Exotic Shorthair Cat Names: Persian & Plush Ideas
The Exotic Shorthair has one of the most misleading names in the cat world. It is not exotic and it is not wild. The breed was developed in the United States in the 1960s by crossing Persians with short-haired cats, aiming for the Persian face and calm manner with a coat that needs far less grooming. The result is often called a short-haired Persian, and that is close enough for naming purposes. The name itself was a marketing choice, and it stuck.
That gives the breed two name sources. One is its Persian parentage, which points to Iran and to Persian history. The other is the cat’s own soft, plush, slightly flat-faced look. Keep them separate: Cyrus is Persian by culture and history, not because the cat came from Iran, and the Exotic was standardized in America. The heritage is in the breed’s ancestry; the name is a way of nodding at it.
Quick Picks: Exotic Shorthair Cat Names
Cyrus — a Persian king; regal without being difficult Darius — another great Persian ruler; strong and clean Simba — lion, from Swahili; for a cat with a mane of attitude Cleo — from Cleopatra; short and confident Lily — the flower; soft and classic Pearl — the gem; calm and rounded, like the breed Jasmine — the flower and the name; warm and fragrant Amir — prince or commander; a Persian-rooted boy’s name
Persian Names for a Persian’s Cousin
These names come from Persian history and culture, which the breed’s ancestry reaches back to through the Persian cats used to create it. They are ordinary human names and words first, so they carry meaning independent of the cat in front of you.
Cyrus — the founder of the Achaemenid Empire Darius — a later Achaemenid king; the name means holding firm to good Xerxes — a Persian ruler; dramatic, and shortens to Xerx awkwardly Esther — a biblical queen of Persia; quiet and elegant Roxana — a Bactrian princess and wife of Alexander; star or dawn Soraya — a Persian name associated with the Pleiades Farah — joy; light and musical Leila — night; romantic and soft Layla — the same name in a different transliteration Azar — fire; a Persian name with a bright meaning Jasmine — the flower, long associated with Persia Amir — prince; a strong, short boy’s name
Soft Names for a Plush Cat
The Exotic Shorthair’s coat is dense and stands away from the body, which is where the plush reputation comes from. These names match that texture: soft, round, and easy to say. They are not tied to the breed’s history, just to the cat’s presence.
Plush — the coat itself; soft and a little indulgent Pudge — a fond word for a solid cat Button — a button nose; classic and affectionate Lily — the flower; gentle and clean Pearl — the gem; smooth and pale Daisy — day’s eye; bright and friendly Iris — the flower and the rainbow; for a cat with striking eyes Violet — the flower and the color; softer than it looks Poppy — the flower; small and warm Willow — the tree; calm and unhurried
Names That Play on the Flat Face
Brachycephalic cats have a distinct look, and some owners lean into it. If you do, keep the name affectionate rather than mocking, and remember the flattened airway is a health consideration, not just a cute feature.
Pugsley — borrowed from the flat-faced dog, with a pop-culture wink Smush — a softened version of the same idea Squish — playful and on the nose Smoosh — another spelling of the same joke
How to Choose the Right Exotic Shorthair Cat Name
Start with the temperament you actually see. The Exotic Shorthair is often described as calm, sweet, and happy to be near its person without demanding constant action. A soft name such as Lily or Pearl sits well on a cat like that. If your Exotic is the exception and never stops moving, a name like Simba or Poppy will fit better than a lullaby.
Then decide how much Persian history you want in the name. Cyrus and Darius make the connection obvious. Daisy and Willow keep things simple and let the breed’s ancestry stay in the background. There is no wrong answer, only a difference in how loudly the name speaks.
Finally, if the flat face is the thing you love, it is fine to name around it, but choose a word that will still sound affectionate in ten years. Pugsley and Button wear better than a sharper joke. For the breed’s health and grooming reality rather than its names, the Exotic Shorthair breed guide is the place to start, and the Persian cat names page covers the parent breed. If you want to sort by origin or syllable count, the Name Generator can do that.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Exotic Shorthair a wild cat?
No. The name is a marketing term, not a description. The breed was developed in the United States by crossing Persians with short-haired cats, and it is a fully domestic pet. The exotic part was always about the look, never about a wild ancestor.
What is a good Exotic Shorthair cat name?
Cyrus, Darius, and Roxana draw on the breed’s Persian parentage, while Daisy, Lily, and Pearl suit its soft, easygoing presence. Simba and Cleo are familiar picks that fit almost any cat.
Are Exotic Shorthairs just short-haired Persians?
Genetically and temperamentally they are very close. The breed was built from Persians and short-haired cats to keep the Persian face and calm manner with a coat that needs less grooming. Treat the breed guide as the source for the full standard.
Should I name an Exotic Shorthair after its flat face?
You can, and names like Button or Pudge do it affectionately, but the flat face is a breed feature with real health trade-offs rather than a joke. If you go that route, keep it kind, or choose a name that reflects the cat instead.