How warrior cat names work
Every Clan cat’s name has two parts. The prefix stays the same all their life. The suffix changes as they grow from kit to apprentice to warrior, and finally to leader.
The four stages of a name
| Stage | Suffix | When | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kit | -kit | Birth to six moons | Lilykit |
| Apprentice | -paw | From six moons, while training | Lilypaw |
| Warrior | Chosen by the leader | After the warrior ceremony | Lilyheart |
| Leader | -star | After receiving nine lives | Lilystar |
The prefix: your name for life
A kit gets its prefix from its mother at birth. Most prefixes describe something you can see, like the colour of the kit’s fur, its markings or the colour of its eyes. Others come from nature: plants, weather, birds and animals from the Clan’s territory.
A ginger kit might be called Flamekit or Russetkit, while a gray kit might be Ashkit or Stonekit. Spotted or patched kits often get prefixes like Dapple or Speckle.
The suffix: changes with rank
Kits keep “-kit” until they are six moons old, when they become apprentices and swap to “-paw”. When an apprentice passes their training, the leader holds a warrior ceremony and gives them their warrior suffix.
The warrior suffix is the most personal part of a name. Leaders choose one that honours the cat’s skills or personality: a fast cat might get “-foot” or “-runner”, a brave one “-heart”, a sharp-eyed one “-sight”. There are a few suffixes warriors never get: “-kit”, “-paw” and “-star” are kept for their ranks.
Becoming leader
When a deputy becomes leader, they travel to a sacred place to receive nine lives from StarClan. Their suffix then changes to “-star” for as long as they lead. Medicine cats never become leader, so they never receive the “-star” suffix.
Try it yourself
Use the warrior name generator to see your own name at every stage, from kit to leader, with the meaning of each part.
Frequently asked questions
Who chooses a warrior’s name?
The kit’s mother names them at birth, which gives them their prefix. The Clan leader gives the apprentice and warrior names at special ceremonies.
Do medicine cats get a new name?
Yes. Medicine cat apprentices end in “-paw” like other apprentices and get a full name when they become medicine cats, but they never become leader, so they never get “-star”.
Do elders change their names?
No. When a warrior retires to become an elder, they keep their warrior name.
What happens to cats who join a Clan later?
Kittypets and loners who join a Clan usually get a Clan-style name. Some choose to keep their old name instead, which is why a few Clan cats have unusual names.
Which cats can become leader and get “-star”?
Usually only the Clan deputy. Under the warrior code, a cat must have mentored at least one apprentice before they can be made deputy.