160 Irish Cat Names: Celtic Names from the Emerald Isle

Whether you have Irish heritage or simply love the country’s rich culture and history, you might want to consider Irish cat names as a unique and meaningful choice.

In Irish folklore, cats were often associated with magic and mystery. They were believed to have supernatural powers and were even considered sacred by some. It’s no wonder that there are so many wonderful Irish names that would be perfect for a cat.

No matter what name you choose for your Irish cat, make sure it’s one that you love and that suits your feline friend’s personality. Sláinte!

Inspiration from the Irish Language

Craic – a word that means “fun” or “enjoyment”, often used in the phrase “What’s the craic?” as a greeting.

Cróga – brave

Dána – the Irish Gaelic word for bold or daring, often used to describe someone who is brave or courageous.

Draíocht – magic

Fáilte – welcome

Grá – love

Laoch – the Irish Gaelic word for hero or warrior, often used to describe someone who is brave and accomplished.

Síocháin – peace

Sláinte – a toast that means “health” or “cheers”.

Slán – a word that means “goodbye” or “farewell”.

Slieve – mountain

Tarrtháil – the Irish Gaelic word for rescue.

Inspiration from the Symbols of Ireland

Claddagh (ring) – a traditional Irish ring that features two hands holding a heart, with a crown on top. The hands represent friendship, the heart represents love, and the crown represents loyalty. Claddagh rings are often given as gifts to signify love, friendship, or loyalty.

Harp – the harp is the national emblem of Ireland and is also used as the symbol of Guinness, the famous Irish beer. The harp has been an important symbol of Irish culture for centuries and is often associated with music and poetry.

Leprechaun – a mythical creature from Irish folklore, often depicted as a small, mischievous fairy. Leprechauns are said to be skilled shoemakers and to keep a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow.

Shamrock – a three-leafed clover that is the national symbol of Ireland. It is said that St. Patrick used the shamrock to explain the Holy Trinity to the Irish people. A great name for cats with green eyes!

Celtic Words for Cat

While it might be a bit boring to name your cat “Cat,” it gets a whole new vibe when you select “cat” in another language like Irish Gaelic or Manx Gaelic, the original language of the Isle of Man (home of the Manx).

• Cat – in Irish Gaelic, the word for cat is “cat” (pronounced “caht”).
• Kitten – in Irish Gaelic, the word for kitten is “piscín” (pronounced “pish-keen”).
• Tomcat – in Irish Gaelic, the word for tomcat is “cat tom” (pronounced “caht tom”).
• Katt – in Manx Gaelic, the word for cat is “katt” (pronounced “kaht”).
• Pishag – in Manx Gaelic, the word for kitten is “pishag” (pronounced “pish-ak”).
• Tomcat – in Manx Gaelic, the word for tomcat is “tom-catt” (pronounced “tohm-kaht”).

Irish Cat Names from Mythology

Names from Celtic Mythology

If you’re looking for a unique and meaningful name for your feline friend, why not draw inspiration from Celtic mythology? Here are a few names to consider:

• Aengus – god of love and youth
• Balor – the god of death and the king of the Fomorians
• Bodb Dearg – the god of war and fertility
• Bran – meaning “raven,” this name is perfect for a black cat with a mischievous streak.
• Brigid – goddess of fire, fertility, and poetry
• Cian – son of Dian
• Cecht – god of healing
• Cerridwen – the goddess of wisdom and transformation, this name is fitting for a cat who’s wise beyond their years.
• Danu – mother goddess of the Tuatha Dé Danann
• Dian Cecht – god of healing
• Donn – god of the dead
• Eriu – goddess of sovereignty
• Lir – god of the sea
• Lugh – the god of the sun, this name is great for a cat with a sunny disposition.
• Macha – goddess of war and sovereignty
• Medb – queen of Connacht
• Morrigan – a goddess associated with fate and war, this name is ideal for a fierce and independent cat.
• Nuada – the king of the Tuatha Dé Danann, this name would suit a regal and dignified cat.
• Oghma – god of language and communication
• Scathach – warrior goddess and trainer of warriors
• Tethra – god of the dead and ruler of the Otherworld

Names from Irish Folklore

Irish folklore is full of fascinating stories and characters, many of which make great names for cats. Here are a few options:

• Aillen – fire-breathing fairy
• Banshee – In Irish folklore, the banshee is a female spirit who wails to warn of impending death. This name is perfect for a cat with a haunting meow or one who likes to hide and surprise you.
• Changeling – fairy child left in place of a human child
• Clurichaun – drunken fairy
• Dullahan – headless horseman
• Finn McCool – a legendary hero who defeated a giant, this name is fitting for a brave and adventurous cat.
• Leanan Sidhe – fairy muse
• Leprechaun – While leprechauns may be mischievous creatures in Irish folklore, they can also make for a cute and quirky cat name.
• Merrow – sea fairy
• Pooka – a mischievous spirit who can take on various animal forms, this name is great for a playful and unpredictable cat.
• Selkie – seal fairy
• Sidhe – a type of fairy in Irish folklore, this name is ideal for a cat with an ethereal and mysterious quality.
• Tuatha Dé Danann – a supernatural race of beings, this name is perfect for a cat who’s otherworldly and enchanting.

Irish Food and Drink Inspired Cat Names

Foods

Barmbrack – a sweet bread made with raisins and spices, typically served at Halloween.

Boxty – a potato pancake made with grated potatoes, flour, and milk.

Coddle – a stew made with sausage, bacon, potatoes, and onions.

Colcannon – mashed potatoes mixed with cabbage or kale and butter.

Black pudding – a type of sausage made with pork, oats, and blood. A fun name for a black cat.

Champ – mashed potatoes mixed with scallions and butter.

Drinks

Would one of these famous Irish drinks inspire a good name for your cat?

• Guinness – a dark, rich stout brewed in Dublin.
• Whiskey (Irish whiskey) – a whiskey made in Ireland, typically aged in oak barrels.
• Irish coffee – coffee with a shot of Irish whiskey, topped with whipped cream.
• Bailey (Bailey’s Irish Cream) – a sweet, creamy liqueur made with Irish whiskey, cream, and chocolate.
• Redbreast – a single pot still Irish whiskey.
• Smithwick (Smithwick’s) – an Irish red ale.
• Murphy (Murphy’s Irish Stout) – a dark, creamy stout.
• Jameson – a blended Irish whiskey.
• Magners – a brand of Irish cider.
• Bulmers – another brand of Irish cider, known as “Magners” outside of Ireland.

Names from Irish Cities

Irish cities are full of history and character, making them great sources for cat names. Here are a few ideas to consider:

• Athlone
• Carlow
• Cavan
• Cork
• Drogheda
• Dublin
• Dundalk
• Ennis
• Galway
• Kildare
• Kilkenny
• Limerick
• Navan
• Newry
• Sligo
• Tralee
• Waterford
• Wexford

Irish Girls’ Names and Their Meaning

If you’re looking for a unique and meaningful name for your female cat, consider an Irish name. Irish names are known for their beautiful sound and rich history. Here are some popular Irish girl names and their meanings:

• Ailbhe – “bright” or “white”
• Aine – “radiance” or “splendor”
• Aoibheann – “beautiful”
• Aoife – Pronounced “EE-fa,” this name means “beauty” or “radiance” in Irish. It was the name of a warrior princess in Irish mythology.
• Aisling – “dream” or “vision”
• Brigid or Bridget: This name means “strength” or “exalted one.” Saint Bridget is one of the patron saints of Ireland.
• Ciara – Pronounced “kee-ra,” this name means “dark-haired” or “black.” It was the name of a saint who founded a monastery in County Tipperary.
• Caitlin – “pure”
• Caoimhe – “gentle” or “beautiful”
• Ciara – “dark-haired”
• Clodagh – “river”
• Deirdre – “sorrowful one”
• Eabha – “life”
• Eimear – “swift”
• Emer – “swift”

• Fiona – This name is perfect for a cat who is sweet and gentle. Fiona means “fair” or “white” in Irish, making it a great name for a light-colored cat.
• Fionnuala – “fair-shouldered”
• Grainne – “love”
• Maeve – This name means “intoxicating” or “she who intoxicates.” It was the name of a legendary queen of Connacht.
• Muireann – “sea fair”
• Niamh – Pronounced “neev,” this name means “bright” or “radiant.” It was the name of a goddess in Irish mythology.
• Orla – “golden princess”
• Riona – “queenly”

• Roisin – The name “Roisin” (or “Róisín”) is pronounced as “roh-sheen” in Irish. It means “little rose” and is a popular name for girls in Ireland.
• Sadhbh – “sweet”
• Saoirse – Pronounced “seer-sha,” this name means “freedom” or “liberty.” It was a popular name during the Irish War of Independence.
• Siobhan – “God is gracious”
• Sinead – “God is gracious”
• Tara – “rocky hill”
• Tadhg – “poet”

These are just a few examples of the many beautiful Irish girl names out there. Consider choosing a name that reflects your cat’s personality or appearance. With an Irish name, your cat is sure to stand out and have a meaningful name.

Irish Boys’ Names and Their Meaning

If you’re looking for an Irish name for your male cat, you’re in luck! Irish culture is full of unique and meaningful names; here are some popular Irish boys’ names and their meanings:

• Aengus – “one strength”
• Aidan – A popular name that means “fiery one” — perhaps an appropriate name for an energetic kitten who loves to get into mischief!
• Cian – Pronounced “kee-an”, this name means “ancient one”.
• Ciaran – “little dark one”
• Colm – “dove”
• Conor – “lover of hounds”
• Cormac – “charioteer”
• Darragh – “oak tree”
• Declan – “full of goodness”
• Diarmuid – “free from envy”
• Donnacha – “brown-haired warrior”
• Eamon – “wealthy protector”
• Eoghan – “born of the yew tree”
• Finn – A name that means “fair” or “white”. A good name for a white cat.
• Fionn – “fair-haired”
• Gearoid – “spear carrier”
• Kieran – “little dark one”
• Liam – A shortened version of the Irish name “Uilliam”, which means “resolute protector”.
• Lorcan – “little fierce one”
• Malachy – “messenger of God”
• Niall – “champion”
• Oisin – “little deer”
• Padraig – “noble”
• Ronan – A name that means “little seal”.
• Ruairi – “red-haired king”
• Sean – “God is gracious”
• Seamus – Pronounced “shay-mus”, this name means “supplanter”.
• Tadhg – Pronounced “tie-g”, this name means “poet” or “philosopher”. A good name for a wise and thoughtful cat.
• Tiernan – “lord of the household”
• Tomas – “twin”
• Ultan – “of Ulster”
• Uilliam – “resolute protector”

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