Three Letter Cat Names: Tiny But Mighty Short Names for Your New Cat

Looking for a short name for your new cat or kitten? Three letter cat names can be easy and fun–and we’ve rounded up options ranging from nicknames to classic names to monikers from around the world.

Do you think a cat name with just three letters might be too short? Have a look through this list and see if you might combine two names. One of our cats, a dear tuxedo cat, was named Kit Kat, a fun combo of two names on this list!

Unisex Short Cat Names

Ari: – Ari is a unisex name of Hebrew and Icelandic origin. In Hebrew, it means “lion,” while in Icelandic, it means “eagle.

Ash: – Ash is a name with multiple origins. It can be derived from the Old English word “æsc,” meaning “ash tree,” or it can be short for names like Ashley or Ashton.

Boe: – Boe is a last name of Scandinavian origin, derived from the word “bói,” meaning “farm.” A fun name for a barn cat.

Cal: – Cal is a name of English origin meaning “bald” or “bare.”

Cam: – Cam is a unisex name of Scottish origin derived from the term “crooked nose.”

Cap: – Cap is a name associated with “captain” and the concept of leadership or authority.

Cat: – Because this is your cat, plain and simple!

Chi: – Chi is one’s life force, an apt description of your new cat.

Cuz: – Cuz is a colloquial term used as a nickname or short form of “cousin.”

Day: – Day is a modern English name that represents sunlight, symbolizing brightness and positivity.

Dwi: – Dwi is a name of Indonesian origin and means “two” or “second.” A good choice for your second cat.

Dzi: – Dzi (pronounced Zee) is a name of Tibetan origin meaning “splendor.” It also refers to a type of precious bead that is among the most collectible in the world.

Edi: – Edi is a name of Italian origin (and a nickname for Edoardo or Edward) and means “wealthy guardian” or “rich protector.

Hey: – A surname with Germanic origins meaning “one who mows the grass.”

Jae: – A unisex name of Korean origin meaning “talent” or “excellence.”

Jet: – A fun name for a black cat or a cat who flies through the house!

Kai: – This Hawaiian name means “sea” or “ocean.

Kit: – A nickname for Christopher and Katherine–or the name of a baby fox!

Rio: – Meaning river, this is a fun name for the cat of a person who loves to travel.

Moe: – A unisex name of Japanese origin meaning “sprouting” or “budding.”

Wyn: – A name of Welsh origin meaning “fair” or “white.”

Three Letter Girls Names

If you’re looking for a short and sweet name for your furry little girl, we’ve got you covered! In this list, we’ll present you with some adorable three-letter cat names that are perfect for your female feline friend.

Ada: – Ada is a name of Germanic origin, meaning “noble” or “noble-born.”

Aja: – Aja is a Sanskrit name meaning “goat” or “mountain goat.” This Indian name for girls also has origins in West Africa, where it is associated with the Yoruba goddess of forests and animals.

Amy: – Amy is a French name derived from the Latin word “amatus,” meaning “beloved” or “loved.”

Ana: – Ana is a name of Spanish, Portuguese, and Slavic origin. It is a variation of the name Anna, meaning “grace” or “favor.”

Ann: – Ann is a variant of the name Anna, which has Hebrew origins and means “grace” or “favor.”

Ava: – This beautiful name has Latin origins, meaning “like a bird”. Perfect for a graceful and petite kitten.

Bea: – Bea is a diminutive form of the name Beatrice, which means “she who brings happiness.” It has Latin origins.

Bex: – Bex is a modern name often used as a nickname for Rebecca. It has no specific meaning beyond being a diminutive form of the longer name.

Cey: – Cey is a diminutive of a Turkish girl’s name signifying “shadow” or “shade.” It’s also a surname.

Dee: – Dee is a name of English origin and can be a short form of various names like Deborah or Delilah.

Dia: – Dia is a name with Greek origins and means “divine” or “heavenly.

Dot: – A shortened form of Dorothy, Dot means gift of God.

Dua: – Dua is an Arabic name that means “prayer” or “supplication.”

Dya: – Dya is a name of Arabic origin that means “splendor” or “brilliance.”

Eda: – Eda is a name with various origins meaning “wealthy” or “prosperous.”

Ela: – Ela is a name that has multiple origins. It can be derived from the Hebrew name “Elah,” meaning “oak tree,” or from Turkish, where it means “hazel nut.”

Ema: – Ema is a name with multiple origins, including Hebrew and German. In Hebrew, it means “mother,” while in German, it is a variant of the name Emma, which means “universal” or “whole.”

Emi: – Emi is a name of Japanese origin and means “beautiful blessing.”

Ena: – Ena is a name with various origins, including Irish, it means “little fire.”

Era: – Era has many meaning around the world including the Hebrew name which means “to create” or “to bring to life”. It can also be interpreted as “earth” or “land”.

Eta: – Eta is a name with various origins, including Greek and Italian. In Greek, it means “goddess” or “nymph,” while in Italian, it represents the seventh letter of the alphabet.

Eva: – Eva is a name of Hebrew origin and is derived from the name Chava, meaning “life” or “living one.”

Eve: – Originating from Hebrew, Eve means “life” or “living one”. This name suits a lively and energetic cat.

Evy: – Evy is a diminutive form of the name Eve or Eva and carries the same meanings of “life” or “living one.”

Eya: – Eya is a name of Arabic origin and means “miracle” or “wonder.”

Fay: – Fay is a name of English origin and is derived from the Middle English word “fai,” meaning “fairy” or “elf.”

Flo: – Flo is a name of Latin origin and is a diminutive form of names like Florence or Flora, which mean “flowering” or “blossom.”

Fre: – Fre is a name of Scandinavian origin and is derived from the Norse goddess name Freyja, representing love, beauty, and fertility.

Gay: – A name of English origin meaning “joyful” or “cheerful.”

Gem: – Derived from the English word for precious stones, symbolizing beauty and rarity.

Gia: – Originating from Italian, it means “God’s gracious gift” or “God’s graciousness.”

Gil: – Derived from the Hebrew name “Gilad,” meaning “happiness” or “joy.”

Gin: – A diminutive of Virginia, meaning “pure” or “virginal.”

Gis: – A variant of Giselle, which has Germanic roots and means “pledge” or “hostage.”

Gud: – Derived from Old Norse, it means “God” and represents divine goodness.

Gus: – A diminutive of Augusta or Augustina, derived from Latin and meaning “great” or “venerable.”

Ida: – Derived from the Germanic element “id,” meaning “work” or “labor.”

Ila: – Derived from the Sanskrit word “ila,” meaning “earth” or “speech.” Also a derivative of the Scottish name Isla, meaning island.

Ivy: – English in origin, linked to the ivy plant.

Jai: – Derived from Sanskrit, it means “victory” or “triumph.”

Jan: – A name of Hebrew origin meaning “gift from God” or “God is gracious.”

Jia: – Derived from Chinese, it means “outstanding” or “favorite person.”

Joy: – Expressive of happiness and delight, this name purrfectly describes the feeling your new cat brings to your life.

Kat: – Derived from Katherine or Katarina, it is of Greek origin and means “pure” or “blessed.”

Kay: – A name of English origin meaning “rejoice” or “exult.”

Kee: – A name of Korean origin meaning “happiness” or “delight.”

Kim: – A name of various origins, it can refer to the color gold or be a nickname for Kimberly.

Lea: – A name of Hebrew origin meaning “weary” or “meadow.”

Lee: – Derived from Old English, it means “meadow” or “clearing.”

Lia: – A name with various origins, it can mean “weary” (Hebrew), “lioness” (Italian), or “bearer of good news” (Greek).

Liv: – A Scandinavian name meaning “life” or “protection.”

Lya: – Derived from Slavic roots, it means “light” or “truth.”

Mae: – Derived from the Old English word “maegen,” meaning “strength” or “power.”

Mia: – A name of multiple origins, it can mean “mine” (Italian), “wished-for child” (Scandinavian), or “bitter” (Hebrew).

Mya: – Derived from the Greek word “myrrh,” a fragrant resin.

Myra: – A name of Greek origin meaning “sweet-smelling” or “myrrh.”

Ola: – Derived from Old Norse, it means “ancestor’s relic” or “forever.”

Oma: – A name of German origin meaning “grandmother” or “graceful.”

Ona: – Derived from Lithuanian, it means “grace” or “favor.”

Ora: – Derived from Latin, it means “gold” or “prayer.”

Pam: – A diminutive of Pamela, it is of Greek origin and means “all honey” or “sweetness.”

Pat: – Derived from Patricia or Patrick, it is of Latin origin and means “noble” or “patrician.”

Peg: – A diminutive of Margaret, it is of Greek origin and means “pearl.”

Pip: – Pip is often used as a nickname for Philip or Philippa. Philip means “lover of horses,” derived from the Greek words “phílos” (friend, lover) and “híppos” (horse).

Rae: – A variant of Ray, it can mean “grace” or “ewe” (female sheep).

Ria: – Derived from various cultures, it can mean “river” (Spanish), “small” (Hindi), or “jasmine flower” (Indonesian).

Rue: – A name of English origin meaning “regret” or “repentance.”

Sia: – A name of various origins, it can mean “victory” (Greek), “helper” (Swahili), or “shadow” (Persian).

Sky: – A beautiful nature cat name for male or female cats.

Sue: – A diminutive of Susan, it is of Hebrew origin and means “lily” or “graceful lily.”

Tao: – A name of Chinese origin meaning “peach” or “long life.

Tia: – Derived from the Greek word “theia,” meaning “goddess” or “divine.” Spanish for “aunt.”

Tin: – A name of Vietnamese origin meaning “new” or “morning.”

Tri: – A name of Vietnamese origin meaning “born in the third month” or “intelligent.”

Una: – The name Una is of Irish derived from the Irish word “uaine,” which means “green” or “fresh.” Una is also associated with the name Oonagh, which means “lamb” in Gaelic. In Irish mythology, Una is sometimes considered a diminutive form of Úna, who was a daughter of the god of the sea.

Uma: – Uma is a Sanskrit name of Indian origin, meaning “splendor,” “light,” or “fame.”

Val: – Derived from the Latin name Valentina, meaning “strong” or “healthy.”

Van: – A unisex name of Dutch origin, meaning “of” or “from.”

Via: – A name of Latin origin, meaning “way” or “path.”

Yen: – Derived from Vietnamese, it means “calm” or “peaceful.”

Zia: – Derived from Arabic, it means “light” or “splendor.”

Zoe: – The name Zoe is of Greek origin and holds the meaning “life” or “alive.” It is derived from the Greek word “zōē,” which signifies vitality, energy, and the essence of being alive.

Three Letter Boys Names

When it comes to choosing a name for your male cat, three-letter names can be charming and easy to remember. These short and often endearing names add a touch of simplicity and playfulness to your feline friend. Here are some three-letter boys’ cat names, along with their meanings, listed in alphabetical order.

Abe: – This name is derived from the Hebrew name Abraham, meaning “father of many.” If your cat seems to have a wise, paternal aura, Abe might be the perfect fit.

Ace: – Ace is an English name representing excellence, superiority, or being the best.

Ade: – Ade is a Nigerian Yoruba name, meaning “crown” or “royalty.”

Ali: – Ali is an Arabic name meaning “exalted” or “noble.”

Ben: – Short for Benjamin, this name has Hebrew origins and means “son of the right hand.” Great for a loyal and affectionate cat who enjoys being by your side.

Bob: – Short for Robert, a name of Germanic origin that means “bright fame” or “famous one.” A fun name for a bob-tailed cat!

Bud: – Bud is a name that symbolizes new beginnings and growth, like a budding flower.

Cal: – This name, often short for Calvin, means “bald” in Latin. Though your cat probably has fur, Cal can still be an adorable choice for a laid-back and lovable feline.

Ced: – Ced is a name with various origins, such as Arabic and Anglo-Saxon, meaning “power,” “loved” or “guardian of the estate”–take your pick!

Che: – A name with multiple origins meaning “God will increase.”

Cid: – A Spanish and Portuguese name with Arabic origins meaning “Lord.”

Cob: – Cob is a shortened form of Jacob, a name with Hebrew origins meaning “one who replaces another.” Perhaps an appropriate name for a cat adopted after the loss of another.

Dan: – A shortened form of Daniel, this name has Hebrew origins and means “God is my judge.” If your cat has a strong and confident demeanor, Dan could be a fitting choice.

Dai: – Dai is a Welsh name that means “to shine” or “to give.”

Ean: – Ean is a name of Scottish origin and is a variation of the name Ian, which is a Scottish form of John. It means “God is gracious.”

Ebo: – Ebo is a name with African origins that means “born on Tuesday.

Eli: – Eli is a name of Hebrew origin and means “ascended” or “elevated.”

Emi: – Emi is a name with multiple origins, including Japanese and Finnish. In Japanese, it means “beautiful blessing,” while in Finnish, it means “rival” or “competitor.”

Eni: – Eni is a name of Nigerian origin, particularly from the Yoruba language. It means “person” or “human being.”

Ern: – Ern is a name of English origin and is nickname for Ernest or Ernesto, which mean “serious” or “earnest.”

Esa: – Esa is a name of Hebrew origin and is a variant of the name Joshua, meaning “God is salvation.”

Eze: – Eze is a name of Nigerian origin; in the Igbo language it means “king” or “ruler.”

Faz: – Faz is a name of Arabic origin and means “victorious” or “successful.

Fer: – Fer is a name of Catalan origin and is a short form of the name Ferran or Fernando, which means “brave traveler” or “adventurous.” A good name for a cat who has seen the world!

Fin: – Fin is a name of Gaelic and Irish origin and means “fair” or “white-haired.”

Flo: – Flo is a name of Latin origin and a nickname for Florian or Flavius, which means “flowering” or “yellow-haired.”

Fox: – Fox is an English name that represents the animal and symbolizes cleverness or cunning.

Fry: – Fry is a name of English origin and refers to someone who lives near a riverbank.

Fyn: – Fyn is a name of Danish origin and is a variant of the name Finn, which means “fair” or “white-haired.

Gab: – A short form of Gabriel, derived from Hebrew and meaning “God is my strength.”

Gil: – Derived from Hebrew, it means “joy” or “happiness.”

Gus: – A short form of Augustus or Angus, it is of Latin or Scottish origin and means “great” or “venerable.”

Hal: – A name of English origin meaning “ruler” or “estate owner.”

Han: – Derived from various cultures, Han is often a diminutive of the name Johann or John, meaning “God is gracious.” Or it may mean that you’re a big Star Wars fan!

Hay: – Derived from Old English, it means “fenced or enclosed area” or “hedged enclosure.”

Hob: – An old-fashioned nickname for Robert, a name meaning “bright fame” or “shining with renown.”

Ira: – Derived from Hebrew, it means “watchful” or “vigilant.”

Ian: – A Scottish and Gaelic form of the name John, meaning “God is gracious.”

Ike: – A diminutive of the name Isaac, it is of Hebrew origin and means “he will laugh.”

Ivo: – A name with multiple origins, it can mean “yew wood” (Germanic) or “archer” (Old Norse).

Jai: – Derived from Sanskrit, it means “victory” or “triumph.”

Jan: – A name of Hebrew origin meaning “God is gracious” or “gift of God.”

Jay: – Derived from various origins, it can mean “victory” (Sanskrit) or “blue jay” (English).

Jed: – Derived from the Hebrew name Jedidiah, it means “beloved of God.”

Joe: – A diminutive of the name Joseph, meaning “God will increase” or “God will add.”

Jax: – Jax is a modern American name. Jax may also be considered a variant or short form of the name Jackson or Jaxon, which have English origins and mean “son of Jack.” Overall, Jax is a name that exudes a cool and contemporary vibe.

Kip: – Derived from the Old English word “cyppan,” meaning “to barter” or “to trade.”

Koa: – A Hawaiian name meaning “brave” or “warrior.”

Lee: – Derived from Old English, it means “meadow” or “clearing.”

Len: – Nickname for Leonard.

Leo: – This Latin name means “lion,” perfect for a cat with a majestic and regal presence. Your little Leo will surely rule the household with grace and charm.

Lou: – A short form of Louis or Louie, derived from Germanic roots and meaning “renowned warrior.”

Max: – Often short for Maximilian or Maxwell, Max means “greatest” in Latin. If your cat has an air of importance and demands the best, Max might be the name for him.

Mel: – A name of Greek origin meaning “honey” or “song.”

Mic: – A diminutive of Michael, derived from Hebrew and meaning “who is like God.”

Moe: – A name with various origins, it can mean “helper” (Japanese) or “savior” (Arabic).

Ned: – A name of English origin, it is a diminutive of Edward and means “wealthy guardian.”

Neo: – Derived from the Greek word “neos,” meaning “new” or “young.”

Nic: – A short form of Nicholas, derived from Greek and meaning “victory of the people.”

Odi: – Derived from the Igbo language of Nigeria, it means “born on the road” or “wanderer.” A good name for the rescue cat brought in from the outdoors.

Oli: – A name of Hawaiian origin meaning “olive tree” or “peaceful.”

Raj: – A name of Indian origin meaning “king” or “ruler.”

Rav: – In Hebrew, Rav means “great” or “abundant.” In Sanskrit, Rav means “sun” or “sun god,” derived from the Sanskrit word for “shine” or “illuminate.”

Ray: – This name can be short for Raymond, which means “wise protector.” If your cat is always keeping an eye on you and taking care of you, Ray could be the name for him.

Rex: – The name Rex is derived from the Latin word “rex” or king.

Sam: – Derived from Hebrew, it means “heard by God” or “name of God.” Nickname for Samuel.

Sol: – Derived from Latin, it means “sun” or “sunlight.”

Sid: – From the Old English word for “wide” or “extensive.” Nickname for Sidney.

Tao: – Derived from Chinese, it means “way” or “path.”

Tim: – Short for Timothy, this name has Greek origins and means “to honor God.” A fitting name for a sweet and gentle cat who brings joy into your life.

Tom: – A short form of Thomas, derived from Aramaic and meaning “twin.” A good name for a tomcat who comes to your house–or a name for a twin cat.

Tor: – Derived from the Old Norse name “Þórbjǫrg,” meaning “Thor” (the Norse god) and “protection.”

Van: – Derived from Dutch, it means “from” or “of.”

Vic: – A short form of Victor, derived from Latin and meaning “victorious.”

Vin: – A short form of Vincent or Vincenzo, derived from Latin and meaning “conquering” or “prevailing.”

Wes: – Derived from the Old English word “west,” meaning “west” or “western.”

Wil: – A short form of William, derived from Germanic and meaning “will” or “desire.”

Wim: – Derived from the Germanic name Wilhelm, meaning “will” or “desire.”

Yan: – Derived from various cultures, it can mean “swallow” (Chinese), “god is gracious” (Hebrew), or “peace” (Russian).

Yon: – Derived from Hebrew, it means “gift of God” or “God’s grace.”

Yul: – Derived from various cultures, it can mean “born at Christmas” (Korean), “relating to the sun” (Turkish), or “rose” (Arabic).

Zak: – A short form of Zachary, derived from Hebrew and meaning “remembered by God.”

Zeb: – Derived from Hebrew, it means “gift” or “dwelling of honor.”

Short Cat Names Inspired by Movies and TV

In this section, you’ll discover some cool three-letter cat names inspired by popular movies and TV shows. These names are perfect for giving your feline friend a unique identity that’s also a nod to your favorite pop culture characters.

• Ari – Derived from Ari Gold, the ruthless agent in the hit TV series “Entourage.”
• Bob – A throwback to the lovable main character from “Bob’s Burgers.”
• Deb – A reference to the strong and determined sister, Debra Morgan, in “Dexter.”
• Eve – An allusion to the mysterious MI6 agent from “Killing Eve.”
• Fox – An homage to Fox Mulder, the ever-inquisitive agent in “The X-Files.”
• Gus – A wonderful tribute to mush-master Gustave, the human character from “Cinderella.”
• Ian – A nod to Ian Malcolm, the quirky mathematician from “Jurassic Park.”
• Jon – For the ultimate Jon Snow fans from “Game of Thrones.”
• Liz – Derived from Elizabeth Lemon, the sometimes-scattered protagonist of “30 Rock”–or actress Liz Taylor.
• Mia – Perfect for fans of “Pulp Fiction” and the enigmatic Mia Wallace.
• Ned – A salute to the lovable Ned Flanders from “The Simpsons.”
• Oda – A derivation of the iconic Oda Mae Brown character in “Ghost.”

Let these short, three-letter names inspire you as you choose the perfect name for your new furry friend. With such a wide range of three-letter names available, there’s no doubt you’ll find the purrfect one for your new kitten or cat.

More Names You Might Like

Lazy Cat Names for Your Sleepy Sidekick!

150+ Nature Cat Names from Autumn to Zale

120+ Cat Names that Start with K {with Meanings}

Pin it to remember