Lion Names for Cats: A Guide for Naming Your Feline Friend

Our domestic cats often come with a personality as big as a lion. They are tiny but mighty. Because we love all cats big and small, we often wonder if lion names for cats might be purrfect.

Once an African lion is collared the Lion Guardians give each lion a Maasai name. Perhaps you could honor one of the important research lions by naming your kitty after one of them. How about Akiki, Moswen, Lesanju, Saitoti or Saruni?

Our cats are Annie, Eddie and Bob, so we have not embraced the big cat names for our little guys, but maybe the next cat who adopts us may request a regal name.

For fun, let’s explore lion names for cats, drawing from sources such as zoos, movies, television shows, and different languages. These names offer a nod to the king of the jungle and help reflect the strength and charm of your cat companion.

Lion-Inspired Names for Male Cats

For a distinctive and majestic name, consider these lion-themed options for your male cat:

Leo
Asad
Jabari
Tatu
Sebastian
Sikara
Sahar
Karoo
Kodjo
Morocco
Kazi
Zeus
Fang
Hugo
Leonardo
Lionel
Xerxes
Napoleone
Haydar

These names evoke strength and regality, fitting for a cat with a bold personality.

Lion Names for Female Cats

Lioness and her cub in the Masai Mara - Kenya @ FrankParker — Lioness and her cub in the Masai Mara – Kenya @ FrankParker

Lioness names for your female feline should be strong and regal, fitting for a queen who rules her own pride. Some bold options to consider are:

Loni
Duchess
Bathsheba
Cleopatra
Elsa
Zarina
Amani
Zuri
Neliah
Shera
Sikara
Nala
Sarabi
Hafsa
Sahar
Kamili
Leonie
Unika

These names evoke the beauty, strength, and grace of a lioness, making them perfect choices for your sassy, proud kitty.

Well-Known Lion Names from Films for Feline Companions

Some renowned lion characters from movies and shows can inspire great names for your feline friend. Many of these lions have become household names, thanks to their unforgettable roles:

Aslan (The Chronicles of Narnia)
Simba (The Lion King)
Mufasa (The Lion King)
Scar (The Lion King)
Kimba (Kimba the White Lion)

Your cat may just love its new name, drawing inspiration from these notable film lions.

Funny Lion Names for Cats

If you have a comical and daring feline, consider giving them a humorous name that reflects their larger-than-life personality. Here are some amusing options for your courageous, yet entertaining cat:

Lionel
Tatu
Kazi
Little Lioness
Roary
Kesar
Huntress
Lippy the Lion

A to Z Lion Names for Cats

lion and lioness — Image of Cecil by Ronna Tom

A-H

Aaliyah
Alex
Amani
Apollo
Ariela
Asad
Aslan
Bathsheba
Cleopatra
Duchess
Elsa
Fang
Hafsah
Haydar
Hugo
Huntress

I-L

Inesh
Jabari
Jasmine
Jungle
Kali
Kamili
Karoo
Kazi
Kesar
Kimba
King (short for King of the Couch)
Kodjo
Kya
Lelie
Leo
Leonardo
Leonie
Levent
Lionel
Lioness
Lippy the Lion
Little Lion Paws
Loni

M-S

Makunga
Mane
Mara
Morocco
Mufasa
Nala
Nalea
Napoleone
Neliah
Prince John
Queen
Reginald
Roary
Sabal
Sabrina
Sahar
Samson
Sarabi
Savannah
Scar
Sebastian
Shera
Shishi
Sikara
Simba

T-Z

Tatu
The Cowardly Lion
Uma
Unika
Venus
Xerxes
Zalika
Zarina
Zeus
Zuba
Zuri

More Cat Names to Consider

For those still searching for the perfect cat name, additional options beyond lion-inspired names are available. Explore other resources to discover the ideal moniker for your feline friend.

Frequently Asked Questions

Powerful Lion-Inspired Cat Names

Simba: The protagonist in the movie “The Lion King.”
Mufasa: Simba’s father and king of Pride Rock in “The Lion King.”
Aslan: A lion character from the book series “The Chronicles of Narnia” by C.S. Lewis.
Leo: The astrological sign symbolized by a lion.

Adorable Lion-Based Cat Names

Nala: Simba’s friend and love interest in “The Lion King.”
Luna: A name that means “moon” and sounds like “lion.”
Goldie: A nod to a lion’s golden mane.
Whiskers: A playful name inspired by a lion’s trademark whiskers.

Unique Male Lion Names for Cats

Kion: The son of Simba and Nala from “The Lion Guard” series.
Zazu: A hornbill character that acts as a royal advisor in “The Lion King.”
Kovu: A character in “The Lion King II: Simba’s Pride.”
Taj: An Indian name that means “crown” and can symbolize a lion’s regal nature.

Simba: Means “lion” in Swahili.
Ari: Means “lion” in Hebrew.

Distinctive Female Lion Names for Cats

Kiara: The daughter of Simba and Nala in “The Lion King II: Simba’s Pride.”
Zira: The antagonist lioness in “The Lion King II: Simba’s Pride.”
Sarabi: Simba’s mother and Mufasa’s mate in “The Lion King.”

Finding Mythical Lion Names for Cats

Gryphon: A mythological creature with the body of a lion and the head of an eagle.
Sphinx: A legendary creature with a human head and a lion’s body.
Chimera: A mythical beast with a lion’s head, a goat’s body, and a serpent’s tail.
Anzu: An ancient Mesopotamian demon with the body of a lion and the head of a bird.