99 Purr-fect Orange Cat Names

orange tabby cat peaking over the edge of a white table

Naming an orange cat involves a wide array of choices that mirror not only their bright coat but also their lively personalities. From iconic characters like the mischievous Garfield to modern favorites like the daring Puss in Boots, orange cats hold a special place in our culture, embodying traits from relaxed and loving to daring and spirited.

This list of 99 names caters to the various shades and spirits of orange cats, offering both classic and creative options. What distinguishes this collection is the inclusion of each name’s origin and meaning, adding depth and personal touch.

Whether you prefer the warmth of “Amber” or the playfulness of “Tigger,” this guide is sure to help you select a name that honors the unique charm of your orange feline friend.

[Editors Note: Are you looking for a name for a female kitten? Check out our mega list of 900 girl cat names!]

cute young orange kitten on a white background

List of 99 Orange Cat Names

Amber – English, referring to the fossilized tree resin known for its golden to orange color.

Apricot – English from Latin, named after the fruit, symbolizing the orange-yellow color.

Archie – English, diminutive of Archibald, meaning “genuine” and “bold.”

Ariel – Hebrew, meaning “lion of God,” also associated with the red-haired mermaid from Disney.

Aslan – Turkish, meaning “lion,” evoking the majestic, golden-maned lion from C.S. Lewis’s Narnia series.

Autumn – English, representing the season when leaves turn orange and copper.

Blaze – English, meaning fire, representing the fiery orange of a ginger cat’s coat.

Butterscotch – English, for the confectionery made from brown sugar and butter with a rich, golden color.

Caramel – French, referring to the cooked sugar used in desserts, evoking a warm, golden-brown hue.

Carrot – English from Middle French, directly referencing the vegetable known for its vibrant orange color.

spotted tabby orange cat outdoors

Cheddar – English, after the cheese, which can range from white to deep orange, depending on the presence of annatto.

Cheezit – American, a brand name for a snack that’s often a bright, cheesy orange.

Cheeto – American, a brand name for a puffy, orange-colored cheese snack.

Cherry – English from Latin, though typically red, cherries can have warm, orange-hued varieties.

Chestnut – English, named after the nut of the chestnut tree, which has a reddish-brown hue.

Chili – Spanish from Nahuatl (Aztec), referring to the pepper, which can range in color from green to bright orange and red.

Cinnamon – English from Ancient Greek, referring to the spice with a warm, golden-brown color.

Clementine – French, a type of mandarin orange, also symbolizing mildness and mercy.

Copper – English, for the metal known for its distinctive reddish-orange color.

Coral – Latin, referring to the marine invertebrates often found in warm, shallow waters, ranging in color from reddish to golden-orange.

fluffy orange cat outdoors, Orange Cat Names

Crookshanks – Literary, the name of Hermione Granger’s cat in the “Harry Potter” series, chosen perhaps for its unique and quirky sound without a specific known origin.

Curry – English from Tamil, referring to a variety of dishes using a complex combination of spices, including turmeric, which gives curry its golden hue.

Dorito – American, a brand name for flavored tortilla chips, often associated with the cheese variety’s bright orange color.

Ember – English, referring to the glowing, hot fragments left after a fire, suggesting warmth and a lingering presence, much like the glow of a ginger cat’s fur.

Fanta – German, a brand of fruit-flavored carbonated drinks, with the orange flavor being one of the most popular, hence its association with the color.

Felix – Latin, meaning “happy” or “lucky,” a name that has been popularized by the cartoon character Felix the Cat.

Fergus – Gaelic, meaning “man of vigor,” which could be symbolic of the lively spirit often found in ginger cats.

Ferris – Irish, derived from Fergus, sharing a similar meaning and evoking a sense of liveliness and energy.

Fireball – English, directly referencing a small, bright meteor as well as the bright, fiery color of ginger fur.

Flannery – Irish, meaning “red eyebrow,” which could be humorously appropriate for ginger cats known for their distinctive coloring.

orange cat lazily sleeping under white blanket, Orange Cat Names

Fox – English, after the animal known for its cunning and distinctive reddish fur, reflecting the cleverness and beauty of ginger cats.

Garfield – American, after the comic strip character Garfield the Cat, who is lazy, loves lasagna, and has an iconic orange fur.

Ginger – English, referring to the spice with a warm, golden color, and commonly used for orange cats.

Goldie – English, diminutive of Gold or Golden, representing something precious and of golden color.

Hazel – English, originally referring to the hazelnut tree, and often used to describe a shade of light brown or gold in eyes, suggesting warmth.

Heathcliff – Literary, from Emily Brontë’s “Wuthering Heights,” though not directly color-related, the rugged and stormy character of Heathcliff can metaphorically match the fiery spirit of a ginger cat.

Hobbes – Literary, named after the tiger companion in “Calvin and Hobbes” by Bill Watterson, reflecting the playful and philosophical nature alongside the tiger’s distinctive orange and black stripes.

Honey – English, referring to the sweet, sticky substance made by bees, often golden in color, symbolizing sweetness and warmth.

Ignatius – Latin, meaning “fiery one,” an apt description for the fiery spirit and warm colors of a ginger cat.

Jasper – Persian, meaning “treasurer.” Jasper is a gemstone known for its many colors, including reddish hues, symbolizing protection and peace.

orange cat sleeping on a dark blue sofa

Jolene – English, possibly derived from Jo and the name Eileen or Helen, meaning “bright, shining one.” Dolly Parton’s song of the same name has made it popular, evoking a fiery personality.

Leo – Latin, meaning “lion,” representing strength, bravery, and the vibrant mane of a lion, akin to the lush fur of a ginger cat.

Lucille – French, meaning “light,” symbolizing brightness and radiance, perfect for a cat with a shiny, golden coat.

Mango – English, from the fruit known for its sweet, juicy flavor and vibrant orange color, suitable for a sweet and colorful cat.

Maple – English, from the maple tree known for its beautiful orange and red leaves in the autumn, symbolizing warmth and change.

Marigold – English, from the golden-orange flower, symbolizing passion and creativity, ideal for a lively ginger cat.

Marmalade – English, referring to the preserve made from oranges, lemons, and sugar, denoting a cat’s sweet and vibrant nature.

Mars – Latin, named after the Roman god of war, associated with the reddish appearance of the planet Mars, symbolizing fiery energy.

Merida – Celtic, meaning “pearl,” but popularized by the Disney princess known for her fiery red hair and independent spirit.

Molly – Hebrew, meaning “bitter,” but often associated with sweetness and affection in popular culture, suitable for a cat with a sweet yet feisty personality.

fluffy orange cat, grey and white background

Mustard – English, named after the condiment, which can have a vibrant yellow or golden hue, reflecting a ginger cat’s vibrant personality.

Nacho – Spanish, a diminutive form of Ignacio, meaning “fiery one,” also popularly associated with the cheese-covered snack that can range in color from yellow to orange.

Nala – African, meaning “gift” or “beloved” in Swahili, popularized by “The Lion King,” suitable for a cherished ginger cat.

Nutmeg – English, named after the spice with a warm, nutty flavor, and a rich brownish-orange color, perfect for a spicy and sweet-natured cat.

Oliver – Latin, meaning “olive tree,” but popularized by the orange tabby cat in Disney’s “Oliver & Company,” symbolizing peace and beauty.

Ollie – English, diminutive of Oliver, carrying the same association with the cheerful, adventurous orange tabby cat.

Opie – English, of uncertain origin, popularized by Opie Taylor from “The Andy Griffith Show,” symbolizing innocence and friendliness.

Paprika – Hungarian, named after the spice made from ground sweet red pepper pods, representing warmth, spice, and vibrant color.

Peaches – English, named after the fruit with a soft, velvety orange skin, symbolizing sweetness and warmth.

Peanut – English, for the small, edible nut, often used affectionately for small and cute things, reflecting a ginger cat’s charming nature.

fluffy orange cat laying on a bright yellow blanket

Penny – English, derived from the Old English “pening,” referring to a coin made of copper, symbolizing wealth and the reddish color of copper.

Phoenix – Greek, after the mythical bird that is reborn from its ashes, symbolizing rebirth and immortality, apt for a cat with a fiery spirit and orange coat.

Pippi – Swedish, diminutive of names like Philippa, but popularized by Pippi Longstocking, known for her fiery red hair and adventurous spirit.

Poppy – English, from the flower known for its bright red to orange color, symbolizing peace and remembrance.

Pumpkin – English, from the large orange fruit associated with autumn and warmth, perfect for a round and cuddly ginger cat.

Rajah – Sanskrit, meaning “king” or “prince,” popularized by the orange tiger in Disney’s “Aladdin,” symbolizing nobility and strength.

Redford – English, possibly “red ford,” symbolizing a crossing through a river with reddish waters, suitable for a cat with leadership and pioneering spirit.

Robin – English, after the bird with a distinctive red breast, symbolizing renewal and joy.

Ron (Weasley) – English, popularized by the Harry Potter series’ character known for his loyalty and distinctive red hair, symbolizing courage and friendship.

Rory – Gaelic, meaning “red king,” perfect for a regal ginger cat with a commanding presence.

creamy orange tabby kitten hanging over  the back of a striped chair

Rosie – English, diminutive of Rose, referring to the flower, symbolizing beauty and love, suitable for a sweet and loving ginger cat.

Rowan – Gaelic, from the rowan tree known for its red berries, symbolizing protection and inspiration.

Ruby – Latin, from “ruber,” meaning red, symbolizing passion, vigor, and the deep red gemstone.

Rusty – English, referring to the reddish-orange color of oxidized iron, perfect for a cat with a deep orange coat.

Saffron – Arabic, from “za’faran,” referring to the spice with a rich golden-yellow hue, symbolizing wealth and light.

Sandy – Greek, diminutive of Alexander or Sandra, but also evoking the golden, sandy beaches, suitable for a light-orange cat.

Scarlet – English, for the bright red color, often associated with courage, passion, and joy.

Simba – Swahili, meaning “lion,” popularized by Disney’s “The Lion King,” symbolizing strength, adventure, and leadership.

Snap – English, typically a nickname suggesting quickness or a snapping sound, but also evoking the idea of vivacity and energy, suitable for an energetic ginger cat.

Sol – Spanish and Latin for “sun,” embodying the warmth and radiance of your ginger cat’s coat, reflecting their sunny disposition.

orange tabby mix munchkin cat isolated on a white background

Spice – English, representing the variety of spices that share the warm colors of a ginger cat’s fur, like cinnamon and turmeric, symbolizing their vibrant personality.

Sunny – English, indicative of a cheerful temperament and the bright, golden color of sunshine, perfect for a cat that brings light into your life.

Tabasco – Spanish, after the brand of hot sauce, symbolizing the fiery spirit and reddish hue of a ginger cat.

Taffy – Welsh, a diminutive of Dafydd (David), meaning “beloved” but also reminiscent of the chewy candy often found in bright colors, including orange.

Tangerine – English, from the fruit, symbolizing the vibrant orange color and zest for life that a ginger cat possesses.

Tango – Spanish, named after the dance, suggesting the lively and passionate nature of your cat, with movements as fluid and captivating as the dance itself.

Tigger – Literary, from A.A. Milne’s “Winnie-the-Pooh,” symbolizing boundless energy and a happy-go-lucky attitude, perfect for a playful ginger cat.

Tiger – English, from the large cat known for its striped fur, symbolizing strength, ferocity, and the wild beauty of ginger cats.

Topaz – Greek, referring to the gemstone that can appear in a range of colors, including orange, symbolizing affection and strength.

Tulip – Turkish, from “tülbend,” for the flower that can bloom in vibrant oranges, symbolizing perfect love and passion.

free cat pictures - headshot of a magnificent orange maine coon cat on a green background

Twix – American, a brand name for a chocolate bar, but evocative of a sweet nature and the caramel color inside, similar to a ginger cat’s warm hues.

Vixen – English, for a female fox, indicating cunning and a vibrant, fiery spirit, reflecting the agile and spirited nature of ginger cats.

Wendy – English, invented for J.M. Barrie’s “Peter Pan,” meaning “friend” or “blessed ring,” suitable for a beloved and cherished ginger cat.

Whiskey – Gaelic, from “uisce beatha,” meaning “water of life,” evoking the rich amber color of whiskey, suitable for a cat with a warm and spirited personality.

Willow – English, from the willow tree, known for its grace and flexibility, symbolizing resilience and elegance, reflecting the sleek, graceful nature of your cat.

Winnie – English, short for Winifred or Winston, meaning “gentle friend” or “joy and peace,” perfect for a comforting and gentle ginger cat.

Zinnia – German, from the flower, known for its vibrant colors including bright oranges, symbolizing remembrance and endurance.

Zippy – English, suggesting quickness and energy, perfect for a ginger cat with a lively and spirited demeanor.

Zorro – Spanish for “fox,” symbolizing cunning and heroism, perfect for a clever and adventurous ginger cat.

[Image credits: All images are used under license or with permission]

Author

  • Dr. Wendy Wilkins DVM PhD.

    Dr. Wendy Wilkins is an experienced veterinarian and epidemiologist with over 20 years of expertise. She holds a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree and a Doctorate in Epidemiology from the University of Saskatchewan. Throughout her career, Dr. Wilkins has excelled in clinical practice, academia, research, and regulatory veterinary medicine. She is a respected voice in knowledge dissemination, delivering factual information in a readable and understandable manner through articles, books, and public engagements.