30 Memorable Calico Cat Names to Browse Before You Choose

Written by Trinity Londos
Updated: March 6, 2024
Share on:

Advertisement


One of the most exciting parts of coming home with a new pet — besides the pet itself — is getting to name them! But sometimes, that is the hardest part, too. The perfect name can come from just about anywhere. Whether it be based on your favorite TV show, movie, or even your favorite place, there are thousands to choose from. Often times, people select names based on their new furry friend’s personality or physical features. In the case of calico cats, there are a lot of unique names to choose from! Follow along to discover thirty of the best calico cat names that are sure to fit your cat or kitten perfectly. 

What are Calico Cats?

Calico Maine Coon cat on green background

Though this coat type is rare, the most common color combination found in calico cats is black, orange, and white. 

©Linn Currie/Shutterstock.com

For background, a calico cat is a domestic cat of any breed with a tricolored coat. They are also called brindle, tri-color, tobi mi-ke which means “triple fur” in Japanese, and lapjeskat which is Dutch for “patches cat.” There are three main calico cats to consider. Traditional calicos have predominately white fur, with large patches of black and orange. Next up are “dilute” calicos, which present as white cats with washed out patches of charcoal gray, cream, and light orange. Lastly, there is the calibi coat variety. This kind of cat is essentially a mix between a calico and a tabby — it has the traditional calico colors, but instead of patches, it has stripes! 

While male or female domestic cats can have this coat type, about 99.9% of them are female. This is because female cats have two X chromosomes, which are the chromosomes responsible for determining what color fur your cat has. And while many colors can be mixed together, black and orange can never be combined within the same X chromosome.

Because of this, male cats can never have both black and orange fur, since they only have a single X chromosome. However, there is one exception to this rule. Some male cats have a rare condition called Klinefelter’s syndrome. This is when a male cat has one Y chromosome (normal) and two X chromosomes (XXY – not normal). As a result, these rare male cats can be born with calico colors. Unfortunately though, most of them are almost always going to be sterile, further decreasing the likelihood of their traits being passed down. 

Memorable Calico Cat Names

A majority of the names on this list will either be gender-neutral or female-oriented. But regardless of your cat’s gender, it can definitely be hard to decide on the perfect name for your new feline friend. So, without further ado, here are some cute, classic, and downright adorable calico cat names for you to consider! 

Food-Inspired Calico Cat Names

Calico cat or tricolor cat face in the detail shot. This tortoiseshell cat has three colors: white, black, and orange.

©Mawaddah F/Shutterstock.com

  1. Cupcake: Cupcake is a perfect calico cat name because they are sweet and colorful, just like the delicious baked treat! 
  2. Sundae: Because calico cats often present with swirls of color in their fur, just like the swirls and layers of a tasty ice cream dish, Sundae is a great name to consider. 
  3. Papaya: Mirroring the colors of a calico cat perfectly, papayas have a mix of orange, yellow, and cream tones, with dark brown-black seeds.
  4. Sherbet or Sorbet: Named after the colorful frozen desserts, these two options make equally fitting names for a multi-colored calico cat. 
  5. Latte: Inspired by the creamy, multi-colored coffee drink, Latte seems like a good choice for a warm-colored calico cat! 
  6. Tiramisu: Inspired by the layered Italian dessert, Tiramisu is a name that suits the multi-colored coat of a male or female calico cat.
  7. S’more(s): Just like the gooey and delicious campfire treat, a calico cat’s coat combines different shades of white, black, and golden brown/orange.
  8. Macaron: Inspired by the delicate and colorful French pastry, Macaron is a name that pays homage to the diverse coat colors of a calico cat!
  9. Chai: Mimicking the warm and spicy Indian tea that is loved around the world, Chai seems like a suitable name for a calico cat with a mix of earth-toned fur. Plus, it doubles as a nod at your kitten being totally sweet or a little spicy — whichever shoe fits! 
  10. Popcorn: Popcorn can be a fitting name for a calico cat because, just like the vast variety of colors found in popcorn kernels, calico cats have a diverse color range, too! This name also has a ton of adorable nicknames that go along with it, like Poppi, for example. 
  11. Truffle: Truffle is a great name for a calico cat because, just like the delicious, earthy delicacy, they come in a variety of different colors. 
  12. Pepper: Just like the seasoning adds a bright mix of flavors to food dishes, a calico cat’s coat is peppered with a variety of bold colors. 
  13. Cinnamon: Emphasizing the brown and orange coloration of your furry friend, Cinnamon might just be the perfect name for them if they have earthy, warm hues in their fur pattern. 
  14. Nutmeg: If your calico cat has a majority of brown or warm, earthy orange colors in their coat, the name Nutmeg might just be a perfect fit! 

Artsy Names

calico maine coon

©Nils Jacobi/Shutterstock.com

  1. Prism: Keeping to the theme of light and patterns, Prism is a great calico cat name since it reflects the rainbow. This is similar to the array of colors found in a calico cat’s fur. 
  2. Kaleidoscope: A calico cat deserves a whimsical name that captures the colorful and intricate patterns of their coat. The name Kaleidoscope does just that, but you might have some trouble with people spelling their name wrong! 
  3. Marble: Reflecting the blend of orange, black, and white hues often seen in calico fur patterns, Marble can definitely be a suitable name for both male and female cats. 
  4. Chroma: Inspired by the Greek word for color, Chroma is a unique and artistic calico cat name that highlights the multicolored hues in their fur.
  5. Picasso: Calico cats are made up of a variety of bold colors, just like the world-famous Picasso paintings! 
  6. Splatter: Reflecting the seemingly random and abstract patterns of colors on a calico cat, Splatter presents a funky and artistic twist to their name.
  7. Patches: This calico cat name is ideal for those who have distinctive patches of orange, black, and white fur.

Abstract Names

curious calico cat walking outside. predator in the autumn garden. fruit composition on the background. thanksgiving concept

©Mike Pellinni/Shutterstock.com

  1. Calico: This might be somewhat of a cop-out, but what better name for your calico kitten than Calico? Keep it simple and fun with this straight-to-the-point cat name. 
  2. Dapple: Though a bit more unique than the rest, the name Dapple is a cute calico cat name — inspired by the dappling effect of light on a multi-colored surface. 
  3. Pizzazz: Great for a spunky, quirky kitten, the name Pizzazz goes great with calico cats’ vibrant appearance.
  4. Zephyr: Inspired by the gentle breeze, Zephyr is a fantastic calico cat name that symbolizes the soft and delicate blend of colors in a dilute calico cat’s coat.
  5. Harley: Harley is a playful and fun name for a cat with a blend of orange, black, and white colors. The name can be reminiscent of Harley Quinn’s costume, or even the famous Harley Davidson logo! 
  6. Blaze: The name Blaze would be great for a calico cat with bright, fiery orange patches of fur — just like flames in a blaze.
  7. Flame: Just like Blaze would be a good calico cat name, Flame is perfectly fitting for the same reasons, as well! 
  8. Whimsy: Whimsy is a name that embodies the playful and fanciful nature of calico cats, which are known for their lively and colorful personalities. It can also relate to their fun, unique color pattern. 
  9. Chimera: For those who love mythology, the name Chimera might be the perfect calico cat name! Named after the Greek mythological creature of the same name, which is made up of parts of different animals, naming your cat Chimera is the perfect way to represent their amalgamation of vibrant and eye-catching colors!

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Linn Currie/Shutterstock.com


Share on:
About the Author

Trinity Londos is a writer currently working out of the Sunshine State. She has a B.S. in Business Management and Marketing, but her true passion is - and always has been - writing. Interested in all things wild, Trinity loves reading, writing, and learning all about the Earth and its many marvelous creatures. Passionate about animals, nature, and sustainability, she strives to answer as many of life's great mysteries as possible. When she isn't nose-deep in a book or on a Google deep dive, Trinity enjoys hiking, kayaking, and spending quality time with her friends and family - including Sherlock, her canine best friend of 8 years.

Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us? Contact the AZ Animals editorial team.