Gorgeous and exotic, Japanese Cat Names are an exceptional choice for your new kitten, especially when you consider their unique meanings.
You don’t have to live in Japan to make a choice such a name. Japanese Cat Names are admired around the globe!
Even so, you won’t have to worry about a further person picking the same name – these are one of a kind!
While there’s nothing wrong with enchanting the more traditional route when it comes to choosing a name for your cat, many owners like to introduce a bit of creativity into the naming process.
Japanese Cat Names
Whether you are Japanese yourself or merely love Japanese culture, Japanese cat names are exclusive and exotic. Japan is known for its love of Cats. Felines are revered in Japan as they are thought to fetch good luck and destiny. In fact, the widespread Japanese figurine called the Maneki Neko (“beckoning cat”) is used as a talisman to convey good luck.
Japan is even the birth place of a precise breed of cat called the Japanese Bobtail, and let’s not forget about one of Japan’s mainly famous cats: Hello Kitty. Yes, it’s clear that Japan loves cats, so what improved language to draw from for your new Cat’s name than Japanese?
I’ll forever be upset in my twelve-year-old self for naming our first family cat ‘Mittens.’ Sure, she has delightful white feet, but I could have tried to be at least a little bit original!
Unhappily, it’s not as straightforward as plucking an idea out of thin air. Coming up with a first-class name takes time, patience, and creativity. It requests to be distinctive and interesting, but also specific to your Cat in some way or another. In my opinion, the finest way to find the wonderful pet name is to look to foreign languages.
Japan is a country that’s worshipped Cats since ancient times.
It’s the birthplace of cat cafes and the traditional ‘lucky cat’ adornment and there are even islands off the coast that are inhabited utterly by Cats! Basically, it’s a cat lover’s heaven, and it has no shortage of prospective Cat Names to offer.
Whether you have Japanese ancestry, adore Japanese culture, are an anime buff, or just desire an interesting name, I swear you that a Japanese Cat Name is purr-fect for your new feline friend!
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 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.
Popular Cat Names in Japan
Just like English speaking countries, Japan has its stereotypical, popular, and traditional cat names. The following are the top ten most commonly used feline names:
- Momo – “Peach.”
- Kuro – “Black.”
- Hana – “Flower.”
- Koko – “Short.”
- Shiro – “White.”
- Sora – “Sky.”
- Fuku – “Lucky.”
- Mei – “Beautiful.”
- Kai – “Ocean or shell.”
- Chibi – “Tiny.”
Looking through these names, it’s easy to see why each of them made the top ten list. If you’re looking for a non-specific but still unique and interesting cat name, these are your best bet!
Japanese Male Cat Names
The Japanese language has no shortage of perfect names for your new male cat or kitten. From the ultra-masculine “Katsuro” to gentler names like “Hoshi,” this list encapsulates the best male names that the language has to offer:
- Akemi – “Beautiful dawn.”
- Akio – “Glorious man.”
- Daiki – “Great nobility.”
- Hibiki – “Echo.”
- Hikaru – “Radiance.”
- Hiroshi – “Generous.”
- Hitoshi – “Even -tempered.”
- Isamu – “Courage.”
- Kaito – “Supportive.”
- Katashi – “Firm.”
- Katsuro – “Victorious son.”
- Kazuto – “Harmonious person.”
- Kenta – “Big and strong.”
- Kiyoshi – “Purity.”
- Kouki – “Light or hope.”
- Kunio – “Country man.”
- Michio – “Man on a journey.”
- Minoru – “Truth.”
- Mitsuo – “Shining hero.”
- Ninja – “Ninjutsu master.”
- Nobu – “Faith.”
- Norio – “Man of law.”
- Raiden – “Thunder and lightning.”
- Ren – “Love.”
- Riku – “Wise sky.”
- Ryu – “Dragon.”
- Samurai – “Japanese Warrior.”
- Satoru – “Daybreak.”
- Takeo – “Warrior Hero.”
- Tomi – “Prosperous.”
- Toshi – “Wise.”
- Yasushi – “Peace.”
- Yoshio – “Joyful life.”
- Yori – “Trust.”
- Yuzuki – “Gentle moon.”
Any of these names would be perfect for your new male cat or kitten. Browsing through the meanings and trying to find the ones that best suit your cat’s personality is a sure -fire way to come up with a name that fits your new pet.
Japanese Female Cat Names
Female cats can have a variety of personalities, ranging from sweet and princess -like to playful and boisterous. In Japanese, there are female names that suit all kinds of kitten personalities:
- Aia – “Ruler.”
- Arisu – “Noble.”
- Ayame – “Iris.”
- Chieko – “Child of wisdom.”
- Emi – “Beautiful blessing.”
- Haru – “Spring.”
- Hime – “Princess.”
- Hina – “Sun.”
- Hoshi – “Star.”
- Ichika – “Gift.”
- Izumi – “Fountain.”
- Jin – “Tender.”
- Junko – “Pure.”
- Kayda – “Little dragon.”
- Kichi – “Fortunate.”
- Kimiko – “Empress child.”
- Kyoko – “Respectful child.”
- Mai – “Dance.”
- Maiko – “Child of dance.”
- Midori – “Green.”
- Miku – “Beautiful sky.”
- Mitsu – “Light.”
- Moriko – “Child of the forest.”
- Nakano – “Female warrior.”
- Nanami – “Seven Seas.”
- Riko – “Child of truth.”
- Rin – “Dignified.”
- Sakura – “Cherry blossom.”
- Satoko – “Wise child.”
- Setsuko – “Melody child.”
- Shinju – “Pearl.”
- Suzu – “Bell.”
- Takara – “Treasure.”
- Tomoko – “Intellect.”
- Tomomi – “Beautiful friend.”
- Yasuko – “Child of peace.”
- Yoko – “Sunlight.”
- Yua – “Binding love.”
- Yuka – “Gentle flower.”
Many of these names have traditionally feminine meanings, like gentle flower and princess. However, I like that Japanese encompasses a broader range of female personalities with names meaning things like little dragon and female warrior. If your new cat is more rough -and -tumble than dainty and delicate, there are still plenty of names to accommodate her!
Anime Cat Names
Japan is known for anime, the distinctive style of cartoon that fans around the world flock to. Below I’ve listed names from some of the most popular animes:
- Goku – From ‘Dragon Ball -Z.’
- Vegeta – From ‘Dragon Ball -Z.’
- Gohan – From ‘Dragon Ball -Z.’
- Naruto – From ‘Naruto.’
- Sasuke – From ‘Naruto.’
- Hinata – From ‘Naruto.’
- Aang – From ‘Avatar: The Last Airbender.’
- Sokka – From ‘Avatar: The Last Airbender.’
- Katara – From ‘Avatar: The Last Airbender.’
- Toph – From ‘Avatar: The Last Airbender.’
- Kora – From ‘Avatar: The Legend of Korra.’
- Asami – From ‘Avatar: The Legend of Korra.’
- Mako – From ‘Avatar: The Legend of Korra.’
- Bolin – From ‘Avatar: The Legend of Korra.’
- Milo – From ‘Avatar: The Legend of Korra.’
- Totoro – From ‘My Neighbour Totoro.’
- Doraemon – From ‘Doraemon.’
- Nyan – From the game ‘Nyan Cat.’
- Ichigo – From ‘Bleach.’
- Rukia – From ‘Bleach.’
- Orihime – From ‘Bleach.’
- Misa – From ‘Death Note.’
- Ryuk – From ‘Death Note.’
- Shinji – From ‘Neon Genesis Evangelion.’
- Rei – From ‘Neon Genesis Evangelion.’
- Asuka – From ‘Neon Genesis Evangelion.’
- Misato – From ‘Neon Genesis Evangelion.’
- Kirito – From ‘Sword Art Online.’
- Asuna – From ‘Sword Art Online.’
- Suguha – From ‘Sword Art Online.’
- Yuzuru – From ‘Angel Beats.’
- Kanade – From ‘Angel Beats.’
- Hideki – From ‘Angel Beats.’
- Takamatsu – From ‘Angel Beats.’
While these names are slightly less unique than some of the others listed in this article, their recognizability could certainly be a positive for some new pet owners.
Cute / Kawaii Cat Names
Japanese culture is known for being cute or “kawaii.” It makes sense, then, that many Japanese people like to name their cats after things that are equally as cute. Some of these are so adorable that it makes me want to rename my own cats!
- Ai – “Love.”
- Aiko – “Little Love.”
- Akachan – “Baby.”
- Akina – “Spring flower.”
- Chika – “Scattered Flowers.”
- Cho – “Butterfly”
- Chotto – “Small.”
- Etsu – “Delight.”
- Hanako – “Flower child.”
- Hare – “Sunny.”
- Hashi – “Chopsticks.”
- Himari – “Sunflower.”
- Ichigo – “Strawberry.”
- Kamu – “Chewy.”
- Kanmi – “Sweetness.”
- Karikari – “Crunchy.”
- Kei – “Blessing.”
- Keiko – “Adored One.”
- Kegawa – “Fur.”
- Kioko – “Happy.”
- Kin – “Golden.”
- Koneko – “Kitten.”
- Maru – “Plump.”
- Mausu – “Mouse.”
- Minako – “Apple tree.”
- Mochi – “Rice cake.”
- Oishi – “Tasty.”
- Pinku – “Pink.”
- Rini – “Little bunny.”
- Rozu – “Rose.”
- Saki – “Blossom.”
- Satu – “Sugar.”
- Sayuri – “Little lilly.”
- Shai – “Shy.”
- Shizuka – “Quiet.’
- Suki – “Beloved.”
- Sushi – “… Sushi.”
- Suzume – “Sparrow.”
- Udon – “Thick wheat noodle.”
- Ume – “Plum blossom.”
- Watage – Fluff.”
- Yamu – “Yummy.’
- Yosei – “Fairy or sprite.”
Even if your new cat is a little devil some of these warm and squishy names could still apply in a sarcastic kind of way. There’s nothing cuter than a vicious beast of a kitten whose name means little lilly!
Japanese Black Cat Names
While black cats, or ‘Kuro Neko,’ are considered unlucky in many western cultures, in Japan they’re one of the most popular breeds. This is because in Ancient Japan black cats were thought to be able to ward off bad luck more effectively than any other colour of cat. Because of this, there is no shortage of Japanese names for black cats:
- Akumi – “The dark.”
- Amaya – “Night rain.”
- An – “Dark.”
- Anri – “Dark jasmine.”
- Hai – “Ash.”
- Hatsuki – “Moon flower.”
- Hotaru – “Firefly.”
- Kage – “Shadow.”
- Kaguya – “Shining night.”
- Kuroguro – “Deep black”
- Makkuro – “Pitch black”
- Mayonaka – “Midnight.”
- Mika – “New Moon.”
- Mokutan – “Charcoal.”
- Sumi – “Black ink.”
- Sekitan – “Coal.”
- Susu – “Soot.”
- Tsuki – “Moon.”
- Tsukiko – “Moon child.”
- Yami – “Darkness.”
- Yamiyo – “Dark night.”
- Yasha – “Night devil.”
- Yoru – “Night.”
I particularly like the beautiful meanings behind some of these names. Night rain? Dark Jasmine? Shining night? Your new cat will end up being a feline poet!
Japanese White Cat Names
As it turns out, there’s a way to keep the charm of classic white -cat names while still making them seem unique and interesting – by translating them into Japanese! ‘Snowy’ becomes ‘Yuki,’ ‘Lily’ becomes ‘Yuri’ and ‘Daisy’ becomes ‘Deiji:’
- Akari – “Light.”
- Akira – “Bright.”
- Awai – “Pale.”
- Deiji – “Daisy.”
- Fuyu – “Winter.”
- Fuyuko – “Winter child.”
- Gin – “Silvery.”
- Iguru – “Igloo.”
- Kiri – “Fog.”
- Kitsune – “White fox.”
- Kori – “Ice.”
- Kumo – “Cloud.”
- Mashiro – “Pure White.”
- Miruku – “Milk”
- Misuto – “Mist.”
- Miyuki – “Beautiful snow.”
- Reiki – “Chill or cold.”
- Shimo – “Frost.”
- Sunoboru – “Snowball.”
- Tenshi – “Angel.”
- Tsurana – “Icicle.”
- Yuki – “Snow.”
- Yukiko – “Snow child.”
- Yurei – “Ghost or Spirit.”
- Yuri – “Lily.”
- Zoge – “Ivory.”
As with the black cats category, some of the meanings of these names sound like they’ve been plucked straight from poetry. Snow child? White fox? Beautiful!
Japanese Ginger Cat Names
Anyone who owns a ginger cat knows that they’re gorgeous and have big, beautiful personalities. Japan provides lots of unique names for your ginger cat that’ll match his or her quirks perfectly:
- Aka – “Red.”
- Akahana – “Red flower.”
- Akane – “Brilliant red.”
- Aki – “Autumn.”
- Anko – “Red bean paste.”
- Azuki – “Sweet Red Beans.”
- Cheda – “Cheddar cheese.”
- Do – “Copper.”
- Gorudo – “Gold.”
- Kabocha – “Pumpkin.”
- Kaede – “Maple.”
- Kasai – “Fire.”
- Kohaku – “Amber.”
- Kōkai – “Red Sea.”
- Koraru – “Coral.”
- Kyou – “Apricot.”
- Mikan – “Orange (fruit).”
- Moeru – “Blaze.”
- Orenji – “Orange (colour).”
- Sabita – “Rusty.”
- Shinku – “Crimson.”
- Shoga – “Ginger.”
Ginger cats often get saddled with stereotypical names, but they deserve so much more than that! Any of these names would be a perfect substitute for the ordinary “Ginger” or “Rusty.”
Japanese Tabby / Brown Cat Names
When it comes to naming based on colour, tabby cats can be tricky. There’s only so many names that you can come up with based on the colour brown, but thankfully there’s no shortage of tabby -themed names in Japanese:
- Amondo – “Almond.”
- Beju – “Beige.”
- Buchi – “Tabby.”
- Choco – “Chocolate.”
- Kasshoku – “Brown.”
- Kokoa – “Cocoa.”
- Komugi – “Wheat.”
- Kosho – “Pepper.”
- Kuri – “Chestnut.”
- Kurumi – “Walnut.”
- Natsumegu – “Nutmeg.”
- Reo – “Leo.”
- Shima – “Stripes.”
- Shinrin – “Woodland or forest.”
- Tafi – “Toffee.”
- Tanuki – “Badger.”
- Tora – “Tiger”
- Toro Chan – “Little Tiger.”
While there are less tabby -themed names in Japanese than there are of the other colours, there are still certainly some gems on this list that would suit your new cat perfectly!
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