10 Charming Male Cat Names for Your Feline Companion (2026 Update)
Naming a new cat is one of the first bonds you build with them, and the right name tends to reveal itself once you’ve spent a little time watching their personality unfold. Whether you’ve just welcomed a bold, mischievous kitten or a calm, dignified adult cat, this year’s most charming male cat names blend timeless picks with names that are climbing fast in 2026. Here are ten favourites, along with what each name means and the kind of cat it tends to suit.
Jet Pet Resort: Luxury Cat Suites for Ultimate Comfort
Before diving into names, a quick note for cat parents who board or need daytime care: your new cat deserves a space that matches how much thought you’re putting into their name. Jet Pet Resort’s luxurious cat suites give cats their own private, quiet retreat away from the dog side of the building, with cozy bedding and a calm environment built around how cats actually like to live. Guests can also check in on their cat any time through our live pet cams, so naming day photos aren’t the only ones you’ll be taking.
Milo: The Name Most Male Cats Are Wearing in 2026
Milo has held its place at or near the top of male cat name rankings for several years running, and 2026 is no exception. The name has old-world roots (from the Slavic “Miloslav,” meaning “gracious” or “dear”), but it reads as playful and modern today. It tends to suit cats with a puppyish, curious streak: the ones who investigate every open drawer and follow you room to room.
Leo: A Name for the Confident, Sun-Loving Cat
Leo comes from the Latin word for “lion,” and it’s an easy match for a cat who acts the part: the one who claims the sunniest windowsill, greets guests like they own the place, and isn’t shy about demanding attention. It’s a short, strong name that’s easy to call across a room, which matters more than people expect when naming a cat.
Oliver: A Timeless Classic That Isn’t Going Anywhere
Oliver has Latin roots tied to the olive tree, long associated with peace, and it has stayed a top-tier cat name for well over a decade without feeling dated. It suits a calm, easygoing cat who settles in fast, gets along with everyone in the house, and doesn’t rattle easily.
Loki: For the Cat Who Causes (Charming) Chaos
Borrowed from the Norse trickster god, Loki is the name pet parents reach for when their cat has a habit of knocking things off shelves, sneaking into cupboards, or staging late-night zoomies. It carries a wink of mischief without sounding harsh, which is part of why it’s climbed steadily in the rankings.
Simba: A Name Built for a Big Personality
Simba, Swahili for “lion,” took off decades ago and has never really left the top male cat name lists since. It works especially well for orange tabbies and cats with a naturally regal bearing, but really it suits any cat who carries himself like the main character.
Charlie: Friendly, Familiar, and Still Rising
Charlie (from the Germanic “Karl,” meaning “free man”) has crossed over from a popular human name to one of the most common cat names in North America, and it’s easy to see why: it’s warm, approachable, and fits cats with an affectionate, people-first temperament, the ones who greet you at the door instead of hiding when guests arrive.
Max: Short, Strong, and a 2026 Favourite
Max, short for the Latin “Maximus” (“greatest”), remains one of the most enduring pet names across both cats and dogs. It’s a good fit for a confident cat with a big presence in a small body, and it’s short enough that most cats learn to respond to it quickly.
Jasper: A Name on the Rise for 2026
Jasper takes its name from the spotted gemstone, and it’s become one of the fastest-climbing male cat names this year, particularly for cats with tabby, tortoiseshell, or otherwise patterned coats. It has a slightly old-fashioned charm that’s aging well as a modern pet name.
Mochi: A Playful Pick for a Soft, Sweet Cat
Named after the chewy Japanese rice cake, Mochi has become a favourite for round-faced, plush-coated cats, especially flat-faced breeds and fluffy longhairs. It suggests softness and sweetness, and it’s a name that tends to fit a cat’s look as much as their personality.
Binx: A Name With Just the Right Amount of Mystery
Binx has grown in popularity thanks in part to its association with a certain movie cat, and it’s a good match for a cat with a slightly mysterious, independent streak: friendly on their own terms, prone to disappearing for an afternoon nap somewhere unexpected, and always turning up right when you’d stopped looking.
Choosing the Right Name for Your Cat
A few things worth keeping in mind before you settle on a name:
- Keep it short. One or two syllables are easier for a cat to learn and easier for you to call out consistently.
- Watch them for a few days first. Personality-driven names (Loki, Leo, Binx) tend to fit better once you’ve actually seen the cat’s habits, rather than guessing from a kitten photo.
- Say it out loud, a lot. Cats respond to the sound and rhythm of a name more than the meaning behind it, so pick something that’s comfortable to repeat dozens of times a day.
- Avoid names that sound like commands. A name too close to “no” or “down” can create confusion during training.
The Bottom Line
However you land on a name, from a timeless classic like Oliver to a name on the rise like Jasper, the process of choosing one is part of getting to know your cat. Once you’ve settled in together, Jet Pet Resort’s cat boarding and daycare team is here for the days you need a trusted place for your cat to stay, whether that’s a weekend away or a longer trip.