Terrific Three Letter Cat Names for Your Feline Companion

Finding the perfect name for a new cat or kitten can be a delightful part of bringing them home. Short names are often easy to remember and fun to say, and three-letter cat names offer a charmingly concise option. We’ve gathered a collection of these brief monikers, spanning various origins and styles, from classic choices to unique international picks.

You might wonder if a name with just three letters is sufficient. Looking through this list might inspire you to see how brief names can be full of character. Sometimes, even combining two short names creates a lovely result. Our own beloved tuxedo cat was named Kit Kat, a playful blend of two names you’ll find here! Choosing a name for your feline friend is part of providing a loving home, whether they spend time indoors or need an outdoor cat house for multiple cats.

Adorable feline companion illustrates the appeal of short three letter cat names.

Unisex Three Letter Cat Names

Ideal for any cat, regardless of gender, these short names offer simplicity and charm.

• Ari: Of Hebrew and Icelandic origin, meaning “lion” (Hebrew) or “eagle” (Icelandic).
• Ash: Can be from Old English “æsc” (ash tree) or a shortened form of names like Ashley or Ashton.
• Boe: A surname from Scandinavian “bói,” meaning “farm.” A fitting name for a cat who enjoys the outdoors.
• Cal: English origin, meaning “bald” or “bare.” A sweet, simple name.
• Cam: Scottish origin, derived from a term meaning “crooked nose.”
• Cap: Associated with “captain,” suggesting leadership or a commanding presence.
• Cat: A straightforward and affectionate choice for your feline companion.
• Chi: Refers to one’s life force, an energetic name for a lively cat.
• Cuz: A colloquial term for “cousin,” a friendly, informal name.
• Day: Represents sunlight, symbolizing brightness and positivity.
• Dwi: Indonesian origin, meaning “two” or “second.” A great option for your second cat.
• Dzi: Pronounced “Zee,” of Tibetan origin meaning “splendor.” Also refers to precious Tibetan beads.
• Edi: Italian origin (short for Edoardo or Edward), meaning “wealthy guardian” or “rich protector.”
• Hey: A surname with Germanic origins meaning “one who mows the grass.”
• Jae: Korean origin, meaning “talent” or “excellence.”
• Jet: A fun name for a black cat or one who moves very quickly.
• Kai: This Hawaiian name means “sea” or “ocean.”
• Kit: Can be a nickname for Christopher/Katherine or the name for a baby fox.
• Moe: Japanese origin, meaning “sprouting” or “budding.”
• Rio: Meaning “river” in Spanish, a lovely name for a cat belonging to a travel enthusiast.
• Wyn: Welsh origin, meaning “fair” or “white.”

Three Letter Cat Names for Girls

Looking for a short and sweet name for a female cat? These three-letter options are perfect for your princess.

• Ada: Germanic origin, meaning “noble” or “noble-born.”
• Aja: Sanskrit (meaning “goat”) and West African (Yoruba goddess) origins, meaning “goat” or associated with forests and animals.
• Amy: French, from Latin “amatus,” meaning “beloved” or “loved.”
• Ana: Spanish, Portuguese, Slavic variation of Anna, meaning “grace” or “favor.”
• Ann: Hebrew variant of Anna, meaning “grace” or “favor.”
• Ava: Latin origin, meaning “like a bird.” Suitable for a graceful or petite kitten.
• Bea: Diminutive of Beatrice (Latin), meaning “she who brings happiness.”
• Bex: Modern nickname for Rebecca, without a specific independent meaning.
• Cey: Diminutive of a Turkish girl’s name meaning “shadow” or “shade.”
• Dee: English origin, short for names like Deborah or Delilah.
• Dia: Greek origin, meaning “divine” or “heavenly.”
• Dot: Shortened form of Dorothy (Greek), meaning “gift of God.”
• Dua: Arabic name meaning “prayer” or “supplication.”
• Dya: Arabic origin, meaning “splendor” or “brilliance.”
• Eda: Various origins, meaning “wealthy” or “prosperous.”
• Ela: Hebrew (“oak tree”) or Turkish (“hazel nut”) origins.
• Ema: Hebrew (“mother”) or German (variant of Emma, meaning “universal” or “whole”) origins.
• Emi: Japanese origin, meaning “beautiful blessing.”
• Ena: Various origins, including Irish (meaning “little fire”).
• Era: Hebrew (“to create” or “to bring to life”) or generally interpreted as “earth” or “land.”
• Eta: Greek (“goddess” or “nymph”) or Italian (seventh letter) origins.
• Eva: Hebrew origin, derived from Chava, meaning “life” or “living one.”
• Eve: Hebrew origin, meaning “life” or “living one.” Fits a lively, energetic cat.
• Evy: Diminutive of Eve or Eva, carrying the same meanings of “life” or “living one.”
• Eya: Arabic origin, meaning “miracle” or “wonder.”
• Fay: English origin, from Middle English “fai,” meaning “fairy” or “elf.”
• Flo: Latin origin, diminutive of Florence or Flora, meaning “flowering” or “blossom.”
• Fre: Scandinavian origin, from Norse goddess name Freyja, representing love, beauty, and fertility.
• Gay: English origin meaning “joyful” or “cheerful.”
• Gem: From the English word for precious stones, symbolizing beauty and rarity.
• Gia: Italian origin, meaning “God’s gracious gift” or “God’s graciousness.”
• Gil: Derived from Hebrew “Gilad,” meaning “happiness” or “joy.”
• Gin: Diminutive of Virginia, meaning “pure” or “virginal.”
• Gis: Variant of Giselle (Germanic), meaning “pledge” or “hostage.”
• Gud: Derived from Old Norse, meaning “God” and representing divine goodness.
• Gus: Diminutive of Augusta or Augustina (Latin), meaning “great” or “venerable.”
• Ida: Derived from Germanic element “id,” meaning “work” or “labor.”
• Ila: Sanskrit (“earth” or “speech”) or Scottish (Isla, meaning island) origins.
• Ivy: English in origin, named after the ivy plant.
• Jai: Sanskrit, meaning “victory” or “triumph.”
• Jan: Hebrew origin, meaning “gift from God” or “God is gracious.”
• Jia: Chinese, meaning “outstanding” or “favorite person.”
• Joy: Expressive of happiness and delight, perfect for describing the feeling your cat brings.
• Kat: From Katherine or Katarina (Greek), meaning “pure” or “blessed.”
• Kay: English origin meaning “rejoice” or “exult.”
• Kee: Korean origin meaning “happiness” or “delight.”
• Kim: Various origins, can refer to the color gold or be a nickname for Kimberly.
• Lea: Hebrew origin meaning “weary” or “meadow.”
• Lee: Old English, meaning “meadow” or “clearing.”
• Lia: Various origins: Hebrew (“weary”), Italian (“lioness”), or Greek (“bearer of good news”).
• Liv: Scandinavian name meaning “life” or “protection.”
• Lya: Slavic roots, meaning “light” or “truth.”
• Mae: Old English “maegen,” meaning “strength” or “power.”
• Mia: Multiple origins: Italian (“mine”), Scandinavian (“wished-for child”), or Hebrew (“bitter”).
• Mya: Derived from Greek “myrrh,” a fragrant resin.
• Myra: Greek origin, meaning “sweet-smelling” or “myrrh.”
• Ola: Old Norse, meaning “ancestor’s relic” or “forever.”
• Oma: German origin meaning “grandmother” or “graceful.”
• Ona: Lithuanian, meaning “grace” or “favor.”
• Ora: Latin, meaning “gold” or “prayer.”
• Pam: Diminutive of Pamela (Greek), meaning “all honey” or “sweetness.”
• Pat: Derived from Patricia or Patrick (Latin), meaning “noble” or “patrician.”
• Peg: Diminutive of Margaret (Greek), meaning “pearl.”
• Pip: Often a nickname for Philippa (Greek), meaning “lover of horses.”
• Rae: Variant of Ray, can mean “grace” or “ewe” (female sheep).
• Ria: Various cultures: Spanish (“river”), Hindi (“small”), or Indonesian (“jasmine flower”).
• Rue: English origin meaning “regret” or “repentance.”
• Sia: Various origins: Greek (“victory”), Swahili (“helper”), or Persian (“shadow”).
• Sky: A beautiful nature-inspired name for any cat.
• Sue: Diminutive of Susan (Hebrew), meaning “lily” or “graceful lily.”
• Tao: Chinese origin meaning “peach” or “long life.”
• Tia: Greek “theia,” meaning “goddess” or “divine.” Also Spanish for “aunt.”
• Tin: Vietnamese origin meaning “new” or “morning.”
• Tri: Vietnamese origin meaning “born in the third month” or “intelligent.”
• Una: Irish origin, from “uaine” (green, fresh) or Oonagh (lamb). Associated with Irish mythology.
• Uma: Sanskrit/Indian origin, meaning “splendor,” “light,” or “fame.”
• Val: Derived from Valentina (Latin), meaning “strong” or “healthy.”
• Van: Unisex Dutch origin, meaning “of” or “from.”
• Via: Latin origin, meaning “way” or “path.”
• Yen: Vietnamese origin meaning “calm” or “peaceful.”
• Zia: Arabic, meaning “light” or “splendor.”
• Zoe: Greek origin, meaning “life” or “alive,” from “zōē,” signifying vitality and energy.

Three Letter Cat Names for Boys

Short, often endearing, three-letter names add simplicity and playfulness for a male cat. Here are some choices along with their meanings and origins. If you’re still exploring options, you might also find inspiration among french cat names male.

• Abe: Derived from Hebrew Abraham, meaning “father of many.” Good for a cat with a wise demeanor.
• Ace: English name representing excellence, superiority, or being the best.
• Ade: Nigerian Yoruba name meaning “crown” or “royalty.”
• Ali: Arabic name meaning “exalted” or “noble.”
• Ben: Short for Benjamin (Hebrew), meaning “son of the right hand.” Suits a loyal and affectionate cat.
• Bob: Short for Robert (Germanic), meaning “bright fame” or “famous one.” Fun for a bob-tailed cat.
• Bud: Symbolizes new beginnings and growth, like a budding flower.
• Cal: Often short for Calvin (Latin), meaning “bald.” An adorable choice for a laid-back feline.
• Ced: Various origins (Arabic, Anglo-Saxon), meaning “power,” “loved,” or “guardian of the estate.”
• Che: Multiple origins meaning “God will increase.”
• Cid: Spanish and Portuguese name with Arabic origins meaning “Lord.”
• Cob: Shortened form of Jacob (Hebrew), meaning “one who replaces another.” Maybe for a cat adopted after another’s passing.
• Dan: Short for Daniel (Hebrew), meaning “God is my judge.” For a cat with a strong, confident presence.
• Dai: Welsh name meaning “to shine” or “to give.”
• Ean: Scottish variation of Ian (Scottish form of John), meaning “God is gracious.”
• Ebo: African origin, meaning “born on Tuesday.”
• Eli: Hebrew origin, meaning “ascended” or “elevated.”
• Emi: Japanese (“beautiful blessing”) or Finnish (“rival” or “competitor”) origins.
• Eni: Nigerian Yoruba name meaning “person” or “human being.”
• Ern: English origin, nickname for Ernest or Ernesto, meaning “serious” or “earnest.”
• Esa: Hebrew variant of Joshua, meaning “God is salvation.”
• Eze: Nigerian Igbo name meaning “king” or “ruler.”
• Faz: Arabic origin, meaning “victorious” or “successful.”
• Fer: Catalan short form of Ferran or Fernando, meaning “brave traveler” or “adventurous.”
• Fin: Gaelic and Irish origin, meaning “fair” or “white-haired.”
• Flo: Latin origin, nickname for Florian or Flavius, meaning “flowering” or “yellow-haired.”
• Fox: English name representing the animal, symbolizing cleverness or cunning.
• Fry: English origin, referring to someone who lives near a riverbank.
• Fyn: Danish variant of Finn, meaning “fair” or “white-haired.”
• Gab: Short form of Gabriel (Hebrew), meaning “God is my strength.”
• Gil: Hebrew, meaning “joy” or “happiness.”
• Gus: Short form of Augustus or Angus (Latin or Scottish), meaning “great” or “venerable.”
• Hal: English origin, meaning “ruler” or “estate owner.”
• Han: Various cultures, often a diminutive of Johann or John (“God is gracious”). Could also nod to a famous Star Wars character.
• Hay: Old English, meaning “fenced or enclosed area” or “hedged enclosure.”
• Hob: Old-fashioned nickname for Robert, meaning “bright fame.”
• Ira: Hebrew, meaning “watchful” or “vigilant.”
• Ian: Scottish and Gaelic form of John, meaning “God is gracious.”
• Ike: Diminutive of Isaac (Hebrew), meaning “he will laugh.”
• Ivo: Multiple origins: Germanic (“yew wood”) or Old Norse (“archer”).
• Jai: Sanskrit, meaning “victory” or “triumph.”
• Jan: Hebrew origin, meaning “God is gracious” or “gift of God.”
• Jay: Various origins: Sanskrit (“victory”) or English (“blue jay”).
• Jed: Derived from Hebrew Jedidiah, meaning “beloved of God.”
• Joe: Diminutive of Joseph, meaning “God will increase” or “God will add.”
• Jax: Modern American name, possibly a variant of Jackson or Jaxon (“son of Jack”). Has a cool, contemporary vibe.
• Kip: Old English “cyppan,” meaning “to barter” or “to trade.”
• Koa: Hawaiian name meaning “brave” or “warrior.”
• Lee: Old English, meaning “meadow” or “clearing.”
• Len: Nickname for Leonard.
• Leo: Latin name meaning “lion.” Perfect for a cat with a majestic and regal presence.
• Lou: Short form of Louis or Louie (Germanic), meaning “renowned warrior.”
• Max: Often short for Maximilian or Maxwell, meaning “greatest” in Latin. For a cat who demands the best.
• Mel: Greek origin, meaning “honey” or “song.”
• Mic: Diminutive of Michael (Hebrew), meaning “who is like God.”
• Moe: Various origins: Japanese (“helper”) or Arabic (“savior”).
• Ned: English diminutive of Edward, meaning “wealthy guardian.”
• Neo: Greek “neos,” meaning “new” or “young.”
• Nic: Short form of Nicholas (Greek), meaning “victory of the people.”
• Odi: Nigerian Igbo, meaning “born on the road” or “wanderer.” Suitable for a rescue cat.
• Oli: Hawaiian origin, meaning “olive tree” or “peaceful.”
• Raj: Indian origin meaning “king” or “ruler.”
• Rav: Hebrew (“great” or “abundant”) or Sanskrit (“sun” or “sun god”).
• Ray: Can be short for Raymond, meaning “wise protector.” For a watchful, caring cat.
• Rex: Derived from the Latin word “rex,” meaning “king.”
• Sam: Hebrew, meaning “heard by God” or “name of God.” Nickname for Samuel.
• Sol: Latin, meaning “sun” or “sunlight.”
• Sid: From Old English, meaning “wide” or “extensive.” Nickname for Sidney.
• Tao: Chinese, meaning “way” or “path.”
• Tim: Short for Timothy (Greek), meaning “to honor God.” Fits a sweet and gentle cat.
• Tom: Short form of Thomas (Aramaic), meaning “twin.” Classic for a tomcat or one of two siblings. If you’re welcoming more than one, you might need some names for 3 kittens siblings.
• Tor: Derived from Old Norse “Þórbjǫrg,” meaning “Thor” (the Norse god) and “protection.”
• Van: Dutch origin, meaning “from” or “of.”
• Vic: Short form of Victor (Latin), meaning “victorious.”
• Vin: Short form of Vincent or Vincenzo (Latin), meaning “conquering” or “prevailing.”
• Wes: Old English “west,” meaning “west” or “western.”
• Wil: Short form of William (Germanic), meaning “will” or “desire.”
• Wim: Derived from Germanic Wilhelm, meaning “will” or “desire.”
• Yan: Various cultures: Chinese (“swallow”), Hebrew (“god is gracious”), or Russian (“peace”).
• Yon: Hebrew, meaning “gift of God” or “God’s grace.”
• Yul: Various cultures: Korean (“born at Christmas”), Turkish (“relating to the sun”), or Arabic (“rose”).
• Zak: Short form of Zachary (Hebrew), meaning “remembered by God.”
• Zeb: Hebrew, meaning “gift” or “dwelling of honor.” Choosing a name can be fun, whether it’s a classic like Tom or something more specific like male witch names for cats.

Three Letter Cat Names from Movies and TV

Pop culture is a rich source of inspiration for pet names. Discover some cool three-letter names inspired by characters from popular movies and television series.

• Ari – From Ari Gold, the assertive agent in the TV series “Entourage.”
• Bob – A nod to the beloved main character from “Bob’s Burgers.”
• Deb – Referencing Debra Morgan, the strong character in “Dexter.”
• Eve – An allusion to the enigmatic MI6 agent from “Killing Eve.”
• Fox – An homage to Fox Mulder, the inquisitive agent in “The X-Files.”
• Gus – A sweet tribute to Gustave, the human character from “Cinderella.”
• Ian – A nod to Ian Malcolm, the quirky mathematician from “Jurassic Park.”
• Jon – For fans of Jon Snow from “Game of Thrones.”
• Liz – Derived from Elizabeth Lemon, the protagonist of “30 Rock,” or actress Liz Taylor.
• Mia – Perfect for fans of “Pulp Fiction” and the iconic Mia Wallace.
• Ned – A salute to the kind-hearted Ned Flanders from “The Simpsons.”
• Oda – A derivation of the memorable Oda Mae Brown character in “Ghost.”

These short, three-letter names offer a fantastic starting point as you search for the perfect name for your new furry companion. With such a diverse range of options available, you’re sure to find a name that captures your cat’s personality and makes them feel right at home. Exploring the world of 3 letter cat names is a great way to start the naming journey.

Finding the ideal 3 letter cat names for a litter of three playful kittens.

Choosing a cat name is an exciting step, and three-letter names provide a concise yet meaningful way to title your new pet. This comprehensive list offers many possibilities, drawing from different cultures, classic names, and even pop culture icons. Whether you prefer a name based on meaning, sound, or personal connection, we hope this guide helps you find the perfectly short and sweet name that suits your unique feline friend.