Famous People with Cat Names: From Hollywood to History

 

Cats have always held a special place in our hearts. They’re elegant, mysterious, playful, and fiercely independent—qualities that people admire and sometimes even take on as names. It’s no surprise, then, that many famous personalities across the world have carried names that either directly mean “cat” or sound feline-inspired. From musicians and athletes to actors and historical figures, “cat names” are more common among famous people than you might think.

In this blog, we’ll explore a wide range of well-known figures whose names have a strong cat connection. Whether their actual first name is Cat, Kitty, Felix, or Leo—or their surname has a feline touch—they remind us just how popular cats are as symbols of grace, strength, and charisma.

Celebrities Named “Cat”

Let’s start with the most obvious: famous people who actually go by the name Cat.

Cat Stevens (Yusuf Islam) – One of the most famous musicians of the 20th century, Cat Stevens rose to fame in the 1960s and 70s with timeless hits like Wild World and Father and Son. His stage name “Cat” was inspired by a girlfriend who thought he had eyes like a cat. Today, even after his spiritual journey and name change, people still fondly remember him as Cat Stevens.

Cat Deeley – An English television presenter, actress, and model, Cat Deeley became a household name as the host of So You Think You Can Dance. Known for her charm and elegance, she has carried her “cat” name proudly on international stages.

Cat Power (Chan Marshall) – An American singer-songwriter and musician, Cat Power has built a loyal following with her soulful voice and alternative sound. Her stage name instantly brings to mind strength, independence, and feline mystique.

These stars show that sometimes, simply being named Cat can be enough to stand out in the spotlight.

“Kitty” in Hollywood and Beyond

Another adorable version of the cat-inspired name is Kitty. Plenty of well-known figures have gone by this playful nickname.

Kitty Wells – Known as the “Queen of Country Music,” Kitty Wells was one of the first female stars in country music history. Her success paved the way for many other women in the genre.

Kitty Carlisle – A legendary American singer, actress, and television personality, Kitty Carlisle was a Broadway star and a regular panelist on To Tell the Truth. Her sophisticated persona matched the elegance that the name “Kitty” suggests.

Kitty Purry – While not a human celebrity, this one deserves a mention. Pop superstar Katy Perry famously had a pet cat named Kitty Purry, who became an internet celebrity in her own right, often appearing in Perry’s early social media posts and even in music videos.

Famous “Felix” Personalities

The name Felix has Latin origins meaning “happy” or “lucky,” but in pop culture, it’s strongly tied to cats—thanks to Felix the Cat, one of the most beloved cartoon characters of all time. Many real-life Felixes have gone on to achieve fame too.

Felix Baumgartner – The Austrian skydiver and daredevil who made headlines for his record-breaking freefall from the stratosphere. While not catlike in name origin, the connection to Felix the Cat makes his name memorable.

Felix Mendelssohn – A legendary German composer, pianist, and conductor of the early Romantic period. His music has influenced generations, and his “Felix” name has always carried a timeless, classy charm.

Felix Auger-Aliassime – A Canadian tennis star, Felix is one of the rising names in the sport, proving that feline-inspired names are still associated with grace and agility today.

Historical & Modern “Leo” Figures

No list of cat-inspired names would be complete without mentioning Leo, derived from the Latin word for “lion.” Over centuries, “Leo” has been one of the most powerful and regal names in human history.

Leonardo da Vinci – While not literally “Leo,” his name begins with the majestic feline reference. As one of the greatest minds of all time—artist, inventor, and thinker—Leonardo certainly embodied the strength and creativity symbolized by lions. His greatest work Mona Lisa still smiles on.

Leo Tolstoy – The Russian literary giant who wrote War and Peace and Anna Karenina. His works are as powerful as a lion’s roar, cementing his place in world literature.

Leo Messi – Widely regarded as one of the greatest football players of all time, Lionel Messi is often called “Leo Messi.” Like a lion on the pitch, his speed, strength, and instincts have made him a legend.

Leonardo DiCaprio – The Oscar-winning Hollywood star with an equally powerful “Leo” name. From Titanic to The Revenant, DiCaprio has proven to be as commanding as the lion his name evokes.

Other Cat-Inspired Names in Fame

The feline theme doesn’t stop with Cat, Kitty, Felix, or Leo. Other famous names also carry subtle cat meanings.

Katherine “Cat” Zeta-Jones – The glamorous actress often goes by “Catherine,” but fans and the media sometimes call her “Cat” for short.

Tiger Woods – One of the most successful golfers in history. While not a domestic cat, his feline-inspired name “Tiger” has become a symbol of power and dominance in the sport.

Lionel Richie – Another superstar whose first name references the king of cats. Richie’s soulful music has made him a household name for decades.

Puma Swede – A Swedish entertainer whose stage name includes “Puma,” a wild feline known for speed and agility.

Why Do Cat Names Work So Well?

Cat names have always been appealing because they symbolize qualities humans admire: beauty, intelligence, independence, and strength. Whether it’s the elegance of “Kitty,” the cool edge of “Cat,” the playfulness of “Felix,” or the royal power of “Leo,” these names resonate across cultures.

Celebrities with cat-inspired names often find that the association gives them an extra layer of personality. After all, cats have been worshiped in ancient Egypt, admired in literature, and adored as pets for centuries. Carrying a cat-inspired name is like carrying a badge of charisma and charm.

Conclusion

From Cat Stevens to Leo Messi, and from Kitty Wells to Felix Mendelssohn, famous people with cat names remind us that feline energy has always been admired in human culture. Whether the name is playful, classy, or powerful, it often reflects the same qualities we love in cats: grace, independence, and a touch of mystery.

Next time you meet someone named Cat, Kitty, Felix, or Leo, remember—they’re carrying a name with centuries of feline-inspired history and charm. Cats may rule the internet today, but they’ve always ruled our names, too.