Wondering what are the best cute Korean cat names? Whether you have a fluffy cat or a sleek Siamese, you’re sure to find an adorable name that’s fitting for your fur baby.
In ancient Confucian times, cats were considered a symbol of good fortune in South Korea. In fact, many Korean scholars would seek out these fluffy little felines before taking their exams, believing the cat would bring them good luck.
Along with good fortune, cats are believed to relieve stress and also bring laughter and happiness to your home. If you’ve decided to own one of these furry pets, you’re in for years of joy – we guarantee it.
While owning a cat relieves stress, coming up with a name can be tough. To help you find the right name for your little furball, we have summed up our pick of the 82 best Korean cat names. And to ensure the name is truly a perfect fit, we’ve also included the meanings.
Note: Koreans often add “Yah” at the end of the name when calling for their cats, which means “come here.” So if you’re calling for your cat named “Bo Mi,” you’d call for your cat by saying, “Bo Mi Yah!”.
For more names we think you’ll love, take a look at these unique Greek cat names.
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Key Things to Think About When choosing between Korean Names for Cats
1. Your Cat’s Appearance
The color of your cat or its markings can help you choose. Look at your kitty’s shape as well – is he sleek or solid? Pointy ears or flat back ears? Fluffy or sleek? Think about the concept of Onomatopoeia. This is when a word looks like what it describes.
2. The Personality of Your Cat
A great cat name may reflect your cat’s personality. This can be difficult with a new cat as, of course, you haven’t gotten to know them yet, and your cat may be very young, so its personality is still developing. Take a few days to observe your new kitty and see what it is like.
A quiet and shy cat won’t suit the name Joker.
3. Your Cat’s Breed
Breeds can provide name ideas. How about Richard Parker for a Himalayan Cat?
4. Keep the Name Short
You will use your cat’s name an awful lot – so the fewer the syllables, the better. Also, this will be easier for your cat to absorb and remember.
Plus, you will likely introduce your cat to friends, family, vets, and others, so a shorter name is easier for everyone to understand and remember.
5. Don’t choose a name that is bigger than your cat
Aslan might not be the best bet if your cat is a Munchkin.
6. The Name should have Longevity
It may seem hilarious to give your cat a lengthy name when you first get it, but you may well tire of calling this name out and sharing it with others.
7. Be Nice
Names that aren’t flattering to your feline will likely tire quickly, such as Cow.
8. Make Sure It Fits With Other Cats In Your Household
Food is a great opportunity to develop matching names for cats in your household – like Pepper and Salt. Or Sylvester and Tweety. Or Ebony and Ivory. So many good combinations and options!
What if I Choose the Wrong Cat Name?
I know I let you know that your cat does learn its name, but if you choose to change it after a few weeks it shouldn’t be too much of an issue.
There is no evidence one way or the other as to what happens when a new owner changes the name of an older cat eg if you were to get a rescue kitty who was already several years old. I would suggest trying your name of choice and giving it a few months to stick and then deciding from there.
13 Cute Korean Cat Names
1. Bbo-bbo
Bbo-bbo is a cute cat name that simply translates to “Kiss kiss.” Interestingly enough, cats do not show affection through kisses, although they may lick your face from time to time. Instead, cats show affection by slowly blinking their eyes, as well as by kneading us, and bringing us gifts. =
2. Chung
In English, Chung translates to “Spring.” The spring season symbolizes hope, new beginnings and growth. What better way to honor your new little kitten than with this cute name?
3. Gi
Perhaps your kitten possesses similar features or behavioral traits to a lion. If that’s the case, Gi, meaning “brave” might be a good fit. Throughout history, lions have stood as a symbol of bravery and strength. Does your kitten resemble a little lion cub?
4. Kimchi
Kimchi is a Korean dish consisting of spicy pickled cabbage. It is a staple in Korean cuisine, commonly serving as a side dish. Kimchi is among the best Korean pet names for cats as it beautifully captures the essence of Korean culture.
The kimchi cat name may not seem like the most fitting as kimchi is not part of a cat’s diet. However, they do get everything they need from their cat food. We recommend feeding kittens wet food, as their teeth are still too small to chew dry foods.
5. Kyong
A simple, single-syllable name for a cat is “Kyong”, which means “Brightness”. This term wonderfully describes what many of our furry friends are, always brightening our day.
6. Na-bi
Na-bi is one of the most popular cat names in Korea. It directly translates to “Butterfly” in English. Butterflies are often described as elegant, small, delicate, and colorful. They are also renowned for being swift. If your little guy is nimble and crafty, then Na-bi is a fitting name.
Fun fact – Na-bi is the name of a cat in the famous Korean cartoon, “There She Is”.
7. Nam-sun
Common among most cats, and arguably their cutest feature, is their big round eyes. Nam-sun is a name that means exactly that. If you can’t get over your little one’s big, round, brightly colored eyes – perhaps Nam-sun is the way to go.
This cute name also translates to “pure” and “honest”, which is what most cats are.
8. No-rang-i
Another popular cat name in Korea is No-rang-i, which means “Goldie” or “Yellowie” in English. If you’ve got a ginger cat, or one sporting a honey-yellow coat, then No-rang-i might be the right name for your kitty.
9. Sa-rang-ee
If you’ve watched any Korean drama, you’ve most probably heard the phrase “saranghae”, which means “I love you”. Derived from this phrase, Sa-rang-ee is a cute name for your loveable cat.
10. Som-ee
If you have a small, fluffy cat, Som-ee is a lovely option. It means “cotton ball”, which in English is already a cute way to describe a furry cat.
11. Ya-oong-i
A suitable Korean name for just about any cat is Ya-oong-i, which simply means “Meowie”. If there’s one thing cats are well-renowned for, it’s meowing. These cute little meows are especially adorable when they’re calling you or trying to get your attention.
12. Ye-bin
A popular name among Koreans and cats alike is Ye-bin. It is derived from the phrase “yeppuda”, meaning “to be pretty”. Ye-bin is also the name of several famous Koreans, including the South Korean beauty queen Yoo Ye-bin. If you consider your kitten to be the most beautiful (which most of us do), then Ye-bin’s got a nice ring to it.
13. Yu-jin
To many cat owners, our furry friends are like little treasures. For this reason, we found that Yu-jin should be included in this list of names as it simply means “rare” or “valuable”.
Best Korean Female Cat Names
Korean names are beautiful, unique, and represent a culture rich in descriptive stories. If you’re looking for a special name for your female feline, you’re sure to find something among the names below. You can also combine two or more to create a truly one-of-a-kind name.
- Ae-cha (Loving daughter)
- Aeng-du (Cherry)
- Bae (Inspiration)
- Bo-Mi (Beautiful)
- Bong-cha (Supergirl)
- Choon-hee (Spring girl)
- Danbi (Welcome rain)
- Eun (Silver)
- Gaeul (Fall or Autumn)
- Hae (Ocean)
- Ha-neul (sky)
- Hea (Grace)
- In-na (Delicate)
- Jang-mi (Rose)
- Ji-a (Wisdom and Knowledge)
- Ju-mi (Gem)
- Mee (Beauty)
- Seok-yeong (Flower)
- So-hui (Glorious)
- Yeosin (Goddess)
Best Korean Male Cat Names
A fitting name will stem largely from your cat’s appearance and personality. Below are some of the best Korean names for male cats. We’re sure you’ll find a special name for your handsome little guy among these favorites.
- Abeoji (Father)
- Ba-ram (Wind)
- Cho (Handsome)
- Dong-ee (Sunrise)
- Geon (Strength)
- Gam-cho (Licorice)
- Ho-seok (Heaven)
- Hwan (Shining and Bright)
- Ja-jung (Midnight)
- Jae-hee (Shining)
- Jong-seok (Great)
- Jung-nam (Friendly – read here for friendly cat breeds)
- Ro-wah (Wise)
- Seulgi (Wisdom)
- Seung (Winning)
- Suk (Rock or Stone)
- Su-won (Protect)
- Tae-hui (Big, Great)
- U-yeong (Glory)
- Yeo (Mildness)
Super Cute Korean Cat Names
Is your cat a cutie pie? Well of course, which cat isn’t? To honor how adorable these little guys are, here is a list of some of the cutest Korean names for your cat.
- Bam-ee (Night)
- Bo-a (Elegant)
- Byul-ee (Star)
- Chansol (Evergreen tree)
- Ha-ru (Day)
- Hee-jin (Pleasure)
- Ji-ho (Brave)
- Mi-sun (Kind and tender)
- Nam-son (in sleep)
- Ra-on (Joyful)
- So-ah (Small and beautiful)
- Shiro (White)
- Si-nae (Small River)
- Upo (Korean wetlands)
Funny & Famous Korean Cat Names
Over recent years, Korean pop culture has taken the world by storm. Korean pop culture is known for its sense of humor. Below is a list of the most famous Korean cat names for chubby and amusing cats.
Note: You may notice that several Korean cat names on this list end in “Ee”. This does not have a meaning but is added to make the names sound even cuter.
If you haven’t found a name that catches your eye, you will find one among the unique options below. If not, take a look at these lovely Egyptian cat names.
- Ba-bo (Stupid – but in a friendly, more playful language)
- Chi-ta (Cheetah)
- Ddung-daeng-ee (Fatty)
- Dong-geul-ee (Roundy – perhaps he/she’s been eating too many tasty cat treats)
- Gan-nam-ee (After the Gangnam Province and Psy’s famous “Gangnam-style)
- Gom (Bear)
- Gom-dol (Teddy Bear)
- Gong-joo-im (Prince)
- Kim-bap (Rolled sushi)
- Mong-chong-ee (Idiot – but in a more playful sense)
- Mut-jeong-ee (Cool guy)
- Po-dong-ee (Chubby one)
- Ra-myun (Spicy noodle)
- Soju (Korean vodka)
Frequently Asked Questions about Korean Cats
Looking to learn more about Korean cats? Here are some frequently asked questions and answers to help you discover more interesting insights and facts.
What Is the Most Common Cat Korean Name?
One of the most common cat names in Korean is “Yaongi”, which translates to “Meow” in English. Another common cat name in Korea is “Nyangi”, which simply means “Kitty”.
What Is “Cat” in Korean?
The word for “cat” in Korean is “goyangi”. This is believed to have originated from the Middle Chinese word “koʔ jæŋ” or “kæŋ” which meant “feline”. This word was borrowed into Korean during the Goryeo dynasty (918-1392) and has been used to refer to cats ever since.
What Is the Most Popular Cat Breed in Korea?
Statistics suggest that the most popular cat breed in South Korea is the Korean Shorthair. This is a domesticated cat commonly referred as “koshot”, which is a combination of the words “Korean” and “Shorthair”.
The casual name is given in a similar manner to the names “American Shorthair” and “British Shorthair”, although this does not mean that all koshot possess the same genetic origin.
What Is a Korean Bobtail Cat?
The Korean Bobtail is a cat breed native to Korea and Southeast Asia. It is a playful and mischievous cat known for its unique and distinctive bobbed tail and an adorable smiling expression. Like many other breeds, they’re known for their high energy levels and curious personalities. This has made it a favorite amongst Koreans and cat lovers around the world.
What Do Cats Symbolize in Korean Culture?
In some Korean legends, cats are believed to bring good luck to their owners. This was particularly true among Confucian scholars, who believed the good luck cats brought by cats would help them pass the Gwageo test. This national civil service examination required years of exhaustive studying and was considered a lifetime achievement to those who passed.
Conversely, cats have also been culturally associated with bad luck and bad spirits in old folklore. Such superstitions have led to the abandonment and mistreatment of many little kittens.
While Korea has seen a growing number of strays in recent years, it appears that the social perception surrounding cats is shifting in a positive light thanks to social media and other media channels.
Are Cats a Popular Pet in Korea?
Yes, cats are a popular pet in South Korea, with one in three pet owners having a feline companion. While this is a large number, dogs remain the clear favorite, with nearly 70% of pet owners choosing their canine counterparts.
Does Korea Have a Celebrity Cat?
South Korea has several celebrity cats that are famous on social media and have gained large followings both in the country and around the world. Among the most famous is Gimo, a black Scottish Fold cat with large, round eyes that appear to glow in the dark.
Gimo was born in 2015 and was adopted by his owner, who immediately fell in love with his adorable face and playful nature. His owner started sharing photos of Gimo on Instagram. Shortly after, his striking appearance and charming personality quickly caught the attention of cat lovers around the world, turning him into a viral sensation.
Ever since, Gimo’s popularity has earned him many media appearances and collaborations, as well as fan meet-and-greets and merchandise sales. Despite his fame, Gimo remains a happy and playful cat who loves to cuddle with his owner and explore his surroundings.
Kitty lovers can rejoice as Korea has a purrfect selection of cat cafes and cat-related attractions. These feline hotspots are scattered throughout the country, with Seoul’s Cat Garden, Busan’s Meow Cat Cafe, and Daegu’s Cats Living being some of the most popular cat cafes around.
Other than cat cafes, Korea also has cat-themed restaurants, shops, and even a cat-themed amusement park. Among the most popular cat attractions is the Cat Museum in Jeju Island, which boasts an extensive collection of cat-inspired art, artifacts, and exhibits.
Can I Move to Korea With a Cat?
Oh, you want to bring your furry feline friend with you to Korea? Awesome, it’s definitely possible, but there are some things you need to keep in mind before you start packing your bags!
First things first, your cat needs a microchip before it can enter Korea. If it is older than 90 days, it will also require a rabies-neutralizing antibody test.
You will also need to ensure that your cat has all its vaccinations up to date. Other paperwork required is a health certificate. This should be issued by a vet to make sure it’s healthy and not carrying any diseases.
Lastly, you’ll need to get an import permit from the Korean Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs. Don’t worry, it’s not as complicated as it sounds. You should also know that all pets entering Korea must undergo quarantine for at least 14 days.
Once that is out the way, you and your furry friend are all set for your big move to Korea!
Found a Cute Korean Cat Name?
Choosing the perfect Korean name for your kitten can be tough, especially if you’re not too familiar with the language. However, picking a name is certainly worth the effort since it will stay with them for their entire life.
With this list of Korean cat names and meanings, you can make an informed decision that fits your cat’s personality, appearance, and breed. Whether it’s Bbo-bbo, Chung, Gi, Kimchi, or Kyong, you can’t go wrong with any of the adorable names provided.
As you embark on this exciting journey of cat ownership, may your furry friend bring you joy, happiness, and good luck—just as they did in ancient Confucian times.
Amanda created and owns The Discerning Cat. A lifelong cat lover she is the proud parent of two Siberian cats, Alexei and Vladimir. She is passionate about understanding cats and different cat breeds.