Cute Japanese Cat Names With Their Superb Meanings

Japanese Cat Names For Your Cuddly Cat

The Cute Japanese lovely cats. And it’s not just Hello Kitty: the white bobcat with a big, red bow and no mouth, who’s worth 4.4 billion dollars. They place Maneki-Neko, “beckoning cat” statues with raised paws that are said to bring good luck and prosperity, in front of their businesses.

Nearly 10 million cats live in the “Land of the Rising Sun”, compared to 8.9 million dogs, according to a study by the Japan Pet Food Association. Because many apartments in the country forbid pets, there are more than 150 cat cafes.

Why do cats outnumber children in Japan? They’re “tsundere” – a mash-up of  “tsuntsun”, thornily standoffish, and  “deredere”, intensely sweet and affectionate. With round eyes, fluffy coats, and disarming meows, they’re also Kawaii.

It’s official. Japan is obsessed with cats. And it’s not just Hello Kitty, although she alone is responsible for nearly five billion dollars in global sales in 2016.

Japanese shops often display a Maneki Neko, a statue of a cat with a raised paw that’s said to bring prosperity and good fortune to the business. The country also boasts nearly 150 cat cafes, where patrons can cuddle kitties while they sip lattes.

Best Cute Japanese Cat Names

Whether you are Japanese yourself or simply love Japanese culture, Japanese cat names are unique and exotic. Japan is known for its love of cats. Felines are revered in Japan as they are thought to bring good luck and fortune.

In fact, the common Japanese figurine called the Maneki Neko (“beckoning cat”) is used as a talisman to bring good luck.

Japan is even the birth place of a specific breed of cat called the Japanese Bobtail, and let’s not forget about one of Japan’s most famous cats: Hello Kitty.

Yes, it’s clear that Japan loves cats, so what better language to draw from for your new cat’s name than Japanese?

We’re obsessed with cat names. To celebrate Japan’s cat obsession, we’ve compiled a list of cat names inspired by Japanese pop culture and naming trends.

Whether you prefer Dear Daniel, in honor of Hello Kitty’s boyfriend, or a dreamy name like Hashiko (star child), this list has some of our all-time favorite names.

Popular Japanese Cat Names

In the United States, certain cat names are very popular. You will find many kitties named Max, Tiger, Kitty and Lucy. The same phenomenon is true in Japan. Here are the most common Japanese cat names based on a survey conducted by the Japanese website Iris Pet:

• Azuki (sweet red beans)
• Chibi (tiny)
• Chobi (small)
• Fuku (lucky)
• Hana (flower)
• Haru (spring)
• Hime (princess)
• Kai (ocean)
• Koko (cocoa)
• Mike (tortoiseshell)
• Maru (circle)
• Mei (beautiful)
• Mikan (mandarin orange)
• Miruku (milk)
• Moka (mocha)
• Momo (peach)
• Sakura (cherry blossom)
• Sora (sky)
• Tora (tiger)
• Yuki (snow)

Male Japanese Cat Names

Strong and honorable, these male Japanese cat names pay homage to gods, goodness, and nature:

A

Aki – Born in autumn

Akihiro – Great brightness

Akio – Bright boy

Arata – New

Asahi – Morning sunlight

Atsushi – Kindness

Ayumu – Dream

B

Banzan – Indestructible mountain

Bassui – High above average

Bento – Boxed lunch

Bishamon – Buddist god of war and fortune

Botan – Peony

Byakuya – White night

C

Chimon – Wisdom gate

Chotan – Deep pool

D

Daijiro – Great second son

Daichi – Great land

Dai-In – Hidden greatness

Daiki – Shining

Daisuke – Great helper

Daku – Dark

Domo – Thank you

Doryo – Generosity

Dosei – Saturn

E

Ebisu – Shinto god of luck, wealth, and prosperity

Eiji – Eternity

Endo – Roadside

Enkai – Deep sea

Eryu – Dragon wisdom

F

Fuku – Lucky

Fuji – Unsurpassed

Fujin – Shinto wind god

Fumihiro – Large sentence

Fumio – Scholarly hero

G

Genkei – Honored

Giichi – One rule

Goku – Aware of emptiness

Goro – Fifth son

H

Hajime – Beginning

Haru – Flowering springtime

Haruto – Soar to heaven

Haya – Falcon

Hideki – Wonderful opportunity

Hiko – Prince

Hiro – Generous

Hiroaki – Widespread brightness

Hiroki – Vast timber trees

Hiroshi – Prosperous

Hiroto – Big flight

Hitoshi – Motivated person

Hisa – Long life

Hisoka – Secret

Homura –  Fire

Honcho – Leader

I

Inoue – Above the well

Ishii – Stone well

Issey – First-born son

Isamu – Vigorous

Itachi – Weasel

Ito – String

Iwai – Celebration

Izanagi – First male, the god of creation

J

Jikai – Ocean of compassion

Jiro – Second son

Joben – Enjoys cleanliness

Judo – A martial art form

Junichi – Obedient first son

Juro – Tenth son

K

Kage – Shadow

Kaito – Between pear trees

Kakashi – Scarecrow

Kaname  – Vital point

Kane – Gold

Kangiten  – Buddist god of bliss

Katsu – Victory

Kazan – Fiery volcano

Kichiro – Lucky son

Kitsune – A fox spirit

Kiyoshi – Purity

Kenichi – Strong, healthy first son

Kenshin – Modest

Kenta – Thick

Kobe – A city in Japan

Koji – Little one

Kotaro – Plump

Koto – Japanese harp

Kuebiko – Shinto god of knowledge and agriculture

Kunio – Countryman

Kuro – Black

Kouta – Great peace

M

Mamoru – Earth

Manzo – Third-born son

Masaru – Victory

Matsui – Pine

Michio – Man on a journey

Mitsuo – Shining hero

Mokusei – Jupiter

Mugen – Infinity

Myojo – Venus

N

Naoki – Tree of truth

Naruto – Maelstrom

Natsuo – Birth of summer

Nintendo – Leave luck to heaven

Nobu – Faith

O

Oki –  Blue water

Osamu – Discipline

R

Raiden – Shinto thunder god

Reo – Wise gentleman

Riku – Clever tiger

Rikuto – Person of land

Ringo – Apple

Rokuro – Sixth son

Ryota – Great refreshment

Ryouichi – Clear one

Ryuunosuke – Noble herald

S

Sake – An alcoholic drink made from rice

Sanji – Praise

Sanjiro – Admired

Satoshi – Fast learner

Seiji – Lawful

Shiro – White

Sho – To fly

Shimizu – Pure water

Sushi – A bite-sized Japanese food

Susumo – Advance

Suijin – Shinto god of water

T

Tajimamori – Shinto god of sweets

Takeo – Strong as bamboo

Takumi – Artisan

Taro – Big boy

Tenjin – Shinto god of scholarship

Tetsu – Iron

Touma – Mountain top

Toshiro – Talented

Tousen – Otherworldly

Tatsuo – Dragon Man

Tsukikage – Moonbeam

Tsukiya – White moon

U

Umi – Sea

Unkan – Cloud valley

Usaku – Moonlit

Usui – Mortar well

W

Wataru – Navigation

Washi – Eagle

Y

Yami – Darkness

Yamaha – Mountain Leaf

Yamato – Old Japan

Yasu – Peace

Yoshi – Silent

Youta – Great sunlight

Yuji – Courageous second son

Yuma – Calm truth

Yukio – Snow boy

Yuuto – Gentle person

Z

Zinan – Second-born son

Female Japanese Cat Names

Soft and feminine, these Japanese female cat names are related to beauty, love, and flowers.

Whether you’re embracing your Japanese heritage or have adopted a Japanese or Kurilian Bobtail, here are 400+ possible names for your cat.

A

Ahmya – Black rain

Ai – Love

Aika – Love song

Aimi – Beloved

Aiya – Beautiful silk

Akina – Spring flower

Akane – Brilliant red

Amabie – A type of mermaid in Japanese mythology

Amaterasu  – Shinto sun goddess

Amaya – Night rain

Aneko – Older sister

Ameonna – A female spirit that makes rain

Anzu  –  Apricot

Asami – Morning beauty

Asayo  – Generation of the morning

Aya – Colorful

Ayame – Iris

Azume – Safe space

B

Bankei – Ten thousand blessings

Bashira – Joyful

Benten – Buddist goddess of everything that flows

Bunko – Literary child

C

Chia – Thousand loves

Chibi – Tiny

Chie – Wisdom

Chika – Scattered flowers

Chihiro – Thousand questions

Chinshu – Calm place

Chiyo – Thousand generations

Chizu – One thousand storks

Cho – Butterfly

Chorei – Transparent spirituality

D

Dai – Great

E

Eiko – Eternal child

Emi – Blessed with beauty

Emiko – Smiling child

Ena – Gift from God

Eri – Blessed gift

Eshima – True intention

Etsuko – Child of joy

F

Fumiko – Child of treasured beauty

Fuyuko – Winter child

G

Gen – Spring

Gina – Silvery

Gyo Shin – Heart of dawn

H

Hana – Flower

Haiku – A form of Japanese poetry

Hannya – A female demon

Hayami – Rare beauty

Hekima – Wisdom

Hina – Good vegetables

Hikari – Radiance

Himari – Ball of light

Hiromi –Abundant beauty

Hoshi – Star

Hotaru – Firefly

I

Ichika – One thousand flowers

Ima – Present

Ino – Wild boar

Iva – Yew tree

Iwa – Rock

Izanami –  Shinto goddess of creation and death

J

Japana – Ambitious

Jin – Tenderness

Junko – Pure child

K

Kabuki – Japanese dance/drama

Kaiyo – Forgiveness

Kannon – Goddess of mercy

Kaori – Perfume

Kasumi – Mist

Keiko – Adored one

Kichi – Lucky

Kiko – Hope

Kimi – Righteous

Kohana – Small flower

Koko – Stork

Koto – Beautiful harp

Kumi – Nine seas

Kura – House of treasure

Kukurihime – Shinto goddess of meditation and negotiation

Kyoko – Mirror

L

Leiko – Arrogant

M

Mai – Brightness

Maiya – Rice valley

Mana – Affection

Megumi – Blessing

Midori – Green

Miki – Flower stem

Minako – Beautiful baby

Mio – Waterway

Momo – Peach

N

Nami – Surf

Nana – Green vegetables

Nara – Flower from heaven

Nari – Thunder

Nishi – West

Noriko – Child of law

Nozomi – Hope

O

Ohara – Small field

Oki – Ocean centered

Orino – Worker’s field

R

Rei – Spirit

Reiko – Thankful child

Rini – Little bunny

Risa – Growing flowers at home

Ruri – Semi-precious stone

Ryoko – Bright child

Ryuji – Dragon child

Ryuk – Gift from God

S

Sachi  – Blessed

Sai  – Intelligent

Sachiko – Child of bliss

Sakura – Cherry blossom

Sango – Coral

Satome – Beautiful

Sara – Music

Sato – Sugar

Sen – Fairy of wood

Shinju – Pearl

Shion – Aster

Shiori – Poem

Suki – Beloved

Sunako – Dark side

Suzu – Bell

Suzume – Sparrow

T

Takara – Treasure

Takashi – Noble

Taki  – Waterfall

Tamayo  – Generation jewel

Taru – Barrel

Tatsu – Dragon

Tennin – An angelic being in Japanese Buddhism

Tora  – Thunder

Tori  – Bird

Tsuki – Moon

U

Umiko – Child of the sea

Umeko – Plum blossom child

Ukemochi – Shinto goddess of food

Utano – Field of songs

W

Wakana – Harmony

Wakumi – Spring of water

Y

Yasuko – Child of peace

Yuka – Friendly blossom

Yukari – Destiny

Yumi – Archery bow

Yoko – Positive

Yori – Public servant

Yōsei – A fairy

Yuri – Lily

Yuriko – Lily child

Yoru – Dark

Yuuna – Gentle

Z

Zakuro – Pomegranate

Zen – Peace

Gender-Neutral Japanese Names for Cats

Trendy and cool, these unisex cat names not only sound kawaii, they often have positive, upbeat meanings.

A

Akira – Bright

Aoki – Blue tree

Asa – Morning

Aoi – Hollyhock flower

C

Chiaki – A thousand bright lights

Chiharu – A thousand springtimes

D

Danuja – Ruler

Doi – Mountain

E

Eri – Blessed prize

H

Hachi – Eight

Harue – Spring bough

Hatsu – Beginning

Hibiki – Echo

Hikaru – Radiance

Hinata – Sunflower

Hiro – Generous

Hisoka – Reserved

I

Ichigo – Strawberry

Iori – Retreat

Izumi – Fountain

J

Jun – Obedient

K

Kaede – Maple

Kana – Powerful

Katana – Sword

Kayo – Beautiful generation

Kei – Square jewel

Kin – Gold

Kohaku – Amber

Koneko – Japanese word for a kitten (“child cat”)

Kosuke – Rising sun

Kozue – Tree branches

Kuma – Bear

Kyou – Capital city

M

Madoka – Circle

Maemi – Honest child

Maki – Precious

Makoto – Sincere

Maneki-Neko – Japanese Bobtail cat statues in many Japanese restaurants

Masa – Correct

Michi – Pathway

Minato – Harbor

Mitsu – Honey

Mochi – Japanese Rice Cakes

N

Nagisa – Beach

Nao – Honest

Naoki – Docile tree

Natsu – Summer

Niko – Two lakes

Nori – Belief

O

Ohta – Eyes of the almighty God

R

Reiki – The practice of healing the spirit

Ren – Lotus

Rin – Companion

Ryo – Excel

S

Sanyu – Happiness

Seiko – Force

Setsuna – Split second

Shiki  – The four seasons of the year

Shinobu – Endurance

Shun – Speed

Soma – No

Sora – Sky

Subaru – Uniter

Suzuki – Bell of wood

T

Tamashini – Soul

Tomi – Rich

Tomoe – Blessing

Tomomi – Beautiful friend

Tsubasa – Wings

Y

Yasu – Calm

Yuki – Snow

Yuu – Gentle

Anime-Inspired Cat Names

From aliens that shape-shift into felines to stray, cat-plant hybrids, here are 26 of anime’s most memorable kitties.

1. Artemis, Diana, and Luna – Sailor Moon
2. Arthur – Code Geass
3. Buyo and Kirara – Inuyasha
4. Carla and Happy – Fairy Tail
5. Chi – Chi’s Sweet Home
6. Doraemon – Doraemon
7. Chococat and Hello Kitty – The Adventures of Hello Kitty and Friends
8. Jibanyan – YouKai Watch
9. Jiji – Kiki’s Delivery Service
10. Korin – Dragon Ball Z
11. Kuroneko–sama – Trigun
12. Kyo – Fruit’s Basket
13. Kuro – Blue Exorcist
14. Kamineko – Azumanga Daioh
15. Madara – Natsume’s Book Of Friends
16. Mao – Darker than Black
17. Meowth – Pokémon
18. Molly – The Ancient Magus Bride
19. Neko-sensei – Princess Tutu
20. Nyanko Big – Tada Never Falls In Love
21. Potya – Yuri!!! on ICE
22. Poyo – Poyopoyo Kansatsu Nikki
23. Sakamoto – Nichijou
24. Tibbs – Mary and the Witch’s Flower
25. Takkun – FLCL
26. Tama – Sazae-San

Popular Names in Japan

If you like a name with a rhythmic sound and a special meaning, you might find inspiration in these popular names for women, men, and cats in Japan.

Female Cute Japanese Cat Names

1. Akemi – bright beautiful
2. Akiko – bright child
3. Akira – bright / clear
4. Aiko – child of love
5. Airi – love jasmine
6. Asami – morning beauty
7. Asuka – tomorrow perfume, fragrance
8. Ayame – iris
9. Ayano – my color
10. Ceiko – child of splendor
11. Chieko – child of intelligence, wisdom
12. Chika – scatter flowers
13. Chiyo – one thousand generations
14. Chiyoko – child of a thousand generations
15. Emi – beautiful blessing
16. Emiko – beautiful blessing child
17. Eri – blessed prize
18. Etsuko – child of joy
19. Fumiko – child of abundant beautyFemale
20. Hana – flower
21. Hanako – flower child
22. Haru – spring
23. Haruko – spring child
24. Haruna – spring vegetables
25. Hideko – child of excellence
26. Hikari – light, radiance
27. Hina – sun vegetables
28. Hisako – child of long life
29. Hiro – generous
30. Hiroko – generous child
31. Hiromi – generous beauty
32. Hitomi – pupil of the eye
33. Honoka – harmony flower
34. Hoshi – star
35. Hoshiko – star child
36. Hotaru – firefly
37. Izumi – spring, fountain
38. Kamiko – superior child
39. Katsumi – victorious beauty
40. Kazumi – harmonious beauty
41. Kazuko – child of harmony
42. Keiko – blessed child / respectful child
43. Kiko – chronical child
44. Kimi – noble
45. Kimiko – empress child
46. Kiyomi – pure beauty
47. Kumiko – long–time beautiful child
48. Kyo – cooperation
49. Kyoko – respectful child
50. Madoka – circle, round
51. Mai – dance
52. Maki – true hope
53. Maiko – child of dance
54. Makoto – sincere
55. Mami – true beauty
56. Mana – love
57. Manami – loving beautiful
58. Mao – dance cherry blossom
59. Masa – just / true
60. Masumi – true clarity
61. Mariko – true village child
62. Mayumi – true gentle beauty
63. Mi – beautiful
64. Michi – pathway
65. Michiko – beautiful wise child
66. Midori – green
67. Mieko – beautiful blessing child
68. Miho – protected, guaranteed beauty
69. Mika – beautiful fragrance
70. Miki – beautiful princess
71. Miku – beautiful sky
72. Minako – beautiful child
73. Minori – truth
74. Mio – beautiful cherry blossom
75. Misaki – beautiful blossom
76. Mitsuko – child of light
77. Mitsuru – satisfy, full
78. Miwa – beautiful hamony, peace
79. Miyako – beautiful night child
80. Miyu – beautiful gentle
81. Miyuki – beautiful blessing
82. Momoka – peach tree flower
83. Moriko – child of the forest
84. Nana – seven
85. Nanami – seven seas
86. Nao – honest
87. Naoko – honest child
88. Naomi – honest beautiful
89. Natsuki – summer hope
90. Natsumi – beautiful summer
91. Nobuko – faithful, trustworthy child
92. Noriko – lawful child
93. Ren – lotus / love
94. Rin – dignified
95. Rina – jasmine
96. Rio – village cherry blossom
97. Rika – true fragrance
98. Riko – child of truth
99. Ryoko – refreshing child
100. Sachiko – joyful, happy child
101. Saki – blossom of hope
102. Sakura – cherry blossom
103. Satoko – wise child
104. Satomi – beautiful and wise
105. Shinju – pearl
106. Shiori – poem
107. Shigeko – growing child
108. Shika – deer
109. Shizuka – quiet summer
110. Shizuko – quiet child
111. Sora – sky
112. Sumiko – child of clarity
113. Suzu – bell
114. Suzume – sparrow
115. Takako – noble child
116. Takara – treasure
117. Tamiko – child of many beauties
118. Teruko – shining child
119. Tomomi – beautiful friend
120. Tomiko – child of wealth, fortune
121. Toshiko – clever child
122. Umeko – plum child
123. Yasu – peace iness / snow
124. Yasuko – child of peace
125. Yoko – child of sunlight
126. Yoshi – lucky / righteous
127. Yoshie – beautiful stream
128. Yoshiko – child of goodness
129. Yua – binding love
130. Yuina – bind together
131. Yuka – gentle flower
132. Yukari – beautiful pear tree
133. Yumi – reason beautiful
134. Yumiko – reason beautiful child
135. Yui – bind clothing
136. Yuki – happy
137. Yukiko – child of snow / child of happiness
138. Yuko – gentle child
139. Yuri – lily
140. Yuriko – lily child
141. Yuuna – gentle

Male Cute Japanese Cat Names

1. Aki – bright / autumn
2. Akihiro – great brightness
3. Akio – bright man
4. Akira – bright / clear
5. Arata – new, fresh
6. Atsushi – industrious director
7. Ayumu – walk dream, vision
8. Dai – great, large
9. Daiki – great glory / great nobility
10. Daisuke – great help
11. Eiji – eternity order
12. Fumio – literature, scholarly hero
13. Haru – spring
14. Haruki – shining sun
15. Haruto – sun flying
16. Hayate – smooth
17. Hibiki – sound, echo
18. Hideki – excellent timber trees
19. Hideo – excellent man
20. Hikaru – light, radiance
21. Hinata – sunflower / facing towards the sun
22. Hiraku – open, expand
23. Hiro – generous
24. Hiroaki – wide, spacious light
25. Hiroki – vast timber trees
26. Hiroshi – generous
27. Hiroyuki – great journey
28. Hitoshi – motivated person
29. Hotaka – tall grai
30. Ichiro – first son
31. Isamu – brave, courageous
32. Itsuki – timber trees
33. Jiro – second son
34. Junichi – obedient first son
35. Kaede – maple
36. Kaito – ocean flying
37. Kaoru – fragrance
38. Katashi – firm
39. Katsu – victory
40. Kenichi – strong, healthy first son
41. Kenji – strong, healthy second son
42. Kenshin – modest truthful
43. Kenta – large strong, healthy
44. Kichiro – lucky son
45. Kiyoshi – purity
46. Kouta – great peace
47. Kunio – country man
48. Kyo – cooperation
49. Madoka – circle, round
50. Makoto – sincere
51. Masa – just / true
52. Masaaki – pleasing brightness
53. Masaki – great timber tree
54. Masashi – righteous aspiration
55. Masaru – victory
56. Masato – righteous person
57. Masayoshi – righteous, honorable
58. Masayuki – righteous blessing
59. Masumi – true clarity
60. Michi – pathway
61. Michio – man on a journey
62. Mitsuo – shining hero
63. Mitsuru – satisfy, full
64. Nao – honest
65. Naoki – honest timber tree
66. Noboru – ascend, rise
67. Nori – to rule
68. Norio – lawful man
69. Osamu – disciplined, studious
70. Ren – lotus / love
71. Riku – land
72. Rikuto – person of land
73. Rokuro – sixth son
74. Ryo – refreshing, cool
75. Ryoichi – good first son
76. Ryota – great refreshment
77. Satoshi – wise, fast learner
78. Shinobu – endurance
79. Shiro – fourth son
80. Sho – to fly
81. Shouta – big flying
82. Shinji – true second son
83. Sora – sky
84. Susumo – to advance, proceed
85. Tadao – loyal, faithful man
86. Tadashi – loyal, faithful
87. Taichi – large first son
88. Taiki – great radiance, shine
89. Takahiro – of great value, nobility
90. Takayuki – noble journey
91. Takashi – prosperous, noble
92. Takeo – warrior hero
93. Takumi – artisan
94. Tamotsu – protector, keeper
95. Taro – large son
96. Toshi – wise
97. Toshiaki – advantageous light
98. Toshio – genious leader, hero
99. Tsuyoshi – strong
100. Yamato – great harmony
101. Yasu – peace
102. Yasushi – peaceful
103. Youta – great sunlight
104. Yoshi – lucky / righteous
105. Yoshio – joyful life
106. Yoshiro – righteous son
107. Yoshito – ceremonial, correct person
108. Yuichi – heroic first son
109. Yuji – heroic second son
110. Yuki – happiness / snow
111. Yukio – blessed hero

Hello Kitty Inspired Cat Names

Can you believe that Hello Kitty turned 45 this year? She’s a classic, and these HK inspired names pay honor to one of the world’s favorite feline characters.

• Kitty White – Hello Kitty’s full name
• George – Kitty’s father
• Mary – Kitty’s mother
• Mimmy – Kitty’s twin sister
• Dear Daniel – Kitty’s boyfriend
• Charmmy – Kitty’s pet cat

Anime Inspired Cat Names

Is it a rule that each anime show or movie must include a cat? I hope so. These are some of the cat characters in anime. Who’s your favorite?

• Arthur – Code Geass
• Carla – Fairy Tail
• Chi – Chi’s Sweet Home
• Kamineko – Azumanga Daioh
• Korin – Dragon Ball Z
• Kuro – Blue Exorcist
• Kuroneko–sama – Trigun
• Luna & Artemis – Sailor Moon
• Mao – Darker than Black.
• Meowth – Pokémon
• Molly – The Ancient Magus Bride
• Neko-sensei – Princess Tutu
• Nyanko Big – Tada Never Falls In Love
• Nyanko-sensei – Natsume’s Book Of Friends
• Potya – Yuri!!! on ICE
• Sakamoto – Nichijoum

Cat Names from Miyazaki Films

Remember Jiji, the cat who rides alongside the little witch Kiki on her delivery route in Kiki’s Delivery Service?

The iconic Japanese animator Hayao Miyazaki has inspired imaginations worldwide, and come up with some of the most memorable animated characters of a generation, including cats and many other creatures.

Spirited Away Inspired Cat Names

• Chihiro Ogino/Sen
• Haku/Nigihayami Kohaku Nushi
• Yubaba
• Kaonashi
• Kamaji
• Lin
• Boh
• Zeniba
• Akio Ogino
• Yuuko Ogino
• Oshira-sama
• Aogaeru
• Makkuro-Kurosuke
• Aniyaku
• Chichiyaku
• Yuna
• Yubaba
• Shikigami
• Kashira
• Kasuga-sama
• Ootori-sama
• Ushioni-sama
• Onama-sama

Kiki’s Delivery Service Inspired Cat Names

• Kiki
• Jiji the Cat
• Osono
• Ursula
• Tombo
• Fukuo
• Kokiri
• Okino
• Madame
• Barsa
• Ket
• Maki

Princess Mononoke Inspired Cat Names

• Ashitaka
• Jigo
• Lady Eboshi
• Gonza
• San
• Kohrulu
• Toki
• Moro
• Okkoto

My Neighbor Totoro Inspired Cat Names

• • Satsuki
  • Mei
  • Tatsuo
  • Yasuko
  • Kanta
  • Roba
  • Kasakari-Otoko

Need Cat Sitting?

Cats seem more independent than dogs, sure, but they need attention, play, and treats when you’re gone, too. Your great cat deserves great cat care. You’ve found the best cat name, so now it’s time to find them the perfect cat sitter online.

Find your cat’s perfect match, right from your phone—and then hit the road happy.

Tips for Choosing Japanese Cat Names

If you long to choose a Japanese name for your cat, the choices are nearly endless. It doesn’t matter if you just like the way a Japanese cat name sounds, or you are more drawn to the name’s meaning.

You might find yourself overwhelmed by the sheer volume of Japanese names to choose from. To narrow it down, start by considering your cat’s gender, color, markings and of course her unique personality.

Most important, look for a name that you like the sound of and one that’s easy for you to pronounce.

Below you will find a selection of 75 Japanese cat names. Whether or not you find your new cat’s name on one of these lists, these ideas are sure to lead you on the path to the perfect Japanese cat name.

More Japanese Cat Name Ideas

We’ve compiled some more Japanese cat names and organized them by gender, so you can easily find Japanese cats names for female cats and male cats. Take a look through these Japanese cat names and see if you find one that’s perfect for your new cat:

Female Japanese Cat Names

Soft and feminine, these female Japanese cat names are perfect for your sweet girl kitty:

• Aiko (beloved one, little love)
• Akira (bright and clear dawn)
• Cho (butterfly)
• Emiko (smiling child)
• Hayami (rare and unusual beauty)
• Kaiya (forgiveness)
• Kameko (tortoise-child, symbol for long-life)
• Katsumi (victorious beauty)
• Mieko (beautiful blessing child)
• Mizuki (beautiful moon)
• Nyoko (gem; treasure)
• Sayuri (little lily)
• Shiori (bookmark; guide)
• Suki (beloved)
• Yasuko (peaceful child)

Male Japanese Cat Names

Strong and honorable, many of these male Japanese cat names pay homage to warriors, wisdom and goodness:

• Akihiko (shining prince)
• Arakan (worthy one; hero)
• Daichi (great first son)
• Eichi (wisdom)
• Hiroki (abundant joy and strength)
• Hiroyuki (widespread happiness)
• Isao (honor; merit)
• Kenji (intelligent ruler)
• Kitaro (happy boy)
• Naoko (straight; honest)
• Ryuji (dragon man)
• Sin’ichi (faithful first-born son)
• Taishiro (ambitious boy)
• Takeo (warrior)
• Toshiko (alert and valued child)

Japanese Cat Names Based on Color

Pay homage to your cat’s beautiful hue by choosing the Japanese word for the color of her coat:

• Aka (red)
• Akaganeiro (copper)
• Akane (brilliant red)
• Ao (blue)
• Chairo (brown)
• Giniro (silver)
• Haiiro (gray)
• Kiiro (yellow)
• Kiniro (gold)
• Kuro (black)
• Orenjiiro (orange)
• Shiro (white)

Japanese Cat Names Inspired by Foods

Do you have a favorite Japanese food or ingredient? It could be the perfect name for your next cat. Consider some of of these options:

• Dashi
• Matcha
• Mirin
• Miso
• Mochi
• Oden
• Sashimi
• Shoyu
• Soba
• Sukiyaki
• Sushi
• Udon
• Unagi