Mythology Cat Names

40 hand-picked mythology cat names from the Name Vault — plus how to make one stick.

How to Pick One

Match the myth to the animal and the name stops being decoration. Bastet is the obvious one, an ancient Egyptian goddess shown as a cat or a lioness, and Freya has a claim of her own, since the surviving Norse sources describe her chariot drawn by cats. Sekhmet suits something fierce and small, Selene or Nyx suit a cat that comes alive after dark, and Hermes fits the one that gets into every cupboard. Be aware that a few of these carry real weight. Hel, Hades, Anubis and Fenrir are figures of death and destruction, and you will be saying the name to strangers for two decades. Nothing stops you, but choose it knowing that. For plain recall, two syllables ending in a bright vowel works best, which is why Freya and Circe beat Thor at the back door.

FAQ

How do I choose the right mythology cat name?

Say your top three out loud at feeding time — the one that feels natural to call across a room is the winner. Two-syllable names ending in a bright vowel get the fastest response.

Is it bad luck to name a cat after a death god?

No. The idea that Hel, Anubis or Fenrir brings misfortune is folklore, not fact, and there is no evidence behind it. The real consideration is social rather than supernatural. You will say the name to vets, neighbours and house sitters for fifteen years or more, and some people will react to it or ask about it. If that does not bother you, nothing else should.

Which mythological figures are genuinely connected to cats?

Bastet is the strongest link, an ancient Egyptian goddess depicted as a cat or as a lioness-headed woman. Sekhmet is a lioness goddess from the same tradition. In Norse myth, surviving sources describe Freya's chariot as drawn by cats. Beyond those three, most names on the list are chosen for the character of the figure rather than for any real feline association.

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