139 Names for Black Cats

Folklore and superstitions have taught many to believe that black cats are “bad luck” and should only be owned by witches or celebrated around Halloween. But in reality they are adorable, beautiful creatures that are revered for their uniqueness. When owning such a majestic animal, coming up with a name for your black cat is key.

Many famous people from history have had a fun time naming them. Mark Twain had a black cat named Bambino. Frank Zappa named his black cat Marshmoff. And Jane Fonda had a black cat named Snickers. 

Need a name for your own? Here are 139 fun, famous, and creative names for black cats to get you started.

9 Best Black Cat Names

• Midnight
• Pepper
• Ebony
• Shadow
• Magic
• Licorice
• Wicked 
• Knight
• Sable

Naming your cat is something you should put a lot of thought into. While there are many black cat names to choose from, here are our top favorites:

Midnight: The night sky is dark and magical, just like your feline’s coat. It’s the perfect name for the energetic cat that is full of energy and comes alive, well after the sun goes down. This name could be used for male or female cat. 

Pepper: This is a popular name among black cat owners. Inspired by black pepper, which is a dark and vibrant color, this name fits the spicy cat in your life that operates by his or her own rules. It’s playful, fun and confident.

Ebony: Ebony is a very dark black wood that is often used to make piano keys. It’s also the perfect name for a cat with a very beautiful black coat and makes a great choice for a female feline.

Shadow: A shadow cast on the sidewalk on a hot summer’s day is bold and black, just like your feline. It’s also a cute name, showcasing the fact that your cat has a sweet and cuddly side. 

Magic: Black cats just seem to have a little extra something about them. This playful name ties into the fun parts of a cat’s folklore and the days of witches casting spells, while also keeping things fun and playful.

Licorice: Whether your cat is sweet or spicy, Licorice is a name that instantly conjures up witches’ herbs and soothing potions. We think it’s the perfect name for a black-furred feline—whether you like the flavor of black licorice or not. 

Wicked: By the pricking of my thumb, something wicked this way comes! Okay, so maybe your cat isn’t wicked, but a mischievous cat deserves a name that fits. Plus, if you’re a fan of the popular musical theater production, this is a fun option. 

Knight: We like how this name does double duty as a strong, heroic medieval-inspired misnomer and offers a play on the blackness of night. This is a great choice for a daring and brave feline companion. 

Sable: The name Sable has a nice ring to it. It’s basically interchangeable for the color black—though the shade can range from dark brown to gray. Sables are also black mourning garments, so if you’re into the macabre, this is a great name for your feline.

Other Good Names for Black Cats

• Phantom
• Zorro
• Loki
• Twilight
• Jaguar
• Shady
• Mustang
• Spirit
• Zero
• Diesel
• Trouble
• Smokey
• Blackberry

Male Black Cat Names

• Elvis
• Crow
• Ninja
• Guinness
• Jet
• Grime

While there are many gender-neutral cat names, finding one that pairs with the sex of your cat can be fun. Here are some of our favorite names for black male cats: 

Elvis: “The King” was known for his signature jet black hair. Celebrate your cat for his inimitable black coat by naming him after one of the rock ‘n roll greats.

Crow: Crows are smart, courageous, and confident. This name is for the cat who is curious and stoic, one who loves to purr and meow and make their presence known wherever they go.

Ninja: Ninjas are covert agents skilled in spying, fighting, and surprise attacks. This name is for the cat who loves to hunt, play, and pounce. He’ll keep you on his toes and you never know what adventure he’s up to next!

Guinness: This popular Irish beer is smooth and classically bittersweet. It’s darker than most beers and stands out amongst its colleagues, as does your cat with his lustrous black coat. 

Jet: A jet plane commands the sky. The Jets were a lively teenage gang in the notorious West Side Story. And many people use the phrase “jet black” to describe the blackest of blacks. This is for that dark-furred cat with the pure coat and glowing eyes—the one who truly stands out and refuses to blend in.

Grime: While it might not be the most flattering feline name, there’s something quite amusing about calling a black cat “Grime.” It brings to mind images of soot and ash. But, you have to admit, the name has kind of a cool punk-rock feel to it, no?

Other Boy Black Cat Names

• Panther
• Cosmo
• Vader
• Coal
• Dusk
• Inky
• Ash
• Cinder
• Stallion
• Thunder
• Ace
• Razor
• Carbon

Female Black Cat Names

• Raven
• Cher
• Gypsy
• Luna
• Eclipse
• Nox

And don’t forget about the ladies! Here are some of our favorite names that go well with female black cats: 

Raven: Ravens are large birds that are smart, playful, and resourceful. They’ve appeared in many of the world’s mythologies as messengers of the gods. Native Americans consider these birds to be tricksters who helped to create the world and images of Ravens often adorned the armor and helmets of Vikings. This is a great name for the sassy, strong female cat in your life.

Cher: Not only does Cher herself rule the stage with her commanding black hair but she also once owned a black cat, named Salt. This is the name for the spunky, edgy, and risk-taking feline in your life who likes to bask in the spotlight.

Gypsy: Gypsies are known for their nomadic lives, traveling from town to town and collecting new experiences along the way. This is a great name for the cat who loves to wander, is always on the go and seems to come home with many new adventures under her belt.

Luna: Ranked one of the most popular names for female black cats, Luna means “moon” in Spanish. This is for the dark-coated cat with wide eyes and a curious nature.

Eclipse: An eclipse occurs when one heavenly body, like the moon or a planet, moves into the shadow of another. It’s a rare and amazing thing to witness and something that only comes along once in a while. This name perfectly suits the cat who is one of a kind.

Nox: In Roman mythology, Nox was the shadowy goddess who represented night. Legends say that she was such a powerful and beautiful figure that even Zeus was afraid of her. And—to be honest—we feel like Zeus would fear some of our female cat friends, too!

Other Girl Black Cat Names

• Shade
• Stella
• Onyx
• Noir
• Lexi
• Caviar
• Charm
• Rogue
• Fia
• Minnie
• Vera
• Poppy

Black and White Cat Names

• Oreo
• Panda
• Sylvester
• Tux
• Orca

While some cats are all black, others have white accents across their bodies. These names are some fun ways to pay tribute to your cat’s two-toned look:

Oreo: One part white, one part black, this name was made for the black and white cat who is a mix of mischievous and cuddly. 

Panda: Pandas are beautiful white and black creatures who enjoy lounging around all day, climbing trees and have an uncanny ability to camouflage in their natural habitat. This is a great name for the cat who likes to relax during the day but springs alive whenever you reach for their jar of treats. 

Sylvester: Perhaps the most famous black and white cat of all time is Sylvester the Cat from Looney Tunes. He’s notorious for being clumsy, focused, and a relentless hunter. This name is for the cat who lives to chase toys, balls, and critters.

Tux: A traditional tuxedo is black with a white shirt peeking through the buttons. It’s the perfect name for a cat with a bold black coat that is accented by a little bit of white on his chest.

Orca: Orcas are smart, emotional, and social. This is a great name for the black and white cat who loves to play, as well as spend time with other humans and felines.

Other Black and White Cat Names

• Cookie
• Cupcake
• Domino
• Dottie
• Eskimo
• Chip
• Bowtie
• Sushi
• Patch
• Penguin
• Swirl
• Bandit
• Piano
• Zigzag
• Zebra
• Twist
• Checkers
• Cruella

Funny Black Cat Names

• Eightball
• Soot
• Dusty
• Lone Ranger
• Sharpie 

Some black cat names just make you giggle. If you’re looking for something a little more light hearted, try one of these funny black cat names: 

Eightball: Among the sea of colorful striped and solid pool balls sits the eightball. This ball, which can make you a winner or instantly cause you to lose your game of pool is both adored and feared. This is a funny name for a black cat who is unusual and complex.

Soot: A cat of any color who played a little too long in a pile of soot would come out looking like a black cat. But a black cat is already black, giving them the edge on all of those other wannabes.

Dusty: A little bit of dust isn’t enough to turn a cat entirely black. But isn’t it fun to look at a black cat and pretend this was the case?

Lone Ranger: The TV and movie cowboy with this namesake was known for his dark mask. He fought outlaws and was always walking around dressed in black. Think of how fun it will be to stand across the room and call out “Lone Ranger! Time for dinner!”

Sharpie: Sharpies, with their dark black ink, are said to be permanent. This is the name for the cat who has left a permanent mark in your life. 

Other Funny Black Cat Names

• Bewitched
• Lone Ranger
• Cola
• Pepsi
• Blackout
• Charcoal
• Chocolate
• Matches
• Sky
• Batman
• Jack Black
• Iron
• Gloom
• Evening
• Puma
• Asphalt
• Beetle
• Superstition
• Mischief

Halloween Names for Black Cats

• Spooky
• Morticia
• Boo
• Candy
• Eve

Black cats are known to be a little mysterious and special. And Halloween is when we really get to celebrate them. Here are some Halloween names for black cats to consider: 

Spooky: Black cats have a mystique about them. Some might say they are a little “spooky.” This name perfectly sums up the entire Halloween season in one daring name.

Morticia: Morticia Aadams is the woman who rules the roost at the Aadams Family house. From her long dark hair to her fitted black gown, she may just be the queen of Halloween. Naming your cat after her is a great way to pay homage to the holiday.

Boo: Poke fun at the fact that black cats are “scary” with this silly name that the most playful of cartoon ghosts would utter. When someone looks down and calls your cat “Boo,” they’ll realize how silly some superstitions are. 

Candy: If there’s one thing we associate with Halloween, it’s candy. Naming your cat after your favorite sweet treat may help people to realize just how sweet she really is. It’s the perfect name for the cuddlebug in your life.

Eve: This name comes from Halloween, aka All Hollow’s Eve. It stemmed from the ancient Gaelic festival of Samhain, which marked the finale of harvest season and the beginning of the year’s “dark half.”

Other Halloween-inspired Names for Black Cats 

• Bat
• Elvira
• Dracula
• Monster
• Igor
• Wednesday
• Abracadabra
• Black Widow
• Autumn
• Chilly
• Ghost
• Spider
• Voodoo
• Howl

Black Cat Names from Movies or TV Shows

• Salem (Sabrina the Teenage Witch)
• Bagheera (The Jungle Book)
• Lucifer (Cinderella)
• Binx (Hocus Pocus)
• Liebchen (The Witches)

Black cats have made their appearance in many cartoons, television shows, and movies throughout the years. They’ve appeared in comic books and have been celebrated on screen in your favorite movies, whether that’s as talking sidekicks, stunning superheroes, or mice-chasing nemeses.

Here are some black cat names from movies or TV shows to consider, when naming your pet:

Salem (Sabrina the Teenage Witch): Anyone who watched this 1996 to 2003 television series remembers teenage Sabrina and her beloved companion, a talking cat named Salem. He was a sassy 500-year-old witch sentenced to spend 100 years as a feline. Naming your cat Salem is the perfect witchy cat name.

Bagheera (The Jungle Book): Every black kitten wants to grow up to be as fierce and strong as a black panther. Bagheera was the black panther who befriended Mowgli and kept him safe in Disney’s The Jungle Book. He’s a pretty cool cat.

Lucifer (Cinderella): This not-so-little fella was the pet cat of Cinderella’s stepmom and stepsisters. He, like his owners, was not the nicest of creatures. And he’s very spoiled and a huge troublemaker. 

Binx (Hocus Pocus): Thackery Binx gets transformed into an immortal black cat, named Binx, in the film Hocus Pocus. He’s adventurous and doesn’t let his non-human form stop him from saving the day. Naming your cat after a Disney character like this is a fun way to pay tribute to your some of your favorite movies. 

Liebchen (The Witches): Remember the 1990 film The Witches? The evil Grand High Witch traveled with a cat named Liebchen. In the 2020 film version, she named her cat Hades. Her cat was the most royal of all of the witches’ felines.

Other Famous Black Cat Names

• Felix the cat – cartoon
• Figaro – Pinocchio
• Winky- Escape to Witch Mountain
• Luna – Sailor Moon
• Jiji – Kiki’s Delivery Service
• Snowball II – The Simpsons
• Isis – Catwoman
• Scat Cat – Aristocrats