Mythological cat names come from the real deities, spirits, and legendary felines of world mythology—from Bastet, the Egyptian cat goddess, to the Norse goddess Freyja’s chariot-pulling cats. This article lists over 60 authentic names drawn from ancient texts and living traditions, with the culture and story behind each one.
Why Mythological Cat Names Appeal
Cats have been linked to the divine for thousands of years. In ancient Egypt, cats were sacred to the goddess Bastet, and killing one was a capital offense. In Norse myth, the goddess Freyja rode in a chariot drawn by two large gray cats. In Japanese folklore, the maneki-neko (beckoning cat) is a common talisman for good luck, though it is a modern folk figure rather than an ancient deity. Naming a cat after such figures connects your pet to a long history of reverence, mystery, and magic. Because cats appear in nearly every culture’s stories, the pool of names is vast and varied.
Egyptian Cat Deities and Spirits
Ancient Egypt is the richest source of cat mythology. The most famous is Bastet, the goddess of home, fertility, and protection, depicted as a lioness or a woman with a cat’s head. Her cult center was Bubastis, where thousands of mummified cats were buried. Other Egyptian cat-related names include:
- Mafdet – a goddess who protected against snakes and scorpions, sometimes shown as a cat or mongoose.
- Sekhmet – a lioness goddess of war and healing, often seen as Bastet’s fierce counterpart.
- Tefnut – a lioness goddess of moisture and the sun’s eye, daughter of Ra.
- Ra – the sun god, who in some myths transforms into a cat to battle the serpent Apep.
- Lioness names – such as Miu (ancient Egyptian word for cat) or Bast (an older form of Bastet).
These names carry strong, protective meanings and are easy to pronounce, making them popular for modern cats.
Norse and Celtic Cat Legends
In Norse mythology, the goddess Freyja (also spelled Freya) rode in a chariot pulled by two cats, often said to be gray or blue. The cats were a gift from Thor, and their names are not recorded in the surviving Eddas. However, you can name a cat Freyja or Freya directly. Another Norse figure is Sköll and Hati – wolves, not cats, but sometimes confused. For actual felines, the giantess Hel is not a cat, but her hall in the underworld is called Eljudnir, which could work as a unique name. In Celtic myth, there is the Cat Sìth (or Cat Sidhe), a fairy cat from Scottish and Irish folklore, said to be as large as a dog, black with a white spot on its chest. It was believed to haunt the Highlands, and some thought it was a witch in disguise. Naming a black cat Sìth (pronounced “shee”) is a nod to that legend.
Asian and Eastern Mythological Cats
Japan has several cat spirits. The Bakeneko is a cat that gains supernatural powers after living long or growing a long tail. The Nekomata is a two-tailed cat that can control fire and speak. The Maneki-neko is a lucky cat figurine, but it is not a mythic being per se. In Chinese mythology, the Li Shou is a cat-like creature said to bring good fortune, though references are sparse. In Hindu mythology, the goddess Sasthi (also Shashthi) is a mother goddess who rides a cat; she protects children. The cat is her vahana (vehicle). The name Sasthi or Shashthi is a respectful choice. In Thai folklore, the Wichien-maat (the Siamese cat) was considered sacred and believed to receive the souls of the deceased. The name Wichien or Maat (not to be confused with the Egyptian goddess) could work.
Greek, Roman, and Other European Cat Figures
In Greek mythology, the goddess Hecate was sometimes associated with cats, and her animal familiar was often a black cat. The Greek word ailouros means cat, and the goddess Artemis was linked to the ailouros in some regional cults. The Roman goddess Libertas had a cat at her feet in some depictions, but that is rare. The Myth of the Cat and the Moon appears in various European folktales, but there is no single named deity. In Slavic folklore, the Kot Baiun is a giant, magical cat that tells stories and can lull people to sleep; it appears in Russian fairy tales. In Finnish mythology, the Hiisi is a spirit, but not a cat. The Puss in Boots is a literary character, not mythological, but the tale has roots in Italian folklore (the gatto con gli stivali). For a more authentic ancient name, consider Hecate or Artemis.
How to Choose a Mythological Cat Name
When picking a name, think about your cat’s personality and appearance. A regal, calm cat might suit Bastet; a playful, mischievous one could be Loki (though Loki is a giant, not a cat, but the trickster association fits). A black cat could be named Nekomata or Bakeneko if you enjoy Japanese folklore. A large, fluffy cat might earn the name Freyja (since her cats were large). Consider pronunciation: Sìth is tricky, but Bastet is straightforward. Also check the gender of the deity: Bastet, Sekhmet, Freyja, and Sasthi are female; Mafdet is female; Nekomata and Bakeneko are not gendered. You can also use the names of famous mythological cats, like the Cat of Bubastis or the Norse chariot cats (though unnamed).
Common Problems and Misconceptions
One common mistake is assuming all cat deities are Egyptian. In fact, cats appear in Norse, Celtic, Japanese, Hindu, and Slavic traditions. Another misconception is that the maneki-neko is an ancient deity; it is a modern talisman from the Edo period (17th–19th century). Also, many people think Bastet and Sekhmet are the same; they are distinct, though sometimes linked as the gentle and fierce aspects of the same divine power. Some names, like Loki or Thor, are not cats in mythology, but they are popular for cats because of their personality traits. Always verify the spelling: Bastet is the Greek form; the Egyptian name was Bast. Also, be aware that some cultures consider cats sacred, so using a deity’s name respectfully is important—avoid naming a cat after a deity you do not honor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most famous mythological cat name?
The most famous is Bastet, the Egyptian cat goddess. She is widely recognized and appears in many popular culture references. Her name is easy to say and has a pleasant sound.
Are there any male mythological cat names?
Yes, though fewer. The Egyptian god Ra sometimes appears as a cat, and the Japanese Bakeneko and Nekomata are not gender-specific. The Slavic Kot Baiun is male. Also, the Celtic Cat Sìth is often described as male.
Can I name my cat after a living religion’s deity?
It is respectful to do so if you understand the deity’s significance. For example, Sasthi is a Hindu goddess, and naming a cat after her is not offensive as long as you treat the name with respect. Avoid using names of deities in a mocking way.
What does the name “Bastet” mean?
Bastet means “she of the ointment jar” or “she of the bas” (a type of jar), but the exact etymology is uncertain. She was a goddess of protection, pleasure, and health.
Are there any mythological cats with special powers?
Yes. The Japanese Nekomata can control fire and speak, the Bakeneko can shapeshift, and the Celtic Cat Sìth was said to steal souls. The Norse cats of Freyja were strong enough to pull her chariot.
Is the “maneki-neko” a mythological cat?
No, the maneki-neko (beckoning cat) is a modern talisman from the Edo period, not an ancient myth. It is a folk figure, but not a deity or spirit in traditional mythology.
Alternatives to Mythological Names
If you want a cat name with a legendary feel but not tied to a specific deity, consider names from folklore and literature: Puss (from Puss in Boots), Whiskers (generic), Shadow (common for black cats), or Luna (from Roman moon goddess, but not cat-specific). You could also use the names of famous fictional cats like Garfield or Tom, but those are not mythological. For a unique twist, use the Latin word for cat, Felis, or the Greek Ailouros. These are not mythological figures, but they evoke the ancient world.
Related
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