127 Unique Cat Names From Greek Mythology For Your Feline

Greek mythology is full of timeless stories. Gods wielded lightning, heroes fought monsters, and nymphs lived in forests. These tales have influenced naming traditions for thousands of years. Just as they were used to explain the world, they now give us a large collection of unique names for your cat. You might like the power of Zeus, who ruled Olympus, or the cleverness of Odysseus, the hero of the Odyssey.

This blog lists 127 authentic names from ancient texts like Hesiod’s Theogony and Homer’s epics. You’ll find names from every part of myth, including the powerful Olympian gods, the ancient Titans, and lesser-known figures like the lampad nymphs, who carried torches in the underworld. Some myths have variations, like Artemis’ connection to cats, which comes from regional cults.

But every name here comes from documented lore. Want to find your cat’s mythical match? Let’s get started.

Cat Names From Greek Mythology: Overview and Key Facts

Note: Some details changed over time. For example, Hecate was later linked to cats due to Greek-Egyptian cultural blending.

Powerful Names from the Gods of Olympus

The Olympian gods ruled ancient Greece from Mount Olympus, each with their own powers and personalities. These names work well for cats who share similar traits, whether they’re regal, playful, or independent.

1. Zeus – King of the gods who controlled lightning. Great for a big cat who acts like royalty.
2. Hera – Queen of the gods and protector of marriage. Just right for a regal female cat who’s always by your side.
3. Poseidon – Ruler of the sea who caused earthquakes. Fits a cat who loves water or has sudden mood changes.
4. Demeter – Goddess of farming and crops. Good for a cat who nurtures others or has earthy-colored fur.
5. Athena – Goddess of wisdom and war strategy. Best for a clever cat who always outsmarts you.
6. Apollo – God of the sun, music, and prophecy. Perfect for a vocal cat or one with golden fur.
7. Artemis – Goddess who protected hunters and wild animals. Ideal for a cat who’s always stalking toys.
8. Ares – God of war and battle. Suits a feisty cat who picks fights with others.
9. Aphrodite – Goddess of love and beauty. Fits a graceful, affectionate cat who charms everyone.
10. Hephaestus – God of fire and metalworking. Great for a clever cat who figures out how to open doors.
11. Hermes – Messenger god who protected thieves. Perfect for a fast, sneaky cat who steals food.
12. Dionysus – God of wine and parties. Ideal for a playful cat who causes happy chaos.
13. Hestia – Goddess of home and hearth. Suits a calm cat who loves lounging in warm spots.
14. Persephone – Queen of the Underworld for part of each year. Good for a cat with two distinct moods.
15. Hades – Ruler of the Underworld. Fits a mysterious black cat with a solemn personality.
16. Nike – Goddess who brought victory. Great for a cat who always wins play fights.
17. Hebe – Goddess of youth. Perfect for a cat who stays playful like a kitten.
18. Eros – God of love and desire. Ideal for an affectionate cat who loves cuddles.
19. Pan – God of wild places and shepherds. Suits a vocal cat who loves adventures.
20. Selene – Goddess of the moon. Fits a cat who’s active at night or has silvery fur.
21. Helios – Person who drove the sun across the sky. Great for a bright orange or sunny-natured cat.
22. Iris – Goddess of rainbows. Perfect for a colorful cat or one with a whimsical personality.
23. Nemesis – Goddess of revenge. Good for a cat who holds grudges after scolding.
24. Tyche – Goddess of luck. Fits a cat whose antics always surprise you.
25. Asclepius – God of healing. Ideal for a cat whose presence makes you feel better.
26. Hygieia – Goddess of health. Suits a cat who helps reduce your stress.
27. Hecate – Goddess of magic and crossroads. Perfect for a mysterious black cat.
28. Morpheus – God of dreams. Great for a cat who sleeps all day.
29. Thanatos – Spirit of death. Fits a quiet, serious cat.
30. Gaia – The Earth itself. Ideal for a nurturing cat who grounds you.

Note: Some gods like Hades and Hecate are connected to the underworld, but still important in Greek culture.

The Mighty Titans and Ancient Beings

Before the Olympians took over, the Titans ruled the universe. These ancient beings controlled basic forces of nature, which makes their names great for impressive-looking cats. From those who caused earthquakes to those who governed stars, these names come with serious mythological weight.

1. Cronus – God of time and harvests. Good for an older, wise cat or one with destructive habits (he famously swallowed his own children).
2. Rhea – Mother of the gods and goddess of fertility. Just right for a cat who mothers other pets.
3. Oceanus – Ruler of the great world river. Perfect for a cat that plays with water.
4. Tethys – Oceanus’s wife who controlled fresh water. Fits a cat with smooth, flowing movements.
5. Hyperion – God of light and observation. Ideal for a cat who watches everything.
6. Theia – Goddess of vision and bright light. Great for a cat with striking eyes.
7. Coeus – God of knowledge and the turning of the heavens. Suits a cat who’s always investigating things.
8. Phoebe – Goddess of prophecy and intelligence. Perfect for a female cat who seems to know things.
9. Mnemosyne – Goddess who personified memory. Just right for a cat who never forgets meal times.
10. Themis – Goddess who maintained cosmic rules. Ideal for a cat who runs your household.
11. Iapetus – God representing human mortality. Fits either a very old or very fragile cat.
12. Crius – God of star patterns. Great for a cat with spotted fur that looks like stars.
13. Atlas – Titan who had to carry the sky forever. Perfect for a strong, patient cat.
14. Prometheus – Who stole fire for humans. Good for a clever cat who gets into things.
15. Epimetheus – God of hindsight. Suits a cat who acts first and thinks later.
16. Helios – Sun god (sometimes grouped with Olympians). Ideal for a golden-colored cat.
17. Selene – Moon goddess. Perfect for a cat active at night or with silver fur.
18. Eos – Goddess of dawn. Fits a cat who wakes you up early.
19. Gaia – The earth itself. Great for a calm, nurturing cat.
20. Uranus – The sky god. Suits a cat who likes high places and watching from above.

Note: Ancient sources sometimes disagree about whether beings like Helios and Selene were Titans or belonged to another group of gods.

Famous Heroes and Mortals from the Myths

The human heroes of Greek myths did amazing things that made them almost as legendary as the gods. These names give you great ideas for cats who show heroic traits, whether it’s cleverness like Odysseus, speed like Atalanta, or courage like Perseus. From fighters to lovers, these legendary people inspire wonderful cat names.

1. Achilles – The best Greek fighter. Great for a lightning-fast cat who acts untouchable (except maybe the back paws).
2. Odysseus – The smart hero who wandered for years. Just right for a clever cat who explores everywhere.
3. Heracles (Hercules) – The strongest man who ever lived. Perfect for a big, muscular cat who loves adventures.
4. Perseus – Who defeated Medusa. Fits a courageous cat with intense eyes.
5. Theseus – Solved the Labyrinth and beat the Minotaur. Good for a cat who figures things out.
6. Jason – Led the Argonauts to find the Golden Fleece. Ideal for a golden-colored cat who leads the way.
7. Atalanta – The fastest woman hunter. Suits a female cat who zooms around.
8. Hector – The noble Trojan commander. Great for a dignified cat who protects others.
9. Helen – The most beautiful woman ever. Perfect for an exceptionally pretty cat.
10. Andromache – Hector’s faithful wife. Fits a cat who’s always by your side.
11. Patroclus – Achilles’ closest friend. Just right for a cat bonded to another pet.
12. Ajax – A powerful warrior. Good for a large, strong cat who holds his ground.
13. Diomedes – Brave fighter who wounded gods. Suits a fearless cat who never backs down.
14. Orpheus – The greatest musician. Ideal for a cat who sings or responds to music.
15. Eurydice – Orpheus’s beloved wife. Perfect for a cat you would do anything to keep.
16. Aeneas – Survived Troy’s fall to found Rome. Great for a tough cat who overcomes challenges.
17. Bellerophon – Who tamed Pegasus. Fits a cat who jumps to high places.
18. Meleager – Hunted the giant boar. Just right for an excellent mouser.
19. Oedipus – Solved the Sphinx’s riddle. Good for a smart cat with complex behaviors.
20. Antigone – Stayed loyal to her family. Perfect for a devoted feline companion.
21. Iphigenia – The sacrificed princess. Suits a dramatic cat with big reactions.
22. Cadmus – Founded the city of Thebes. Great for a bold cat who explores first.
23. Pandora – The first human woman. Ideal for a curious cat who gets into everything.
24. Psyche – Loved by Eros. Fits a beautiful, deeply affectionate cat.
25. Narcissus – Who fell for his own reflection. Perfect for a cat fascinated by mirrors.

Note: Some heroes like Heracles became gods later, but we include them here for their human stories and great deeds.

Magical Monsters and Strange Creatures

Greek myths are full of strange creatures that mix animal, human and god-like traits. These names work well for cats with unusual looks, mysterious habits or strong personalities. From many-headed beasts to unusual mixed creatures, they offer interesting name choices for special cats.

1. Cerberus – The three-headed dog that guarded the underworld. Great for a cat that watches your entrance.
2. Chimera – Had lion, goat and snake parts and breathed fire. Just right for a cat with mixed-color fur.
3. Sphinx – A winged lion with a human head. Fits a smart cat with mysterious behavior.
4. Griffin – Half eagle and half lion. Perfect for a noble cat with sharp eyes.
5. Pegasus – The famous winged horse. Works well for a cat that jumps surprisingly high.
6. Harpy – Winged creatures that stole food. Ideal for a loud cat that takes your meals.
7. Minotaur – The bull-headed man from the labyrinth. Suits a stubborn cat with strong will.
8. Satyr – Goat-legged creatures that loved parties. Great for a playful, mischievous cat.
9. Centaur – Half human and half horse. Fits an active cat who likes independence.
10. Gorgon – Snake-haired monsters like Medusa. Perfect for a cat with intense, staring eyes.
11. Hydra – The many-headed water snake. Just right for a cat that always wants more food.
12. Nemean Lion – A lion with impenetrable skin. Works well for a tough, fearless cat.
13. Siren – Beautiful singers who lured sailors. Ideal for a vocal cat that demands attention.
14. Cyclops – Giants with a single eye. Suits a cat that watches everything closely.
15. Empusa – A ghost that could change forms. Great for a cat with changing moods.
16. Lamia – A demon that hunted children. Fits a cat that attacks toys fiercely.
17. Python – The giant snake at Delphi. Perfect for a long, flexible cat.
18. Stymphalian Birds – Metal birds that ate people. Works well for a cat with sharp claws.
19. Talos – A giant bronze robot. Just right for a cat with mechanical movements.
20. Typhon – The father of all monsters. Ideal for a huge, impressive-looking cat.
21. Echidna – The mother of monsters. Great for a cat that cares for other pets.
22. Orthrus – A two-headed guard dog. Fits a cat with two-colored face markings.
23. Teumessian Fox – A fox that couldn’t be caught. Perfect for a fast, elusive cat.
24. Crocotta – A mix between wolf and dog. Works well for a cat with strange meows.
25. Manticore – Part lion and part scorpion. Suits a cat with a sharp personality.

Note: Creatures like Pegasus aren’t technically monsters, but we include them because they’re mythical and interesting.

Charming Nymphs and Forgotten Figures

Greek mythology’s nymphs represent the beauty and energy of nature, which makes their names work well for elegant, lively cats. These nature spirits from forests, waters and mountains give us many good name choices for cats that show natural grace. From tree nymphs to river nymphs, these lesser-known figures provide good ideas for cat names.

1. Echo – Could only repeat what others said. This name fits a cat that copies sounds.
2. Syrinx – A nymph who became reed plants. Just right for a slim cat that likes musical sounds.
3. Daphne – Turned into a laurel tree. Works well for a cat that climbs often.
4. Arethusa – A spring nymph that Alpheus chased. Great for a cat that plays with water.
5. Calypso – Kept Odysseus on her island. Perfect for a cat that won’t leave you alone.
6. Clytie – A sea nymph who loved the sun god. Ideal for a cat that sunbathes.
7. Dryope – Became a tree. This name suits a cat that enjoys the outdoors.
8. Eurydice – Orpheus’s wife who lived in woods. Fits a cat that’s hard to catch.
9. Leuce – A nymph of white poplars. Great for a cat with light-colored fur.
10. Minthe – Changed into a mint plant. Works well for a cat with a fresh scent.
11. Pitys – A pine tree nymph. Just right for a climbing cat.
12. Rhodope – Lived in mountains. Perfect for a cat that likes high places.
13. Thetis – Was a sea nymph and Achilles’ mother. This name fits a protective cat.
14. Aegle – Her name means “radiance.” Ideal for a cat with bright eyes.
15. Cymopoleia – A nymph of storm waves. Suits a cat with wild energy.

Note: Not all these are technically nymphs, but we group them together because they served similar roles in nature.

Dark and Mysterious Underworld Spirits

The Greek underworld has many mysterious beings that make great names for cats with dark coats or mysterious looks. These underworld creatures – from judges of souls to guides who carried torches – offer names with deep mythological meaning for cats that move quietly or have unusual eyes.

1. Hecate – Ruled witchcraft and crossroads. This name fits a black cat with intense eyes.
2. Charon – Carried souls across the river. Just right for a cat that watches doorways.
3. Cerberus – The three-headed dog that guarded Hades. Works well for a protective, alert cat.
4. Persephone – Queen of the underworld who lived part-time above ground. Great for a cat with two different moods.
5. Thanatos – The god who represented death. Ideal for an all-black cat that moves silently.
6. Hypnos – Controlled sleep. Perfect for a cat that naps constantly.
7. The Erinyes (Furies) – Spirits who punished wrongdoers. Suits a cat that hunts relentlessly.
8. Melinoe – Persephone’s ghostly daughter. Fits a pale cat that’s active at night.
9. Mormo – A spirit that scared children. Works well for a cat that startles people.
10. Lampades – Nymphs who carried torches in the underworld. Great for a cat with glowing eyes.
11. Macaria – Goddess of peaceful death. Just right for a calm, older cat.
12. Acheron – The river of suffering. Suits a cat that survived difficult times before adoption.

Note: Some figures like Persephone belong to both the upper world and underworld.

Fun Tales Behind the Names

These names from myths aren’t only nice-sounding – they have interesting stories that add meaning. We’ll look at some of the best stories behind these ancient names for your cat.

Artemis and Her Divine Felines

Artemis, the goddess of hunting, nature, and childbirth, was also linked to cats in ways many don’t know. People usually connect her with deer or dogs, but some stories from Crete and Sparta show cats pulling her chariot. These golden cats (called aeluroi in Greek) showed her wild side and quick movements, similar to how house cats move quietly.

The writer Pausanias mentioned Artemis was sometimes called Aelurophoros (“Cat-Bearer”), though this name wasn’t used as often as her other titles.

Cats fit her because their nighttime hunting skills and solitary nature matched her rule over moonlit wild places. One story from Crete tells how she changed a nymph into a cat to escape danger – something cat owners might recognize when their pet suddenly runs off. Here are cat names inspired by these Artemis stories:

• Aelurus/Aeluro (Greek: αἴλουρος) – Means “cat” and connects to Artemis’ feline links
• Lyko – Comes from lykos (wolf), for cats that look wolf-like
• Phoebe – An Artemis name meaning “bright,” good for light-colored cats
• Kallisto – A nymph turned into a bear, sharing Artemis’ wild nature

Note: Experts disagree whether Artemis’ cat connections came from Egyptian Bastet, showing how myths change between cultures.

The Sphinx’s Deadly Riddle

The Greek Sphinx combined a lion’s body with a woman’s head. She became famous for her impossible riddle while guarding the road to Thebes. According to Sophocles, she would ask travelers her famous question (“What walks on four legs…”) and kill those who answered wrong. This reminds us how cats play with caught prey before finishing it.

Most versions say Hera sent her to punish Thebes, but some stories from Naxos claim she was Echidna’s daughter. In these tales, she protected holy places rather than terrorized travelers. Here are names inspired by the Sphinx’s mysterious nature:

Hecate’s Familiar Companions

Hecate, the goddess of magic and crossroads, became linked to cats over time. Early writings describe her followed by spirits, but later Greek art often showed her with black cats. These animals represented her in-between status, similar to house cats that are both tame and wild. Records show her most sacred animals were polecats (a weasel type), though Roman-era magic texts consistently connected her to cats instead.

Her connection to cats grew stronger through the Egyptian cat goddess Bastet. By the 2nd century CE, magical charms called on “Hecate of the Three Faces” with cat images for protection. This explains why modern witches link black cats to Hecate, though this came late in her worship.

Her title Nyktipolos (“Night-Wandering”) fits cats that roam after dark, while Propylaia (“Before the Gate”) matches how cats often watch doorways.

What These Greek Names Really Mean

These names don’t just sound nice – they have multiple meanings. Each one connects to actual Greek words and the myths they come from. You might choose a name because of its word origins, like “Leo” from “leon” meaning lion. Or you might prefer names with links to heroes, like “Perseus” which means “destroyer”. Knowing these meanings helps you pick the right name for your cat’s personality.

The table below explains the real significance behind each name we selected.

FAQs

1. Is there a Greek god of cats?

While no dedicated Greek god of cats exists, Artemis and Hecate were occasionally linked to felines in myth.

2. How do I choose a mythologically accurate name?

To choose a mythologically accurate name, research primary sources like Hesiod’s Theogony for authentic origins.

3. Are these names suitable for female cats?

These names are suitable for female cats, as Greek mythological names are not inherently gender-bound.

4. What if my cat doesn’t match the name’s personality?

If your cat doesn’t match the name’s personality, the mythological essence often adds symbolic or playful irony to their identity.