Arabic Cat Names: From Ancient Egypt to Modern Monikers

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Cats have held a special place in Arabic culture for millennia, embodying elegance, grace, and mystery. Whether you are seeking traditional names steeped in ancient history or contemporary options inspired by modern trends, let’s embark on a journey through the captivating world of Arabic cat names and discover the perfect name that resonates with your cat’s unique personality and charm.

Arabic Cat Names (Male)

Abdullah – “Servant of Allah”

Adnan – “Settler” or “One who stays”

Ahmed – “Praiseworthy”

Ali – “Exalted” or “Noble”

Faris – “Knight” or “Horseman”

Hamza – “Lion” or “Strong”

Hassan – “Good” or “Handsome”

Jamil – “Beautiful” or “Handsome”

Kareem – “Generous” or “Noble”

Khalid – “Eternal” or “Immortal”

Malik – “King” or “Master”

Majid – “Glorious” or “Noble”

Nasser – “Victorious” or “Triumphant”

Omar – “Long-lived” or “Flourishing”

Rami – “Marksman” or “Thrower”

Rashid – “Rightly guided” or “Wise”

Samir – “Companion” or “Entertaining”

Tariq – “Morning star” or “One who knocks”

Youssef – “God increases” or “God will add”

Zayd – “Abundance” or “Growth”

Arabic Cat Names (Female)

Aisha – “Alive” or “Prosperous”

Amal – “Hope” or “Aspiration”

Amira – “Princess” or “Ruler”

Asma – “Supreme” or “Eminent”

Dalia – “Gentleness” or “Kindness”

Fatima – “Captivating” or “Weaning”

Hana – “Happiness” or “Bliss”

Layla – “Night” or “Dark Beauty”

Leila – “Dark-haired” or “Night”

Lina – “Tender” or “Delicate”

Mariam – “Sea of Bitterness” or “Wished-for child”

Nadia – “Hope” or “Caller”

Noura – “Light” or “Illumination”

Rania – “Queen” or “Delighted”

Salma – “Safe” or “Peaceful”

Safiya – “Pure” or “Untroubled”

Sana – “Brilliance” or “Splendor”

Yasmin – “Jasmine flower” or “Gift from God”

Zahra – “Radiant” or “Blooming”

Zeinab – “Fragrant flower” or “Adornment”

Zara – “Princess” or “Radiant”

Gender Neutral Names and their Meanings

Amal – “Hope” or “Aspiration”

Amani – “Wishes” or “Desires”

Amr – “Command” or “Order”

Ayman – “Righteous” or “Lucky”

Aziz – “Beloved” or “Powerful”

Dana – “Wise” or “Intelligent”

Faris – “Knight” or “Horseman”

Hadi – “Guide” or “Leader”

Jamil – “Beautiful” or “Handsome”

Kamal – “Perfection” or “Excellence”

Karam – “Generosity” or “Kindness”

Layl – “Night” or “Darkness”

Malik – “King” or “Master”

Nour – “Light” or “Radiance”

Rami – “Architect” or “Thrower”

Rayan – “Watered” or “Luxuriant”

Salim – “Safe” or “Peaceful”

Sami – “Elevated” or “High”

Yalla – This term means “Let’s go” or “come on,” a fun name for a cat who will be your travel companion.

Yara – “Small butterfly” or “Little butterfly”

Zain – “Beautiful” or “Handsome”

Arabic Words for Cats and Cat Features

Cat – Quittah

Kitten – Hurr

Meow – Miaow

Mouse – Juruz

Purr – Zaghroodah

Terms of Endearment

Your new cat is definitely your new love; could one of these Arabic terms of endearment capture the specialness of your relationship?

Habibi/Habibti – My love, my dear

Ya Omri – My life

Ya Qalbi – My heart

Ya Ghali/Ya Ghaliya – My precious, my dear

Haboubi/Haboubti – My sweetheart

Ya Jameel/Ya Jameela – My beautiful, my handsome

Ya Noor ‘Ayni – The light of my eyes

Ya Asal – My honey

Ya Tayyeb/Ya Tayyeba – My kind, my good

Ya Amir/Ya Amirah – My prince, my princess

English Words with Arabic Origins

Many words you use every day can be traced back to Arabic origins. Could one of these be the purrfect name for your new kitten?

Algebra – Derived from the Arabic word “al-jabr,” referring to the process of restoring or balancing equations in mathematics, this could be a good name for the cat of a math teacher!

Candy – The word “candy” originates from the Arabic word “qandi,” which was a term used to refer to a type of sugar confectionery. A sweet name for your new kitten!

Coffee – From the Arabic word “qahwa” or “qahwah,” which originally referred to a stimulating drink made from coffee beans. {Don’t miss our post on Coffee Cat Names for more ideas!}

Cotton – Derived from the Arabic word “qutn,” referring to the soft, fibrous plant material.

Guitar – Derived from the Arabic term “qīṯārah,” which refers to a stringed musical instrument.

Lemon – Derived from the Arabic term “laymun” or “līmūn,” referring to the sour citrus fruit.

Safari – Derived from the Arabic term “safar,” meaning a journey or expedition.

Sofa – Derived from the Arabic word “ṣuffah,” originally referring to a long bench covered with cushions.

Sugar – Derived from the Arabic word “sukkar” or “sukkarah,” referring to the sweet crystalline substance. Both Sugar and Sukkar make a good name for your new little sweetie!

Arabic Foods that Make Good Cat Names

If you’re a fan of Arabian foods and desserts, don’t miss this flavorful collection of dishes that also make fun cat names!

Baklava – A sweet pastry made of layers of filo filled with nuts and honey.

Falafel – Deep-fried balls or patties made from ground chickpeas or fava beans, often served in sandwiches or as a snack.

Hummus – A popular dip made from mashed chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, and garlic.

Kofta – Grilled or baked spiced meatballs made from ground meat, usually beef or lamb.

Kunafa – A rich and sweet dessert made of shredded phyllo dough layered with cheese and soaked in sweet syrup.

Ma’amoul – Traditional Middle Eastern cookies filled with dates, nuts, or sweetened semolina.

Mandi – A flavorful dish of spiced rice and tender meat, typically chicken or lamb, cooked in a traditional underground oven.

Shawarma – A type of street food consisting of roasted meat, typically served in a wrap or pita bread.

Tabouleh – A refreshing salad made with bulgur wheat, parsley, tomatoes, and lemon juice.

Famous Arabian Nights Names

Arabian Nights, also known as One Thousand and One Nights, is a renowned collection of tales that has captivated readers and listeners for centuries, spreading across different cultures and languages. The collection is framed around the story of Scheherazade, a clever and resourceful storyteller who uses her tales to captivate King Shahryar and save her own life each night.

Ali Baba – The protagonist and clever woodcutter of the folk tale “Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves” from the Arabian Nights collection. Ali Baba he discovers a secret cave filled with treasures.

Aladdin – The protagonist of the well-known tale “Aladdin and the Magic Lamp” story, the name Aladdin gained even more popularity through the Disney animated film adaptation.

Dinarzad – Scheherazade’s sister, who convinces her to tell her stories and plays a role in the framing narrative.

Jafar – The main antagonist in Disney’s Aladdin who seeks to gain power through the magic lamp.

Morgiana – A quick-witted and resourceful enslaved girl who aids Ali Baba and outwits the thieves in the story of “Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves.”

Open Sesame – In Arabian Nights, Ali Baba discovers a secret cave that’s been magically sealed and can only be opened by uttering the words “Open Sesame.” Actually “Open Sesame” is a mistranslation of the original phrase in the original Arabic text, which was actually “Open, Simsim.” Simsim is the Arabic word for “sesame.”

Scheherazade – The legendary storyteller in One Thousand and One Nights.

Sinbad – The adventurous sailor who embarks on seven extraordinary voyages filled with magical creatures and encounters.

Zumurrud – A beautiful and intelligent princess who experiences various adventures.

Ancient Egyptian Names

Ancient Egypt holds a profound association with cats, making it a significant aspect to consider when exploring Arabic cat names. In Egyptian culture, cats were revered and held a sacred status. They were believed to possess qualities that embodied the divine, such as grace, agility, and mystical energy.

Alexandria – A historic city on the Mediterranean coast, Alexandria is renowned for its ancient lighthouse, the Citadel of Qaitbay, and the Bibliotheca Alexandrina.

Amethyst – After the gemstone associated with ancient Egypt, symbolizing protection and spirituality.

Amun – After the Egyptian god Amun, representing hidden power and authority.

Anubis – After the jackal-headed Egyptian god of mummification and the afterlife.

Bastet – The Egyptian goddess Bastet was associated with protection, home, and fertility. The goddess is depicted with a cat face although originally she had a lion’s face like Sekhmet. Eventually Sekhmet took a more warrior like role and Bastet was a gentler goddess. Bastet and Sekhmet would be a fun set of names for siblings or twin cats.

Cleo – A shortened form of Cleopatra, representing beauty and regal charm.

Cleopatra – The famous Egyptian queen, symbolizing beauty, power, and royalty.

Hathor – The Egyptian goddess of love, music, and joy.

Horus – The falcon-headed Egyptian god Horus, symbolizing protection and divine kingship.

Isis – The Egyptian goddess of magic and motherhood, symbolizing wisdom and nurturing.

Khufu – Pharaoh Khufu, who built the Great Pyramid of Giza.

Ma’at – The Egyptian goddess of truth, justice, and balance.

Nefertari – The queen and wife of Pharaoh Ramesses II, associated with grace and elegance.

Nefertiti – The queen and wife of Pharaoh Akhenaten, representing beauty and elegance.

Neith – The ancient Egyptian goddess of war and hunting; a good name for a feral cat who has long made a living hunting.

Osiris – The Egyptian god of the afterlife, associated with resurrection and eternal life.

Ptah – After the creator god Ptah, associated with craftsmanship and creation.

Ra – After the sun god Ra, representing the life-giving and regenerative power of the sun.

Sekhmet – After the lioness-headed Egyptian goddess of war and healing.

Set/Seth – After the Egyptian god of chaos and storms, often associated with strength and unpredictability.

Sobek – After the crocodile-headed Egyptian god Sobek, representing strength and fertility.

King Tut – the boy king’s tomb is the most famous in the Valley of the Kings

Tutankhamon – the name of King Tut

Egyptian Place Names

• Abu ‘l-Hol – The Arabic name for the Sphinx means Father of Terror.
• Aswan – Situated along the Nile River, Aswan is famous for the Aswan High Dam, the Philae Temple, and the beautiful islands of Elephantine and Agilkia.
• Cairo – Cairo’s name is derived from the Arabic word “al-Qahira,” which translates to “the Victorious” or “the Triumphant” in English. “Al-Qahira” is the Arabic name for the city of Cairo, the capital of Egypt.
• Giza – city on the outside of Cairo that is home to the Great Pyramids. Known as El-Ahram in Arabic, these icons of ancient Egyptian civilization sit on the western edge of the city and, for over 4,000 years, have provided the final resting place for Kings Cheops (Khufu), Kefre and Mykerinos.
• Khafre – son of Khufu, honored with a slightly smaller pyramid than his father in Giza
• Khufu (Cheops) – The pyramid that is the tomb of Khufu is the only surviving Seven Wonders of the Ancient World
• Luxor – Located on the east bank of the Nile River, Luxor is home to the Karnak and Luxor temples, as well as the Valley of the Kings, where many ancient pharaohs were buried.
• Souk – marketplace; Cairo’s  600-year-old Khan el-Khalili is the best known
• Sphinx – Well-known landmark with the head of Khafre and the body of a lion

Which Cat Breed is Arabian?

The Arabian Mau is a cat breed that has its origins in the Arabian Peninsula. It is recognized as the only natural breed of domesticated cat found in the Arabian region.

The Arabian Mau is known for its sleek and muscular body, large ears, and expressive eyes. This breed is well-adapted to the desert environment, displaying remarkable agility and survival skills.

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