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Famous Tiger Names: That Say Roar

Updated
Prepare to pounce on these cool tiger names for the most ferocious beasts and big cats who love to purr.
Tigers are the undisputed royalty of the jungle. Whether you are naming a feisty tabby cat, a new plush toy, or a character in a story, you need a name that captures that majestic energy.

From pop culture icons to fierce monikers inspired by nature, there are plenty of options to choose from. We have curated a list of the best tiger names to help you earn your stripes.


Famous Tiger Names from Pop Culture

These iconic cats from movies, books, and cereal boxes are instantly recognizable.

  1. Aslan: While technically a lion in The Chronicles of Narnia, the name means “lion” in Turkish and suits any big cat.
  2. Bagheera: The sleek panther from The Jungle Book serves as a great protector name.
  3. Cringer: He-Man’s cowardly green tiger who transforms into the mighty Battle Cat.
  4. Daniel: Inspired by the polite and gentle tiger from Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood.
  5. Diego: The saber-toothed tiger with a soft heart from the Ice Age franchise.
  6. Hobbes: Calvin’s stuffed best friend and philosophical partner in the comic strip Calvin and Hobbes.
  7. Kumal: One of the two separated tiger brothers in the movie Two Brothers.
  8. Louisa: The anxious tiger who dances in the movie Encanto.
  9. Master Tigress: The fierce and disciplined warrior from Kung Fu Panda.
  10. Parker: Short for Richard Parker, the Bengal tiger stranded at sea in Life of Pi.
  11. Rajah: Princess Jasmine’s loyal and protective pet tiger in Disney’s Aladdin.
  12. Sangha: The other tiger brother from the film Two Brothers.
  13. Shere Khan: The menacing and sophisticated villain of Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book.
  14. Shiva: Ezekiel’s pet tiger in The Walking Dead comic and TV series.
  15. Tigger: The bouncy, trouncing, fun-loving tiger from Winnie the Pooh.
  16. Tony: The bandana-wearing mascot for Frosted Flakes who thinks everything is “Gr-r-reat!”
  17. Tyger: A nod to the famous William Blake poem, “The Tyger.”
  18. Vitaly: The intimidating Russian circus tiger from Madagascar 3.

Strong and Badass Tiger Names

If you want to emphasize the power and ferocity of the beast, these names pack a punch.

  1. Adira: A Hebrew name meaning “strong” or “majestic.”
  2. Apollo: The Greek god of the sun, perfect for a golden-coated tiger.
  3. Ariel: A Hebrew name meaning “lion of God.”
  4. Athena: The Greek goddess of war and wisdom.
  5. Axel: A German name meaning “father of peace,” though it sounds tough.
  6. Bane: A word meaning “destruction,” fitting for a fierce predator.
  7. Blaze: Represents the fiery orange coat of the Bengal tiger.
  8. Blitz: German for “lightning,” capturing the speed of an attack.
  9. Caesar: A title for a ruler, inspired by Roman emperors.
  10. Champ: Short for Champion, for a tiger that always wins.
  11. Chief: A leader’s title for the head of the pack.
  12. Elektra: Greek for “bright one,” matching the intensity of a tiger’s stare.
  13. Fang: Honors the sharp canine teeth of the big cat.
  14. General: A military rank for a tiger that commands respect.
  15. Goliath: Biblical giant name for a massive, imposing beast.
  16. Gunner: A name implying strength and firepower.
  17. Hercules: The Roman hero known for super strength.
  18. Hunter: A literal description of what tigers do best.
  19. Jagger: An edgy English name meaning “carter,” or a nod to Mick Jagger.
  20. Jinx: Latin for “spell,” for a cat with a mesmerizing presence.
  21. Kahn: A title for a ruler in Central Asia.
  22. Leo: Latin for “lion,” but widely accepted for all big cats.
  23. Maverick: An independent spirit who refuses to follow the herd.
  24. Nitro: Short for nitrogen, implying explosive energy.
  25. Odin: The supreme god in Norse mythology.
  26. Rambo: Inspired by the tough action movie character.
  27. Rex: Latin for “king.”
  28. Rocky: For a fighter, inspired by the famous boxer Rocky Balboa.
  29. Rogue: For a solitary tiger that operates alone.
  30. Saber: A sharp sword, or short for the Saber-toothed tiger.
  31. Spike: A classic tough-guy name for a pet.
  32. Storm: Represents the raw power of nature.
  33. Tank: For a tiger with a heavy, muscular build.
  34. Thor: The Norse god of thunder.
  35. Titan: Refers to the powerful deities that preceded the Olympians.
  36. Tora: The Japanese word for “tiger.”
  37. Xena: The warrior princess.
  38. Zeus: The king of the Greek gods.

Cute and Playful Tiger Nicknames

Sometimes a big cat is just a big kitten at heart. These names are perfect for stuffed animals or friendly pets.

  1. Boots: For a tiger with white paws.
  2. Bubbles: A lighthearted name that contrasts with a tiger’s scary reputation.
  3. Buttercup: A sweet yellow flower for a golden cat.
  4. Cheeto: A crunchy, orange snack that matches a tiger’s fur.
  5. Cinnamon: A warm spice name for a reddish-brown coat.
  6. Cubby: An affectionate term for a baby tiger.
  7. Dorito: Another orange snack-based name.
  8. Fluffy: The classic ironic name for a dangerous beast.
  9. Foxy: For a tiger with a deep red-orange coat.
  10. Ginger: A common name for orange-colored pets.
  11. Jellybean: Small and sweet.
  12. Kit Kat: A candy bar name that includes “Kat.”
  13. Mango: A tropical fruit with a bright orange hue.
  14. Marmalade: An orange fruit preserve, famously associated with cats.
  15. Mittens: Cute for a tiger with distinct paw markings.
  16. Muffin: A soft and sweet bakery treat.
  17. Nemo: The famous orange clownfish.
  18. Nibbles: For a playful tiger that likes to chew.
  19. Oliver: Inspired by the ginger cat in Oliver & Company.
  20. Peaches: A sweet, fuzzy fruit.
  21. Penny: For a tiger with a copper-colored coat.
  22. Paws: Highlighting the tiger’s massive feet.
  23. Pumpkin: The ultimate autumn name for an orange cat.
  24. Purr-cy: A pun on the name Percy.
  25. Rusty: Perfect for a tiger with a darker, rust-colored coat.
  26. Scooter: For a cat that zooms around the room.
  27. Simba: Swahili for “lion,” but adorable for any cub.
  28. Snickers: A sweet name for a multi-colored tiger.
  29. Sparky: Full of energy and life.
  30. Sunny: For a cat with a bright, sunny disposition.
  31. Teddy: Because they look like giant teddy bears.
  32. Whiskers: A classic cat name.
  33. Winnie: A soft, vintage name.

Names for White Tigers

White tigers are rare and mystical. These names reflect ice, snow, and purity.

  1. Alaska: The snowy northern state.
  2. Angel: Represents a white, spiritual being.
  3. Arctic: The frozen northern region of the earth.
  4. Aspen: A ski resort town and a tree with white bark.
  5. Avalanche: A massive slide of snow.
  6. Bianca: Italian for “white.”
  7. Blizzard: A severe snowstorm.
  8. Casper: The friendly white ghost.
  9. Chilly: A cute name for a cold-weather cat.
  10. Cloud: For a fluffy white appearance.
  11. Coconut: White on the inside, tough on the outside.
  12. Crystal: Clear and sparkling.
  13. Diamond: A precious white gem.
  14. Dove: A symbol of peace and whiteness.
  15. Elsa: The Snow Queen from Frozen.
  16. Everest: The highest snowy mountain peak.
  17. Frosty: Famous snowman name.
  18. Ghost: For a stealthy, pale hunter.
  19. Glacier: A massive body of moving ice.
  20. Ice: Simple and cool.
  21. Ivory: A shade of white, and a material tigers are often associated with.
  22. Luna: Latin for “moon.”
  23. Marble: For a white tiger with faint grey stripes.
  24. Misty: Like the fog.
  25. Opal: A milky white gemstone.
  26. Pearl: A gem of the sea.
  27. Phantom: A mysterious spirit.
  28. Polar: As in the Polar Bear.
  29. Snowball: A classic for white pets.
  30. Snowflake: Unique and delicate.
  31. Spirit: A ghostly and mystical name.
  32. Storm: Specifically X-Men’s Storm, who has white hair.
  33. Vanilla: A sweet, white flavor.
  34. Winter: The coldest season.
  35. Yeti: The abominable snowman.
  36. Yuki: Japanese for “snow.”

FAQs

What Is a Good Name for a Tiger?

A good tiger name often reflects the animal’s physical traits or personality. Popular choices include Shere Khan, Tigger, Rajah, and Blaze. For a pet cat with tiger stripes, food names like Cheeto, Mango, or Pumpkin are also favorites.

What Is the Japanese Name for Tiger?

The Japanese word for tiger is “Tora.” It is a popular unisex name for pets and characters, symbolizing strength and courage in Japanese culture.

What Are Famous Tiger Names in Movies?

Some of the most famous tigers in cinema include Richard Parker from Life of Pi, Shere Khan from The Jungle Book, Rajah from Aladdin, and Tigress from Kung Fu Panda.

What Name Means Little Tiger?

While there is no single direct name that translates to “little tiger,” you can use “Tora” (Japanese for Tiger) paired with a diminutive like “Ko” to make “Kotora.” Alternatively, names like “Cubby” or “Simba” imply a young, small big cat.

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About the Author

Maryana Vestic

Maryana Vestic is a Brooklyn-based writer, editor, and food photographer with a background in entertainment Business Affairs. She studied film at NYU, Irish Theatre Studies at Trinity College Dublin, and has an MFA in Creative Writing Nonfiction from The New School. She loves cooking, baking, hiking, and horror films, as well as running a local baking business in Brooklyn with her boyfriend.