77 Calico Cat Names for Tri-Colored Beauties

Published on 05/17/2022

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By every measure of the word, calico cats are colorful. Distinguished by their multicolored coats, calicos are typically white, orange and black. While “calico” is a general term referring to tri-color domestic cats of any breed, fans insist that the fashionable felines share vibrant, distinctly quirky personalities.

Calico companions require names as unique as their coats, of course. From sweet to spicy, cutesy to spooky, these calico cat names cover it all.

Best Calico Cat Names

Cat looking up at owner something is interesting and good calico cat names

Good names for calico cats are colorful and personality-packed (just like cats!). These memorable monikers are at the top of our list:

Autumn
Butterscotch
Gizmo
Lucky
Marble
Neapolitan
Patches
Picasso
Tortoise
Trinity

Autumn: The fall season’s rich palette makes this nature-inspired name a classic choice for calicos.

Butterscotch: How sweet! The sugary confection has a mottled, orange-brown hue and comes complete with two cute nicknames, “Butters” or “Scotch.”

Gizmo: The “Gremlins” protagonist is an adorable Mogwai with calico-ish coloring (just make sure not to feed Gizmo after midnight).

Lucky: Calico cats are considered lucky in many folklore traditions. Japanese sailors traveled with calico cats to ensure a safe (and rodent-free) voyage.

Marble: Like marble, many calico coats have swirled and striated patterns.

Neapolitan: Comprised of three flavors (chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry), Neapolitan ice cream is a fitting namesake for tri-colored kitties.

Patches: A classic pet name, Patches is especially purrfect for calicos, whose coats can resemble haphazard quilts.

Picasso: This artsy name pokes gentle fun at the seemingly distorted, collage-like nature of the calico coat. The iconic artist’s first name, Pablo, is just as fun!

Tortoise: Everyone loves animals named after other animals. This reptilian name is a cross-species hit with a wink to mottled “tortoiseshell” patterns.

Trinity: Meaning “a group of three,” Trinity gained popularity as a girl’s name in the ‘90s thanks to the “Matrix” character.

Female Calico Cat Names

Have you ever noticed that most calico cats are female? That’s because coat color is controlled by genetics, and calico coloring requires two X chromosomes – meaning the overwhelming majority of calicos are Tomasinas, not Toms. We have plenty of female calico names to choose from with that in mind.

Callista: Names that start with “cal” can be a fun way to nod to your feline friend’s calico coat. A Greek name meaning “most beautiful,” Callista fits the bill.

Ember: Sometimes used as a girl’s name, Ember evokes the warm, smoky colors of a campfire.

Hazel: For a great color name with vintage vibes, consider Hazel. An elusive mix of golden and brown, the shade is calico-esque.

Iris: Of Greek origin, the name Iris means “rainbow,” making it perfect for colorful kitties.

Jemima: Popular in the UK, Jemima is an old-school name with a calico pedigree. In the musical “Cats,” Jemima is an innocent tri-colored kitten.

Maizie: This quirky girl’s name calls to mind maize or wild corn. Some varieties of the crop have colorful, calico-like kernel patterns.

Maryland: Looking for a stately name? On October 1, 2001, the calico cat became the official cat of Maryland.

Saffron: If your calico has a heavy helping of orange, consider this spicy name.

Toffee: The chewy candy could be a sweet namesake with shades ranging from chocolaty brown to creamy caramel.

Velma: In the “Scooby-Doo” franchise, Velma Dinkley is known for her brunette hair and orange outfit.

More Calico Names for Female Cats

Amber
Brandy
Callie
Cosima
Ginger
Henna
Marmalade
Medley
Mystique
Nutmeg
Penny
Ribbons
Sandy

Male Calico Cat Names

Cat standing on table looking at owner and he is a calico cat

While rare, calico males do exist! Consider these special names for these special guys:

Bengal: With their orange, black, and white coats, tigers may as well be honorary calicos. For a name with a wild side, consider Bengal.

Calvin: “Calvin the Calico” has an unmistakable ring to it. In the classic comic “Calvin and Hobbes,” Calvin’s best friend is Hobbes, a stuffed tiger.

Camo: Short for “camouflage,” Camo is a fun name for cats whose coats have mottled markings.

Nemo: If your cat doesn’t mind being named after a fish, consider Nemo. Disney’s famous clownfish is orange, white, and black like a calico.

Reese: With iconic orange packaging and chocolate hues, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups are the calicos of the candy world.

Rusty: With a cute country appeal, Rusty calls to mind shades of orange and brown.

Shere Khan: Have a real king of the jungle? Shere Khan is the name of the large-and-in-charge Bengal tiger in “The Jungle Book.”

Sir Mix-a-Lot: When it comes to mixed-color coats, this ‘90s throwback has plenty of potential. For short, you can simply address Sir Mix-a-Lot as “Sir.”

Tigger: In the words of the classic “Winnie-the-Pooh” song: “The wonderful thing about Tiggers is Tiggers are wonderful things.”

Trey: Meaning “three,” the name Trey was originally a nickname for a third-generation son.

More Male Calico Cat Names

Caleb
Chestnut
Copper
Hickory
Speckles
Spice
Whisky

Cute Calico Cat Names

We’re not kitten around – these cute calico cat names are extra adorable:

Disco: Calling all party animals! If your kitty’s festive, patchy coat resembles a disco ball, look no further.

Meowth: In the Pokémon universe, Meowth is an adorably named calico-ish creature.

Pixel: Because richly patterned calico coats may appear mottled or pixelated!

Potpourri: Or should it be Potpurrri? Commonly used to refer to a fragrant mix of flower petals, the word “potpourri” can also simply mean a mixture.

Pumpkin Spice: For a cute color-coded name that’s always in season, try Pumpkin Spice. It’s perfect for orange cats with contrasting hues of cinnamon, nutmeg and whipped cream.

More Cute Calico Cat Names

Confetti
Meow Mix
Pebbles
Rainbow
Smudge
Snickers
Sprinkles
Twix

Unique Calico Cat Names

Think outside the box with these meow-worthy monikers for names as unique as your calico’s coat:

Chimera: In Greek mythology, the Chimera was a fire-breathing hybrid creature. The term “chimera” is also used in genetics to refer to a single organism with more than one set of genes. Either way, Chimera is perfect for a one-of-a-kind kitty.

Equinox: Equinox evokes the season’s pretty palette for a fall-inspired name that’s more mysterious than Autumn.

Maneki: The maneki-neko is a Japanese cat figurine that is thought to bestow good luck upon its owner. Traditionally, the cat is a calico Japanese Bobtail.

Monarch: For a regal name, consider Monarch in honor of the black, orange and yellow butterflies.

Trefoil: In design and architecture, “trefoil” is used to describe a shape made from three overlapping rings, although fans of Girl Scout cookies may more readily associate the name with shortbread.