Cats have been an integral part of British culture for centuries. As a nation of animal lovers, Brits have come up with a wide range of affectionate and creative names for their feline companions. From classics like ‘pussycat’ and ‘moggy’ to cute modern names like ‘Luna’ and ‘Poppy’, there are many popular options that British cat owners use. Some names highlight a cat’s appearance, like ‘ginger’ for an orange cat or ‘tabby’ for the distinctive tabby coat pattern. Other names derive from history and literature, like the name ‘Molly’. Regional differences across Britain also lead to localized naming trends. This article will explore the most common British cat names, their origins and meanings, and the regional variations that make British cat culture so rich and varied.
Pussycat
Pussycat is one of the most common and endearing terms British people use when referring to cats. The word has a long history dating back several centuries.
The term ‘pussy’ originated as a nickname for cats in the early 16th century. It was derived from the word ‘puss’, which was used to mimic the sound cats make. ‘Puss’ first appeared in print in works by William Caxton and William Dunbar.
By the mid-16th century, ‘pussy’ became a playful nickname for cats, likening them to soft, plump things. The word was extended to ‘pussycat’ in the late 16th century as an affectionate way to address cats.
The first known print appearance of ‘pussycat’ was in John Heywood’s 1562 work ‘The Spider and the Flie’. By the 17th century ‘pussycat’ was in common usage as an endearing term for cats in both British and American English.
The word has endured over centuries because of its pleasing, melodic sound and its power to humanize cats. For British cat owners today, ‘pussycat’ remains a beloved nickname that captures a cat’s sweet, soft nature.
‘Moggy’
‘Moggy’ is a common informal or slang term used in Britain to refer to domestic cats, especially those of mixed or unknown breed.1 The word likely originated as a shortened form of ‘mongrel’, referring to a cat of mixed ancestry as opposed to a pedigree breed. ‘Moggy’ can be used to describe any ordinary house cat regardless of whether its exact ancestry is known. The term is commonly used in Britain and some other English-speaking countries but may not be as familiar to Americans.
A ‘moggy’ cat is considered different from specific breeds such as Persians, Siamese, or Maine Coons. It may be a random-bred cat of no particular ancestry. British people commonly keep moggy cats as pets, often obtained as strays or adopted from animal shelters rather than purchased from breeders. They are known as affectionate, laidback pets with varying appearances and personalities.
Kitty
‘Kitty’ is one of the most popular names for cats and kittens in both the United States and the United Kingdom. According to one source, “Kitty is used as a term for both cats and kittens. Many people will call out “Here kitty, kitty, kitty” when they see a cat or when calling for a cat” (Source). Another report confirms the popularity of ‘Kitty’ as a pet name, stating “It is one of the most searched for names on the internet” (Source). The widespread use of ‘Kitty’ as a nickname for cats and kittens in both American and British English demonstrates the cross-cultural appeal of this cute and catchy name.
Tabby
The term “tabby” refers to cats that have distinctive striped, dotted, lined, flecked, or swirled patterns in their coat. According to Wikipedia, the word tabby originated from the French word “tabis”, which described a type of silk taffeta that had a striped pattern. This fabric was made in the Attabiy (now Attabiya) neighborhood of Baghdad.
In the 1600s, English speakers adapted the word tabby from this striped cloth to describe cats with similar coat patterns. Over time, tabby became the established term for cats with these distinctive markings. The tabby pattern is so iconic for cats that it has become virtually synonymous with the animal itself.
Today, tabby refers to domestic cats that have stripes, dots, lines or swirls in their fur. The classic “M” marking on the forehead is a hallmark of tabby cats. Tabbies can come in different colors and patterns, such as grey, brown, orange and calico tabbies. But no matter the color, their striped coats tie back to the origins of the tabby name and its connection to a distinctly patterned silk fabric.
Ginger
In the UK, ginger cats are often referred to as just “gingers.” This refers to their bright orange coat color. Ginger cats get their distinctive hue from a gene mutation that causes a rich reddish-orange pigment. While ginger cats can have tabby, tortoiseshell, or solid coat patterns, the term “ginger” specifically denotes their orange coloration.
Ginger cats are especially prized in British culture. They are considered to symbolize warmth, vitality, and power. In Celtic mythology, it’s believed that ginger cats bring good luck and prosperity. British sailors once believed that having a ginger cat on board their ship would ensure safe passage home. Even today, many Brits believe that living with a ginger feline attracts positive energy and fortune.
While ginger cats make up only about 5% of the feline population worldwide, they are especially beloved in the UK. Their bright, vibrant coats make them stand out. Ginger British shorthairs are particularly prized for their stocky build and lush reddish fur. No matter their specific breed, ginger cats hold a special place in British culture as bringers of good luck and prosperity.
Tortoiseshell
Tortoiseshell is a cat coat coloring named for its similarity to tortoiseshell pattern. Tortoiseshell cats are almost exclusively female. Male tortoiseshells are rare and are usually sterile. The tortoiseshell pattern is a brindled mix of black, red, cinnamon, chocolate, cream, blue, or lilac. It consists of patches of mostly red/orange (or dilution thereof) and black fur. The patches can be small or large, can be isolation spots or mingled together, and are typically asymmetric.[1]
Tortoiseshell coats result from a recessive X-linked genetic trait where females have both orange and non-orange pigments but males only have one color. Since males have only one X chromosome, the presence of both orange and non-orange pigments is lethal during embryogenesis in the male sex. Female cats with tortoiseshell coats have a mosaic coloring, with the two colors appearing in patches as a result of X-inactivation. Mosaicism allows female cats to have patches of two different colors.[1]
Molly
‘Molly’ is a very popular name for female cats in the United Kingdom. According to Molly 🐱 – Cat Name Meaning & Popularity, Molly is one of the more common cat names in the cat-owning community. Their statistics show that Molly is considerably more popular than most other female cat names.
In a survey conducted by Cats Protection, Molly was ranked as the 3rd most popular female cat name in the UK, behind Poppy and Luna but ahead of names like Daisy, Millie, Rosie and others. The full top 10 female cat names from their survey were:
- Poppy
- Molly
- Luna
- Bella
- Daisy
- Millie
- Rosie
- Tilly
- Willow
- Lily
The popularity of ‘Molly’ as a cat name stems from its sweet, friendly, and cute connotations. It’s a name that many cat owners feel suits the endearing personality of their feline companions.
Regional Differences
There are some regional variations in the terms used to refer to cats across different parts of the UK. For example, in Scotland, cats are often referred to as “moggies” or “mogs.” This likely derives from a 16th century word “moggy” meaning an alley cat.
In parts of northern England, cats are sometimes called “puddy tats.” This seems to originate from the character Tweety Bird’s pronunciation of “pussy cat” in the Looney Tunes cartoons.
People in Yorkshire often use “mackem” as a term for a cat. “Mackem” originally comes from an informal term for a person from Sunderland, but it made its way to being used for cats as well in Yorkshire and some other northern regions.
The term “gib” for a male cat or “gimmer” for a female cat is common in parts of northern England. “Gib” likely derives from the cat’s real name Gilbert.
In Cockney rhyming slang, “Gregory Peck” is used as a rhyme for speckled cats. So a speckled cat may be referred to as a “Gregory” in parts of London.
So while “pussycat,” “kitty,” and “tabby” are used nationally, regional terms like “moggie,” “puddy tat,” and “gregory” add some local flair to cat-calling in different areas of the UK.
Conclusion
This guide has explored the range of names the British tend to give their cats, from both historical and a long-standing love of cats as companion animals. Names like ‘Pussycat’ and ‘Moggy’ have their roots in the 16th and 17th centuries when cats really gained popularity in Britain, while names like ‘Tabby’ reference the distinctive striped coat pattern on some breeds. More formal human names like ‘Albert’ and ‘Molly’ are also commonly used. Ultimately, there’s a wide array of delightful and charming names Brits have given their feline companions over the centuries. This demonstrates the strong bonds and affection cats have earned as pets in British culture.