When you bring a Bombay cat into your life, it feels like welcoming a mini panther into your home.
Their glossy black coats, golden eyes, and confident walk make them unforgettable. But here’s the catch: a cat this striking deserves a name that matches its presence.
I’ve spent time around Bombay cats’ names, and trust me — naming them is a whole experience.
The right name feels like it “clicks” the moment you say it out loud. Whether you want something mysterious, playful, cultural, or just plain funny, you’ll find plenty of inspiration here.
Best Bombay Cat Names
If you’re short on time, here are some handpicked favorites that always stand out:
- Midnight – sleek and timeless.
- Onyx – strong, mysterious, gemstone-inspired.
- Sable – elegant, soft, and perfect for a Bombay.
- Shadow – for the cat that follows you silently.
- Velvet – because their coats feel like luxury.
Takeaway: Start by trying the name out loud. Does it sound natural when you call your cat? That’s your first clue you’ve found the right one.
Cute Bombay Cat Names
Bombays may look fierce, but deep down, they’re affectionate cuddle-bugs. If you want something softer:
- Luna
- Mochi
- Bella
- Oreo
- Pudding
- Coco
- Tinkerbell
- Nibbles
👉 If you love adorable vibes, you’ll also enjoy these Munchkin Cat Names — perfect for short-legged cuties.
Cool & Stylish Bombay Cat Names
Want your cat to sound like the star of the room? These names carry an edge:
- Panther
- Jett
- Zorro
- Eclipse
- Raven
- Noir (French for black)
- Knight
- Voodoo
Funny Bombay Cat Names
A little humor never hurts — especially when your sleek black beauty decides to sit in the middle of your Zoom call.
- Sir Pounce-a-Lot
- Batman
- Inky Winky
- Sneaky Pete
- Meowzilla
- Count Scratchula
- Bagheera Jr.
👉 Into quirky pet names? Check out these Funny Names for Sphynx Cats — they’ll make you laugh out loud.
Male Bombay Cat Names
For the gentleman of the house:
- Caesar
- Dante
- Storm
- Loki
- Merlin
- Bruno
- Maverick
👉 Looking for more? Browse this huge list of Male Ragdoll Cat Names for even more classy options.
Female Bombay Cat Names
For the queens who rule your sofa (and your heart):
- Cleo
- Selene
- Misty
- Zara
- Nyx (Greek goddess of the night)
- Opal
- Jade
Panther-Inspired Names for Your Bombay
- Bagheera
- Shuri
- T’Challa
- Wakanda
- Shadowclaw
- Onyx
- Zarifa
- Oba
- Nox
- Midori
- Kaya
- Eclipse
- Nyx
Unique Bombay Cat Names You Haven’t Heard Before
Want something nobody else on your street will use? Try these:
- Obsidian
- Umbra (Latin for shadow)
- Salem (a nod to the famous black cat in Sabrina)
- Astra
- Kuro (means “black” in Japanese)
- Ebon
- Chiarra (Italian word for clarity, works beautifully for gold eyes)
Famous Character Names for a Bombay Cat
- Bagheera (The Jungle Book)
- Batman (DC Comics)
- Salem (Sabrina the Teenage Witch)
- Loki (Marvel)
- Zorro (Legendary masked hero)
- T’Challa (Black Panther – Marvel)
- Scar (The Lion King)
- Dracula (Classic gothic character)
- Wednesday (Wednesday Addams – The Addams Family)
- Morpheus (The Matrix)
- Sirius (Harry Potter, Sirius Black)
Mythical & Magical Bombay Cat Names
Because a cat this majestic deserves a name with power:
- Hades
- Persephone
- Bastet (Egyptian cat goddess)
- Circe
- Anubis
- Freya
- Orion
Cute Bombay Kitten Names
- Inky
- Pebbles
- Mochi
- Pip
- Sprout
- Nibbles
- Cocoa Puff
- Tinker
- Pudding
- Zuzu
- Fizzy
- Snickers
- Mini Panther
- Jellybean
- Binky
Food-Inspired Bombay Cat Names
Because sometimes your favorite snack just fits:
- Espresso
- Licorice
- Brownie
- Mocha
- Truffle
- Pepper
- Cola
Black Bombay Cat Names
- Midnight
- Onyx
- Shadow
- Noir
- Eclipse
- Obsidian
- Raven
- Jet
- Salem
- Coal
- Umbra
- Velvet
- Panther
- Storm
- Inky
More Bombay Cat Names
- Oba – inspired by “Oba,” meaning king in Yoruba.
- Nyra – sleek and mysterious, with an exotic tone.
- Zephyra – whisper of the wind, elegant yet bold.
- Ashwin – Sanskrit origin, “light” or “horse tamer.”
- Sombra – Spanish for shadow, stylish and unique.
- Caligo – Latin for mist or darkness, perfect for a mystical Bombay.
- Veyra – soft, graceful, and rare-sounding.
- Noctis – Latin for “night,” strong and dramatic.
- Moro – short and sharp, from Italian/Spanish roots meaning dark.
- Eira – Old Norse, meaning snow (a fun contrast for a black cat).
What is an American Bombay Cat?
The American Bombay cat is a breed developed in the United States in the 1950s by crossing a sable Burmese with a black American Shorthair. The goal? To create a cat that looked like a “miniature black panther.”
- They have jet-black coats that shine like polished satin.
- Their golden or copper eyes glow with intensity.
- Personality-wise, they’re affectionate, intelligent, and playful, often bonding closely with their humans.
- Unlike the British Bombay (which has rounder features), the American Bombay tends to have a slightly longer, sleeker body.
Name Ideas for an American Bombay Cat
- Panther
- Copper (for their striking eyes)
- Bagheera
- Noir
- Mystique
- Velvet
- Ember Eyes
- Salem
- Jinx
- Oba (means “king” in Yoruba)
- Nyx
- Zorro
- Eclipse
- Shadow
- Majesty
Quick Tips for Choosing the Perfect Bombay Cat Name
- Match personality – A playful Bombay may suit “Mischief,” while a regal one might be “Majesty.”
- Test it out – Say it three times in a row. If it feels natural, you’re onto something.
- Keep it short – Cats respond better to names with 1–2 syllables.
- Think timeless – A name that makes you smile today should still feel right years later.
Food for thought: The best name is the one that feels like it was waiting for your cat all along.
FAQs about Bombay cat
What are some good names for a Bombay cat?
Names like Bagheera, Onyx, Shadow, Nyx, and Salem are popular because they highlight the Bombay’s sleek black coat and mysterious charm.
How do I choose the right name for my Bombay cat?
Pick a name that matches your cat’s personality, keep it short (1–2 syllables), and test how it sounds when you call it out loud.
Are Bombay cats really like mini panthers?
Yes — Bombays are often nicknamed “mini panthers” because of their glossy black fur, golden eyes, and confident, graceful walk.
Can I give my Bombay a funny name?
Absolutely! Names like Batman, Count Scratchula, or Meowzilla add humor while still celebrating your cat’s unique personality.
What are unique name ideas for a Bombay cat?
Rare options include Umbra, Kuro, Tenebris, Caligo, and Veyra — all distinctive and not commonly used.
Final Thoughts
Naming your Bombay cat isn’t just a formality — it’s a bonding moment. It’s that first spark of identity you give to your new companion.
Whether you lean towards cute, cool, funny, or rare, remember this: the perfect name feels like it belongs to your cat, not just any Bombay out there.
So take a moment, try a few, and watch how your sleek little panther responds. Chances are, they’ll let you know when you’ve nailed it.