Cat-ology: The Fascinating World of Black Cats
Black cats have long captured human imagination, weaving their way through history, superstition, and folklore. Often misunderstood, these mysterious felines have been both revered and feared, depending on the time and culture.
In ancient Egypt, black cats were considered sacred, symbolising protection and good fortune. During the Middle Ages in Europe, however, they were associated with witchcraft and bad luck, creating widespread superstition that persists in some parts of the world today.
Thankfully, however, not all beliefs cast a shadow over these enchanting creatures. For instance, Japanese and Scottish cultures celebrate black cats as symbols of prosperity and blessings. In modern times, black cats are gaining positive recognition, thanks to growing awareness and efforts to debunk superstitions.
From a complicated past to the cherished companions we love today, there is far more to black cats than meets the eye.
What's in a (Black Cat's) Name? Ideas & Inspiration - From A to Z ...
Well, I think there’s a lot in a name. Growing up, our dogs (all male) had strong names, usually short - for calling - and often related to the breed’s heritage. For instance, the first dog I remember, a very sturdy Doberman, was called Hugo, followed by Dirk, Jed, Max and Jax. Our cats are named Charley, Lucy and Niko. We choose names as thoughtfully as we would for a child. Following is a list of names I love and have researched for their meanings and significance. I’ve also included names I just love for a black cat. I hope this list inspires in naming your purr-fect companion!
Saturday 30th August 2025.
Aaron – Hebrew origin - Exalted, “Mountain of Strength”.
Adam – Hebrew origin - "Of the Earth”.
Alice – English origin - “From Nobility”.
Ariadne (Pronounced Ariadnee) – Greek origin - “Very Holy”.
Ash – English origin - Strong, Resilient.
Astrid – Scandinavian origin - “Beautiful God”, “Divinely Beautiful”.
Aubry – English origin - “Noble Ruler”.
Aura – Latin origin - “Glowing Light”.
Bastet – Egyptian origin - Protector, Defender, Guardian.
Bastian – German origin - Venerable, “Worthy of Admiration”.
Bean – Just Because I Love it.
Belle - French origin - Beauty.
Cairo – Arabic origin - “Victorious One”.
Carys (Pronounced Carris) – Welsh origin - “To Love”.
Celeste – Latin origin - Heavenly.
Chance – English origin - Fortune, Luck.
Cinder – English origin - “Represents Strength and Power”.
Cola – African origin - Strength, Bravery.
Coal – English origin - “Signifies Strength and Resilience”.
Comet – English origin - “Associated with Awe and Brilliance”.
Dawn – English origin - Awakening, Renewal, New Beginnings.
Dewey – Welsh origin - Beloved, “Captures the Sentiment of Affection and Endearment”.
Domino – Latin origin - Authority, Dominance, Power.
Dusk - American origin - “Transition Between Day and Night”.
Ebony – English origin - Strength, Beauty.
Echo – Just Because I Love it.
Eden – Hebrew origin - Paradise.
Eldon – English origin - “A Revered Individual...Regarded for Their Wisdom and Experience”.
Ember – English origin - “Exuding Warmth and Subtle Brilliance”.
Emma – Just Because I Love it.
Fable – English origin - Symbolises “The Aspiration to Inspire, Enlighten and Entertain Through Storytelling”.
Felicity – Latin origin - Happiness, Good Fortune.
Freya – Scandinavian origin - “Goddess of Love, Fertility and Beauty”.
Gaia – Greek origin - “The Primordial Goddess and Mother of All Life”.
Gemma – Italian origin - Precious Stone.
Grace – Latin origin - Charm, Beauty.
Harper - Just Because I Love it.
Helen – Greek origin - Light.
Hope – English origin - Optimism, “The Belief in a Better Tomorrow”.
Indie – American origin - Individualism, Strength.
Isla (Pronounced Eye-la) – Scottish origin - “Association with Nature”, Strength, Independence, Beauty.
Jade – English origin - Green Gemstone Symbolising Good Luck, Wisdom, Protection.
Joy – Latin origin - Happiness.
Juno – Latin origin - “Goddess of Love, Marriage and Childbirth”, Beauty, Grace, Feminine Power.
Kelly – Irish origin - Associated with “Brightness and Intelligence”.
Kimber – English origin - Royal, Noble.
Kindle – American origin - “Sparking a Flame”.
Lila – Indian origin - Playful.
Lucky – American origin - Fortunate, Blessed.
Luna – Italian origin - The Moon.
Mabel – English origin - Lovable.
Mae – English origin - “Symbolising “Vitality, Youthfulness and the Blossoming of New Beginnings”.
Marvel – French origin - Remarkable, Extraordinary, Awe-inspiring.
Melana – English/Latin origin - “Associated with Darkness and the Colour Black”.
Mina – English - Strength, Bravery, Nobility.
Mirth – English/Greek origin - Joy, Merriment, Cheerfulness.
Mojo – American origin - Magic Charm.
Muse – English/Greek origin - “Source of Inspiration, Artistic Creativity”.
Myrtle – English origin - “Symbol of Beauty, Purity and Protection”.
Neko – Japanese origin - Cat.
Noelle – French origin - Born on Christmas Day, and... Just Because I Love it.
Nova – Latin origin - New Beginnings.
Nyx – Greek origin - Night.
Olive – English origin - Represents “Peace, Prosperity and Longevity”.
Opal – Indian origin - Precious Gem.
Orion – Greek origin - The Son of Poseidon, “Renowned for his Immense Strength and Prowess”.
Pearl – English origin - “Evokes Beauty, Purity and a Touch of Rarity”.
Pepper – Just Because I Love it.
Peridot (Pronounced Peridoe) – French origin - A Green Gemstone Revered by Ancient Egyptians and Worn by Cleopatra. Considered the “Gem of the Sun”.
Phaedra (Pronounced Faydra) – Greek origin - Glowing, Splendid.
Quest - Latin origin - "Embarking on a Journey to Seek Answers or Discoveries".
Quill – English origin – Associated with Artistry and Creativity.
Raven – English origin – A Black Bird, Revered Across Cultures as a “Symbol of Intelligence, Wisdom and Magic”.
Rune – Scandinavian origin - “Linked with Mystery and Enchantment”.
Sable – English origin - Black.
Sara – Hebrew origin - Princess.
Selene – Greek origin - The Moon.
Serenity – English origin - Peace and Harmony.
Smoke – Just Because I Love it.
Star – Just Because I Love it.
Sybelle – French origin - Prophetess, Oracle.
Thandie (Pronounced Tandie) – Zulu origin - Beloved.
Thora – Scandinavian origin - Thunder.
Tourmaline - English origin - Gemstone, Most Commonly Black, Symbolising Protection and Absorption of Negative Energy.
Ursula – Scandinavian origin – Female Bear. Symbol of Strength, Resilience and Femininity.
Vashti – Persian origin - Beautiful.
Verity – Latin origin – Truth. A symbol of Sincerity and Integrity.
Whisky – Just Because I Love it.
Willow – English origin - Grace. Resilience.
Winter – American origin - “Reflects a Sense of Tranquillity, Purity and Mystery”.
Xena - Just Because I Love it, and ... Perfect for Your "Warrior Princess"
Yasmin - Persian origin - Derived from Jasmine Flower. "Symbolises Love and Purity".
Wren - Just Because I Love it.
Zane – Hebrew origin - Gift from God.
Zelda – German origin - Strong Woman.
Predominant Source www.ancestry.com/first-name-meaning
A Little Bit of Black Cat History
From revered to feared and everything in between...
From their origins as wild hunters to their status as beloved companions, the history of cats is as fascinating as it is complex.
Cats likely began their journey alongside humans around 9,000 years ago, with the wild African wildcat (Felis silvestris lybica) being their closest ancestor.
Drawn to early settlements by the promise of abundant prey like rodents, these wild cats gradually formed a mutually beneficial relationship with humans. This marked the beginning of their domestication.
In ancient Egypt, cats were revered and even worshipped as sacred beings. They were associated with gods like Bastet, the goddess of home, fertility, and protection, and harming a cat was considered a grave offence.
However, black cats' along with most cats' fortunes changed drastically in the Middle Ages in Europe, where they were feared and persecuted due to superstitions, associating them with witchcraft and evil. This led to their widespread culling, which it's believed, inadvertently contributed to the devastating spread of the Black Plague, as rat populations soared unchecked.
Over time, however, people's perception of cats, and indeed, black cats shifted again. By the 18th and 19th centuries, these marvellous felines regained favour for their rodent-catching skills and companionship, eventually becoming cherished pets in households worldwide. Today, cats are adored for their unique personalities and independent yet affectionate nature, finding a place in millions of homes and hearts globally. Thankfully, the fortune of black cats has also changed somewhat, however, sadly, negative superstition still remains, which influences many peoples' perception and willingness to welcome these beautiful creature into their lives - A term known as, "Black Cat Bias".
Although we cannot rewrite history, we can change the narrative and, indeed, the fate of black cats.
Sunday 17th August 2025.
Black Cats = Good Fortune
Not all superstitions are negative...
Black cats have been surrounded by mystery and superstition for centuries, yet in many cultures, they are celebrated as symbols of good luck and prosperity.
While Western folklore often paints black cats as omens of bad luck, particularly during Halloween, there are numerous traditions across the globe that reveal a brighter, more positive perspective.
In Japan, black cats are seen as bringers of good fortune, especially for single women, as they are believed to attract suitors. Similarly, in Scottish folklore, a black cat appearing on your doorstep is a sign of coming prosperity. Traditionally, in the United Kingdom, brides received a black cat on their wedding day, to secure a successful marriage. In France and other parts of Europe, black cats signify enchantment and good fortune.
Sailors throughout history have also held black cats in high regard, keeping them on ships as guardians to ensure safe passage and ward off misfortune. Apparently, the sailors' wives also kept black cats, to ensure the safe return of their seafaring husbands.
Even today, in some parts of the world, owning a black cat is considered a lucky charm, with their sleek, mysterious beauty serving as a reminder of the good fortune and positive energy they can bring.
These uplifting beliefs show that black cats deserve to be celebrated rather than feared, proving that they truly are more than just their myths.
So, if you lean towards superstition, why not embrace something favourable?
Sunday 17th August 2025.
The Beautiful Bombay
The only exclusively black cat breed...
The Bombay cat is truly unique. celebrated as the only cat breed exclusively bred to have a sleek, jet-black coat.
These beauties were first developed in the United States by Nikki Horner during the 1950s, and recognised as an official breed in the 1970's. Horner crossed Burmese and black American Shorthair cats, with the goal to create a breed resembling a miniature black panther. The result is a strikingly elegant companion known for its glossy black fur and copper or gold eyes.
Bombay cats are incredibly social, thriving in human interaction and forming strong bonds with their families. Despite their exotic appearance, they are easy to care for and adapt well to indoor living, making them a beloved choice for cat enthusiasts.
**Please note: We advocate for fostering, adopting and rehoming of ALL cats from cat rescues and shelters.
Sunday 17th August 2025.
Free Printable Word Search
Relax with a cuppa and perhaps a purring moggie on your lap, as you uncover our beautiful black cat wordlist.