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
| Name | Origin | Pronunciation | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yoda | Star Wars (English) | YOH-duh | Named after the wise Jedi Master |
| Yogi | Sanskrit | YOH-gee | One who practices yoga |
| Yeti | Tibetan/Nepalese | YEH-tee | Legendary snow creature |
| Yukon | English (from Gwich’in) | YOO-kon | Great river |
| Yuki | Japanese | YOO-kee | Snow |
| Yoshi | Japanese | YOH-shee | Good, respectful |
| Yanni | Greek | YAH-nee | God is gracious |
| Yankee | English (American) | YANG-kee | A person from the United States |
| Yarn | English | YARN | Spun thread for knitting |
| Yeats | Irish | YAYTS | Gate-keeper |
| Yellow | English | YEL-oh | The color yellow |
| Yorkie | English | YOR-kee | From York, or short for Yorkshire Terrier |
| Yves | French | EEV | Yew wood |
| Yuri | Russian | YOOR-ee | Farmer |
| Yosemite | Native American (Miwok) | yoh-SEM-ih-tee | Those who kill |
| Yam | English | YAM | Sweet root vegetable |
| Yuma | Native American | YOO-muh | Son of the chief |
| Yeller | English | YEL-er | One who shouts |
| Yoyo | English | YOH-yoh | A toy that rolls up and down |
| Yonder | English | YON-der | At a distance |
| Yule | Old English | YOOL | Midwinter or Christmas season |
| Yosef | Hebrew | YOH-sef | He will add |
| Yago | Spanish | YAH-goh | Supplanter, from Jacob |
| Yuzu | Japanese | YOO-zoo | Japanese citrus fruit |
| Yasha | Russian | YAH-shah | Short form of Yakov, supplanter |
| Yaz | Arabic/English | YAZ | Short for Yazan or Yazid |
| Yucca | Spanish (Taino) | YUK-uh | A desert plant |
| Yardley | English | YARD-lee | Enclosed meadow |
| Yoko | Japanese | YOH-koh | Positive child |
| Yang | Chinese | YAHNG | Sun, light |
| Yin | Chinese | YIN | Moon, shade |
| Yuma | Spanish | YOO-mah | Place name |
| Yarrow | English | YAIR-oh | A flowering herb |
| Yosuke | Japanese | YOH-soo-keh | Helper of the sun |
| Yoru | Japanese | YOH-roo | Night |
| Yellowstone | English | YEL-oh-stohn | Named after the national park |
| Yarnell | English | yar-NEL | Eagle’s hill |