65 Irish Cat Names

Select a moniker inspired by the Emerald Isle

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Published on 05/25/20

Tortie cat standing between a persons legs who is wearing green jeans — Catherine MacBride / Getty Images

If you have an Irish cat breed, like the tailless Manx, you might want to name them in honor of their country of origin. Maybe you want to select an Irish cat name because you have Irish heritage or you just have a passion for the Emerald Isle.

Whatever your reason, selecting a name can sometimes be tricky. Read on to see our list of 65 Irish cat names for inspiration.

Top Irish Cat Names

Clover (f)
Blarney (u)
Dublin (u)
Finnegan (m)
Fionn (m)
Lucky (u)
Molly (f)
Murphy (m)
O'Reilly (m)
Orla (f)
Paddy (u)
Patrick (m)
Rory (m)
Shannon (f)
Sinead (f)

Tips for Naming Your Cat

The key things when it comes to selecting a name for your cat is not to rush, keep it simple, and avoid confusion or offense.

Take your time and make sure everyone in the household is in agreement. After all, you'll hopefully be calling this name for many years to come!

Try not to go for a name with too many syllables or that is complicated to pronounce. This will make it easier for your cat to get used to the name, and it means you're less likely to have the vet or the cat sitter mispronouncing it.

Avoid selecting a name that sounds too similar to any other pets or household members, and always double-check the meaning of any Irish words. You don't want to accidentally select something embarrassing or insulting.

Don't overthink it either, if you find a name and it makes you smile, this is a good sign.

Irish Names Inspired By a Cat's Temperament or Appearance

Choosing a name that fits your cat's looks or character traits can be a nice way to add a bit of a personal touch. Maybe your cat is feisty or docile or a little oddball. You could also name them in reference to their coat color, markings or texture.

Read on for a few Irish-inspired descriptive names that could give you some ideas.

Ailbe (meaning white)
Dillon (meaning flash of lightning)
Dubh (pronounced dove, meaning black)
Gorm (meaning dark blue - perfect for blue-eyed cats)
Macushla (meaning darling or sweetheart)
Mal (meaning chief)
Mosach (meaning hairy)
Quigley (meaning unkempt)
Quinn (meaning wisdom)
Pusheen (from the word puisín meaning kitten)

Cat Names Inspired by Famous Irish People

Do you like a famous movie star, musician, novelist or activist that comes from Ireland? This can be a great way to come up with a name for your cat.

We've listed a few prominent figures from Irish culture, past and present, that may inspire you.

Beckett (Samuel, novelist)
Bono (from rock band U2)
Brigid (of Kildare, Irelands only female Patron Saint)
Darby (from the Disney movie Darby O'Gill and the Little People)
Enya (musician)
Saoirse (Ronan, the actress. Pronounced ser-sha)
Liam (Neeson, the actor)
Cillian (Murphy, the actor)
Pangur (an iconic Irish poem about a monks cat called Pangur Bán)
Yeats (poet and playwright)

Food and Drink Inspired Irish Cat Names

Think of Irish cuisine, and the potato will most often spring to mind. When it comes to beverages, everyone will have heard of Guinness. There are lots of traditional Irish food and drinks that could make cute sounding cat names.

Below are a few possible ideas.

Bailey (an Irish cream liqueur)
Cabbage (an Irish favorite)
Coddle (a traditional dish with sausage, bacon and potatoes)
Guinness (an iconic dark Irish stout)
Jameson (an Irish whiskey)
Oatcake (a type of biscuit)
Champ (a mashed potato dish)
Práta (the main Irish word for potato, pronounced prawh-tah)
Stew (a traditional meat dish)
Tayto (Irish potato chips)

Further Male Irish Cat Names

Colm (meaning dove)
Conan (meaning little warrior)
Conor (meaning lover of hounds - perfect if your cat lives in a house full of dogs)
Donal (meaning mighty, great chief)
Fergal (meaning brave)
Lorcan (meaning little fierce one)
Ronan (meaning little seal)
Shay (meaning hawk-like)