Giving Warrior Names to Cats Who Never Got Them
In the world of Warrior Cats, receiving a warrior name is a significant milestone, marking the transition from apprentice to a full member of the Clan. Sadly, not all young cats live long enough to reach this ceremony. This article explores potential warrior cat names for some kits and apprentices from the series who tragically died before their time, offering a way to honor their memory within the fandom. This piece is inspired by community discussions, like those from Olivepaw, and delves into suitable names based on personality, appearance, or circumstances. Warning: Spoilers ahead for Mapleshade’s Vengeance, Bluestar’s Prophecy, A Dangerous Path, Dawn, Bramblestar’s Storm, and Squirrelflight’s Hope.
Larchkit, Petalkit, and Patchkit
These three kits belonged to Mapleshade and tragically drowned while attempting to cross a flooding river. Giving them warrior names offers a sense of completion to their short lives.
- Larchkit: A fitting name could be Larchbark. This aligns with his existing name theme and likely references his potential brown or reddish-brown fur, similar to larch tree bark.
- Petalkit: For Petalkit, Petalbush seems appropriate. The suffix ‘bush’ can evoke a sense of fullness and life, reflecting the optimism she might have grown into.
- Patchkit: Described as sweet and shy, Patchcreek could be a gentle name for him, suggesting a quiet, perhaps dappled nature like light on a creek.
Larchkit, Petalkit, and Patchkit, Mapleshade's kits from Warrior Cats, playing together before their tragic fate
Sweetpaw
The daughter of Poppydawn, Sweetpaw met a horrifying end when she was buried alive in a tunnel collapse. While her prefix already denotes her gentle nature, and ‘Sweetheart’ is a common suggestion, a more unique option like Sweetbrook could capture her essence, signifying a gentle but steady presence.
Mosskit
Mosskit, the daughter of Bluestar and Oakheart, succumbed to hypothermia during the secret journey to RiverClan. Remembered in Bluestar’s Prophecy as playful and light-hearted, Mosslight would be a fitting tribute. Alternatively, given her mischievous streak, Moss-swipe could also capture her playful spirit.
Snowkit
Speckletail’s son, Snowkit, was deaf and tragically snatched by a hawk. It feels important to give him a name that doesn’t solely define him by his disability, avoiding parallels with names like Lostface (Brightheart’s temporary, cruel name). Snowkit was portrayed as adorable and sweet. A name reflecting this sweetness, like Snowsap, could honor his gentle nature.
Swiftpaw
Goldenflower and Patchpelt’s son, Swiftpaw, bravely fought attacking dogs alongside Brightpaw (later Brightheart), though only she survived. He was determined and yearned for recognition, attempting to prove his warrior readiness against Bluestar’s wishes. Names like Swiftheart or Swiftblaze would reflect his courage and fiery determination.
Shrewpaw
Son of Ferncloud and Dustpelt, Shrewpaw died after being hit by a monster (car) while hunting for his starving Clan during the journey to the lake territories. His dedication and strong loyalty, especially during such a difficult time, make Shrewstorm a powerful name, reflecting his fierce commitment to ThunderClan’s survival.
Hollykit and Larchkit
More of Ferncloud and Dustpelt’s kits, Hollykit and Larchkit sadly died of starvation shortly after birth, leaving Birchkit (later Birchfall) as the only survivor of their litter.
- Hollykit: With her amber eyes, Hollyfire seems a strong choice. Alternatively, Hollybranch could reference a potential brown pelt, but ‘Hollyfire’ perhaps better captures a spark of life.
- Larchkit: For this Larchkit (distinct from Mapleshade’s son), names like Larchwood or Larchdusk could suit her dusky brown tabby fur.
Seedpaw
Sorreltail and Brackenfur’s daughter, Seedpaw, drowned heroically while saving her sister, Lilypaw (later Lilyheart), from the tunnels during a flood. It seems fitting that her warrior name would honor this act of bravery. Seedpool could serve as a poignant reminder of her sacrifice and connection to water.
Flickerkit
The son of Sparkpelt and Larksong, Flickerkit passed away moments after birth, compounding Sparkpelt’s grief over Larksong’s recent death. His gorgeous black-and-ginger fur inspires names like Flickerblaze or Flickerdawn, suggesting a brief but bright spark.
Cherrypaw
A lesser-known apprentice, Cherrypaw was one of Fuzzypelt and Robinwing’s kits, mentioned briefly in Spottedleaf’s Honest Answer. With little known about their personality or cause of death (gender is also unspecified), a name based on their ginger-and-white fur could be Cherrysnow or Cherrysplash.
Honoring Their Memory
While these Warrior Cats characters never received their official warrior names in the series, imagining what they might have been allows fans to connect with their stories and honor their brief lives. These suggestions primarily focus on ThunderClan cats, but many other young cats from different Clans also deserve remembrance. Giving names is a way to acknowledge their place within the rich tapestry of the Warrior Cats universe.