Here are 37 male cat names that start with Y, running from “Yoda” to “Yarnell”. The list mixes pop culture picks, Japanese favorites, nature words, and old-fashioned classics. You can use it to name a new kitten, rename a rescue cat, or find a fun nickname for a pet you already love.

Male cat names are the names owners give to tomcats and neutered males, often chosen to match a cat’s look, personality, or the owner’s interests. Some come from famous characters, like “Yoda” from Star Wars, while others borrow from places, animals, plants, and everyday words.

Below you’ll find the table with the name, origin, pronunciation, meaning, and description of each option.

Name: The cat name itself, listed in alphabetical order so you can scan quickly and spot the ones that catch your eye.

Origin: The language, culture, or source each name comes from, which helps you pick a name with a background that matters to you.

Pronunciation: A simple phonetic guide showing how to say each name, so you can call your cat confidently and avoid mixing up tricky ones.

Meaning: A short explanation of what each name means, so you can choose one that carries a story or a message you like.

Description: A quick note on what kind of cat each name suits, including coat color, personality, and any popular references tied to it.

Male cat names

NameOriginPronunciationMeaning
YodaStar Wars (English)YOH-duhNamed after the wise Jedi Master
YogiSanskritYOH-geeOne who practices yoga
YetiTibetan/NepaleseYEH-teeLegendary snow creature
YukonEnglish (from Gwich’in)YOO-konGreat river
YukiJapaneseYOO-keeSnow
YoshiJapaneseYOH-sheeGood, respectful
YanniGreekYAH-neeGod is gracious
YankeeEnglish (American)YANG-keeA person from the United States
YarnEnglishYARNSpun thread for knitting
YeatsIrishYAYTSGate-keeper
YellowEnglishYEL-ohThe color yellow
YorkieEnglishYOR-keeFrom York, or short for Yorkshire Terrier
YvesFrenchEEVYew wood
YuriRussianYOOR-eeFarmer
YosemiteNative American (Miwok)yoh-SEM-ih-teeThose who kill
YamEnglishYAMSweet root vegetable
YumaNative AmericanYOO-muhSon of the chief
YellerEnglishYEL-erOne who shouts
YoyoEnglishYOH-yohA toy that rolls up and down
YonderEnglishYON-derAt a distance
YuleOld EnglishYOOLMidwinter or Christmas season
YosefHebrewYOH-sefHe will add
YagoSpanishYAH-gohSupplanter, from Jacob
YuzuJapaneseYOO-zooJapanese citrus fruit
YashaRussianYAH-shahShort form of Yakov, supplanter
YazArabic/EnglishYAZShort for Yazan or Yazid
YuccaSpanish (Taino)YUK-uhA desert plant
YardleyEnglishYARD-leeEnclosed meadow
YokoJapaneseYOH-kohPositive child
YangChineseYAHNGSun, light
YinChineseYINMoon, shade
YumaSpanishYOO-mahPlace name
YarrowEnglishYAIR-ohA flowering herb
YosukeJapaneseYOH-soo-kehHelper of the sun
YoruJapaneseYOH-rooNight
YellowstoneEnglishYEL-oh-stohnNamed after the national park
YarnellEnglishyar-NELEagle’s hill

Descriptions

Yoda
A fitting name for a small, wise-looking cat with big ears and a calm, knowing stare. Popular among sci-fi fans.
Yogi
Suits a relaxed, flexible cat that loves to stretch and nap in odd positions. Also recalls Yogi Bear.
Yeti
Great for a large, fluffy white or gray cat, especially long-haired breeds like the Maine Coon or Siberian.
Yukon
Evokes the rugged north, so it suits a thick-coated cat that loves cold weather and exploring.
Yuki
A popular pick for white or pale cats. Unisex in Japanese, but widely used for male cats.
Yoshi
A friendly name that also nods to the Nintendo character. Works for a gentle, playful cat.
Yanni
A Greek form of John. Good for a cat with a musical meow or a dramatic personality.
Yankee
A cheeky, patriotic name for a bold, confident cat.
Yarn
A natural choice for a cat that loves chasing and tangling string. Good for playful kittens.
Yeats
Honors poet W.B. Yeats. A literary name for a thoughtful, quiet cat.
Yellow
A simple name for an orange or cream tabby with a sunny coat.
Yorkie
A cute, short name for a small, feisty cat with plenty of attitude.
Yves
A classic French name, elegant enough for a refined, stylish cat.
Yuri
Honors cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin, so it suits an adventurous cat that loves climbing high.
Yosemite
Named after the national park. Good for an outdoorsy cat with a sense of adventure. Also the Looney Tunes Yosemite Sam.
Yam
A funny pick for an orange cat with a round, sweet look.
Yuma
Gives a Southwestern feel and suits a sandy-colored cat. Also the name of an Arizona city.
Yeller
Suits a loud, talkative cat that meows for attention, or a yellow-coated one.
Yoyo
Fits a high-energy cat that bounces around the house.
Yonder
A playful name for a cat that loves wandering off and exploring.
Yule
A festive name for a cat born in winter or adopted around the holidays.
Yosef
A Hebrew form of Joseph. Works for a kind, steady cat.
Yago
A short Spanish name for a lively, confident cat.
Yuzu
A bright, zesty name for an orange or lemon-colored cat.
Yasha
A warm Russian nickname for a friendly cat.
Yaz
Nods to baseball player Carl Yastrzemski. A short name for a speedy cat.
Yucca
Suits a spiky-furred or desert-colored cat with a tough personality.
Yardley
A gentle name for a cat that loves lounging in the yard.
Yoko
A short name that works for any cat, often chosen after Yoko Ono.
Yang
Pairs well with Yin for two cats. Fits a bright, energetic one.
Yin
Fits a calm, dark-coated cat, especially if you have a lighter cat named Yang.
Yuma
Fits a sandy or tawny cat with a laid-back attitude.
Yarrow
A gentle, earthy name for a cat that loves the garden.
Yosuke
Suits a bright, helpful cat that follows you around.
Yoru
Fits a black cat or one that comes alive after dark.
Yellowstone
Great for a golden or tawny cat. Also a nod to the popular TV series.
Yarnell
A rare, old-fashioned name with a friendly sound.
If you think there is a missing term, let us know using the contact form.