Semantic Interpretations of Cats Given Names

This study was designed to investigate the given names of cats in an Arabic-speaking community of Jordan. For the purpose of this study, a questionnaire was prepared and distributed or displayed on the Facebook page Ask Jordan. A total number of 153 names were collected, studied, analyzed, and then categorized. The results reveal that, in Jordan, the names of cats fall into different categories classified in accordance with the cat’s physical appearance, a cartoon or a movie character, a classical or traditional name, a circumstantial name, a name given after the owner’s friend, relative or even neighbour. The results also reveal that cats are also given popular nicknames. Very few names were used without any particular reason.  The study ends with a recommendation for further studies to analyze the names of pet cats in other countries.