Best Egyptian Cat Names You’ll Love

So, you’ve decided to get a cat or expand your kitty family. Regardless of whether you’ve chosen the pure breed or agreed on a moggy – now comes the hardest decision of them all – what Egyptian cat name will you call your new feline?

Egyptian cat names are a terrific option, as cats are almost synonymous with ancient Egypt. They feature quite prominently in art and writing going back thousands of years, so it’s clear they were highly thought of.

Thankfully, I have done some of the hard work for you, so you don’t have to sift through ancient documents to get a fitting and cute cat name. I have also reduced the number of potential Egyptian cat names based on sound criteria about what can make for a good cat name.

Plus, I’ll take you through some things to think about to help you decide which of those names is best for your new kitty.

The History of Egyptians and Cats

Ancient Egyptians worshiped many animals, from the ibis and cobra to the more common scarab beetle. Each animal (or insect) was valued for different reasons. Cats were thought of as a little higher than all of the others.

To them, cats were magical creatures that could bring them good luck, so they made sure to keep cats protected. Another reason for their pampering of their feline friends is that the goddess Bastet, the deity of protection and pleasure, shows up as a cat or a divine figure with a cat head.

If a cat had a royal owner, it would be dressed in gold jewelry and would be allowed to eat from its owner’s plate. Cats were often mummified and laid to rest with their owners. (My cat Alexei thinks the Egyptians were very intelligent and that we should be learning a lot from them!).

Types of Egyptian Cat Breeds

You don’t need to have an Egyptian cat breed to give your pet an Egyptian name, but you do score extra points if they are one of these iconic breeds.

Egyptian Mau

How can we talk about Egyptian cats and not mention the most well-known cat breed in the region? An Egyptian Mau is considered one of the oldest domesticated cat breeds and is possibly a descendant of the spotted African Wild Cat.

These hereditary characteristics can easily be seen in this breed’s light coat with black spots. But, you find them looking familiar for a different reason. These cats look very similar to the ones depicted in tombs and ancient ruins. Although there is no telling for certain, the evidence is quite damning.

They are considered quite long, strong, and muscular. They are also energetic and agile and can jump up to six feet in the air if needed — all necessary things in the wild for the best hunt. So, if you get this lively breed, ensure you have enough things to stimulate them.

Chausie

Many people consider a Chausie one of the most dangerous cat breeds out there. This may have to do with their genetic makeup.

A Chausie has existed for thousands of years in Egypt, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. It is a breed mixed with domestic and non-domestic or jungle cats.

Even its name ‘Chausie’ is derived from the scientific name for ‘jungle cat.’ But rest assured that their bite isn’t so mighty. They are actually quite friendly and cuddly.

They are medium to large-sized cats with quite an athletic build. And, since their parent breed is a jungle cat, they’ll need a lot of exercise and entertainment, and they will also love being in and around water. This characteristic also makes them wonderful family and kid-friendly companions.

Abyssinian

An Abyssinian is one of the best cat breeds out there, so much so that it was Cleopatra’s cat breed of choice — besides an Egyptian Mau.

You can recognize them by their short red-hued hair and alert, upright ears. They are one of the oldest domesticated cat breeds and resemble the ancient cats painted on ancient tombs and ruins.

They often carry a regal air about them, confirming their royal blood. However, today they are actually quite common in the United States, so you have a better chance of finding one and having their luck rubbing off on you.

An Abyssinian is a slender, athletic cat with big green, hazel, or gold eyes. They are very playful and affectionate, so that they would make wonderful family cats. But note that they can be pretty shy around strangers sometimes, so give them time to warm up to you to see their full cuddle potential.

Nile Valley Egyptian Cat

As the name suggests, this cat is definitely native to Egypt and the Middle East. This breed is part of the African wild cat breeds that inhabited the valley thousands of years ago. Even today, they are still considered a feral breed.

However, that doesn’t mean that they can’t be domesticated, and many companies are currently making rescue efforts to protect this endangered breed. This is an interesting breed with few exclusive characteristics, as they can have short or long hair and come in various coat colors and patterns.

13 Best Egyptian Cat Names

Did you know that it is believed the Egyptians were the first to domesticate cats? And to embrace the kitty? Very wise in many ways, those Egyptians. As mentioned, cats frequently appeared in art and writings and were revered.

The Egyptians also prized cats as hunters. They were great at getting rid of mice and other vermin that roamed the homes of ancient Egyptians.

1. Tivali

It is believed that Tivali was Queen Cleopatra’s favorite cat. The name is short and sharp and perfect for a beloved cat as it means ‘Gift of God.’ It could be used for a male or female cat.

2. Cleo

My thought here is to shorten the name Cleopatra, which is more of a mouthful. And to give a nod to all things Egyptian.

3. Cairo

This is another short and easy name to remember. It translates to ‘The Victorious’ in Arabic and could be male or female.

Short and easy to remember. Again could be male or female.

4. Tut

Tutankhamun is a great name but not something you want to say regularly. So, consider shortening it to ‘King Tut’ or simply just ‘Tut’ to make it easier. This is a short and sharp version that is more fun and manageable.

5. Giza

Giza is an area in Cairo and home to the Great Pyramids. It is also a cute short name for a kitty.

6. Ebony

Obviously, this works best with a black cat :-). Unless you think you could find this funny for your white cat for 15+ years.

7. Tia

This name belonged to a 19th-century princess, so it’s perfect for a pampered female kitty.

8. Tabia

This name sounds nice and sounds close to ‘tabby’ but with a bit more exotic flair. It means talented, so you can gauge for yourself whether your kitty would be a good fit for this meaning.

9. Azizi

This name means ‘precious’, which is perfect for your favorite pussy cat. I also love how those Zs roll off the tongue.

10. Omar

A popular male name today in Egypt with an excellent rounded O beginning. It is also short and sharp.

11. Miro

Although this name is a very popular Egyptian name for boys, it actually has Slavic roots. Regardless of which language you consider it from, it means ‘peace’ or ‘world’.

12. Sphynx

Sometimes spelled ‘Sphinx’, this is a short and sweet name that can easily be associated with Egypt. And the monument set in the Giza desert is also a mythical creature with the body of a lion. And, what is a lion but just a big cat — so it’s destined to be.

13. Kosey

Pronounced ‘Ko-sey’, this Egyptian name means ‘lion’. So, this name is best suited for cats with a big presence or breeds that look lion-like, like Maine Coons or Chausie.

More Egyptian Names to Choose From for Your Cat

As mentioned, a name is significant to your cat’s personality. So, here are a few more name options, whether you’re looking for black Egyptian cat names or names with a more regal ring to them.

Egyptian Black Cat Names

• Osiris – The god of the dead, often depicted with a black face.
• Kohl – The black eyeliner many Egyptians still use to this day.
• Onyx – A very black gemstone often used to ward off evil spirits.
• Keket – The goddess of night and darkness.
• Layla – An Arabic name meaning ‘night’ or ‘dark’.
• Apep – The god of chaos.
• Ebony – West African word that translates to ‘black’.

Egyptian Cat God Names

• Seth – The god of deserts and storms.
• Nefertum – A youthful god often depicted with a lotus flower.
• Mafdet – The goddess who slayed serpents and was portrayed as having the head of a wild cat.
• Sekhmet – The goddess of the sun, war, and healing. She is often portrayed as a lioness.
• Bastet – The goddess of cats and often depicted with a black cat’s head.
• Mihos – The lion-headed son of Bastet.
• Pakhet – The lioness goddess whose name translates to ‘she who scratches’.

Places in Egypt

• Cairo – Egypt’s capital city.
• Luxor – One of the most ancient Egyptian cities.
• Aswan – A city in Egypt known for its well-preserved archeological sites.
• Nile – This is Egypt’s famous river and the longest river in Africa.
• Giza – The third largest city in Egypt known for housing the Great Pyramids and the Sphinx.
• Sinai – A mountain renowned for its religious significance.
• Alexandria – The second largest city in Egypt, which translates to ‘defender of men’.

Royal Egyptians

• Cleopatra – Queen of the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt (Cleopatra’s favorite cat was called Tivali).
• Nefertiti – Queen of the 18th Dynasty.
• Menes – Early Dynastic pharaoh.
• Pharaoh – Rulers of ancient Egypt and often looked at as the links between man and the gods.
• Ramses – Also known as ‘Ramses the Great’, was a pharaoh of the 19th dynasty.
• Tutankhamun – Perhaps one of the most well-known pharaohs, King Tut, translates to ‘living image of the Aten’.

Classic Egyptian Names and their Meanings – Females

• Femi – Love me.
• Halima – Gentle
• Jamila – Beauty
• Kissa – Sister of twins
• Mosi – Born first
• Neema – Born to wealthy parents
• Sagira – Little One
• Selma – Secure
• Tabia – Talented
• Tia – The name of a princess during the 19th century
• Thema – Queen
• Zahra – Flower

Popular Names in Egypt Today – Female

• Rana – A gender-neutral name meaning beautiful.
• Salma – Arabic name that means ‘peace’.
• Doha – Roundness
• Yasmin – Relating to a Jasmine flower.
• Amal – Hope
• Amirah – Princess or leader.
• Jana – Harvest

Classic Egyptian Names and Their Meanings – Males

• Adio – Righteous
• Azizi – Precious
• Darius – Pharoah name
• Husani – Handsome
• Oba – King
• Seb – God of the Earth
• Tarik – Name of a warrior

Popular Names in Egypt Today – Male

• Omar – Flourishing
• Mahmoud – Praiseworthy
• Mostafa – The chosen one.
• Karim – Noble, generous, or honorable.
• Youssef – Translates to ‘God increases.’
• Miro – Translates to ‘peace’ or ‘world’.

Which Egyptian Names for Cats Caught Your Eye?

That concludes our very long list of Egypt cat names. Whether you’re looking for godly nicknames or standard everyday names for your feline, one of these names is sure to catch your attention.

Remember that giving your cat an appropriate name should be a stressful task. As long as you have found a name you like and wouldn’t mind repeating over and over, it shouldn’t be a problem.

However, hopefully, you won’t have to look very far for more Egyptian cat name options when (and if) you decide to go with something else.

If an Egyptian cat name isn’t right for your pet, how about a Grecian cat name instead?