
An ancient powerful duality for a clever cat who both hunts toys and weaves around legs.		 Egyptian Female
Nekhbet Vulture goddess of Upper Egypt
A rare Egyptian mythic name for a watchful cat who surveys territory from a high perch.		 Egyptian Female
Neko cat
A playful literal Japanese word for a cat whose owners love simple, honest naming.		 Japanese Female
Nene Hawaiian goose
A gentle island bird name for a calm cat with soft island charm.		 Hawaiian Unisex
Neoguri Raccoon
A Korean masked creature for a tabby with masked markings and curious paws.		 Korean Male
Neon new
A bright modern glow for a vivid cat with an electric personality.		 Greek Unisex
Neoptolemus new war
A grand Greek heroic weight for a bold kitten with a warrior play style.		 Greek Male
Nephele cloud
An airy Greek cloud nymph for a white fluffy cat drifting across the sofa.		 Greek Female
Nephthys Goddess of mourning
A solemn Egyptian depth for a quiet, sensitive cat who sits close in still moments.		 Egyptian Female
Nereid sea nymph
A graceful sea spirit for an elegant cat with fluid movement.		 Greek Female
Nereus The old man of the sea
A wise sea elder tone for a calm senior cat with deep, watchful eyes.		 Greek Male
Neri black
A short Italian colour name for a sleek black cat with a sharp silhouette.		 Italian Male
Nero black
A famous Roman strength for a powerful black cat with a commanding presence.		 Italian Male
Nestor returner; homecomer
A wise traveller meaning for a cat who always finds the way back to a favourite spot.		 Greek Male
Nettle netele: stinging nettle
A prickly plant edge for a feisty cat with a sharp, playful sting in games.		 Old English Unisex
Nevada snowy
A Spanish snowy place feel for a white cat with a cool, calm coat.		 Spanish Female
Neve bright, radiant
An Irish shining name for a luminous white or silver cat.		 Irish Female
Neymar first name of footballer Neymar
A sporty modern flair for an agile cat who dribbles toys across the floor.		 Not listed Male
Nezumi mouse
A cheeky Japanese mouse word for a tiny, quick cat with twitchy curiosity.		 Japanese Female
Nia purpose
A short Swahili strength for a determined cat who pursues a goal with focus.		 Swahili Female
Niamh bright; radiant
An Irish mythic brightness for a glowing golden cat with a radiant coat.		 Irish Female
Nicholas victory of the people
A classic generous feel for a friendly cat loved by the whole household.		 Greek Male
Nick victory of the people (via Nicholas)
A punchy short form for an approachable cat with easy nickname energy.		 Greek Male
Nicky victory of the people
A softer playful variant for an affectionate cat who answers to a cuddly nickname.		 Greek Unisex
Nico victory of the people
A sleek international short form for a stylish cat with a confident strut.		 Greek Unisex
Nicolas victory of the people (Greek)
A polished European spelling for an elegant cat with refined manners.		 French Male
Nicolás victory of the people
A warm Spanish rhythm for a sociable cat with lively charm.		 Spanish Male
Niebla fog, mist
A soft Spanish mist for a grey cat who appears silently in a doorway.		 Spanish Female
Niele inquisitive and nosy
A Hawaiian curiosity for a cat who investigates every bag and box.		 Hawaiian Unisex
Nieve snow
A crisp Spanish snow word for a pure white cat with cool elegance.		 Spanish Female
Nieves our lady of the snows
A fuller festive Spanish form for a white winter cat with gentle grace.		 Spanish Female
Nigel champion
A sturdy British classic for a dependable cat with confident champion bearing.		 Irish Male
Nightfall onset of night
A dramatic dusk image for a dark cat most active as evening falls.		 English Unisex
Nigiri Japanese hand-pressed sushi
A compact food name for a small, neat cat with tidy habits.		 Not listed Female
Niji rainbow
A joyful Japanese colour arc for a multicoloured cat with a bright varied coat.		 Japanese Female
Nika victory of the people
A crisp victorious sound for a spirited cat who wins every toy battle.		 Russian Female
Nike victory
A Greek goddess of victory for a swift athletic cat who races through the house.		 Greek Female
Nikolai victory of the people
A grand formal strength for a large, dignified cat.		 Russian Male
Nikos victory of the people
A friendly Mediterranean warmth for a sociable cat with a sunny temper.		 Greek Male
Nila dark blue
A deep Sanskrit blue for a blue grey cat with calm depth.		 Sanskrit Female
Nilar sapphire
A Burmese gem brilliance for a cat with a sparkling blue grey coat.		 Burmese Female
Nilla branded snack (trademarked brand name)
A sweet vanilla snack association for a cream coloured cat with a soft look.		 Not listed Unisex
Nimble quick and light
A perfect movement word for an agile cat who lands softly after every leap.		 English Unisex
Nimbus cloud
A grand Latin cloud for a fluffy grey cat like a rain cloud.		 Latin Unisex
Nipper small boy
A cheeky British vintage term for a small playful kitten who nips toys in games.		 British English Unisex
Nirvana rock band Nirvana
A 1990s rock edge for a cool, laid back cat with a grunge era vibe.		 Not listed Unisex
Nisha night
A Sanskrit night beauty for a dark cat who shines after sunset.		 Sanskrit Female
Nissa Variant of Nisa
A soft Indonesian variant for a gentle cat with quiet grace.		 Indonesian Unisex
Nisse household spirit
A Norwegian folklore charm for a mischievous house spirit cat who hides in corners.		 Norwegian Unisex
Nitya always; eternal
A Sanskrit timeless devotion for a constant companion who is always nearby.		 Sanskrit Unisex
Njord God of the sea and wind
A Norse seafaring power for a bold cat who loves breeze and open windows.		 Norse Male
Noble of aristocratic rank
A dignified title word for a proud cat who sits upright like royalty.		 English Unisex
Noboru to rise
A Japanese upward motion for a climbing cat who rises to the top of the cat tree each morning.		 Japanese Male
Nobu trust; faith
A short Japanese virtue for a loyal cat who trusts the owner completely.		 Japanese Male
Nocciola hazelnut
A warm Italian nut word for a brown cat with warm hazel tones.		 Italian Female
Noche night
A Spanish night simplicity for a black cat with quiet evening energy.		 Spanish Female
Noctis of night
A Latin night grandeur for a dark cat with a mysterious midnight presence.		 Latin Male
Nocturne nocturnus: of the night
A musical night piece for an elegant cat whose best performances happen after dark.		 Latin Unisex
Noeau skillful and clever
A Hawaiian cleverness for a problem solving cat who puzzles out toys and doors.		 Hawaiian Male
Noel Christmas
A French festive classic for a winter kitten with warm holiday spirit.		 French Male
Noelani heavenly mist
A Hawaiian celestial mist for a pale cat with an ethereal soft coat.		 Hawaiian Female
Noelle Christmas
A feminine French festive form for a graceful winter cat with joyful charm.		 French Female
Noeul Sunset glow
A Korean evening light for an orange cat glowing in sunset window light.		 Korean Unisex
Noir black
A French noir style for a sleek black cat with film noir mystery.		 French Male
Noire black (French ‘noire’)
A feminine noir elegance for a black female cat with a chic silhouette.		 French Female
Noisette hazelnut (French ‘noisette’)
A French nut sweetness for a small brown cat with a nutty warm coat.		 French Female
Nok bird
A short Thai bird word for a tiny chirpy cat who trills like a bird.		 Thai Female
Nollaig Christmas
An Irish festive form for a winter cat with Gaelic charm.		 Irish Unisex
Noni Pacific island fruit
A tropical fruit softness for a sweet cat with island warmth.		 Not listed Unisex
Noona older sister, affectionately (Korean)
An affectionate Korean term for a caring older cat who watches younger pets.		 Korean Unisex
Noor light, radiance
An Arabic luminous beauty for a bright cat who lights up a room.		 Arabic Female
Nora honor
A short Latin honour for a dignified cat with honourable calm.		 Latin Female
Norang Yellow
A Korean yellow simplicity for a ginger or yellow toned cat.		 Korean Unisex
Norangi Yellow one
A Korean fuller yellow form for a golden cat with a sunny coat.		 Korean Unisex
Nori edible seaweed
A Japanese food staple for a sleek dark cat with a glossy coat.		 Japanese Unisex
Noriko law child
A Japanese formal grace for an orderly cat who follows routines precisely.		 Japanese Female
Norma rule; pattern
A classic Italian order for a cat with predictable habits and neat patterns.		 Italian Female
Norman northman
A sturdy Germanic traveller for a strong cat with northern resilience.		 Germanic Male
Norris From an English surname (Norris 1 or Norris 2)
A surname style for a distinguished cat with an old family name feel.		 English Unisex
North the north
A directional strength for an adventurous cat who leads the way to new rooms.		 English Unisex
Nosferatu undead
A gothic vampire drama for a pale cat with dramatic Halloween presence.		 Romanian Male
Notte night
An Italian night elegance for a black cat with smooth Italian style.		 Italian Female
Notturno A night piece of music
An Italian musical night for an elegant cat with a nocturnal rhythm.		 Italian Unisex
Notus south wind
A Greek warm wind for a breezy cat who moves swiftly through the house.		 Greek Male
Nounou A nanny
A French caretaker warmth for a nurturing cat who looks after kittens or younger pets.		 French Unisex
Nova new
A stellar explosion brightness for a star like cat who bursts into a room with energy.		 Latin Female
Nox night
A short Latin night for a tiny black cat with a powerful midnight name.		 Latin Female
Nozomi hope, wish
A Japanese hopeful wish for a wished for cat who brings hope to a home.		 Japanese Female
Nuage cloud
A French cloud softness for a fluffy white cat like a soft cloud.		 French Male
Nube cloud
A Spanish cloud simplicity for a pale fluffy cat drifting between sunny spots.		 Spanish Female
Nudnik A pest or bore
A Yiddish comic tease for a persistently chatty cat who never leaves the owner alone.		 Yiddish Unisex
Nuit night
A French night poetry for a dark elegant cat with quiet night grace.		 French Female
Numbat small termite-eating marsupial
A rare Australian animal for a small inquisitive cat with distinctive markings.		 Nyungar Unisex
Numinous Having a spiritual mysterious quality
A lofty spiritual word for a mysterious cat with a deep thoughtful gaze.		 English Unisex
Numpty A lovable fool
A Scots affectionate tease for a goofy cat whose clumsy antics make a household laugh.		 Scots Unisex
Nuni Snowy and snow
A Korean snowy softness for a white cat with a snow like coat.		 Korean Unisex
Nurse a person trained to care for the sick or injured
A caring profession name for a gentle cat who stays beside an unwell owner like a nurse.		 Not listed Unisex
Nuru light
A Swahili light brevity for a bright cat with a warm glowing presence.		 Swahili Female
Nurung Yellowish and tawny
A Korean tawny shade for a tawny cat with a warm golden brown coat.		 Korean Unisex
Nuthatch tiny climbing bird
A lively bird name for a small agile cat who explores climbing angles with curiosity.		 English Unisex
Nutmeg musk nut
A warm spice word for a brown speckled cat with a warm spicy coat.		 Latin Unisex
Nyx night
A Greek goddess of night for a black cat with divine midnight mystery.		 Greek Female

How to Choose an N Name

Say the name out loud three times, then try it in a normal calling voice from another room. Short names with a clear vowel sound, such as Nia, Nico, and Nova, are usually easiest for a cat to recognise. Longer names, such as Nathaniel and Nefertiti, still work well if you use a consistent short form every day. Match the sound to the cat in front of you: a soft mist name such as Nebel suits a quiet grey cat, while a bright name such as Nova suits a cat who bursts into every room. If you need more ideas in the same spirit, the unique cat names list is a useful next step.

Tips for Calling the Name

Use the new name with something pleasant for the first few days, such as a treat, a stroke, or play, so the cat links the sound with a good outcome. Keep the name the same, even when you are tempted to add nicknames, until the cat clearly responds. Avoid using the name when you are cross, because a cat learns tone faster than vocabulary. Finally, give it a week. Some cats respond on day one, while others take a little longer to decide that a new sound belongs to them.