[200+ Best Literary Cat Names]
For the Book-Loving, Cat-Obsessed Human You Are
Let’s Be Real: Your Cat Deserves a Name with Some Literary Swagger
So, you finally adopted a cat—congrats! You’re officially a member of the “My cat rules my life” club. But now comes the tricky part: naming this majestic little furball. You could go with something basic like “Fluffy” or “Mittens” (yawn 😴), or you could bless them with a name that screams style, intellect, and a slight air of pretentiousness—in the best way possible.
Literary cat names? Oh, you’re speaking my language.
I’m talking about names pulled straight from classic novels, iconic authors, and characters that made you laugh, cry, or toss your book across the room in dramatic flair. If you're a bookworm and a cat person (a deadly combo, IMO), then keep reading because I've rounded up 200+ literary cat names that are purr-fectly suited for your little beast.
🧙♂️ Famous Literary Character Names for Cats
Ever looked at your cat lounging around like they own the place and thought, “Yeah, that’s some main character energy”? These names are tailor-made for the drama queens, aloof geniuses, and mysterious types.
For Male Cats
- Gatsby – Rich, mysterious, throws parties? Check.
- Heathcliff – Perfect for a broody, slightly emo cat.
- Atticus – Smart, calm, and full of moral superiority.
- Holden – For cats who silently judge everyone.
- Dorian – Gorgeous and slightly cursed? Say no more.
- Sherlock – Observant and only eats when it’s his idea.
- Frodo – Especially if your cat has tiny paws and a brave heart.
- Jay – Simpler version of Gatsby, still rich in vibes.
- Pip – Small in size, big in dreams.
- Hobbes – Because sometimes your cat is your philosopher sidekick.
For Female Cats
- Hermione – Smart, sassy, and too good for the rest of us.
- Luna – Quirky, magical, dreamy. Fits like a glove.
- Ophelia – Dramatic but in a poetic way.
- Lizzy – For your feisty, opinionated girl.
- Matilda – Clever, independent, book-loving... sound familiar?
- Jo – Tomboyish and fierce, just like Jo March.
- Arya – If she disappears and reappears like a ninja.
- Jane – Simple, classic, but never boring.
- Daisy – Delicate, mysterious, and slightly chaotic.
- Scout – Adventurous, curious, and always underfoot.
Bold move alert: Pair two cats with names like Gatsby and Daisy, or Heathcliff and Cathy. Just prepare for the drama that inevitably follows 😅.
📚 Names Inspired by Famous Authors
Ever imagined what it’d be like if Ernest Hemingway had a cat? (Oh wait, he did—and like, a lot of them). Naming your cat after a famous writer is a subtle flex that says: “Yes, I have taste, and yes, my cat is basically literary royalty.”
Classic Authors
- Hemingway
- Twain
- Bronte
- Austen
- Poe (great for black cats—spooky and broody)
- Woolf
- Dickens
- Orwell (FYI: he’d definitely write about the tyranny of dogs)
- Fitzgerald
- Shakespeare (a long name, but hey, so is your cat’s attitude)
Modern Writers
- Rowling – A controversial pick, but undeniably influential.
- Tolkien – Because your cat definitely thinks they’re in Middle-earth.
- Atwood – For cats who look like they’re plotting something dystopian.
- Murakami – For the philosophical cat who disappears for hours.
- Neruda – Romantic? Maybe. Mysterious? Absolutely.
- King – For cats who cause jump scares by silently showing up on top of your fridge.
🧠 Clever Literary-Themed Wordplay Cat Names
Because who doesn’t love a good pun? Especially one that makes your fellow book nerds giggle uncontrollably.
- Catniss (as in Katniss Everdeen)
- Meowby Dick
- Purrlock Holmes
- F. Scott Fitzpurrald
- William Shakespaw
- Hairy Paw-ter
- J.R.R. Meowkien
- Ernest Hemiway
- Edgar Allen Purr
- Meowriel Streep (okay, not literary, but it’s too good to leave out)
Let’s be honest: pun names are the gift that keeps on giving. Just try saying “Purrsephone” out loud and not smiling.
🧚♀️ Mythology & Fantasy Names with Literary Roots
If your cat is giving off mystical forest guardian energy or straight-up demon vibes, then this section’s for you.
- Aslan – Majestic, noble, and maybe slightly judgy.
- Merlin – Mysterious AF and probably smarter than you.
- Galadriel – Elegant, powerful, and never gets dirty. Ever.
- Morgana – Witchy vibes, endless side-eye.
- Oberon – King of fairies? Sounds like your fluffy tyrant.
- Eowyn – Brave, beautiful, and doesn’t take anyone’s crap.
- Smaug – If your cat guards your socks like they’re treasure.
- Pan – Mischievous, wild, and kind of a chaotic good.
- Circe – Enchantress vibes all the way.
- Beowulf – For big chonky boys who walk like warriors.
🖋️ Vintage Literary Cat Names (Old School Cool)
Sometimes, the oldies really are the goodies. These names come from the dusty pages of classics but still sound cool as heck.
- Darcy – Polite? No. Handsome and emotionally constipated? Yes.
- Basil – Vintage, posh, and kind of underrated.
- Clarissa – Elegant and sounds like she reads poetry to herself.
- Moby – Short, sweet, and literary AF.
- Ishmael – Just imagine calling “Call me Ishmael!” every morning.
- Estella – Cold-hearted beauty? Yup, she fits.
- Quincy – Old-timey charm with modern flair.
- Rhett – Southern charm and absolutely full of himself.
- Nora – Strong, smart, and timeless.
- Gulliver – Especially if your cat wanders far and wide (like... to the neighbor’s garage).
🐾 Bonus: Short & Cute Literary Names for Tiny Kittens
Let’s not forget about the babies! These names are short, sweet, and still give off bookish vibes.
- Rue
- Finn
- Dot
- Pip
- Ginny
- Max
- Bea
- Ash
- Zazie
- Jo
Sometimes less is more. Especially when your kitten is already zooming at Mach 10.
🔖 Tips for Picking the Right Name (Because It’s a Big Deal)
You’re not just naming a pet. You’re naming your roommate, your alarm clock, your emotional support chaos gremlin. So let’s do this right.
Here’s what I usually keep in mind:
- Say it out loud. Repeatedly. Like you’re calling them for dinner at 2 a.m.
- Check if it fits their personality. Is your kitten more Shakespeare or Shakespaw?
- Keep it simple. If you can’t say it without fumbling, your cat will just ignore you more than usual.
- Test nicknames. Can you turn “Atticus” into “Atti” or “Cus”? Crucial.
- Trust your gut. You’ll just know when it’s right.
And FYI: Yes, your cat will judge whatever name you pick. That’s their thing. 😼
✨ Final Thoughts: Pick a Name That Sparks Joy (and Maybe a Book Club)
Choosing a literary cat name isn’t just about sounding smart at the vet (although that’s a bonus 😏). It’s about picking something that makes you smile every time you say it—and maybe reminds you of the books and characters that changed your life.
Whether you go with something bold like Dorian, silly like Hairy Paw-ter, or poetic like Neruda, just remember: this is your cat’s origin story. Make it count.
So… which name’s calling out to you? (Or should I say... meowing out to you?)
And hey, if you’re still torn, you can always adopt two cats and double the literary chaos. 😺📚
TL;DR?
Here’s what we covered:
- 200+ of the best literary cat names, from famous characters to pun-tastic gems
- Tips for picking the right name that matches your cat’s unique vibes
- A few chuckles, sarcastic takes, and bookworm-approved suggestions along the way
Now go forth and name that feline like the bookish legend you are. ❤️🐾
