Emily Walker
Polydactyl cats have been around for centuries, but they recently gained a resurgence of fame due to their association with none other than Ernest Hemingway.
Not only did the famed author keep an impressive number of polydactyl cats at his home, but he also gave them unique names befitting their curious looks and personalities.
If you’re looking for a name for your polydactyl cat that pays homage to Hemingway’s own cats, then these Hemingway cat names are sure to inspire.
Male Hemingway Cat Names
| Name | Meaning |
| Hemi |
Short for “Hemingway,” paying homage to the famous author Ernest Hemingway.
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| Skipper |
A term often used to refer to the captain of a ship, symbolizing leadership and adventure.
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| Bigfoot |
Inspired by the legendary creature said to inhabit forests, known for its large footprints.
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| Uncle Wolfer |
A playful and affectionate name, combining “uncle” with a nod to the wolf, symbolizing loyalty.
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| Olympus |
Named after Mount Olympus, the highest mountain in Greece and the mythical home of the gods.
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| Kentaro |
A Japanese name meaning “big boy” or “strong and healthy,” representing strength and resilience.
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| Patty Cat |
A whimsical name combining “Patty” with “cat,” suggesting a friendly and approachable nature.
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| Hyper |
Referring to a cat with high energy levels and a playful demeanor.
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| Sixpack |
Playfully referencing a cat with a well-defined abdomen or marking reminiscent of a six-pack.
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| Mouser |
A cat known for its hunting skills, specifically in catching mice.
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| Daktylos |
Greek for “finger,” symbolizing dexterity and agility, traits often associated with cats.
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| Puma |
Inspired by the large and powerful wild cat native to the Americas.
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| Jake |
A simple and classic name for a cat, representing friendliness and approachability.
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| Joe DiMaggio |
Named after the legendary baseball player known for his skill and athleticism.
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| Dexter |
A name meaning “right-handed” or “skillful,” often associated with intelligence and cunning.
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| Captain |
Symbolizing leadership and authority, often associated with a strong and confident cat.
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| Fatso |
A playful and affectionate name for a cat with a larger build or a penchant for eating.
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| Betty Grable |
Named after the iconic actress known for her beauty and charm.
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| Footz / Footzie |
Referring to a cat with distinct markings on its feet, resembling socks or boots.
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| Conan |
Inspired by the fictional character Conan the Barbarian, known for his strength and bravery.
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| Clovers |
Symbolizing luck and good fortune, often associated with a cat who brings happiness.
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| Horseshoe |
A symbol of luck and protection, often associated with cats believed to bring good fortune.
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| Friendless |
Irony in naming a cat “Friendless,” often chosen for a cat with a particularly sociable nature.
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| Fisher |
A name suggesting agility and skill, often associated with a cat’s hunting prowess.
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| Seven |
A number associated with mystery and spirituality, often chosen for its uniqueness.
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| Boxer |
Inspired by the sport of boxing, symbolizing strength, agility, and determination.
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| Feather Puss |
A whimsical name suggesting a cat with soft and fluffy fur.
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| Good Will |
A name symbolizing positivity, kindness, and goodwill towards others.
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| Many Toes |
A name often chosen for a polydactyl cat, one with extra toes on its paws.
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| Barbara Stanwyck |
Named after the iconic actress known for her talent and versatility.
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| Hunter S. Thompson |
Named after the influential writer known for his adventurous spirit and unconventional lifestyle.
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| Snowball |
Inspired by the fluffy white appearance of a cat’s fur, reminiscent of a snowball.
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| Sailor |
Symbolizing adventure and exploration, often chosen for a cat with a wanderlust spirit.
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Female Hemingway Cat Names
| Name | Meaning |
| Cheetahs |
Inspired by the fast and agile cheetah, symbolizing speed and grace.
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| Giant |
A name suggesting a large and majestic presence, often chosen for a particularly big cat.
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| Winston Churchill |
Named after the iconic British Prime Minister known for his strength and resilience.
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| Thruster |
Symbolizing a cat with energy and enthusiasm, often seen darting around with quick movements.
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| Toe-ny / Tony |
A play on the word “toe,” often chosen for a cat with extra toes or unique paw markings.
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| Fred |
A classic and timeless name, representing friendliness and familiarity.
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| Eight |
A number associated with abundance and infinity, often chosen for its simplicity and uniqueness.
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| Digits |
Symbolizing a cat with extra toes or distinctive paw markings.
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| Daisy |
Inspired by the daisy flower, symbolizing purity and innocence.
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| Stormy |
A name suggesting a cat with a bold and adventurous spirit, akin to a stormy weather.
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| Poly / Polly |
Short for “polydactyl,” referring to a cat with extra toes on its paws.
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| Katcha |
A playful name suggesting a cat who enjoys chasing and catching things.
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| Boise |
Inspired by the city of Boise, symbolizing strength and resilience.
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| Wiccan |
Inspired by the mystical practices of Wicca, often associated with cats and magic.
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| T-Rex |
Named after the Tyrannosaurus Rex, a powerful and fearsome dinosaur.
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| Friendless’s Brother |
Playfully suggesting a cat related to another named “Friendless,” perhaps indicating a similar temperament or appearance.
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| Princess Six-Toes |
A regal name suggesting a cat with extra toes, symbolizing uniqueness and royalty.
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| Rudolph Valentino |
Named after the legendary silent film actor known for his charisma and allure.
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| Princessa |
A feminine and regal name, often chosen for a cat with a dignified presence.
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| Pilar |
Inspired by the Spanish word for “pillar,” symbolizing strength and support.
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| Godzilla |
Named after the iconic movie monster, symbolizing power and dominance.
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| Dact |
Short for “polydactyl,” referring to a cat with extra toes on its paws.
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| Shine Forbes |
A name suggesting brightness and prosperity, often chosen for a cat with a shiny coat.
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| Gina Lolabrigida |
Named after the legendary Italian actress known for her beauty and elegance.
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| Fortuna |
Inspired by the Roman goddess of luck and fortune, often chosen for a cat believed to bring good luck.
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| Tom Thumb |
Named after the character from folklore, symbolizing small size and charm.
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| Panther |
Inspired by the sleek and powerful big cat, often associated with grace and agility.
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| Christobal |
A strong and regal name, often chosen for a cat with a commanding presence.
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| Thumbelina |
Inspired by the character from the fairy tale, symbolizing small size and delicateness.
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Cute Hemingway Cat Names
| Name | Meaning |
| Toes |
A playful name referencing a cat with extra toes or distinctive paw markings.
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| Amulet |
Symbolizing protection and luck, often associated with a charm or talisman.
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| Slippers |
A whimsical name evoking cozy comfort, often chosen for a cat that loves to relax.
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| Mitt |
Short for “mitten,” suggesting a cat with paws resembling mittens.
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| Lynx |
Inspired by the sleek and agile wildcat, symbolizing grace and elegance.
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| Albatross |
Named after the majestic seabird, often associated with freedom and exploration.
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| Rosebud |
Inspired by the budding flower, symbolizing beauty and innocence.
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| Billie Holiday |
Named after the iconic jazz singer known for her unique voice and style.
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| Tyson |
Inspired by the powerful boxer Mike Tyson, symbolizing strength and determination.
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| Hayk |
Named after the legendary Armenian hero, symbolizing bravery and courage.
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| Matey |
A playful and affectionate name, often chosen for a beloved companion.
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| Mittens |
A cute and cuddly name suggesting a cat with soft and fluffy paws.
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| Ispolin |
Inspired by the Russian folklore figure, symbolizing protection and guidance.
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| Willy |
A friendly and approachable name, often chosen for a cat with a cheerful disposition.
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| Max |
Short for “maximum,” symbolizing a cat with boundless energy and vitality.
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| Martha Gellhorn |
Named after the esteemed journalist and war correspondent, symbolizing intelligence and curiosity.
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| Thumbs |
A playful name referring to a cat with extra toes or distinctive paw markings.
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| Hemingway |
Paying homage to the famous author Ernest Hemingway, often chosen for cats with extra toes.
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| Zane Grey |
Named after the prolific Western author known for his adventurous stories.
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| Paws / Pawlie |
A cute and straightforward name referring to a cat’s paws, often chosen for its simplicity.
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| Dreamcatcher |
Symbolizing protection from bad dreams and negative energy, often associated with Native American culture.
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| Bumby |
A playful and endearing name, often chosen for a mischievous and playful cat.
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| Tennessee Williams |
Named after the renowned playwright known for his creativity and imagination.
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| Santa Paws |
A festive and whimsical name, often chosen for a cat with a jolly and playful demeanor.
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| Yogi Berra |
Named after the legendary baseball player known for his wisdom and wit.
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| Isadora Duncan |
Named after the influential dancer and choreographer known for her grace and artistry.
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| Big Foot |
A humorous name referencing the legendary creature known for its large footprints.
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| Titan |
Named after the powerful Titans of Greek mythology, symbolizing strength and dominance.
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| Massimo |
Italian for “massive” or “great,” often chosen for a cat with a large and imposing presence.
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| Clark Gable |
Named after the iconic Hollywood actor known for his charm and sophistication.
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| Snowshoe |
A cute and fitting name for a cat with white fur and distinctive markings on its paws.
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| Lucky |
Symbolizing good fortune and blessings, often chosen for a cat believed to bring luck to its owner.
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Cat Names Inspired by Hemingway Literary Characters
| Name | Meaning |
| Santiago |
Inspired by the protagonist of “The Old Man and the Sea,” symbolizing resilience and determination.
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| Brett |
Named after the character from “The Sun Also Rises,” representing independence and passion.
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| Catherine |
Inspired by the character from “A Farewell to Arms,” symbolizing love and sacrifice.
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| Nick |
Named after the character from “The Sun Also Rises” and “In Our Time,” symbolizing youth and adventure.
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| Maria |
Inspired by the character from “For Whom the Bell Tolls,” symbolizing strength and resilience.
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| Harry |
Named after the character from “To Have and Have Not,” symbolizing toughness and survival skills.
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| Marita |
Inspired by the character from “To Have and Have Not,” symbolizing loyalty and bravery.
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| Jordan |
Named after the character from “For Whom the Bell Tolls,” symbolizing intellect and leadership.
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| Liz |
Inspired by the character from “To Have and Have Not,” symbolizing beauty and grace.
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| Robert |
Named after the character from “The Garden of Eden,” symbolizing complexity and depth.
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| Jig |
Inspired by the character from “Hills Like White Elephants,” symbolizing decision and ambiguity.
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| Margot |
Named after the character from “The Short Happy Life of Francis Macomber,” symbolizing elegance and sophistication.
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| Francis |
Inspired by the character from “The Short Happy Life of Francis Macomber,” symbolizing bravery and cowardice.
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| Renata |
Named after the character from “Across the River and Into the Trees,” symbolizing love and devotion.
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| Richard |
Inspired by the character from “Islands in the Stream,” symbolizing creativity and passion.
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| Adela |
Named after the character from “Across the River and Into the Trees,” symbolizing beauty and innocence.
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| Thomas |
Inspired by the character from “Islands in the Stream,” symbolizing wisdom and introspection.
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| Pilar |
Named after the character from “For Whom the Bell Tolls,” symbolizing strength and resilience.
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| Liz Coates |
Inspired by the character from “To Have and Have Not,” symbolizing independence and determination.
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| Bill |
Named after the character from “The Sun Also Rises,” symbolizing camaraderie and adventure.
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| Ren |
Inspired by the character from “The Sun Also Rises,” symbolizing youthful idealism and rebellion.
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| Zaddik |
Named after the character from “The Old Man and the Sea,” symbolizing wisdom and spiritual guidance.
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| Carlota |
Inspired by the character from “To Have and Have Not,” symbolizing strength and resilience.
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| Robert |
Named after the character from “The Snows of Kilimanjaro,” symbolizing regret and introspection.
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| Adela |
Inspired by the character from “Across the River and Into the Trees,” symbolizing love and devotion.
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| Liz Coates |
Named after the character from “To Have and Have Not,” symbolizing independence and determination.
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Cat Names Inspired by Locations Associated with Hemingway
| Name | Meaning |
| Paris |
Named after the city where Hemingway spent significant time and wrote some of his most famous works.
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| Key West |
Inspired by the Florida Keys, particularly Key West, where Hemingway lived for many years.
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| Havana |
Named after the capital city of Cuba, a place Hemingway frequented and wrote about extensively.
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| Pamplona |
Inspired by the city in Spain famous for the running of the bulls, a tradition Hemingway depicted in his writing.
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| Milan |
Named after the city in Italy where Hemingway worked as a World War I ambulance driver.
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| Ketchum |
Inspired by the Idaho town where Hemingway spent his final years and ultimately passed away.
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| Oak Park |
Named after the suburb of Chicago where Hemingway was born and spent his early years.
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| La Closerie |
Inspired by the Parisian cafe where Hemingway and other writers congregated during the 1920s.
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| Nairobi |
Named after the capital city of Kenya, which Hemingway visited during his African safaris.
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| Madrid |
Inspired by the capital city of Spain, where Hemingway spent time during the Spanish Civil War.
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| Sun Valley |
Named after the resort area in Idaho where Hemingway enjoyed outdoor activities such as hunting and fishing.
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| Montmartre |
Inspired by the historic district in Paris known for its bohemian atmosphere, frequented by Hemingway.
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| Venice |
Named after the romantic city in Italy, where Hemingway visited and found inspiration for his writing.
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| Tangier |
Inspired by the city in Morocco, a place Hemingway visited and where he wrote parts of “The Garden of Eden.”
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| Bimini |
Named after the island in the Bahamas, known for its fishing and connection to Hemingway’s adventures.
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| Bologna |
Inspired by the city in Italy, where Hemingway served as a war correspondent during World War I.
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| Cap d’Antibes |
Named after the peninsula on the French Riviera, where Hemingway spent time writing and fishing.
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| Arles |
Inspired by the city in France, known for its picturesque scenery, which Hemingway visited and wrote about.
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| Montparnasse |
Named after the district in Paris where Hemingway lived and wrote during the 1920s.
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| Ronda |
Inspired by the town in Spain, known for its dramatic gorge and bullfighting, which Hemingway admired.
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| Schruns |
Named after the village in Austria where Hemingway recuperated from war injuries and wrote “A Farewell to Arms.”
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| The Florida Keys |
Named after the chain of islands off the southern coast of Florida, where Hemingway often fished and relaxed.
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| Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat |
Inspired by the peninsula on the French Riviera, where Hemingway lived and wrote during the 1920s.
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| San Francisco |
Named after the city in California, where Hemingway spent time and wrote some of his works.
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| Torcello |
Inspired by the island in the Venetian Lagoon, where Hemingway visited and found inspiration for his writing.
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Interesting Facts About Hemingway’s Relationship With Cats
Here are some interesting facts about Hemingway’s relationship with cats:
A lifelong love
Hemingway wasn’t just a dog person. Throughout his life, he had a deep fondness for cats.
He adopted his first cat, Snow White (or Snowball), in Key West and continued to have feline companions throughout his life.
The Hemingway cats of Key West
His home in Key West, now a museum, is famous for its polydactyl (six-toed) cat population.
One of his cats, Snow White, gave birth to a kitten with extra toes, and the trait continued through generations of feline residents.
Today, the museum is home to dozens of these special cats.
More than pets
Hemingway reportedly found solace and comfort in his cats.
They were companions during his writing process and offered a sense of calm during challenging times.
Inspiration in fur
Some believe Hemingway’s cats inspired characters or themes in his writing.
For instance, the short story “Cat in the Rain” features a couple arguing about a lost cat, possibly reflecting on a personal experience.
A legacy of feline love
Hemingway’s fondness for cats continues to draw tourists to his Key West home.
The museum actively cares for the cat population, ensuring the legacy of these special felines.
A name fit for a cat lover
Interestingly, the genetic mutation that causes polydactylism in cats is named after the video game character Sonic the Hedgehog.
However, some playfully refer to it as the “Hemingway gene” due to the high prevalence of extra toes amongst his cats.
Final Words
We hope this journey through 140+ Hemingway cat names has ignited your imagination.
With names inspired by his life, locations, and literary works, you’re sure to find the perfect name that not only suits your cat’s personality but also honors the legacy of this iconic author.
Remember, just like Hemingway’s own cats, your feline friend deserves a name with a story.
So choose wisely, and let the literary adventures begin!
When it comes to naming a polydactyl cat, there’s no better way to honor their unique appearance than by choosing one of the iconic names that Hemingway used for his own beloved felines.
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