Introduction
The toughest part of adopting a cat is picking a name — especially if you have a larger-than-life feline like a Bengal. Bengal cats are a spunky breed full of energy and mischief. This cat breed is said to be more like dogs than cats due to their adventurous spirit and love of water. Bengals love climbing and exploring and often get into precarious situations due to their curious nature.
This leopard-like kitty is a cross between the Asian leopard and domestic cats and are one of the most expensive cat breeds around. Bengals range from $1,000 to $2,000 per kitten and are hard to come across. Some Bengals have a genetic trait that causes their fur to shimmer in the sunlight, and these are in "pawticularly" high demand. Pet parents are often drawn to this breed since they shed less than other cat breeds and require minimal grooming.
As you can see, there are many reasons one might choose a Bengal cat. Picking a Bengal is the easy part — the difficult part is naming them. So what should you name your leopard kitty? We have a few names in mind, but first, let's explore the history of this adorable breed and the lady behind it.
Bengal Cat Names In Pop Culture
Though not a well-known name, Jean Mill is a hero amongst Bengal cat enthusiasts. She became the mother to this breed when her female Asian leopard cat bred her black domestic male. Out of this union came a single living female named Kin Kin that everyone thought would be unable to reproduce. But to everyone's delight, she wasn't, and thus the Bengal cat lineage was born.
The Bengal breed wasn't Mill's only contribution to the cat world. Mill also assisted in the development of the Himalayan breed in the early '50s. Additionally, Mill authored several books on the topic of owning and breeding Bengal cats.
Ironically, Mill never had an indoor cat. During her childhood, her mother was against indoor animals. In her later life, her husband suffered from allergies, so she had to keep her feline companions in a large enclosure in her backyard.
Besides being an icon in the kitty community, Mill's work even has served the medical community. Medical researchers have taken an interest in Bengals since they are immune to feline leukemia. Studies are currently underway on the genetics of Bengals to find a preventative for cancer in humans.
Jean passed away on June 6th, 2018, but her work still lives on, and to this day, Bengal felines are one of the most sought-after breeds.
Bengal Cat Name Considerations
Coat color and pattern are two things to consider when naming a Bengal cat. Bengals may be marbled or have rosettes. They come in many colors, including brown, sepia, and silver. These coat color and pattern variations offer a world of possibilities when it comes to names. For instance, "Rosie" would be an adorable and name for a rosette pattern Bengal, as would "Marbles" for a marbled feline.
Personality is always something to contemplate when naming a pet, and Bengals have no shortage of it. Inquisitive Bengals may earn a name like "Scout," whereas something like "Flash" may suit a fast catto. Agile felines may be a good fit for a name like "Bendy" or "Yogi."
Another thing to consider when adopting a Bengal cat is that they're illegal in some US states. Because they are direct descendants of the Asian leopard cat, some states consider them exotic cats and ban them as pets. Make sure to research the laws in your area before acquiring a Bengal cat.
Male Bengal Cat Names
| Votes | Name | Vote |
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Tiger
For those bigger-than-life Bengal boys.
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Argo
A name meaning "fast" in Greek.
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Tigger
The tiger character from Winne the Pooh.
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Edan
A Gaelic name meaning "fire".
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Spot
For those spotted Bengals.
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Hunter
For Bengals with a high prey drive.
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Felix
Meaning "lucky" in Latin.
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Blaze
For those fast felines.
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Shere Khan
From The Jungle Book.
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Rogue
For those kitties with a propensity to wander.
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Briar
For tree-loving kitties.
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Thor
A strong name for a strong-willed feline.
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Nimbus
A type of cloud.
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Sully
A striped monster from Pixar's Monsters Inc.
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Milo
The cat from the movie Milo and Otis.
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Leo
Short for leopard.
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Simba
The male lion cub from the Lion King.
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Jasper
Meaning "treasurer" in Persian.
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Aslan
The lion from The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe.
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Daniel
An ode to Daniel Tiger.
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Chester
The cheetah mascot behind those tasty cheese puffs.
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Smokey
For those dark-colored Bengals.
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Electro
For those cats that are buzzing with energy.
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Houdini
A great name for a sneaky Bengal.
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Jett
For a fast feline.
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Maahes
A lion from Egyptian mythology.
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Cider
A brown-colored fruity drink.
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Koa
A large redwood tree.
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Copper
A solid name for a reddish Bengal.
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Vesper
Another word for a star, especially one in the evening sky.
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Female Bengal Cat Names
| Votes | Name | Vote |
|---|---|---|
| 0 |
Rosie
An homage to the classic rosette pattern on Bengals.
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| 0 |
Asia
A nod to the Asian leopard cat from which the Bengal decends.
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| 0 |
Tawny
A beautiful rust color reminiscent of the Bengal's fur.
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| 0 |
Nala
A female lion from the Lion King.
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| 0 |
Butterscotch
A golden-colored candy.
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| 0 |
Foxy
A sassy name for a wild-looking breed.
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| 0 |
Raya
A name meaning "friend" in Hebrew.
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Pebbles
Because the Bengal's fur sometimes looks like multicolored pebbles.
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Goldie
A sweet name for a gold-colored Bengal.
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Topaz
A golden-brown gemstone.
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Amaretto
A brownish almond liqueur.
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Clove
A brownish spice for the felines that add pizzazz to your home.
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Latte
For the kitty that makes you feel warm inside.
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| 0 |
Hazel
A reddish-brown color, typically used to describe the eyes.
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Daisy
For the wildflower in your life.
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Paprika
A smoky red-colored spice.
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Sable
A nod to the Bengal coat.
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Sugar
For your sweet and sassy kitty.
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| 0 |
Heidi
Meaning "noble" in German.
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Olivia
Latin for "olive tree".
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Lynx
A wild feline species with a likeness to the Bengal.
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Maya
A word for "illusion" in Sanskrit.
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Honey
For the sweet friend in your life.
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Lily
A beautiful flower.
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Vanessa
An elegant name for an elegant feline.
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Jasmine
The female lead in Disney's Aladdin and lover of tigers.
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Ginger
A spicy name for the feline that adds spice to your life.
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Starlight
For the cat that brightens your days and nights.
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Trixie
For those trickster Bengals!
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Winnie
Short for Winifred and meaning "joy and peace".
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Written by Emily Gantt
Published: 04/20/2021, edited: 04/20/2021
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