Tortoiseshell cats have a unique look to them that’s a mottled collection of black, orange, grey and brown, giving their fur the appearance of a turtle shell. That interesting mix opens them up to some unconventional and fun names, and here are our top picks.
Female Names
- Cinnamon– Food names are perfect for cats with sweet dispositions.
- Dotty– The patchwork colors of your cat are similar to a dotted pattern.
- Amber– A beautiful girl’s name for your beautiful feline.
- Honey– Sweet names work great for most cats.
- Pumpkin– Referring to the orange in your cat’s coat.
- Penny– Due to the slight copper coloring these cats have.
- Domino– Good for any multi-colored cat.
- Sable– A strong name for cats of any color.
- Autumn– A cute name for cats with orange in their coat.
- Tigress– A strong name for female cats.
- Stardust– A unique name for cats with some color in their coats.
- Harlequin– The doll is known for its different colors, just like this cat breed.
- Faith– A lovely name for cats of any color.
- Shelly– A play on the word “tortoiseshell”.
- Clementine– Like the orange.
- Nova– Space names are superb for colorful cats.
- Cinna– Short for cinnamon.
- Peppy– A play on “pepper”, which is similar to your cat’s coloring.
- Daisy– We love this name for cats of any color.
- Glitter– The perfect name for your colorful cat.
- Taffieta– A fun name for cats with some brown or orange in their fur.
- Bella – Elegant and affectionate tortie beauty.
- Luna – Mysterious and playful tortoiseshell princess.
- Cleo – Clever and charming female kitty.
- Zoe – Energetic and sociable tortie sweetheart.
- Chloe – Graceful and lovable tortoiseshell companion.
- Daisy – Sweet and distinctive female cat.
- Angel – Gentle and affectionate tortie darling.
- Nala – Majestic and lively tortoiseshell friend.
- Mia – Playful and adventurous tortie sweetheart.
- Willow – Unique and spirited female companion.
- Cupcake – Adorable and quirky tortie princess.
- Stella – Quirky and delightful female kitty.
- Penny – Independent and charming tortoiseshell mate.
- Sasha – Bold and charismatic tortie diva.
- Grace – Regal and loving female tortoiseshell.
- Ruby – Strong and affectionate tortie darling.
- Lucy – Friendly and playful female companion.
- Lily – Curious and endearing tortoiseshell princess.
- Misty – Calm and sweet-natured tortie friend.
- Poppy – Cheerful and lovable female kitty.
- Fiona – Independent and lively tortoiseshell beauty.
- Ivy – Elegant and playful tortie cat.
- Phoebe – Gentle and charming female cat.
- Nutmeg – Playful and adventurous tortoiseshell sweetheart.
- Aria – Mysterious and affectionate tortie companion.
- Coco – Bold and lively female tortoiseshell.
- Hazel – Delightful and unique tortie beauty.
- Amelia – Affectionate and spirited female kitty.
- Pepper – Quirky and loving tortoiseshell companion.
Dilute Tortoiseshell Cat Names
- Blossom – Graceful and affectionate tortie beauty.
- Marigold – Mysterious and playful tortoiseshell charm.
- Sunflower – Clever and charming feline sunshine.
- Meadow – Energetic and sociable tortie meadow explorer.
- Aurora – Graceful and lovable tortoiseshell enchantress.
- Peaches – Sweet and distinctive sun-kissed female cat.
- Willow – Gentle and mystical tortie delight.
- Luna – Majestic and lively tortoiseshell moonbeam.
- Fawn – Playful and adventurous tortie sweetheart.
- Sparrow – Unique and spirited feathered companion.
- Twinkle – Adorable and quirky tortie starlight.
- Bluebell – Quirky and delightful floral companion.
- Sapphire – Independent and charming tortoiseshell gem.
- Mystique – Bold and charismatic tortie enchantress.
- Velvet – Regal and loving plush tortoiseshell.
- Rosemary – Strong and affectionate tortie bloom.
- Peony – Friendly and playful floral companion.
- Amethyst – Curious and endearing tortoiseshell gem.
- Tranquil – Calm and sweet-natured tortie serenity.
- Daisy – Cheerful and lovable floral kitty.
- Ambrosia – Independent and lively tortoiseshell ambrosia.
- Harmony – Elegant and playful tortie melody.
- Astrid – Gentle and charming cosmic beauty.
- Cinnamon – Playful and adventurous tortoiseshell spice.
- Lilac – Mysterious and affectionate tortie fragrance.
- Saffron – Bold and lively spice tortoiseshell.
- Merlot – Delightful and unique tortie vintage.
- Celeste – Affectionate and spirited celestial beauty.
- Aurora – Quirky and loving tortoiseshell dawn.
Grey Tortoiseshell Cat Names
- Ash – Subtle and affectionate grey tortie.
- Smoky Quartz – Mysterious and earthy grey beauty.
- Misty – Calm and gentle misty-grey tortoiseshell.
- Silver Whisper – Sophisticated and whisper-soft tortie.
- Stormy – Bold and adventurous storm-grey cat.
- Pebble – Sweet and distinctive grey pebble princess.
- Charcoal – Quirky and delightful dark grey beauty.
- Luna – Mysterious and moonlit grey companion.
- Foggy – Misty and lovable fog-grey tortoiseshell.
- Graphite – Unique and sleek graphite-grey kitty.
- Cloud – Fluffy and playful cloud-grey tortie.
- Shadow – Elegant and shadowy grey beauty.
- Steel – Strong and steely grey tortie.
- Dusk – Calm and dusk-hued grey princess.
- Pewter – Cool and collected pewter-grey tortie.
- Graphite – Bold and dark graphite-grey beauty.
- Smudge – Cute and endearing smoky-grey kitty.
- Slate – Sleek and slate-colored grey tortie.
- Storm – Energetic and storm-grey companion.
- Pearl – Delicate and pearlescent grey beauty.
- Cinder – Charismatic and cinder-grey tortie.
- Mercury – Quick and silvery mercury-grey kitty.
- Ashes – Sweet and gentle ashy-grey tortoiseshell.
- Stormy – Moody and stormy-grey princess.
- Thunder – Powerful and thunder-grey tortie.
- Silver Mist – Shimmering and misty-grey beauty.
- Mouse – Cute and mouse-colored grey tortoiseshell.
- Misty – Misty and enchanting grey companion.
- Nebula – Cosmic and nebula-grey unique tortie.
Unique Tortoiseshell Cat Names
- Calypso – Mystical and enchanting tortie.
- Quasar – Energetic and cosmic tortoiseshell.
- Velveletina – Soft and luxurious tortie beauty.
- Whimsy – Playful and fanciful tortoiseshell companion.
- Zephyra – Gentle and breezy tortie princess.
- Kismet – Destiny-inspired and charming tortie.
- Sorrelle – Elegant and graceful tortoiseshell.
- Avalanche – Bold and powerful tortie presence.
- Lumina – Radiant and luminous tortoiseshell.
- Mystique – Mysterious and captivating tortie.
Good Common Names for Tortoiseshell Cats
- Molly – Friendly and playful tortie companion.
- Charlie – Sweet and charming tortoiseshell friend.
- Lucy – Lovable and energetic tortie princess.
- Oscar – Bold and adventurous tortoiseshell kitty.
- Daisy – Cheerful and delightful tortie beauty.
- Leo – Charming and affectionate tortie mate.
- Gracie – Graceful and lovable tortoiseshell darling.
- Buddy – Playful and sociable tortie companion.
- Lola – Cute and quirky tortoiseshell princess.
- Jackson – Energetic and mischievous tortie friend.
- Zoe – Elegant and lively tortoiseshell beauty.
- Max – Bold and adventurous tortie sweetheart.
- Sophie – Sweet-natured and charming tortie.
- Oliver – Curious and sociable tortoiseshell mate.
- Cleo – Clever and playful tortie kitty.
- Bella – Affectionate and beautiful tortoiseshell.
- Toby – Friendly and endearing tortie companion.
- Chloe – Elegant and lovable tortoiseshell princess.
- Rocky – Strong and playful tortie buddy.
- Millie – Cute and adorable tortoiseshell kitty.
Unisex Names
- Carmel– For the orange-brown color they have.
- Butterscotch– A sweet name for your sweet cat.
- Sandy– A fairly common name that’s appropriate to tortoiseshell cats.
- Pebbles– For the pebbled look of their fur.
- Patches– Tortoiseshell cats can look patchy in a good way.
- Pepper– A good choice due to the multi-colored look of your cat.
- Jellybean– The assorted colors of this candy are similar to your cat’s coloring.
- Nectarine– After the orange color in your cat’s coat.
- Oreo– Great for any cat with more than one color.
- Rainbow– Odd but fitting name for multi-colored cats.
- Coco– As long as there is some brown in the coat, this is a perfect name.
- Coffee– Your cat may help you wake up in the morning, just like the beverage.
- Expresso– You can reserve this for more energetic cats.
- Twix– Due to the caramel color mixed into the cat’s coat.
- Snickers– Your cat’s coloring may remind you of the chocolate bar.
- Speckles– Any name that means different patterns or colors is a good fit.
- Checkers– The checkerboard pattern is a fitting name for a tortoiseshell.
- Spotty– It’s an oldie but a goodie.
- Confetti– For colorful cats that are true party animals.
- Mudball– An affectionate name for cats with muddy coloring.
- Tortie– Short for tortoiseshell.
- Turtle– Since their fur looks like a turtle shell.
- Marmalade– A fun name for cats with similar coloring to the jam.
- Nutmeg– Another food name that refers to your cat’s coloring.
- Skittles– We love candy names for colorful cats.
- Marbles– A great choice for colorful felines.
- Boots– For cats with different colored feet.
- Mittens– If your cat has feet that look like little gloves, then this is a great name.
- Oriole– For cats with some orange on them.
- Pixel– Great for multi-colored cats.
- Cosmo– Space names are also good picks for unusual cat breeds.
- Milky Way– We just love this original name for tortoiseshells.
- Agate– Like the colorful rock.
- Dapple– Means “patchy or spotted”.
- Phoenix– Great for cats that have some orange in their fur.
- Tangerine– Orange names are fitting for tortoiseshells.
- Mandarin– Another orange-themed name.
- Kaleidoscope– Colorful names are so appropriate for these cats.
- Quasar– A fun space name for a cat.
- Toast– A quirky but suitable name for your cat’s color.
- Buttons– A cute name for a cute cat.
- Carrot– This is a fun food name for cats with some orange.
- Cuddles– Just the sweetest name.
- Dusty– For cats with some grey in their coat.
- Echo– A fun and quirky name.
- Lucky– This may be common, but it’s popular for a reason.
- Jigsaw– Refers to the patchwork coloring of your cat.
- Sparkles– Magical names have a colorful feel to them.
- Mage– You could use this for any cat to give it an edgy moniker.
- Granola– This odd name refers to the mottled coloring of your cat.
- Puzzle– Another odd one, but suitable as well.
- Rusty– The reddish orange color of your cat requires an appropriate name.
- Taffy– Candy names befit cats with sweet demeanors.
- Toffee– Due to the brown-orange color of your cat.
- Zodiac– Adds an air of mystery and magic to your cat.
- Whisper– For cats with some grey in them.
- Tortilla– A fun play on “tortoise”.
- Sweetie– For the friendliest, most lovable cats.
- Streaky– Describes the patterns of colors on your cat.
Male Names
- Leonardo– After the ninja turtle.
- Copper– After the copper coloring of your cat.
- Tiger– A ferocious name for your little feline.
- Tigger– A more affectionate version named after the Winnie the Pooh character.
- Shere Khan– You could go the other route and choose a much scarier literary character.
- Motley– A play on the word mottled.
- Verdun– This word meaning green describes the color that tortoiseshell cats seem to have.
- Jupiter– These cats look similar to the muddled appearance of the planet.
- Rocky– A tough name for a cat whose coat looks like a pile of rocks.
- Rorschach– Like the psychological test that uses mottled designs.
- Picasso– Or you could go for the artist that used odd shapes and colors in his work.
- Ninja– Perfect for if you have a darker cat.
- Midnight– Also a great name for dark cats.
- Coal– Good for darker cats.
- Shadow– Another fitting pick if your cat has darker coloring.
- Croc– Works well for cats with a mud-like coloring.
- Blaze– Good for cats with some orange coloring.
- Julius– Like Orange Julius, because of your cat’s coloring.
- Blade– In case your cat likes to scratch.
- Felix– A great name for cats no matter what their color is.
- Mogwai– Like the cute creature from Gremlins.
Those were our picks for tortoiseshell cat names, and hopefully one of them is just what you wanted for your cat.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good name for a tortoiseshell cat?
Try “Marmalade”, “Butterscotch” or “Toffee” - all sweet names for your new tortoiseshell cat!
Is it rare to have a tortoiseshell cat?
Tortoiseshell cats are not rare, but they are considered unique due to their distinctive coloring. Male tortoiseshell cats are even more uncommon, with only about one in 3,000.
You can usually find a tortoiseshell cat through shelters or rescue groups.
What are some nature-inspired names for tortoiseshell cats?
Nature-inspired names like Willow, Rain, and Storm can be perfect choices for tortoiseshell cats, reflecting their beauty and the natural world.
These names can be a great way to honor the unique beauty of these cats, as well as the natural world that they inhabit. They can also be a reminder of the importance of protecting and preserving the environment.
When choosing a path, please consider the following points.
Such beautiful markings on this seetheart. Thank you.
Eggit was the name of our Calico cat when I was 3 yes old living in Largo, Florida
My Tortishell is pregnant and I am coming up with all these boy names but it is very uncommon to find a boy so this really helped with the girls
Torti’s are always female…just like calicos.
Not true. There ARE male torties, it’s just uncommon.
Very rarely are there male Calicos or Tortishell cats. This coat pattern is X (sex) linked meaning you have to have two copies of the X chromosome. The only way you can have a male with this pattern is if it is XXY, which is Klinefelter syndrome. They are sterile.
um then how do i have a male version of BOTH?
Stacy is correct! Although rare, there ARE males out there
My second Tortie! Names please you ask? My first Tortie was named QT. She blessed me with 12 great years that flew by too fast. QT crossed that rainbow bridge last October.
Several weeks later and God brought my second tortie into my life. Her name? QT2. My religion we honor our beloved both two and four legged by naming our children after them.
Oops forgot, I considered “Chewey,” and “Pusheen.” But I was 99.9% her name woud be QT2. Once you go Tortie, fasten your seatbelts, she’s going to have you LYAO and love attacks galore.
Not sure how I can attach pics of QT and QT2.
I just got my first little Tortie kitten in September, and I just love her!!
She is feisty and soooo very beautiful, yet, at the same time, shows lots of love and very little of the kitty cat aloofness.
She gets more colorful makings the older she gets!!
I get so much joy the longer I have her!
I love being on her Staff!!!
I have an eleven year old torbie and her name is Rainbow she is very sweet and loving.
I have almost had her for a year.
Nice! All the best to you and Rainbow.
I had a Tortie for 20 1/2 years and we had such a bond. Her name was Samantha Jane and even though I have 2 wonderful cats now, I still miss her and her Tortie attitude. She was a true Diva. Even though I now have Ragdolls, I want another beautiful Tortie.