Justice For Black Cats — They Deserve Cute Names, Too

Black cats have arguably the best naming potential. With the lure of mystery, superstition, and magic around black cats, there’s an endless abyss of name inspiration to pull from.

You’ve probably heard the idea that black cats are bad luck, which is certainly a route you could take when naming your furry little void. But just because there’s a stigma, don’t feel like you have to go with something dark and insidious. In fact, many traditions across different cultures actually deem black cats to be good luck, positive omens, and symbols of prosperity.

Black cats have been linked to witchcraft and magic as far back as ancient Greece, particularly to the Greek goddess of magic, witchcraft, and the moon, Hecate (and was similarly revered in ancient Egypt with the goddess Bastet). The unfair reputation of the black cat goes back to the Middle Ages when the Catholic Church drew a connection between the innocent creatures and the devil. Albeit a ludacris leap, the declaration is unsurprising as paganism was perceived by some as a threat to the Catholic Church.

What ensued was centuries of these animals being abused and neglected. The prejudice found solid footing in the West come the Salem Witch Trials, where they were believed to be either witches in disguise or have the ability to transform into witches. As a lingering consequence, black cats have the lowest adoption rates and highest euthanization rates at shelters.

On a more triumphant note, black cats are also now seen as a symbol of defiance and perseverance, given their ominous history. Outside of the West, ancient folklore detailing the positive connotations of black cats still survives today. For instance, parts of England, Scotland, Ireland, Japan, and Europe have traditions and lore around the good fortune of black cats.

Black cats have a more storied past to color your naming considerations. There’s simply more sources of inspiration to draw from than you’d have coming up with unique cat names for any other colored feline. Whether you’re going majestic or witchy, spooky or literary, or taking cues from mystical TV shows, what’s important is that you’re naming your fur baby with the love they deserve. If that means bestowing her the honor of naming her for your favorite strong, independent TV witch Bonnie Bennett, you’re doing all of that kitty’s ancestors proud.

Get started on your brainstorming with these black cat names inspired by gods and goddesses, astrology, witches, pop culture, literature, and more, below.