60 Amazing and Clever Tortoiseshell Cat Names

Tortoiseshell cats, often affectionately referred to as torties, are incredibly unique-looking cats with a wide range of colors and patterns. This gives them an equally wide range of unique ideas and inspiration in the names department! If you’re having trouble coming up with a name for your very own tortoiseshell cat, feel free to read our list of 60 below that are especially clever and charming.

1. Chai

Is there anything more refreshing than the many diverse, aromatic spices in a warm chai latte? From black pepper to ginger and nutmeg, this mixture of spices can often resemble a tortoiseshell cat’s coat.

2. Topaz

Topaz is a gemstone that can exist in a wide range of colors. However, it is most commonly associated with a rich yellow or orange color. This unique name could also suit your tortie’s coat and/or eye color.

3. Asher

This name evokes an ashy grayish color, but beyond its face value, it’s a Hebrew name that means “happy” or “blessed.”

4. Pebbles

A tortie’s coat can often appear mottled as if it’s covered in tiny stones or pebbles.

5. Zinnia

The zinnia flower can come in many colors, but it’s also often associated with a rich reddish or orange hue.

6. Nyx

The name Nyx is of Greek origin and means “night.”

7. Alba

Of Latin origin, the name Alba can mean “dawn” or “sunrise.”

8. Pumpkin

A more fun and straightforward name on our list, this name suits tortoiseshell cats with lots of deep orange tones in their coats.

9. Ember

This name is also among the more simple listed here, and it’s similarly suitable for torties with lots of reddish hues in their fur.

10. Haze

This name evokes misty gray mornings, making it ideal for dilute tortoiseshell cats.

11. Cosmos

Some torties have coats that look like endless, sprawling galaxies. If your feline friend’s fur reminds you of the cosmos, this name might fit them perfectly. As an added bonus, it also brings to mind the cosmos flower.

12. Clover

Did you know tortoiseshell cats are considered lucky in many cultures? In Japan, it’s even commonly believed these kitties can protect one’s home from evil spirits.

13. Taro

Taro roots often have a mottled brown color, similar to many torties’ coats.

14. Celeste

This Latin name means “heavenly.”

15. Hazel

This name, referring to the hazel tree, comes from the Old English name “hæsel.”

16. Jasper 

The name “Jasper” is of Persian origin. It means “treasurer.” This name can also refer to the gemstone jasper, which is often a spotted or speckled reddish or orange color.

17. Pinto

This Latin word means “mottled” or “spotted.” Some tortoiseshell cats even have mottled toes, affectionately referred to as “toe beans” by many cat owners!

18. Tawny

This English name refers to the color tawny, which is typically a pale orange-brown hue.

19. Bryce

The name Bryce is of Scottish origin and means “speckled” or “freckled.”

20. Dusty

This name is also more suitable for dilute tortoiseshell cats, which often have more pale, dusty tones to their coats.

21. Kitsu

The Japanese name “Kitsu” can mean “determined,” “orange,” or “good luck.”

22. Saffron

This reddish-toned spice is among the most expensive on the planet! It comes from the crocus flower.

23. Lucky

A more simple name on our list, this name also is a reference to the fact that tortoiseshell cats are considered lucky in several cultures around the world.

24. Aki

This Japanese name means “autumn.”

25. Dawn

This feminine name is of Old English origin and means “the first appearance of light at daybreak.”

26. Clementine

The clementine is a rich orange-colored citrus fruit that is a cross between the willow leaf mandarin orange and the sweet orange. It’s also an adorable name for your furry friend.

27. Storm/Stormy

This name and its variant are both ideal for tortoiseshells, as it can refer to their tempestuous personalities or their unique-looking coats.

28. Pepper

The name “Pepper” obviously refers to the edible spice pepper made from dried and roasted peppercorns.

29. Anatoly

This unique Russian name can be interpreted as “sunrise” or “daybreak.”

30. Lavender

If this name is a bit too long, you can always shorten it to Lav. It’s a more fitting name for dilute tortoiseshells, which tend to have bluish or purple-toned gray hues to their coats.

31. Alani

This name is of Hawaiian origin. It means “orange.” In some cultures, it’s also considered a modern, feminine variant of “Alan” or a unique spin on “Alanna.”

32. Flynn

This unique Irish surname means “descendant of Flann,” which itself is a byname that means “a reddish or ruddy complexion.”

33. Mocha

This tasty name comes from the cafe mocha beverage, which is typically chocolate flavored. It’s also often called a mochaccino.

34. Lava/Magma

The flow of magma and lava from a volcano is mesmerizing, almost like a tortoiseshell cat’s colorful coat full of red, orange, and brown hues.

35. Autumn

The coat of a tortoiseshell also evokes fall and autumn vibes, making this name perfectly fitting for just about any tortie in your home.

36. Seren 

This Welsh female name means “star.” We had to come back to the celestial theme, as tortie coats often look like endless galaxies full of stars!

37. Poppy

The poppy flower is known for its rich reddish-orange color.

38. Blaze

This fiery name is great for torties with lots of red and orange in their fur.

39. Aruna

In Hinduism, Aruna is the charioteer of the sun god, Surya. In more modern years, it’s come to be a name that means “rising sun” or “dawn.”

40. Jag

This fun name is short for jaguar, a type of big cat known for its handsomely spotted coat.

41. Kolka

This unique name is of Old Norse origin and can mean “spot” or “stain.”

42. Marble

A simpler name, Marble, can refer to the tortoiseshell’s beautifully marbled coat.

43. Toffee

If your tortie has lots of rich brown and beige tones in their coat, the tasty name Toffee might suit them well.

44. Ginger

Ginger root is a commonly used spice in the culinary world as well as in folk medicine. It can also be an adorable name for your tortoiseshell cat.

45. Chestnut

For torties with more deep reddish-brown tones to their fur, this name is simple and cute.

46. Rowan

This Irish and Scottish name means “red-haired.”

47. Breck/Brecken

This adorable and unique English name means “little freckled or spotted one.”

48. Halona

The name Halona is of Native American origin. It can mean “good fortune” or “lucky.”

49. Nevio

Meaning “birthmark” or “mole,” the name Nevio suits tortoiseshell cats with lots of distinct spots in their coats.

50. Speckle

Also fitting for torties with lots of speckles and spots in their coats, this simple name is gender-neutral. However, did you know the vast majority of tortoiseshell cats are female due to their genetic makeup?

51. Copper

This rich reddish-brown color can also make a cute name for your tortoiseshell cat. Of course, it’s also a chemical element that is soft, malleable, and a great conductor of heat.

52. Flannery

This pretty Irish name means “red-haired,” but in your cat’s case, it may also mean “red-furred.”

53. Valencia

Of Latin origin, this feminine name means “brave” or “strong.” It also brings to mind the Spanish city of the same name, as well as the tasty Valencia orange.

54. Latte

Food-inspired names are always fun for all kinds of animals! If your tortie’s coat is more of a soft brown color reminiscent of a fresh, tasty latte, this name might fit them perfectly.

55. Bruna/Bruno

This short but sweet German name means “brown” or “tanned.” Depending on your cat’s gender, you can use either its feminine or masculine variant.

56. Leroux

Of French origin, this name means “the red-haired one.”

57. Marigold

The marigold flower is perhaps best known for its rich, vibrant orange color.

58. Dottie/Dotty

This name also suits torties with lots of small, mottled markings or spots. Interestingly, it’s also short for “Dorothy,” a name with Greek origins that means “God’s gift.”

59. Aurora

Of Latin origin, the pretty name Aurora means “dawn.”

60. Sienna

This Latin and Italian name means a deep orange-red color. It also originally meant “of the city Siena” in Italy.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Heidi Bollich/Shutterstock.com