Black Cat Names: Meanings, Superstitions & Adoption Truths
Black cats are wrapped in more myth, superstition, and history than any other coat color — and that history still affects them today. Here’s the real story behind black cat naming, backed by data, plus striking names for your shadowy companion.
The superstition that started in 1233
Black cats weren’t always feared. In Celtic nations, England, and Scotland, a black cat crossing your path is considered good luck — Scottish lore says a black cat arriving at a new home signals prosperity, and Welsh lore ties them to good health. In Japan, black cats are bringers of good fortune, especially for businesses.
The bad-luck reputation traces to June 13, 1233, when Pope Gregory IX issued Vox in Rama, a papal bull declaring black cats an incarnation of Satan. As HISTORY.com documents, “the decree marked the beginning of the Inquisition and church-sanctioned heretic and/or witch hunts.” During the 16th–17th century witch trials, the belief that witches could take the form of black cats took hold — and the reputation stuck, becoming today’s Halloween association.
The shelter data is heartbreaking
The consequences are still measurable. According to reporting synthesized by PetRadar and ASPCA:
- Black cats historically have the lowest adoption rate and highest euthanasia rate among all coat colors (ASPCA).
- A Kentucky shelter study (~7,983 cats, 2010–11) found black cats had an euthanasia rate of ~74.6% and adoption rate of ~10%.
- A 2023 shelter study found black cats spend an average of 6–8 days longer in shelters than other cats.
- In the UK, Cats Protection reported it takes ~13% longer to rehome a black cat, and nearly half of surveyed adopters said they’d pick a “prettier” color.
- The RSPCA noted that 70% of abandoned cats in their care were black — partly because black cats “don’t photograph as well” for adoption listings.
A modern survey found opinion is finally shifting: 41% believe black cats bring good luck, 21% bad luck, and 30% no effect. The UK even marks October 27 as Black Cat Day to encourage adoption.
Striking black cat names (with meanings)
Drawing from our black cat names collection, here are some of the most meaningful:
- Shadow — the darkness that follows light; classic and sleek.
- Luna (moon) — the #1 black cat name of 2025 per Rover’s data, luminous against a dark coat.
- Salem — peace; forever linked to the sassy black cat from Sabrina.
- Binx — from Thackery Binx, the immortal black cat of Hocus Pocus.
- Onyx — a black gemstone; bold and glossy.
- Raven — the intelligent black bird, literary and mysterious (Edgar Allan Poe).
- Midnight — deep, dark, and magical.
- Noir — “black” in French; chic and sophisticated.
Browse all 15+ black cat names with origins and pronunciation on our Black Cat Names page — and consider giving a shelter black cat the loving home (and perfect name) they’re still waiting for.