45 Perfectly-Fitting Mischievous Cat Names For Your Troublesome Kitty

Written by Hailey Pruett
Published: November 24, 2023
Share on:

Advertisement


Every cat has a unique personality; some are more rambunctious than others! If you’re lucky enough to live with a particularly troublesome, mischievous cat, here are 45 great names that might suit them perfectly. Read on to learn all about the origins and meanings of these sneaky, naughty, and even downright vexatious names!

1. Tempest

Cute persian cat playing toy

If your cat is moody, playful, or gets too excited while they have the zoomies, Tempest could be the perfect name for them.

©ANURAK PONGPATIMET/Shutterstock.com

The name “Tempest” is French in origin and means “stormy” or “turbulent.” It’s a great mischievous, gender-neutral name for extra-playful and energetic cats.

2. Loki

Why not give your cat a name they could share with the Norse god of mischief? Loki also means “airy,” making it an ideal moniker for your little furry trickster.

3. Salem

Although the name Salem means “peaceful” and “safe” in Hebrew and Arabic, it also evokes the name of the town of Salem, Massachusetts. The Salem witch trials took place here between 1692 and 1693.

4. Machiavelli

This name is a bit of a mouthful, but it means “cunning” or “sneaky” in Latin. Of course, it also brings to mind Niccolo di Bernardo dei Machiavelli, an Italian author and diplomat who lived from 1469 to 1527.

5. Eris

ragdoll kitten playing under the covers

The name “Eris” originated in Greek mythology.

©iStock.com/Angela Kotsell

In Greek mythology, Eris was the goddess of strife and discord. Notably, it’s also the name of the second-largest dwarf planet in our solar system!

6. Briar

The name “Briar” has British origins. This name evokes tangled bushes full of thorny vines and roses, making it ideal for a beautiful yet somewhat prickly, feisty, and perhaps mischievous cat.

7. Nyx

While beauty and fashion buffs might first think of Nyx Cosmetics, the name also means “night” in Greek. Its origins are in Greek mythology, where Nyx was the goddess of night and darkness.

8. Harley

The name “Harley” is of British origin and essentially means a long or large field or meadow. However, it also brings to mind the mischievous DC villain Harley Quinn and Harley-Davidson motorcycles.

9. Crowley

“Crowley” is a unique name of Gaelic origin. It means “descendant of the hardy warrior.” But it’s also the name of many notable historical figures and fictional characters, such as occultist Aleister Crowley and Supernatural’s sardonic, clever, and mischievous demon Crowley.

10. Scar

woman's hand stroking a ginger cat on Isolated white background

The name “Scar” is simple yet delightfully mischievous and especially great for cat owners who are Disney fans.

©Seregraff/Shutterstock.com

The name “Scar” is self-explanatory and can be fitting for a mischievous cat with a distinctive marking or scar. It also brings to mind the evil lion Scar from Disney’s The Lion King.

11. Abaddon

“Abbadon” has both Greek and Hebrew origins. In the Hebrew Bible, it can mean either an angel of the abyss or a place of destruction. Alternatively, the New Testament can refer to an angel who is the king of an army of locusts.

12. Kali

The mischievous cat name “Kali” also has varying origins, from the Hindu goddess of death and change to the Sanskrit word for “time” or “the black one.”

13. Rogue

The name “Rogue” is pretty self-explanatory. Its origins are English, meaning “unpredictable” or “mischievous.” It’s also the alter ego of X-Men character Anna Marie LeBeau.

14. Mischief

Could any name be more fitting for a mischievous cat than “Mischief”? We think not. If you aren’t satisfied with any of the other names on this list, you can always go with this one.

15. Lilith

The black cat was frightened and stooped. Black cat in fear and aggression.

Lilith is a great name for an all-black cat, as it translates to “of the night.”

©NZ3/Shutterstock.com

The name “Lilith” quite literally means “belonging to the night” and has its roots in Mesopotamian mythology. Specifically, Lilith was Adam’s first wife, whom God banished from the Garden of Eden for disobedience.

16. Hecate

The name “Hecate” has Greek origins. It comes from the Greek word Hekatos, meaning “worker from afar.” In Greek mythology, she was a goddess associated with crossroads, nighttime, magic, and the moon.

17. Mara

Of Hebrew origin, the name “Mara” can either mean “bitter” or “strength.”

18. Calypso

If your cat is mischievous yet somewhat standoffish, Calypso may be the perfect fit. Calypso was a character in Greek mythology whose name means “hidden” or “to hide.”

19. Draco

Derived from the ancient Greek word “Drakon,” meaning “dragon” or “serpent,” this mischievous name also evokes Draco Malfoy, the cruel, malicious, and perpetually arrogant antagonist from the Harry Potter series.

20. Bandit

Cute cat playing with roll of toilet paper in bathroom

The name “Bandit” is simple yet adorably fitting for a mischievous, thieving cat.

©New Africa/Shutterstock.com

Another straightforward name on our list, “Bandit,” means a thief or robber. It comes from the Italian word “bandito” or “outlaw.” It’s the perfect name for a mischievous cat who goes their way and occasionally tries to swipe a bite from your plate at dinner.

21. Hades

“Hades” originated in Greek mythology, in which this character is the god of the underworld and death. Of course, it also brings to mind the sarcastic and hilarious Hades from Disney’s Hercules, based on the same character from Greek myth.

22. Rascal

Merriam-Webster’s definition of the word “Rascal” is “a mean, unprincipled, mischievous, or dishonest person or animal.” This makes it fitting for incredibly rambunctious and playful kitties. Additionally, it can bring to mind Little Rascals, a series of 1920s films by producer Hal Roach.

23. Ruckus

“Ruckus” is defined as a “noisy disturbance or commotion.” It may also remind you of Uncle Ruckus from the popular adult cartoon The Boondocks. Either way, it’s an ideal name for your mischievous cat.

24. Dexter

The name “Dexter” is an English surname meaning “right-handed,” “dextrous,” or “favorable.” However, it reminds us of Dexter Morgan, a part-time vigilante serial killer and forensic blood-spatter analyst of the TV series Dexter.

25. Shadow

Gray cat Nebelung cat is lying on the windowsill at home. Nebelung-a rare breed, similar to the Russian blue, except for medium length, with silky hair.

Whether your cat is dark like a shadow, follows you like your shadow, or is simply mysterious like the darkness, this name will suit their mischievous nature perfectly.

©mama_mia/Shutterstock.com

Another fairly self-explanatory name, “Shadow,” comes from the Middle English word “schadowe,” meaning “darkness.” This mysterious and spooky name is excellent for a mischievous cat.

26. Wednesday

The name “Wednesday” has German roots and refers to Woden, the German god of wisdom and war. It also reminds us of Wednesday Addams, a wonderfully mischievous and cynical character of The Addams Family fame.

27. Khaos

In Greek mythology, Khaos is the goddess of chaos and discord. The name also can mean “abyss,” “emptiness,” or “vast chasm.” Either way, it’s an excellent name for a mischievous cat!

28. Nergal

Nergal is a god of Mesopotamian mythology associated with death, war, and disease. He was a prominent figure throughout all eras of Mesopotamian society and reigned over the underworld, dubbed Kur in the associated myth.

29. Pluto

The name Pluto likely makes you think of either the ex-planet or Mickey Mouse’s pet dog. However, its true roots are in Greek mythology, where the figure was the brother of Zeus and Neptune and helped rule over the underworld.

30. Pepper

Best cat tunnel

The name “Pepper” fits a cat with a spicy personality.

©Igor Risis/Shutterstock.com

Another simple yet fitting name for a mischievous cat, “Pepper,” evokes spiciness, playfulness, and mischief. It has Middle English and Germanic roots and originated with the word “piper.”

31. Fenriz

Although this character was often depicted as a wolf in Norse mythology, it’s also the son of Loki, the god of mischief itself. It has both Scandinavian and Old Norse roots.

32. Umbra

The name “Umbra” has Latin roots. In Latin, it means “shadow” or “shade.” This makes it a more unique alternative to the name “Shadow” if that’s a bit too pedestrian for your liking.

33. Azrael

The name “Azrael” comes from both Christian and Islamic religious texts. Specifically, Azrael was the angel of death. He was responsible for transporting the souls of the dead. In Hebrew, the name translates to “help from God” or “angel of God.”

34. Belladonna

Also known fittingly as a deadly nightshade, Atropa belladonna is a toxic nightshade family plant. The plant is mainly native to Europe and western Asia, and it causes delirious behavior and hallucinations when ingested. Over time, it disrupts the nervous system’s ability to regulate itself, eventually causing total respiratory failure.

35. Vlad

remote control cat toy

If you’re a Dracula fan, Vlad might be the perfect name for your mischievous cat.

©Katrin Baidimirova/Shutterstock.com

The name “Vlad” is short for “Vladimir” or “Vladislav.” It’s of Romanian origin with both Slavic and Russian roots, essentially meaning “glorious rule.” It also brings to mind Vlad the Impaler, also known as Vlad Dracula, who inspired Bram Stoker’s Dracula.

36. Sabrina

The name “Sabrina” has both Celtic and Arabic roots and can mean “from the border,” “legendary princess,” or “patience.” Of course, it’s also reminiscent of Sabrina Spellman of the popular ’70s comic book series Sabrina the Teenage Witch (as well as the Pokemon video game series’ psychic gym leader Sabrina), making it a delightfully mischievous name for your feline friend with lots of fun meanings and origins.

37. Sable

There are many great names for black cats, including Sable, which means “black” according to its Slavic origins. It also can refer to the marten-like animal, the sable, and it has a rather mischievous sound since black cats are associated with spooky happenings and mischief.

38. Blaze

The name “Blaze” is of Latin origin and can refer to a fire or a flame in general. If your cat has a fiery temper and a mischievous streak, this name might suit them perfectly!

39. Bowser

This mighty name instantly brings to mind the turtle-like King Koopa of the Super Mario Series. Still, it’s also an excellent name for animals with haughty attitudes or mischievous tendencies. Ironically, its true roots are of Norman French origin and can mean “good sir” or “fine sir.”

40. Medea

Pretty cat lying in green grass outdoor. The Somali cat breed is a beautiful domestic feline. They are smart, very social and they enjoy playing outside. These cute cats are ideal family pets.

Is your cat so clever it’s scary? Why not choose the name “Medea” to suit their personality perfectly?

©Louno Morose/Shutterstock.com

The name Medea is of Greek origin and can mean “cunning” or “ruler.” It’s a less common cat name and ideal if your feline friend is too intelligent for their own good.

41. Layla

Layla is another great name for a cat with darker fur (or just a darker personality). This Ancient Arabic name can mean “dark,” “night,” or even “dark beauty.”

42. Jagger

This name is instantly reminiscent of rock ‘n’ roll frontman Mick Jagger, who certainly has a mischievous streak. It’s of English origin and can mean “one who cuts,” making it perfect for a cat who won’t hesitate to swat their perceived aggressors playfully.

43. Aiden

This adorable Irish name means “the fiery one.” It’s a great name for mischievous and playful cats especially. While it has a masculine sound, it can also be gender-neutral.

44. Cato

This rather punny name is pronounced “kay-toe.” It has Latin roots and can mean “wise” or “cunning,” making it another great name for absurdly clever cats.

45. Hugo

We’ll wrap this list up with a unique name with French, German, Portuguese, and Italian roots. It can mean “mind,” “intellect,” or “spirit.” It’s perfect for a cat that is clever, lively, and, of course, delightfully mischievous.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © ANURAK PONGPATIMET/Shutterstock.com


Share on:
About the Author

Hailey "Lex" Pruett is a nonbinary writer at A-Z Animals primarily covering reptiles and amphibians. They have over five years of professional content writing experience. Additionally, they grew up on a hobby farm and have volunteered at animal shelters to gain further experience in animal care. A longtime resident of Knoxville, Tennessee, Hailey has owned and cared extensively for a wide variety of animals in their lifetime, including cats, dogs, lizards, turtles, frogs and toads, fish, chickens, ducks, horses, llamas, rabbits, goats, and more!

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